WWE has finally released the full list of competitors for the King of the Ring SmackDown field.
The king of the ring is a professional wrestling match that takes place every year at WrestleMania. This year, the full field has been revealed.
The WWE King of the Ring competition started tonight on SmackDown, and the first two rounds featured Rey Mysterio vs. Sami Zayn and Finn Balor vs. Cesaro. After a brawl between Bianca Belair, Becky Lynch, and Sasha Banks, Round 1 kicked off with Mysterio vs. Zayn, and after Zayn got off to a strong start, Dominick stepped out to encourage his father. Rey would make a comeback and nearly score a pin, but Zayn would kick him out. After a Springboard Hurricanrana, Rey sent Zayn spiraling hard to the mat, but Zayn kicked out.
Zayn attempted the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Rey successfully countered. He attempted the 619 but failed, Zayn performed the Blue Thunder Bomb, but Rey kicked out of the following pin. Zayn then yanked the pad off the turnbuckle, but Dominick saw him. He was about to pick up the pad and re-insert it, when Rey recovered and ordered Dominick to leave the ring.
The referee was also ordering Dominick to go, but when Rey turned around to speak to Dom, Zayn took advantage and attacked him from behind, knocking him down and allowing him enough time to pin him. He’d get the three-count, bringing Zayne closer to become the next King of the Ring.
Next up is Finn Balor vs. Cesaro, who fought to a draw right away. Cesaro won the opening exchange, controlling Balor’s arm, but Balor would counter with a side headlock. Cesaro attempted to lift him, but Balor leapt and stepped on the ropes, locking them up once again. Cesaro attempted a pin with a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker, but Balor kicked out.
Cesaro then slammed Balor into the corner and attempted to pin him, but Balor kicked out. Cesaro then performed a Leg Drop on Balor and attempted a pin, but Balor kicked out once again. Cesaro landed a chop and an uppercut, but Balor leapt over Cesaro and landed a Double Stomp on him. He then grabbed Cesaro and slung him over the ropes before diving, but Cesaro countered with an uppercut. Balor rolled out of the ring after kicking out of the pin for the second time.
Balor was in control as we returned from commercial, but Cesaro kicked out of a pin attempt. Balor then repeatedly stomped Cesaro and attempted a Sling Blade, but Cesaro stopped him and delivered multiple Uppercuts in a succession. Balor then used the Sling Blade to take out both opponents.
Cesaro attempted another move, but Balor intercepted him and knocked him down. He climbed to the top, but Cesaro smacked him in the face with an uppercut. He then climbed to the top rope and hit a headbutt. Cesaro hit a SuperPlex despite Balor’s stoppage, but Balor kicked out of the pin. Cesaro then locked in a CrossFace, which Balor was able to break by rolling backwards.
Cesaro managed to win the following exchange, but Balor caught him off guard and almost pinned him. He then deflected Cesaro’s attack, causing him to collide into the post. Balor then followed up with a huge DropKick and a Coup de Grace for the pin and the victory.
On Monday Night Raw, Kofi Kingston will face Jinder Mahal and Xavier Woods will face Ricochet.
Who do you think will emerge victorious in the King of the Ring tournament? Let us know in the comments, and as usual, you can reach out to me on Twitter at @MattAguilarCB to discuss all things wrestling!
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- wwe smackdown 2021
