Cody Rhodes' path to John Cena; underutilized star FINALLY pushed? - 4 stars who could become WWE King of the Ring

WWE Friday Night SmackDown aired last night and featured a major announcement. Both General Managers Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce were in the house.

The two announced that the King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments were back. There would be a handful of Fatal Four-Way Qualifying Matches and then inter-brand singles bouts that would lead to a King & Queen of the Ring being declared at Night of Champions later this month.

As for who is involved in the tournaments, as of this writing, World Wrestling Entertainment and Triple H have yet to reveal the participants. However, there are plenty of quality options.

This article will focus on the King of the Ring Tournament and attempt to narrow it down and focus on a few names who could be involved and go on to win. This includes stars ready for their big push and top names looking to earn a title shot for SummerSlam. Who could become King?

Below are early predictions for four stars who could become WWE King of the Ring:

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#4. Carmelo Hayes is ready for a big push in WWE

Carmelo Hayes is one of the most underutilized stars in WWE. While on the developmental brand, he held both the NXT and the North American Championships. Unfortunately, he hasn't found the same level of success on the main roster quite yet.

The talented performer is currently in a storyline with The Miz. They are a unit, but there is clearly some level of distrust and apprehension from Melo's end. He and The A-Lister just haven't synced well enough yet.

While Hayes' stock has risen slightly thanks to winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, he is ready to take things to the next level. Carmelo absolutely could and should get pushed up the card, and winning the King of the Ring crown could be that necessary step forward.

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#3. Seth Rollins could win King of the Ring if he fails to win Money in the Bank

Seth Rollins is one of the greatest of all time. He has been part of the main roster for well over a decade and has won numerous World Titles in WWE. He has also headlined WrestleMania multiple times.

The Visionary currently leads a stable on WWE Monday Night RAW. The group also features Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed. They intend to take over not just RAW, but the entire company.

The best way for Seth to do that is by becoming World Champion. He hopes winning the Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match will be that ticket, but if he fails to win the bout, King of the Ring could be how he regains a World Championship again.

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#2. LA Knight is ready to move up to the next level

LA Knight is an absurdly popular star on Friday Night SmackDown. His rise from Max Dupri to The Megastar has been incredible to watch. He is also a two-time United States Champion and could go even further with the right push.

The Megastar has been in a bit of a holding pattern on WWE SmackDown. He has been routinely feuding with Solo Sikoa's group for quite some time. He also seems to be involved in a story with Aleister Black.

The truth is, Knight is now ready to move up past the United States Title and the mid-card scene. While he could also win Money in the Bank, the King of the Ring Tournament could be his ticket to headlining SummerSlam.

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#1. The King of the Ring could be Cody Rhodes' path to John Cena

Cody Rhodes is the top babyface in wrestling today. He returned to World Wrestling Entertainment in 2022 and went on to become the Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 40 last year. He defeated Roman Reigns to win the prized title.

The American Nightmare shockingly lost the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41. He then disappeared until Saturday Night's Main Event 39 a few weeks ago. Now, he's back and wants revenge on the man who dethroned him, John Cena.

However, for Cody to get a title match, he might need to win the King of the Ring Tournament. If Nick Aldis doesn't feel Rhodes has otherwise earned the opportunity, KOTR would force his hand. From there, The American Nightmare could attempt to dethrone John Cena at SummerSlam.