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Way back in 1985, the WWE held its first King of the Ring tournament. Originally, its main purpose was to get Harley Race over with the WWE audience, since he had previously worked for rival NWA.
The WWE didn't want to acknowledge Race's previous world title reigns but still wanted him to be treated like a prestige act.
The tournament has been held sporadically ever since. Some King of the Ring winners goes on to greatness, such as Stone Cold Steve Austin or Bret Hart. Others, like Wade Barrett, saw no real benefit from winning the tournament.
The King of the Ring tournament became a way for WWE to elevate mid-card talent to the next level.
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Whoever manages to clinch the victory in the arduous single-elimination tournament will be crowned King of the Ring, and potentially springboard right into the main event scene.
After a four year hiatus, the King of the Ring tournament is returning. Here are the brackets, analysis, and predictions of the winners for WWE's prestigious tournament.
First Round Bracket #1: Cesaro vs. Samoa Joe
The first match of the 2019 King of the Ring tournament pits two former Ring of Honor World champions against each other in what promises to be a hard-hitting but technical contest.
Samoa Joe never backs down from anyone and has displayed an ability to take an enormous amount of punishment and keep coming back for more. His striking and power game is hard to overcome, but even then you must still contend with his submissions.
Cesaro is one of the few WWE Superstars who is just as strong as Joe, and possibly stronger.
His power and skill often overshadow the fact that he is one of the most accomplished technical wrestlers on the roster.
Who will win between these two titans?
Predicted Winner: Samoa Joe
Both men are true beasts of the mat game, but Samoa Joe has a slight experience edge, and most importantly he's been booked to look strong in the recent past. Cesaro has kind of been in limbo since his Bar tag team partner Sheamus has been shelved with an injury. All signs point toward a Joe win here in the first bracket.
First Round Bracket #2: Ricochet vs. Drew McIntyre
The second bracket of Raw's King of the Ring 2019 offering features an intriguing match up of speed vs. power.
Drew McIntyre was the 'chosen one,' the man with whom Vince McMahon stood in the ring on his debut. Mr.McMahon asserted that McIntyre would be a world champion one day, but then the Scotsman was let go by the company.
Instead of being bitter or giving up on his dream, McIntyre worked on his ring skills in the indie leagues until he worked his way back to the WWE. He has held the NXT Championship, but is hungry for gold since joining the main roster.
Ricochet is the most breathtaking Superstar on WWE's current roster. He possesses speed, agility, striking ability, and more technical acumen than most give him credit for.
Who will win in this contest of former NXT stars?
Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre. While Ricochet is climbing the ladder in WWE, the same could be said for McIntyre.
Both men are looking for that next step to the main event picture, but we see McIntyre going over on this one for a simple reason: Ricochet's feud with The OC. McIntyre will likely pick up the win thanks to interference by AJ Styles and/or his OC cohorts.
First Round Bracket #3: Cedric Alexander vs. Sami Zayn
In RAW's third bracket match, it's experience and trickery vs. youth and athleticism when Sami Zayn takes on former 205 Live Superstar Cedric Alexander.
The two men have faced each other before, especially on the indie circuit when Zayn was wearing a mask and calling himself El Generico.
Alexander brings a lot to the table. Far stronger than his small frame would suggest, the former Cruiserweight champion can do just about anything in the ring, from high flying to technical precision to power moves, like his Lumbar Check finisher.
Zayn has been in the wrestling business for over ten years. The wily veteran can adapt to a variety of styles, and is an underrated technical wrestler with a deep moveset. If those fail, he will readily resort to cheap shots and cheating.
Predicted Winner: Cedric Alexander
Cedric has been featured prominently on WWE television in recent months, and even holds some victories over chosen one Drew McIntyre. By contrast Zayn hasn't done much since his split with Kevin Owens. All signs point toward an Alexander victory here.
First Round Bracket #4: The Miz vs. Baron Corbin
It's reality television vs. the NFL in RAW's fourth and final first-round King of the Ring match up. Baron Corbin and The Miz are no strangers to each other, as both have been entangled in the saga of Shane McMahon and Roman Reigns.
Corbin is the former NXT star who has struggled somewhat on the main roster. While the WWE seems intent on pushing Corbin as one of their top heels--even allowing him to 'retire' Kurt Angle at WrestleMania--he can't seem to maintain any momentum, as his recent title opportunities against Seth Rollins prove.
The Miz defied all odds by becoming one of the most tenured, and decorated, WWE superstars of all time.
By working constantly to improve his physique, his promos, and his in-ring skills, The Miz has emerged as one of the most valuable assets WWE has under contract.
Who will win in this contest of hungry mid-card talents?
Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin
For whatever reason, WWE believes Corbin is a major player in sports entertainment. A win in the KOTR tournament would mean more to his career than The Miz's. Look for Corbin to pick up a tainted win here.
