The King of the Ring Tournament has entered its final stages, with Gunther set to face the winner of Tama Tonga vs. Randy Orton in the final at the titular PLE in Jeddah this weekend. While the tournament has produced some thrilling matches, it’s hard not to wonder what could have been if WWE had booked certain stars differently. Four Superstars, in particular, come to mind – Bron Breakker, Ilja Dragunov, Ludwig Kaiser, and AJ Styles – whose inclusion in the tournament could have added an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the competition.
Firstly, there’s Bron Breakker, the monstrous former NXT Champion who has been making waves on the main roster. Breakker’s omission from the tournament is a head-scratcher, especially given his current form and potential to wreak havoc on the competition. A showdown between Breakker and Gunther would have been a dream match for many fans, and could have introduced Breakker to casual wrestling fans who may not be familiar with his work on NXT.
Next up is Ilja Dragunov, the “Mad Dragon” who has been impressive on RAW with his aggressive style and charisma. Defeating Jey Uso in the quarter-finals could have propelled Dragunov to the final, where he could have faced Gunther in a thrilling match. Instead, Dragunov’s undefeated streak was cut short, and it remains to be seen how this will affect his momentum going forward.
Ludwig Kaiser, Gunther’s trusted ally, is another Superstar who could have added a touch of class and finesse to the tournament. Kaiser’s inclusion would have added an interesting dynamic to his relationship with Gunther, and his in-ring skills would have made him a compelling competitor.
Lastly, there’s AJ Styles, the “Phenomenal One” who has achieved so much in his career but has yet to claim the title of King of the Ring. Styles’ presence in the tournament would have added a level of prestige, and his ability to make his opponents look good would have elevated the eventual winner of the tournament. Even if he didn’t win, Styles would have made the competition more intriguing and unpredictable.
As the King of the Ring Tournament reaches its climax, it’s impossible not to think about what could have been if WWE had booked these four stars differently. Still, there’s no denying that the tournament has produced some exciting matches and moments, and the eventual winner will still be crowned with the prestigious title of King of the Ring.