Every MCU Villain Ranked Weakest To Strongest

Before returning to Wakanda to fight for the throne he claimed was his by right, Erik Stevens was a Navy SEAL so vicious he was given the name Killmonger. After learning of his Wakandan heritage, he journeyed to the hidden country and challenged T'Challa to the throne. It had taken years of preparation, but Killmonger defeated (and seemingly killed) Black Panther in ritual combat.

As the new leader of Wakanda, Killmonger took the mantel of the Black Panther, and was granted super soldier-like powers thanks to the local Heart-Shaped Herb. Added to that was his wearing of a new and improved Black Panther suit, making him more durable, bulletproof, quick and brutal.

Though he eventually lost to T'Challa during their second fight, Killmonger had already made his mark as one of the franchise's strongest villains.