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In this article, we take a look at four WWE Superstars who should have been part of the 2026 King of the Ring tournament but aren’t.
#4. CM Punk
CM Punk’s absence from the King of the Ring tournament is one of the most surprising omissions.
The Second City Saint remains one of WWE’s biggest attractions and continues to be featured prominently whenever he appears on television. Despite being one of the most accomplished competitors on the roster, Punk was nowhere to be found when the tournament brackets were revealed.
The winner of the contest receives an opportunity to challenge for the world championship at SummerSlam. Few stars are more qualified to compete for that prize than Punk. His experience, popularity, and ability to deliver in high-pressure situations would have made him an instant favorite to win the entire competition.
Beyond CM Punk’s credentials, his inclusion would have added intrigue to virtually every matchup. WWE could have revisited old rivalries or created entirely new ones along the way.
Imagine matches against Seth Rollins, LA Knight, Carmelo Hayes, or even Jey Uso on the Road to Night of Champions. Any of those bouts could have easily headlined a premium live event.
Although WWE may have other plans for Punk heading into SummerSlam season, it is difficult to ignore the fact that the tournament feels slightly less prestigious without a former world champion of his caliber participating.
#3. Former WWE Champion Randy Orton
When discussing the KOTR tournament, Randy Orton is exactly the type of superstar fans expect to see.
The Viper has spent more than two decades proving himself as one of the most dangerous competitors in WWE history. His ability to win matches out of nowhere with a single RKO makes him a perfect fit for this tournament format.
Orton’s exclusion is particularly puzzling. Perhaps because the company has frequently relied on him whenever a major storyline or championship picture needs additional star power.
The King of the Ring tournament is supposed to feature the very best WWE has to offer. Hence, leaving out a future Hall of Famer and multiple-time World Champion seems like a missed opportunity.
The Viper’s presence would have instantly elevated the bracket and created countless possibilities for dream matches. A deep tournament run could also have served as the perfect vehicle to set up one final world title chase.
Fans seemingly rally behind Orton whenever he gets close to championship gold. Hence, the King of the Ring would have been an ideal platform for that story. Instead, one of WWE’s most decorated superstars will seemingly watch from the sidelines while others battle for a title opportunity at SummerSlam.
#2. Gunther
Gunther may have the strongest case of anyone on this list. The Ring General just challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Clash in Italy. He pushed the champion to his absolute limit before ultimately coming up short in controversial fashion. The Career Killer’s foot being under the rope during the decisive pinfall should have changed the outcome of the match.
Considering how close Gunther came to becoming champion, his absence from the King of the Ring tournament is difficult to justify. Several stars who have accomplished less over the past year found their way into the bracket. Meanwhile, a former World Champion and one of WWE’s most dominant performers was left out.
Including The Ring General would have immediately raised the level of the competition. In fact, he may have entered the tournament as the favorite to win it. His hard-hitting style and unmatched intensity make him a threat against anyone on the roster.
More importantly, winning the tournament would have provided a straightforward path back into the world title picture after Gunther’s disappointing loss to Cody Rhodes. If the company wanted to tell a redemption story, there may not have been a better candidate than The Career Killer.
#1. Jimmy Uso
Jimmy Uso’s exclusion might be the biggest missed opportunity of them all. Although his brother, Jey Uso, continues to receive major singles opportunities, Jimmy remains stuck trying to find his footing after years of being associated with The Bloodline.
The King of the Ring tournament could have changed that. Big Jim has quietly become one of WWE’s most reliable performers. He has experience in high-profile matches, possesses tremendous charisma, and already has established connections to some of the company’s biggest ongoing storylines.
Most importantly, the tournament would have given Jimmy Uso a chance to finally step out of the shadow of both Jey Uso and Roman Reigns. Imagine Jimmy putting together a Cinderella run and advancing deeper into the bracket than anyone expected.
The story practically writes itself. Every victory would increase Big Jim’s confidence while simultaneously proving that he belongs in WWE’s upper tier. Even if he ultimately fell short of winning the crown, the tournament could have elevated him significantly.
Instead, Jimmy Uso was left out entirely while several less accomplished stars received an opportunity to compete. For a superstar still searching for his defining singles moment, missing out on the 2026 King of the Ring tournament may set his career back even further. Unless WWE has other plans for him, this is a major disappointment for fans.
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