King of the Ring Tournament Next Week?

[Xero]

From PWInsider:

Sources have informed me that the word going around backstage at Raw in London today is that next week's Raw, which is a three-hour event, will be built around a one-night "King Of The Ring" tournament. From what I've been told, the belief is that the whole tournament will be held over the course of the show next week, with all tournament matches being held that night. I have not gotten this confirmed, but I believe it will be an eight-man tournament.

[Innovator]

DAMMIT

you beat me to it

[Innovator]

But yeah sounds like a good idea, could have a midcarder a good rub...so I guess Cena will win

[Xero]

When was the last time WWE has done a one-night tournament? Not counting stuff like Beat the Clock...

But yeah, this actually sounds pretty good. 7 matches on a non-PPV show? That's rare.

[Xero]

Though putting this so close to the Money in the Bank match is pretty stupid. Should have saved it for later, maybe for a Saturday Night's Main Event billed as a televised King of the Ring...

[Fabien Barthez]

Maybe someone from WWE actually sat down and WATCHED that 2 hours they passed off as Raw last week and realised they need to do something that their viewers might actually enjoy?

When is this Draft going to be though? I thought it would be next week given the 3 hour slot?

[Xero]

It was slated to be next week's episode since like August. So in true WWE fashion, instead of going through with something they actually planned well in advance they just drop it.

[Loose Cannon]

Survivor Series 98 would be the last one night touney, right?

[Fabien Barthez]

Nah.

Although 32 started it in the first 2 rounds on TV, KotR 2000 had the final 3 rounds all on PPV.

[Loose Cannon]

that's not the entire tourney. aka ONE NIGHT tourney

[Volchok]

BURKE FOR THE WIN!

[Volare]

So, do we expect a mid-carder to win...or a hugh face/heel?

[Loose Cannon]

I hope it's booked like SS '98 though. That was a fucking 3 hour epic

[Volchok]

Sadly it will most likely suck and John Cena will win it. :(

[Londoner]

I could see Jericho winning this since he has fuck all else to do.

[SammyG]

Teh Rock will win

[KingofOldSchool]

Barack Obama will win it.

He will put Hilary in the Sharpshooter in the finals and Hilary won't tap out even though she is clearly defeated.

[Fabien Barthez]

that's not the entire tourney. aka ONE NIGHT tourney

Well they billed the first 2 rounds as qualifiers for it, so in essence the whole tournement was held on one show.

You are right if you are talking about a tournement where the entrants were picked and their first match was on the night of that show. But with that said, the last one was KOTR 91' before that I guess, before they all went PPV and had qualifiers on TV

[Anybody Thrilla]

There was no King of the Ring in 1991.

[Xero]

Yeah, there was.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_of_the_Ring#1991

[Loose Cannon]

yea, those were shitty house show ones, so I don't even count them to be honest. Most fans have no clue they took place.

[Xero]

WWE creative has no clue that one took place two years ago, either.

[McLegend]

Cause both of the finalists aren't in the company anymore.

[Juan]

Shelton Benjamin

[wwe2222]

King Burchill has a nice sound to it...but thats not gonna happen.

[Heros Welcome]

King Kennedy

[KingofOldSchool]

King Kennedy

KKK?

[Destor]

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet

[Tazz Dan]

I could see Jericho winning this since he has fuck all else to do.

Well, he IS the King of our world. :yes:

[Mr. Nerfect]

I love the King of the Ring. I'd love to see a number of guys win it. A lot of guys could really use the rub. Mr. Kennedy, Paul Burchill, Elijah Burke, Shelton Benjamin, MVP, Matt Hardy, John Morrison, Ken Doane, fuck, even Chavo Guerrero could do something with a win.

It sounds to me like it'll be a main event tournament, though. They should really spread it over a few weeks, and tell a massive story with it. Maybe next year.

Mr. Kennedy actually seems like the best pick to win it right now. He's been taking some time off to film that movie, but I think he could make it back for RAW. He'd fit the right image for a "King," too.

John Cena will probably win, though. He'll spell it with a "C" to be reverse-cool: "Cing Cena."

[DarKCentaur]

Sir Kennedy the Third.

....

