The King of the Ring is a wrestling event dating back to 1985 where a winner is decided by a single-elimination tournament. While it may not happen every single year, it’s still a major part of WWE history. Thankfully, the tournament isn’t just for the men every year. In 2022, Zelina Vega became the first Queen of the Ring. In 2024, the event has its own PLE once again, retitled The King and Queen of the Ring.

Sometimes, winning the King of the Ring can change a character’s gimmick for an entire year, like the Macho King, King Mabel, The King of Harts (Owen Hart), King Corbin, or Queen Zelina. Harley Race was the first wrestler to dawn this gimmick after winning the tournament, coming to the ring with a cloak and crown after winning the tournament. However, for some wrestlers, being named King or Queen of the Ring is a title or accomplishment they can hang on their mantle, knowing they worked their way through a tournament and came out on top. It can even be a moment that defines a career–and even an era in the industry–like when Steve Austin won and coined the phrase, “Austin 3:16 says, ‘I just whooped your ass.'” That’s the Attitude Era boiled down to a single moment.

Many fans see this tournament as a way to shine the spotlight on WWE wrestlers that should get that big push, strapping a rocket to their back to the main event. However, that’s not always the case.

The interesting thing about the history of the original King of the Ring is that between 1985-1991, this was an annual event only held at house shows. It wasn’t a PPV. It wasn’t televised. It was a way to boost house show attendance.

This year’s King and Queen of the Ring PLE will take place on Saturday, May 25 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia at the Jeddah Super Dome. So before we get to the upcoming PLE, let’s take a look at the winner of every single King and Queen of the Ring winner throughout the history of the tournament.

For more on the history of WWE, check out every WWE Hall of Fame inductee and every Wrestlemania main event.