WWE King of the Ring Tournament Report, 5/6/2024: Upsets and Surprises in the First Round

The first three matches of the opening round of the 2024 King of the Ring tournament took place on “WWE Raw,” setting the stage for an intense competition as six men battled for the right to advance. “Main Event” Jey Uso, Ilja Dragunov, and GUNTHER emerged victorious, showcasing their strength and skill as they moved one step closer to claiming the prestigious King of the Ring title.

The opening bout saw Jey Uso triumph in a hard-fought contest, demonstrating why he deserves the “Main Event” moniker. His victory brought the energy in the arena to new heights, setting the tone for the evening. Following Uso’s win, Ilja Dragunov displayed his trademark intensity and unique style, overpowering his opponent to secure his place in the next round.

GUNTHER, the dominant Intercontinental Champion, continued his streak of excellence with a decisive win, reinforcing his reputation as one of WWE’s most formidable competitors. The powerhouse’s victory solidified his standing as a favorite in the tournament and added to the intrigue surrounding the upcoming matches.

However, the night wasn’t without its share of drama. A surprise absence and a rescheduled match added an extra layer of suspense, leaving fans curious about the reasons behind the unexpected changes. These developments have only heightened the anticipation for the rest of the tournament, as the remaining competitors gear up for their chance to be crowned King of the Ring in 2024. With the stakes higher than ever, fans can expect more twists, turns, and unforgettable moments as the tournament continues to unfold.

Drew McIntyre’s Absence and Jey Uso’s Victory

Before “Raw” even began, it was announced that Drew McIntyre was not medically cleared to compete in the tournament. As a result, “Main Event” Jey Uso replaced him in his match against Finn Balor. McIntyre attempted to create chaos by storming down to the ring at the end of the bout, seemingly trying to distract Uso. However, Uso capitalized on the distraction, hitting Balor with a spear to secure the win. With this victory, Uso advances to the quarterfinals.

Ilja Dragunov’s Main Roster Rise

The second match of the night featured Ricochet against Ilja Dragunov, the former NXT Champion who had recently been called up to “Raw” during the WWE Draft. Dragunov made his main roster debut following WrestleMania 40, and his performance in this match demonstrated why he’s known as “The Mad Dragon.” The high-flying bout kept fans on the edge of their seats, with Dragunov ultimately scoring the win with an H-bomb. The sportsmanship between the two competitors was evident as they shook hands in the middle of the ring after the match. Dragunov now moves on to face Uso in the next round.

GUNTHER’s Brutal Showdown with Sheamus

The final match of the night was a hard-hitting clash between former Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER and the newly returned Sheamus. GUNTHER targeted Sheamus’ knee throughout the match, methodically wearing him down. Despite battling through the pain and showing incredible resilience, Sheamus couldn’t withstand GUNTHER’s brutal offense. “The Ring General” applied a Boston Crab that forced Sheamus to tap out, securing his advancement to the quarterfinals of the King of the Ring tournament.

Upcoming Live Event Match

The missing match from Monday’s “Raw” was Kofi Kingston versus Rey Mysterio, which will take place during a live event this weekend. This unexpected change raised questions about why the match was pulled from the broadcast, but WWE assured fans that the match would go ahead as planned at the live event.

As the King of the Ring tournament continues, fans eagerly await the quarterfinal matchups, with Jey Uso set to face Ilja Dragunov and GUNTHER advancing to the next round. The shifting dynamics and unexpected changes in the lineup promise an exciting tournament, with plenty of surprises yet to come.