Not all heroes wear capes, not all kings wear crowns—and in pro wrestling, some don’t even want them. This week, Eric and Nate climb the royal mountain to name their Mount Rushmore of the King of the Ring. Who used the tournament to launch a legendary career? Who embraced the gimmick and ruled with an iron fist? And who just beat a few guys and vanished into the midcard wilderness? We’re breaking down which winners truly wore the crown—and which ones just kept the cape warm.

We’re talking tournament performances, character transformations, long-term booking impact, and that promo that changed wrestling forever. All hail the kings—just maybe not Mabel. (R.I.P.)

Got your own picks? Hit us up and let us know who you’d crown.

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SHOW NOTES AND SPOILERS

• Owen Hart makes history: King of the Ring 1994 - YouTube
• The reign of King Booker: WWE Playlist
• King Booker Was Hilariously Entertaining  - YouTube
• Who remembers KING BOOKAAAAHHH? https://www.youtube.com/shorts/BLOiRBQIplo
• Is King Booker the greatest king ever? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIGyYwLzjks
• Bret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow: King of the Ring 1993 - YouTube
• Remind me, what did Austin 3:16 say? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjWPoQWdmjg

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