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| The Fall Of Kings |
Michael Campbell |
Examining why WWE should bring back the King Of The Ring tournament
In his 2001 biography It’s True, It’s True, Kurt Angle boldly declared that “when you win King of the Ring, it pushes you to main event level.” It's a somewhat simplistic statement within the context of an entertainingly naive publication, and it really doesn't truly reflect a concept that has had as many downs as it has ups. But it was true… for Kurt, at least.
Angle had only been on our screens as an active member of the WWE roster since the 1999 Survivor Series when he was elected as the chosen one for the 2000 King Of The Ring tournament His impact had been immediate, as he was booked to swiftly raise both the European and Intercontinental championships aloft. Contesting memorable television bouts with Big Show, Chris Jericho and The Rock, Angle showed instant star potential in addition to unquestionable technical prowess. By the time KOTR arrived on 25 June, he would have been the obvious choice for the crown, if not for the superb line-up in the event that year.
The success of his landmark victory, though, shouldn’t be undermined – it was a monumental feat to be given that vote of confidence so early in his burgeoning career. Granted, akin to other noble predecessors of his, Angle was on the fast-track to main-event stardom regardless of his achievement. But does that really mean the gimmick didn’t work? Was the King Of The Ring a nonsensical exercise in fluff all along? Is that why Vince McMahon decided, in recent years, to abandon the concept almost entirely?
And, perhaps most importantly, is it worth resurrecting?
WWE may have debuted King Of The Ring as a fully-fledged pay-per-view in 1993, but the tournament itself (as a gimmick, at least) originally surfaced years before. From 1985 until 1991, it was utilised as a tool for a variety of grapplers deemed suitable for a character makeover. Don Muraco was the very first candidate, but Harley Race and Macho Man Randy Savage are the performers most fondly reminisced over when it comes to sitting atop the throne. Indeed, Savage was actually renamed the ‘Macho King’ (temporarily) while Harley Race’s entire WWE run seemingly happened while he was clad in the Purple robe. Undoubtedly though, the tourney itself wasn’t treated as a major event, sailing under the radar of many fans. The early success of the event was entirely based on who won it, and whether the company decided to run with their victory as character development or not...
For the rest of this feature, check out issue 45 of FSM - available at WH Smith and all good retailers. (For US readers we are now carried at Borders and Barnes & Noble, so check for local availability or click here to subscribe.)
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