WWE King of the Ring tournament began on the recent RAW episode.
The 2025 King and Queen of the Ring tournament began this week on RAW. The finals will take place at Night of Champions at the end of this month, with the winner gaining a championship opportunity at WWE SummerSlam.
Sami Zayn has already advanced in the men’s division, while Roxanne Perez on the women’s side. However, what got everyone talking is the mystery man advertised for the next RAW tournament between Sheamus, Rusev, and Bronson Reed. Mr. Iguana, Goldberg, and Roman Reigns have been suggested by fans, but other notable names can also appear.
Who will be the MYSTERY COMPETITOR?! 👀 pic.twitter.com/vCWDy7Xxc2
— WWE (@WWE) June 10, 2025
Here are five possible King of the Ring Mystery Man candidates:
#5. Jey Uso Has A Lot To Prove After Losing The World Heavyweight Title
Jey Uso recently lost the World Heavyweight Championship to Gunther. The loss is surely heartbreaking, especially since his son was in the front row to witness the entire thing. Due to this, The Yeet Master can start his redemption by becoming the KOTR.
After the mixed reaction his title reign experienced these past few months, Jey joining the tournament and facing notable and experienced stars can help him prove doubters wrong. Not only that, but it could also help him land on the title picture again after proving himself.
#4. El Grande Americano Might Shock The Wrestling World Again
El Grande Americano has landed on several high-profile matches lately, the most recent being the Money in the Bank ladder match. Although he lost that bout, he came close to winning the contract and delivered some notable moments. Due to this, it won’t be that much of a shock if he is also part of the WWE tournament.
The suspected Chad Gable can make his case by saying that he did well on his first MITB ladder match, and would surely do the same at the King of the Ring tournament. Also, the competitors in that match are stars he can have an interesting clash.
#3. R-Truth Is Gone, Ron Killings Is Here
R-Truth just shocked EVERYONE with what he did!
Say hello to RON KILLINGS!#WWERawpic.twitter.com/r6XnhSh6ao— WWE (@WWE) June 10, 2025
R-Truth returned at the end of Money in the Bank 2025 after departing the company a week before. He appeared on the recent RAW show and delivered a strong promo as Ron Killings. From the looks of it, the wrestling legend has a lot in store for the coming weeks.
If anything, the former WWE champion showed he has a more serious character and is dedicated to proving himself. Due to this, he can convince Adam Pearce to let him enter the tournament, marking it as his first match with his new persona.
#2. Fans Want To See Karrion Kross In the KOTR Tournament
A lot of fans are disappointed with the continuous absence of Karrion Kross on WWE television, especially at the Men’s Money in the Bank. However, the Stamford-based promotion can correct this wrong by having him in the King of the Ring tournament.
Despite not being showcased every week for a match, The Harbinger of Doom remains a fan-favorite despite mainly only having backstage segments. If anything, WWE should capitalize on his popularity to add the superstar to the tournament.
#1. Ilja Dragunov Is The Favorite To Be The Mystery Man At WWE King Of The Ring Tournament
In September last year, Ilja Dragunov sustained an injury during a house show match against Gunther. He was expected to be out for 6-9 months, but previous reports indicated that he might return “sooner rather than later.”
With Gunther becoming the World Heavyweight Champion again, many fans hope to see both NXT UK rivals clash again. They have delivered spectacular matches in the past, and the injured star joining the King of the Ring tournament against some of WWE’s heaviest hitters can send a message to the champion that will be hard to miss.