First Round Bracket #5: Kevin Owens vs. Elias
The Drifter takes on KO in SmackDown's first King of the Ring match up.
Kevin Owens is an indie scene darling who defies categorization. Though a big man, Owens can fly through the air, use technical wrestling moves, and strike with the best of them. His gift of gab is also not to be discounted.
Elias is a star on the rise, possessed of a magnificent physique and undeniable music talent. His charisma is top notch as well, and WWE sees him as a future main event player, though he is still a bit green.
Who will win between these two men?
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens
The Drifter may be a star on the rise, but Kevin Owens is embroiled in SmackDown's biggest storyline right now, feuding with Shane McMahon. The only way Elias wins this is through extensive outside interference, but Owens will likely walk out the victor.
First Round Bracket #6: Ali vs. Buddy Murphy
It's a battle of former 205 Live Superstars in SmackDown's second offering in the King of the Ring Tournament.
Ali is a star on the rise and was scheduled to participate in the Elimination Chamber earlier this year before an injury forced him out. Now with a new push, he looks to escape the mid-card doldrums and become a main event player.
Buddy Murphy is the WWE's Best Kept Secret. The former NXT and 205 Live Superstar is one of the best technical players in the game today, and his willingness to bend the rules gives him an additional advantage over his opponents.
Who will win this cruiserweight contest?
Predicted Winner: Buddy Murphy
Buddy Murphy warned Kevin Owens a couple of weeks ago to mind his own business. This could be a build toward a feud between the two men, and what better place to do it than King of the Ring in a future bracket?
Ali is high on the WWE's list, but he also hasn't built any momentum since his return from injury, so Murphy may come out the winner here.
First Round Bracket #7: Chad Gable vs. Shelton Benjamin
The next SmackDown Live match up features a battle between former tag team partners, both of whom are about as evenly matched as you could get.
Shelton Benjamin is on his second WWE run, having left the company for years before returning. He's an accomplished amateur wrestler and a former tag team and singles champion in WWE, and the only man tough enough to team up with Brock Lesnar during their OVW days.
However, Benjamin has never won 'the big one,' which translates into a Universal or WWE Championship reign.
Chad Gable is like a mirror image of Shelton Benjamin ten years ago. Also an accomplished amateur wrestler, Gable has seen success in the tag team division of WWE but keeps losing his partners to drafts and injuries. He also is looking to break out to the next level in WWE.
Who wins this evenly matched contest?
Predicted Winner: Shelton Benjamin
Chad Gable just can't catch a break, because we see Benjamin walking out with the victory here.
First Round Bracket #8: Apollo Crews vs. Andrade
It's speed and technical precision vs. power and agility in Smackdown's final first round King of the Ring bracket as Andrade takes on Apollo Crews.
Andrade is a hot commodity in pro wrestling, having competed for years as La Sombre--the shadow--in the CMLL promotion.
When he joined WWE, he went on a tear through NXT, including a reign as champion. Andrade has the complete package to make it all the way in WWE if given a chance.
Apollo Crews was once one of the hottest rising stars on the indie scene. After a successful NXT run, he was called up to the main roster and unfortunately hasn't done anything of note since. In recent weeks, Crews has seen his stock rise, however, so WWE may be willing to push him more now.
Who wins in this contest of hungry contenders?
Predicted Winner: Andrade
Andrade has a lot of momentum, while Crews is still trying to get out of neutral gear. Look for El Idolo to win with some help from Zelina Vega.
Second Round Bracket #1: Samoa Joe vs. Drew McIntyre
The second round of brackets look to create some memorable bouts, and this matchup is no exception.
Samoa Joe is more experienced than Drew McIntyre and has a deeper move set. However, Joe can struggle against foes who are just as strong, or stronger, than himself, and the Scottish Psychopath certainly fits the bill.
While they match up well on paper, you have to look at where their careers have been recently.
Joe has challenged for the WWE Championship and was featured in the 'who attacked Roman Reigns?' angle. McIntyre went from playing second fiddle to Shane McMahon to feuding with Cedric Alexander, who he has only beaten once in their series.
However, Drew McIntyre seems ripe for a main event push, and Joe has just recently vied for the SmackDown big belt and came up short. It's tough to call, but the Scottish Psychopath has a greater chance to walk out of the ring the winner of this matchup.
Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre
Second Round Bracket #2: Cedric Alexander vs. Baron Corbin
For RAW's next second-round bracket match-up, we have Baron Corbin taking on Cedric Alexander.
The match should be a classic big man vs. smaller man affair, with Corbin relying on power moves and Alexander using his speed and technique to even the odds. But who will win this titanic contest?
The 'smart' money is on Baron Corbin. Vince McMahon is very high on The Lone Wolf, and was reportedly taken aback whenever fans rejected Corbin as Kurt Angle's final opponent.
