Top five best WWE King of the Ring final matches of all time

The King of the Ring tournament is a men’s elimination tournament held to crown the King of the Ring for that year. The concept was introduced in 1985 and the Kings are being crowned periodically. The tournament has changed a number of wrestlers’ careers, by making them rise to stardom.

WWE has held a total of 22 King of the Ring tournaments in its history and this year marks the 23rd edition. As we are on the road to crowning a new King. Here are top five best WWE King of the Ring final matches of all time.

5. Brock Lesnar vs Rob Van Dam (2002)

In the 2002 King of the Ring Finals, Rob Van Dam went one-on-one with Brock Lesnar. The winner will be awarded with the WWE Undisputed Championship match at SummerSlam. Lesnar took total control of the match from the very beginning.

Rob Van Dam used his quick moves and high flying abilities to counter. However with the distraction from Paul Heyman and with powerful moves made Lesnar the King of the Ring 2002. This was the rookie-year for The Beast Incarnate and this was his first major win in the company.

4. Edge vs Kurt Angle (2001)

In the 2001 King of the Ring Finals, Edge faced the Olympic Gold medalist Kurt Angle in a singles match. Kurt Angle was fully focused on Edge’s ribs, which was injured by Rhyno. Angle took control of Edge throughout the match. Edge’s best friend and the former Tag Team Partner, Christian was against Edge, who tried everything to stop Edge from winning the finals.

During the final moments, Edge accidentally knocked out the referee. Angle made Edge tapped out, but the referee was not conscious. The WCW Chairman interfered during the match to spear Kurt Angle and made Edge win the 2001 King of the Ring Tournament. Edge was presented with a Trophy for winning the tournament.

3. Ken Shamrock vs The Rock (1998)

In the 1998 King of the Ring Finals, The Rock faced the Underdog Ken Shamrock in a singles match. This was not just the finals match, but also had a backstory. At WrestleMania 14, Shamrock would have made The Rock tap out to win the Intercontinental title.

However, the decision was reversed and made Rock retain the title. This was a rematch of WrestleMania 14. The match went for a 14 minutes to and fro brawl and Shamrock made Rock tap out to the Ankle lock and become the 1998 King of the Ring.

2. Booker T vs Bobby Lashley (2006)

The 2006 King of the Ring is exclusive to the SmackDown brand. In the finals of the tournament, Booker T faced Bobby Lashley in a singles match. Lashley was in complete control of the match & was the fan favorite to win the match.

However, Booker T with a couple of interference from Finlay & Sharmell defeated Lashley to become the King of the Ring. During the coronation, Lashley was outraged and speared Booker T through the throne to have some revenge.

1. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs Jake Roberts (1996)

In the 1996 King of the Ring finals, Stone Cold Steve Austin faced Jake Roberts in a singles match. Roberts suffered a rib injury at the King of the Ring semi finals match against Vader. WWF President Gorilla Monsoon wanted Roberts to forfeit the match considering his injury. However Roberts continued the match and tried to become the King of the Ring.

However Austin focused on Robert’s injured ribs and gained control. In the final moments of the match Austin hit a stunner to become the 1996 King of the Ring. During the coronation, Austin mocked Robert’s Bible-Preacher gimmick and quoted “Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!”. This officially kick started the Steve Austin Era.

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