Every WWE King Of The Ring Winner Ranked From Worst To Best

10. Hunter Hearst Helmsley (1997)

If things had gone how they were originally scripted, Hunter Hearst Helmsley would have won the 1996 King of the Ring tournament, denying us a “Stone Cold” Steve Austin victory and famed “Austin 3:16” promo. Alas, the “Curtain Call” was a real thing that happened.

Triple H’s stint in the WWF’s doghouse has been debated – he won the Intercontinental Championship that fall – but one thing that can’t be argued is that he was back on track the following year, winning the 1997 KOTR. Shortly after winning the tournament, Hunter, Shawn Michaels, Chyna and Rick Rude formed D-Generation X, which became one of the staples of the Attitude Era and one of the most influential stables in professional wrestling.

Helmsley himself would capture the European Championship at WrestleMania 14. The next night, Triple H would assume leadership of DX and re-form it, setting off on a path to the top for both the group and its leader. The Game would go on to become a 14-time World champion and five-time Intercontinental Champion.

While his crowning (*ahem*) achievement was delayed for a year, it’s hard to deny that things looked up for Triple H after he won King of the Ring.