Kennedy

[#1-norm-fan]

Yeah, Kennedy seems like a lock to win for some reason.

[Mr. Nerfect]

He's a guy getting pushed, but just hasn't had an achievement to edge others out on. Now there is one.

I'm still not counting out John Cena winning it, though.

[HTrain90]

King Kennedy

I read the announcement and the first thing I thought was King Kennedy... Kennedy. For some reason it just feels like that's where they're gonna go with this. Kennedy needs a rub, but going back to the IC title makes no sense. I suppose the King of the Ring could be used to slow build him as a credible challenger to the next face champ - presumably Cena or Trips.

[KingofOldSchool]

I could see Jillian get paired up with whoever wins, assuming it's a heel.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I could see Jillian get paired up with whoever wins, assuming it's a heel.

I was just thinking that, actually, funnily enough. I don't know why.

[HTrain90]

I could see Jillian get paired up with whoever wins, assuming it's a heel.

If that would stop her God awful singing act that got old about 5 months ago, then I'm all for it.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Sliced Bread was hilarious. As was her song on Heat that I believe mentioned all the jobbers the WWE has had since the Attitude era. :lol:

[Fabien Barthez]

yea, those were shitty house show ones, so I don't even count them to be honest. Most fans have no clue they took place.

Well, I got no chance of winning this one, if you make the rules up. :D

Although, I do count them. They were used to launch gimmicks for Harley Race in his last push, and also Savage, a gimmick he held for 4 years. The 91' tourney was shown from the last 8 onwards on Prime Time Wrestling. There was 5 matches with byes and DQ's.

As well as that, in any sport, a qualifier is not a tournement match. It is just a match with the stipulation that the winner is entered into the tourney. given all the matches were billed as qualifiers until the quarter-finals, which were contested all on the same night, the answer is KoTR 00'

Just my opinion.

[HTrain90]

Chris Jericho, Umaga, Shawn Michaels, CM Punk, Batista, Big Show, Triple H and MVP.

What the FUCK? Why the hell are HHH, HBK, Bats, and Umaga in this? I didn't realize that the KOTR is for established main-eventers.

If MVP doesn't win this damn thing I riot. But it looks like it's headed for... damn it I don't see anything good coming out of this clusterf*ck.

[Heros Welcome]

Well its easy to cross off HBK, HHH, Bats, and Umaga.

I can see Punk winning for the reason they want to give him a title shot before he cashes in MiTB to see how the crowd reacts to him being in a high profiled title match, also how he gels.

I can see Big Show winning to prove that he is still the man and after he disposes of Khali he goes on to feud with Taker.

I could see Jericho winning because..well..he has nothing else to do. Sure he is the ref now in the Bats/HBK match, but I think he could still take the crown.

I could see MVP winning so he has an out from the US division after Hardy takes it from him. In the end both men will look good.

If these are in fact the people that are in for sure, I'll say that MVP will win since the gimmick of being KoTR fits him best I think...though Jericho is the King of the World...hmmm...

As of right now I'll say MVP takes it.

[Xero]

Why is Matt Hardy not in this? Seriously, Hardy/MVP finals would be awesome.

[HTrain90]

Reading about it on WWE.com, it says the field has not been announced - but it does have the 8 listed superstars pictures on the front page.

Hopefully they use more mid-carders. Don't have HHH or HBK in it. Or Bats. Replace them with Finlay, Kennedy, and Elijah. Shelton would be gold in this thing.

[Jeritron]

Why? KOTR lost a lot of credibility and putting credible stars in it makes it look credible. If it looks like those guys care about winning despite being champions and main eventers, it makes the tournament seems like it means something to win

[Destor]

Why? KOTR lost a lot of credibility and putting credible stars in it makes it look credible. If it looks like those guys care about winning despite being champions and main eventers, it makes the tournament seems like it means something to win
Yes. if they get the ME to do the job and a mid-carder goes over this will be epic for their future. It's the only way to do it. A jobber tourny isn't going to put buts in the seats.

[Volchok]

Jeritron said it best.

[Volchok]

Destor said it best also.

[Heros Welcome]

Jeritron said it best.

[Heros Welcome]

Destor said it best also.

