The WWE King of the Ring Tournament has been home to some of the most unforgettable and career-defining moments in professional wrestling. Since its inception in 1985, this prestigious event has provided rising stars and established legends a stage to showcase their skills and leave a lasting mark. Winning the tournament is more than just wearing a crown — it often signals a wrestler’s rise to the next level, giving fans plenty of moments to remember for years. From fiery promos to career-altering victories, King of the Ring has delivered iconic memories that shaped WWE history. Here’s a look at four of the most iconic King of the Ring moments that continue to resonate with fans around the world.
1. “Austin 3:16” Is Born — Stone Cold Steve Austin (1996)
Stone Cold Steve Austin (Image via Getty)Few moments in WWE history are as impactful as Stone Cold Steve Austin’s legendary “Austin 3:16” promo following his King of the Ring victory in 1996. After defeating Jake “The Snake” Roberts in the final match, Austin delivered a scathing promo that marked the birth of his “Stone Cold” persona. His words, “Austin 3:16 says I just whipped your ass,” instantly became a pop culture phenomenon and helped launch him into superstardom. This moment is widely regarded as the catalyst for the Attitude Era, making it one of the most significant in WWE history. It wasn’t just a win — it was a defining moment that turned Austin into one of the biggest names the company has ever seen.
2. Brock Lesnar Dominates — King of the Ring (2002)
When Brock Lesnar entered the 2002 King of the Ring tournament, fans already recognized his potential. But it was his dominant performance throughout the event that proved he was destined for greatness. Lesnar powered through the competition, defeating Rob Van Dam in the final to claim the crown. What made this victory even more important was the reward — a guaranteed shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship at SummerSlam, which Lesnar would later win, becoming the youngest WWE Champion at that time. His King of the Ring triumph cemented Lesnar as an unstoppable force and set the tone for his destructive path in WWE for years to come.
3. Kurt Angle’s Hilarious and Intense Run (2000)
Kurt Angle (image via Getty)Known for blending incredible in-ring skills with unmatched comedic timing, Kurt Angle’s 2000 King of the Ring victory showcased both sides of his personality. Angle defeated Rikishi in the finals, but what truly made his tournament run special was how he mixed intense competition with his “Olympic Hero” arrogance. His win added another accolade to his rapidly growing WWE resume, but also reinforced his character’s ability to entertain both as a fierce competitor and as a funny, self-absorbed personality. The 2000 tournament also marked one of the largest fields ever, making Angle’s victory all the more impressive. His win paved the way for his future as a multiple-time world champion and WWE Hall of Famer.
4. Booker T. Becomes King Booker (2006)
Booker T’s victory in the 2006 King of the Ring tournament led to one of the most memorable character reinventions in WWE history — King Booker. After defeating Bobby Lashley in the finals, Booker adopted a royal persona, complete with a British accent, crown, and cape. While some fans initially saw the new gimmick as over-the-top, Booker fully committed, turning King Booker into a unique and entertaining figure. His reign as King Booker wasn’t just for show — it led to a World Heavyweight Championship run, proving that winning the King of the Ring could be a career-altering moment. Booker T’s transformation added a fresh layer to his legendary career and remains a fan-favorite storyline to this day.
The King of the Ring Tournament has served as a pivotal event that has launched careers, reshaped personas, and created some of the most memorable moments in WWE history. Whether it was Austin’s career-making promo, Lesnar’s meteoric rise, Angle’s mix of comedy and intensity, or Booker T’s regal transformation, each moment stands as a testament to the tournament’s ability to create legends. Fans still look forward to the return of the King of the Ring, hoping for new moments that will be talked about for generations.