6. Triple H (King of the Ring 1997)
Triple H’s loyalty to his friends had this accolade coming a year later than it should have, but it was still a career-defining moment for the Game. He had been a huge part of WWE’s mid-card since his debut, and while he had won Intercontinental gold, many were unsure if he was ever going to get his big push. Around this time, he may not have been in the good graces of WWE, but his talent was undeniable, and Triple H got the push he had waited for.
Ahmed Johnson was defeated twice by Triple H, but it was in the finals that he earned his crown. His bought opposite Mankind was a fantastic match, and one that continued a feud that would make both men stars.
In true Triple H fashion, he cheated his way to victory over Mankind and secured a win that would push him to the top of the company. Since winning King of the Ring, Triple H became an upper-echelon talent. He partnered with HBK to create D-Generation X and would become a vital part of the Attitude Era.
5. Kurt Angle (King of the Ring 2000)
Kurt Angle’s start with WWE has become legendary. In a year, Kurt Angle captured all the major singles championships in WWE. It was a feat that no one had accomplished, to that point, but that was not all for the Olympic Gold Medalist.
In the summer of 2000, Kurt Angle turned in an incredible performance, defeating three men in one night to become the first King of the New Millennium.
The King gimmick worked very well for Kurt Angle. He had the smug character traits necessary to hold himself above the rest of the wrestling world. Kurt Angle already had a ton of heat on him, but this gimmick just increased that. There is nothing worse than a man who thinks he’s better than everyone and constantly proves that fact. Kurt Angle was the perfect man to carry the King of the Ring crown.
