Jason Burgos
With WWE Clash in Italy in the rear view, WWE has shifted gears toward the road to SummerSlam, and that begins with opening matchups in the annual King of the Ring.
On Monday night, this year’s tournament kicked off with a first-round matchup that saw Oba Femi destructively bounce back from his loss to Brock Lesnar at Clash in Italy. He would seem like the favorite to win this year’s tourney. However, according to a new report from Wrestle Votes, at least three names are under consideration in creative meetings to win the KOTR and get a title shot at SummerSlam.
With that in mind, we look at four stars with the most likely chance of winning this year’s King of the Ring.
Oba Femi
There is a very real chance that Femi continues his dominant run since arriving on the WWE main roster late last year. The company has heavily pushed the Nigerian and that won’t stop in 2026. However, the one thing that could derail a Femi KOTR win is Lesnar.
Rumors have swirled for months that he would officially end his in-ring career at SummerSlam in Minnesota. With the pair’s feud even at one win apiece after Clash in Italy, it’s possible “The Beast” costs Femi a KOTR win in the next few weeks to set up a trilogy clash in August. If not, “The Ruler” is winning it all.
Seth Rollins
Reports claimed that WWE’s original plan for WrestleMania 42 was another epic clash between former Shield brothers Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. Unfortunately, the former injured his shoulder and was unable to return in time for a proper build toward the bout.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if WWE goes back to that plan as one of the main events on a two-evening edition of SummerSlam in August. While fans have seen it before, the two men are beloved stars and deliver great television whenever they renew their years-long rivalry.
LA Knight
If anyone was well overdue for a massive career-defining moment, it is LA Knight. Fans love him, and he has seemed on the cusp of entering the main event pictures for a couple of years. Yet WWE hasn’t gone any further than an occasional world title opportunity.
Winning the King of the Ring would finally give Knight the iconic moment he deserves. Furthermore, the best way to maximize it would be to take on the man he hates most, Reigns, at SummerSlam and make a shocking heel turn to win the championship.
Trick Williams
Besides Femi, there is no hotter new performer on the main roster than Trick Williams. He may have the most well-liked entrance theme in the entire company, and it is a key part of his popularity. But he is also the total package as a performer. He is a fantastic athlete. A rock-solid wrestler. Is absurdly charismatic and is a top talent on the mic.
Williams winning the 2026 King of the Ring would be another huge step forward in his career. And while he wouldn’t win a world title at SummerSlam, it would be a moment to help keep him strong in 2026 and push him into the main event picture next year.
