From the WWE Rumor Mill: WWE bringing back 'King of the Ring' name

What's the story?

PWInsider is reporting that WWE is interested in bringing back the 'King of the Ring' name, but not for a single-elimination tournament. The name would be used for the long-rumoured UK show, which would air on the WWE Network and non-US stations.

In case you didn't know...

12 months ago, rumours began that WWE was looking to establish a full-time territory in the United Kingdom, ostensibly as a reaction to the possibility of ITV's famous World of Sport returning to British television screens.

The WWE United Kingdom Championship tournament took place instead, a 16-man single elimination knockout competition held over two days in Blackpool in January. Tyler Bate prevailed when all was said and done, defeating Pete Dunne in the final. Dunne has since defeated Bate for the title, in one of the best WWE matches of the year so far.

The WWE UK television show is yet to materialise.

The heart of the matter

PWInsider's report speculates that WWE is interested in airing a British series called 'King of the Ring'. The show would theoretically broadcast on the WWE Network, along with television platforms outside of the United States.

The report goes on to suggest that the British channel WWE is interested in working with is ITV. ITV has a long history of professional wrestling content, going back to the much-loved World of Sport programming that ended in 1988.

ITV seems like the best bet for consistent wrestling content in Britain, and it was them that Jeff Jarrett was reported to have been negotiating with during his recent run with Impact Wrestling.

What's next?

All of this is merely speculation for the time being and comes hot on the heels of rumours of WWE signing deals with PROGRESS and Insane Championship Wrestling to bring their programming to the WWE Network.

As of right now, it feels as though nothing will actually happen when it comes to WWE and the UK scene, and the promotion may simply keep wheels turning in order to keep a lid on the progress of other promotions on the island.

Author's take

There is a true hole in the market when it comes to British wrestling on television. The scene is as vibrant as it has ever been, so now is the time to bring that momentum to TV. Why nobody has stepped up to produce a Lucha Underground-style show is beyond me, especially considering the popularity of old-time British aesthetics right now.

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