[Jeritron]

Actually, on paper, it's probably the strongest King of the Ring Tournament star-wise held in ages. Maybe of all time. It's also an 8 man 3 round tournament which makes it one of the larger ones held in one night, seeing as many of the later ones only featured the final 4 on ppv.

Of course, it remains to be seen, but given the stars involved, the length of the show and the potential matchups this very well could be amazing, and top notch as far as KOTR, tournaments, or anything else is concerned. I'll reserved judgement until I see it, but I don't see this not being excellent

[Heros Welcome]

*crosses fingers for Punk HBK*

[Jeritron]

I can think of plenty of combinations here that I'd mark out for. I wouldn't be suprised to see a HBM/Jericho rematch get a lot of time on the show. It's a big match for the show, but has already been done so they're not exhausting an unused matchup. I'm sure they're saving some of those

[Indifferent Clox]

lol at the wikipedia for 08 having jericho v. floyd mayweather as one of the matches.

[Jeritron]

I hate to play the Punk card, but as MITB holder, if they really wanted to get the ball rolling on him here would be a prime chance. He just won MITB, if he were to win this by going over HBK or Jericho in an upset it'd be an even bigger step. Then with the draft coming up probably the week after he could move onto Raw a made man and get built up until he cashes that case in.

I really could see CM Punk main eventing a PPV for the WWE title between July and November. Whether or not he would or should win this soon is debateable, but either scenario would be great for him

[Jeritron]

What ever happened to pushing a guy huge off the bat anyways? I agree with steady pushes up the ladder and getting the most out of the momentum and build, like done with guys like Austin and Jericho. However, throwing the kitchen sink at a star over the course of a year can also be effective. Ie Angle or Brock

After dominating ECW and winning MITB and KOTR, a big roster move to Raw followed with an IC title reign and a main event warmup program with a top star could result in a guy ready to win the WWE title by the winter, or even next April 5th

[Indifferent Clox]

my dream matchups

HBK------------------HBK
CM Punk
___________
MVP----------------MVP-----------------MVP--------------MVP!
Jericho
________________________
Umaga
Big Show--------Big Show-------------Big Show
__________
HHH----------------HHH
Batista

_________
OR

HBK
CM Punk------------CM Punk-------------CM Punk---- CM Punk
___________
Batista
Jericho-------------Jericho
________________________
Umaga
Big Show--------Big Show
__________
HHH
MVP------------MVP---------------MVP




maybe?

[Jeritron]

I don't even know how I'd like to see it go. Either way we're getting a few big matchups. Hopefully a few of them get serious time

I see no reason why at least 2 of the matches don't get 20 minutes

[Jeritron]

Prob HBK vs Jericho to open it, and CM Punk vs Jericho or HBK to close it?

[Xero]

Yeah, let's job Mr. Money in the Bank in the first round. Real great booking there. :y:

[Mr. Nerfect]

Here's how I would not mind seeing it going:

* Chris Jericho faces Umaga in the first match of the tournament. Umaga looks for a Samoan Spike, but Jericho kicks the arm of Umaga, and then hits a Codebreaker out of nowhere, and the Intercontinental Champion advances.

* CM Punk vs. Shawn Michaels is next, and they go HBK/Shelton with this, and try and turn Punk into a star. I'd even re-do the springboard spot. HBK and Punk are exchanging blows, when all of a sudden, HBK goes for the Sweet Chin Music, and Punk ducks. The referee's head almost gets taken off, and Michaels seems startled by what he's done. He then turns into a GTS, but there is obviously no ref to count. Punk then looks for a springboard flying clothesline, but Michaels gets the Sweet Chin Music off it, and covers Punk. Batista then runs out and hits Michaels with a Spinebuster and the Batista Bomb, and puts Punk on top. Batista then makes the referee's hand count, and Punk advances to face Jericho.

* Triple H and MVP are opponents in the first round, and MVP gets his first real chance to stretch on the RAW brand here. He looks good, and gets to give Triple H more than a handful. He even busts out his facecrusher vs. Triple H's. Triple H is making a comeback, when Randy Orton runs in and hits an RKO on...MVP. This gives MVP the disqualification victory, and helps him advance. Triple H then goes after Randy Orton, but finds himself attacked from behind by JBL. The heels, including MVP, beat Triple H down. MVP can hit a Playmaker or even steal the Pedigree to use on Triple H to make sure he gets some heat heading into the next round.

