5 wrestlers who would make great winners of WWE's King of the Ring 2019

In what looks like an response to the incredible G1 Climax tournament that New Japan Pro Wrestling just completed (as well as a tribute to the late "King" Harley Race), WWE have brought back one of their own favorite tournaments. Over the next month in the lead in to Clash of Champions, WWE will be bringing back King of the Ring. Sure, it's not an annual tournament, and we haven't found out what the winner will receive (other than likely being saddled with the 'King' gimmick for the next year), but it has plenty of potential.

If WWE follows the lead of New Japan and lets the matches speak for themselves, without too much creative involvement, this could be one of the best things WWE produce all year. The WWE Universe should be excited.

So without further ado, sit back and read along as we look to the 16-man King of the Ring tournament for 2019, and give you the 5 best options to be crowned King from the 16 competitors announced.

#5 Andrade

Ever since he arrived in WWE, Andrade has shown that he is one of the best wrestlers in the world. For some reason, however, he hasn't got the sustained push that he deserves on the main roster. For the past few months now, we've heard the likes of Dave Meltzer talk about how management is high on El Idolo, and if they really want him to feature in the main event going forward, a big push needs to begin now.

Whenever he is given the spotlight, Andrade certainly delivers. With Zelina Vega alongside him, it's clear that he's a main event caliber talent. So, right now, this makes sense for him.

The problem with WWE is that there is so much talent and Vince McMahon can never make his mind up on who to push. Therefore, Andrade may fall short in this tournament. But, with his charisma, looks, athletic ability and in-ring skillset, Andrade has the ability to be the best wrestler in WWE.

#4 Ricochet

Outside of Will Ospreay, Ricochet is the best pure high-flier in the world of wrestling right now. If he was given the freedom to fly around throughout this tournament, he'd once again become King Ricochet. Now that he's been unsuccessful in a dream rivalry with AJ Styles, The One and Only will need to find something else to do. A series of exhibition bouts to show off his unmatched athleticism is the perfect use of WWE's resident superhero.

Despite being a smaller competitor, Ricochet has the potential to be one of the best in WWE, and while we can't see him being a main event player (yet), a run through the King of the Ring would be a good way for WWE to test him. Unfortunately, there are much bigger names in this tournament than him, but while he likely won't be the one to come out on top, he can no doubt impress a lot of people with a good run in the tournament.

#3 Kevin Owens

Since his return to WWE from injury, Kevin Owens has been one of the companies hottest stars, and now that they've let him become the bad-ass babyface we all wanted, he is quickly rising through the ranks. His rivalry with Shane McMahon is taking centre stage on SmackDown Live right now, but Owens is still one of the best wrestlers in the world, and winning King of the Ring would be a great way to prove that to McMahon.

Owens is just finding his footing as a babyface right now, so a hard-fought road through the tournament would be a great way to build his popularity, as he looks to become WWE Champion for the first time. It probably isn't going to be Owens that dethrones Kofi Kingston at the top of the SmackDown landscape, but if he can be built over the next few months as the top babyface, it's only a matter of time until King Kevin holds gold again in WWE.

#2 Cesaro

For years now, Cesaro has been one of the most talented, yet under-utilised, performers on WWE's roster. The King of the Ring could allow the company to rectify those injustices all at once.

Even if WWE have no interest in pushing Cesaro as a World Champion, he's too good to deny at this point, so having him run through this tournament all the way to victory makes complete sense.

Despite never reaching the top of WWE, Cesaro has quite the list of accomplishments within the company. Adding King of the Ring to that list would solidify him as one of WWE's best in-ring performers - perhaps of all-time.

Ultimately, it's likely that WWE will just give Cesaro a good run through the tournament and have him put on some fantastic matches. But, if they ever wanted to push the Swiss Superman as a serious threat in the main event, the time is now.

#1 Drew McIntyre

Ever since he re-debuted on the main roster, it's been clear that Drew McIntyre is a main event player for the future of WWE. As such, they need to begin that build right now. King of the Ring is the perfect opportunity.

The Scottish Psychopath has everything it takes to be the top star in WWE. With Seth Rollins' popularity in a weird spot right now with the WWE Universe, it only makes sense for him to feud with Drew very soon.

Given how highly WWE views McIntyre, he will no doubt be booked strong throughout this tournament. Whether he wins or not, he should be next in line for a Universal Championship shot. Drew has already made it clear on Twitter that he wants to be the first Scottish King that we've seen on the throne in quite some time, and while the 'King' gimmick can ruin some people, McIntyre would carry that title perfectly.

Who is your pick to win King of the Ring this year? Share your picks in the comments below and keep checking back with Sportskeeda for KOTR news and results.

Edited by Kevin Christopher Sullivan