10 Moments That Destroyed WWE's King Of The Ring
1. Bad News Barrett Released
In what may very well have been the death knell of the once highly acclaimed honor, the most recent King Of The Ring is not even a part of the company despite being crowned in the spring of 2015.
So much for long-term planning, eh?
Wade Barrett became only the second performer in WWE history to be taken off TV and released from his contract nearly a year after winning the King Of The Ring. Mabel was first to experience this unenviable fate back in early 1996.
To be fair and in the interest of full disclosure, Barrett had already informed WWE that he would not be re-signing with them whereas Mabel was released from his contract involuntarily.
Another difference between now and then is the prestige of the award.
In 1995, the King Of The Ring was a very big deal and Mabel winning it positioned him to headline SummerSlam. In 2015, Barrett became a laughing stock almost immediately after winning the tournament and was featured on the pre-show rather than the main event.
The release of a King Of The Ring less than a year after winning the event should tell you just exactly what kind of state the crown is in.