* Big Show and Batista have the final match. They have Big Show overpower Batista, but The Animal manages to use the smarts taught to him by Ric Flair to wear Show down. We get a figure four spot, or two. Eventually Shawn Michaels comes out, and stares down Batista from the stage. Batista, mouths off to Michaels, and asks him what he's going to do. And is calling him down to the ring. Michaels just shakes his head at Batista, and walks away like the bigger man. Batista then gets a smirk on his face, and turns around into a Chokeslam out of nowhere by Show, who advances.

This gives us semi-finals of Chris Jericho vs. CM Punk and MVP vs. Big Show. Umaga, Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Batista have all been eliminated.

* CM Punk defeats Chris Jericho with the GTS out of an innovative position. I'm sure they can work something out. Jericho gets disgruntled after the loss, and maybe attacks Punk.

* MVP defeats Big Show in their match. He manages to wear Show down, and continues the leg work Batista started to use. MVP applies some sort of leg submission, and Big Show actually taps, to hopefully give MVP a big rub. Show would not lose anything from this if done right.

The finals are set as Mr. Money in the Bank and former ECW Champion, CM Punk faces the WWE United States Champion, MVP. This can go either way, as both guys could really use the 2008 King of the Ring Tournament under their belt. CM Punk could get the pin with the GTS, or MVP could win with some Jericho or Hardy assist (Matt could surprise the world and help out MVP, then give him a Twist of Fate, and later explain that he just wants MVP as decorated as possible for when he takes the US Title off him). This might also be a good place for MVP to debut a finisher better than The Playmaker. Live from the 305, FTW! Or even the TTB Crossface.

[Volare]

If Trips wins...he can use this theme again.

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[Loose Cannon]

I totally agree with Destor and Jeritron. I don't see the point at all of putting all mid carders in there. You put some of your best stars (minus Umaga the ultimate jobber of course) from each show and you throw them out there. The thing looks really credible right now. This is an awesome tournament and I am pretty pumped for this one.

[RP]

I'd love it if MVP won this. That would be huge. Love MVP right now.

[Innovator]

MVP, Punk, or Kennedy....cmoooon either MVP or Punk

[BigDaddyCool]

MVP should win.

[HTrain90]

I just don't think there is a single midcarder that is worth sacrificing SEVEN other guys to put over. Maybe MVP. That would be it.

I'm not a fan of these tournament-style things anyways - because you end up with one winner and seven losers. And for every Bret Hart that wins one of these things, you always get a King Mabel. For every Austin there's a Billy Gunn. It just doesn't always work. To have someone win a tournament with ALL the top guys in it just doesn't make sense to me if it's not for the world title. Great - you're King of the Ring. Who gives a shit, really?

I think you can get some credibility in the tournament without sacrificing HBK, HHH, and Bats. A field with MVP, CM Punk, Shelton Benjamin, Umaga, Big Show, Kennedy, Matt Hardy, and Jericho would be pretty solid, as well - especially if booked right. Think like 1995 where Savio Vega beat all those huge dudes and got over (well, got as over as Savio could get) - have Matt Hardy beat Umaga in the first round with a rollup after ducking the Fingerpoke of Doom, then have Umaga go apeshit and destroy him after the match. Matt somehow makes it to his second match with taped up ribs and junk and upsets Big Show (maybe with an assist in the form of a chop from Khali), setting up a Matt Hardy-Kennedy/MVP final. Matt-MVP would play off their feud, but picking a winner would be tricky. If he were to face Kennedy, then just have Kennedy go sadistic and beat the crap out of an already severely injured Matt Hardy - like HHH in '97 against Foley or Austin in '96 against Jake Roberts. If Kennedy beat the holy hell out of Matt after Matt beat Show and Umanga, then Kennedy would find himself some heat. Kennedy as a heel winning this thing would be amazing.

