The WWE King of the Ring is a men's pro wrestling tournament held periodically by World Wrestling Entertainment.
The tournament was established on July 8, 1985, and the first edition was won by Don Muraco , while the last edition took place on June 28, 2025 and was won by Cody Rhodes .
The winner of this tournament is crowned the "King of the Ring." Some wrestlers have incorporated this into their personas, adopting king's attire and developing a regal character. On two occasions, the tournament offered additional rewards: a world championship match (in 2002 and 2024). Notably, the tournament launched the career of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, who won in 1996, marking his rise to stardom.
The tournament was created when the promotion was known as the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), which became WWE in 2002. It was held annually from 1985 to 2002 (except for 1990 and 1992). Early tournaments (1985-1989 and 1991) were non-televised house shows. Starting in 1993, the event became a pay-per-view (PPV), airing annually in June until its final PPV in 2002. These PPVs featured the last few matches of the tournament and other non-tournament matches.
After a four-year break, the tournament returned in 2006 and has been held periodically, with the most recent in 2021. Matches aired across Raw and SmackDown, with finals sometimes occurring at other PPVs (like Judgment Day in 2006) or even on Raw. The 2015 semifinals and final aired exclusively as a WWE Network event.
In 2024, the PPV returned as King and Queen of the Ring, including the Queen of the Ring tournament, a women's version established in 2021 (originally called Queen's Crown).
On this page, you can find the full list of all the WWE King of the Ring winners in history, along with dates, events, locations and statistics.
WWE King of the Ring: Info
- Promotion
World Wrestling Entertainment - TerritoryWorld Tier 1
- DivisionSecondary
- GenderMale
- Tournament FormatSingle-Elimination
- PrizeTrophy
- Date EstablishedJuly 8, 1985
WWE King of the Ring: List of Winners
N. Image Winner 24 
Cody Rhodes 1
This edition granted a shot for the world title of his brand, and Rhodes successfully used it SummerSlam 2025 against the WWE Champion John Cena.23 
Gunther 1
This edition granted a shot for the world title of his brand, and Gunther successfully used it at SummerSlam 2024 against the World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest.22 
Xavier Woods 1
21 
Baron Corbin 1
20 
Bad News Barrett 1
19 
Sheamus 1
18 
William Regal 1
17 
Booker T 1
16 
Brock Lesnar 1
This edition granted a WWE Undisputed Championship shot, and Lesnar successfully used it at SummerSlam 2002 against the champion The Rock.15 
Edge 1
14 
Kurt Angle 1
13 
Billy Gunn 1
12 
Ken Shamrock 1
11 
Hunter Hearst Helmsley 1
10 
"Stone Cold" Steve Austin 1
9 
Mabel 1
8 
Owen Hart 1
7 
Bret "The Hitman" Hart 2
6 Bret "The Hitman" Hart 1
5 
Tito Santana 1
4 
"Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase 1
3 
"Macho Man" Randy Savage 1
2 
Harley Race 1
1 
The Magnificent Muraco 1
WWE King of the Ring: Names & Logo History
- WWE King of the RingMay 6, 2024
- WWE King of the RingOctober 8, 2021May 5, 2024
- WWE King of the RingApril 27, 2015October 7, 2021
- WWE King of the RingNovember 29, 2010April 26, 2015
- WWE King of the RingJune 3, 2002November 28, 2010
- WWF King of the RingJune 27, 1999June 2, 2002
- WWF King of the RingJune 28, 1998June 26, 1999
- WWF King of the RingJuly 8, 1985June 27, 1998
WWE King of the Ring: Statistics & Records
Most Victories
| Rank | Wrestler | Wins | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bret "The Hitman" Hart | 2 | 1991, 1993 |
| 2 | The Magnificent Muraco | 1 | 1985 |
| 3 | Harley Race | 1 | 1986 |
| 4 | "Macho Man" Randy Savage | 1 | 1987 |
| 5 | "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase | 1 | 1988 |