Apparently, Mr.McMahon believes Baron Corbin appeals to female fans. However, many fans and critics believe Corbin has "X-Pac Heat," meaning that he makes fans change the channel rather than hating him as a heel should be hated.
Cedric Alexander is just beginning his mid-card push, and despite his talent we see Corbin walking away with the victory here, much to the chagrin of the internet wrestling community.
Predicted Winner: Baron Corbin
Second Round Bracket #3: Kevin Owens vs. Buddy Murphy
It's a war of former British colonies, Canada and Australia, as Kevin Owens takes on Buddy Murphy in the second round match of the King of the Ring tournament.
Buddy Murphy has impressed a lot of WWE management, especially Triple H, the COO of the company and head of NXT. It was Triple H who coined the name Best Kept Secret for Buddy Murphy, and he has been a strong supporter of Murphy's career.
However, Kevin Owens is clearly the favorite here. His stock is higher than Murphy's, and he's embroiled in a feud with Shane McMahon, the self proclaimed Best In The World.
There would be little point in having Owens lose at this stage of the tournament, as it would make him look weak when compared to Shane O'Mac. The smart money points toward a victory by Kevin Owens in the middle of the ring.
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens
Second Round Bracket #4: Shelton Benjamin vs. Andrade
It's the great white north of Minnesota taking on south of the border in our next predicted match up.
Perennial also ran Shelton Benjamin takes on rising Latino Superstar Andrade in what will probably be the best match of the night.
Predicting a winner here isn't as simple as it might appear. Shelton Benjamin has recently been featured on SmackDown more often of late, whereas Andrade has been seen competing on RAW a great deal as he faces off with Rey Misterio.
So who will walk out the winner? Andrade's 'stock' is higher than Benjamin's at the current moment, which could mean a victory.
Or, WWE might believe that Andrade is over enough on his own, and that Shelton Benjamin could more benefit from a King of the Ring match up win.
It's close to call, but the smart money is still on Andrade walking out the victor.
Predicted Winner: Andrade
Semi-Final Match #1: Drew McIntyre vs. Baron Corbin
Baron Corbin is a big man with a definitive look that the WWE seems to highly favor. His victory over hall of famer Kurt Angle in his last match ever at WrestleMania 35 is proof of that, as well as the fact that he main evented back to back pay per views challenging Seth Rollins for the Universal championship.
But Drew McIntyre is a bigger man, with a better physique, and he is also highly favored by WWE management. He has been on a slow but steady climb up the ladder on WWE's main roster.
So who will win this contest of heels? As much as the WWE machine seems to be behind Baron Corbin, it's even more so behind Drew McIntyre.
McIntyre has good heel heat, but could also work as a tough as nails baby face, much in the vein of Goldberg. Corbin, on the other hand, struggles to resonate with the WWE Universe, and has had several failed main event runs recently.
This puts Drew McInytre as the likely winner of this match up.
Predicted Winner: Drew McIntyre
Semi-Final Match #2: Kevin Owens vs. Andrade
The semi-final match up offered by SmackDown looks to be a barn burner, as two of the most skilled contemporary athletes in WWE history lock horns.
Both men are former indie scene darlings who have changed the way that pro wrestling matches are contested and presented.
Andrade can do it all in the ring, but is most at home utilizing a Lucha Libre style offense. If El Idolo's techincal moves, striking, and aerial wizardry don't win the day, he will readily resort to cheating. His business associate Zelina Vega will definitely play a factor in this match.
Kevin Owens, however, is every bit as technically skilled as Andrade, and has a size and strength advantage. Factor in that Kevin Owens' stock is just a little higher than Andrade's, and it seems likely that The Prizefighter will pull off the win in this match up.
Predicted Winner: Kevin Owens
Final Match: Kevin Owens vs. Drew McIntyre
This is the one for all the marbles. Keven Owen faces off against Drew McIntyre in the King of the Ring 2019 Tournament final bout.
In order to advance this far, both men will have had to defeat the best and brightest that their respective brands have to offer. The eventual winner will be the first King of the Ring crowned since 2015, so the stakes are very high indeed.
Kevin Owens has a much deeper move set than his opponent, and also has a wealth of experience. Not only that, but Owens has enjoyed a great deal more success in the wrestling industry in general and the WWE specifically, having reigned as Universal Champion.
Drew McIntyre, however, is the face of the WWE's future. While his ascent to the top of WWE has been much slower than KO's, it is none the less inevitable. A chance to reign as King of the Ring would do a lot more for McIntyre's career at this stage than it would for Kevin Owens.
Look for Owens to lose after interference from Shane McMahon or his cohorts.
Winner, and King of the Ring for 2019: Drew McInytre
There you have it: King of the Ring 2019 analysis and predictions. Who is your favorite to win the tournament, and why? Please comment below the article and let us know, and as always thanks for reading!