I'm holding out hope that the 8 people suspected aren't the real field. Because I honestly don't care about half of those guys winning. CM Punk just won MITB - why does he need KOTR? HHH is gonna win the strap within a year. HBK just retired Flair. Bats is one of the biggest names they've got, and has been holding SmackDown! up for the past year or so.

I would just like to see this used to get someone over that needs to be refreshed in the fans minds. Instead of using it as a showcase for the top talent, use it as a springboard for someone who is already somewhat over and get him going in the right direction again.

[RP]

I want MVP to win, but i'm sure he'll face HHH in the first round or something and they'll waste my fucking time with Matt Hardy running out and interfering helping HHH win. Cause WWE has no fucking clue that they did the same spot at the MITB match.

[HTrain90]

Isn't the winner supposed to add the "King" to their gimmick? If so, why would you alter the gimmick of someone who is already over? Let someone use it to build on their character - not a complete overhaul like Booker T did, but just to add a new fold into someones repertoire.

[Mister Sinister]

*crosses fingers for Punk HBK*

[HTrain90]

Also, if they use the KOTR to exacerbate the issues of the guys facing at Backlash, I'll be pissed. I would like (for once) to have a legit winner without a shitload of interference.

For instance:

HBK loses to Y2J due to Bats run in
Bats loses due to HBK run-in
Big Show loses due to Khali run in
HHH loses due to JBL run in

etc.

Then again, that's probably all this thing will turn out to be - another place for the main event to get pushed.

[KingofOldSchool]

I actually see Punk making it to the semi or finals if he is even in the tournament.

I'm still going with Kennedy just because if they aren't going to fire him and they gotta give him something to do.

[The CyNick]

Historically the KOTR tourny has been a bunch of mid carders looking for a way to break through to the next level.

I dont think in this day and age that really works anymore, so I dont think you need to include all of the mid carders.

Looking at the tourny, if a guy like MVP or Punk can win it by getting a rub from a lot of these top guys, then its a better way to put them over.

If its true that Punk is coming to RAW, then I would say he's the favourite going in. Cant really say Ive seen much of his work, actually I think I only saw his debut match on the ECW show and that was it. But they seem to be pushing him. If he's going to be hunting with the big boys, I could see them giving him some big wins here.

[Destor]

you know for the sake of the KotR it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a REAL main eventer win. To re-establish it's credibility.

[Mr. Nerfect]

you know for the sake of the KotR it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a REAL main eventer win. To re-establish it's credibility.

That's why I was so happy when they went with Booker T as the 2006 King of the Ring. Not sure if you considered him a "real main eventer" at the time, but he helped re-establish the tournament as something that looked worth winning, at least in my eyes.

It's a shame they didn't do it against last year. Mr. Kennedy or even MVP, Matt Hardy or Elijah Burke really could have used the nudge forward.

I don't think giving the win to Triple H or Shawn Michaels is a grand idea. I think that would be like putting the European Championship on either guy. I don't think they are going to get anything from it, or that the tournament will benefit by either guy winning it.

Former WWE/World Heayweight Champions that I would be OK with winning: Chris Jericho, Big Show and Batista. I think all these guys, especially Jericho and Batista, would get something from going over, and would make the tournament look worth something.

MVP getting the win and the rub would be pretty fucking cool, I must admit.

[NoRoolz]

Yeah, MVP would probably benefit most from getting the KOTR victory.

But that's us thinking logically...

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can't see MVP as a "King," though. It's not that I necessarily want the King of the Ring to come out in a crown every week, or something, but I just see the WWE having a heel play it up if they win, and I can't really see MVP doing that.

"King Porter" has a ring to it, though. :-\

What I'd love is for MVP to win, and to not dress in the crown, robe and all that, and instead cut a promo that his title as "King" is a metaphor. Him being "King of the Ring" just makes him the best sportsman in this business, and he challenges anyone to try and prove otherwise, because he guarantees he is better than them.

[Jeritron]

you know for the sake of the KotR it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a REAL main eventer win. To re-establish it's credibility.

I agree with this as well. I think I suggested it when we were talking about bringing KOTR back last week. It would make it legit again so that it would once again be a strong tool to push talent.

[Indifferent Clox]

King like Martin Luther?

Montell Vontavius King