NEW DELHI: The King of the Ring tournament has been a storied event in WWE history, often serving as a launching pad for wrestlers on their path to stardom. With 22 tournaments already held and the 23rd edition on the horizon, let's revisit five of the best finals matches in King of the Ring history:
1. Bret Hart vs. Bam Bam Bigelow (1993) In the finals of the 1993 King of the Ring, Bret "The Hitman" Hart faced off against the formidable Bam Bam Bigelow. The match showcased technical prowess against raw power, with both competitors giving it their all. In the end, it was Hart who emerged victorious, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in WWE.
2. Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Jake Roberts (1996) Perhaps one of the most iconic moments in WWE history, the 1996 King of the Ring finals saw Stone Cold Steve Austin go head-to-head against Jake "The Snake" Roberts. Despite Roberts' best efforts, Austin's relentless assault, particularly targeting Roberts' injured ribs, proved too much. Austin's victory speech, where he famously proclaimed, "Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass!" marked the birth of a legend.
3. Kurt Angle vs. Rikishi (2000) The 2000 King of the Ring finals featured Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle taking on the massive Rikishi. Angle, known for his technical prowess, faced a formidable challenge in Rikishi's size and strength. However, Angle's resilience and skill proved superior as he defeated Rikishi to claim the King of the Ring crown.
4. Edge vs. Kurt Angle (2001) In 2001, Edge found himself in the finals against the Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle. With Edge nursing injured ribs, the odds seemed stacked against him. However, with the help of a well-timed interference, Edge managed to overcome Angle and etch his name in the annals of King of the Ring history.
5. Brock Lesnar vs. Rob Van Dam (2002) The 2002 finals saw Rob Van Dam take on the powerhouse Brock Lesnar. With a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam on the line, both competitors brought their A-game. Despite Van Dam's high-flying acrobatics, Lesnar's raw strength and power proved too much, making him the King of the Ring for that year.
These finals matches have not only been instrumental in determining the King of the Ring for their respective years but have also left a lasting impact on the WWE landscape, shaping the careers of the wrestlers involved.
The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
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