After Adam Pearce, the WWE General Manager, announced Jey Uso as the final contestant in the King of the Ring tournament’s opening round, fans debated whether he was the best fit for the spot. For those considering better alternatives to Jey Uso in WWE King of the Ring, several other wrestlers stood out as more compelling choices for the high-stakes match.
Jey Uso’s Participation Sparks Debate
Recently, Adam Pearce took to social media to reveal that Main Event Jey Uso would be stepping in as the fourth participant in the last opening round match of the King of the Ring. This selection followed Jey’s defeat by Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship on RAW, suggesting the tournament spot was reserved for the loser between the two wrestlers.
The initial match card advertised Bronson Reed, Rusev, Sheamus, and an unnamed competitor, leading many wrestling fans to speculate about the mystery performer. Jey’s addition left a portion of the audience underwhelmed, with many arguing the choice lacked surprise or excitement. As anticipation built, alternative names trended among the WWE community, sparking discussions about who could have electrified the bout instead.
Mr. Iguana: A Fan-Favorite with Global Appeal
Mr. Iguana, a unique AAA star recognized for his vivid green and black face paint and his stuffed animal sock puppet, entered the international spotlight during WWE Worlds Collide. Partnering with Aerostar and Octagon Jr. in the opening encounter, Iguana’s persona resonated well with fans worldwide. He further appeared at flagship events like Money in the Bank, RAW, and NXT, gradually captivating a larger WWE fanbase.
The inclusion of Mr. Iguana in the King of the Ring tournament was highly anticipated, especially after a vignette surrounding him aired during RAW. Many felt that the lucha star’s colorful character would have injected more energy and unpredictability into the match than Jey Uso’s participation did. The desire for a fresh face became especially apparent as conversations across social media platforms gained traction.
Ilja Dragunov: A Unique Wrestling Phenomenon
Ilja Dragunov, known as “The Mad Dragon,” is celebrated for his explosive physicality and singular wrestling style. Having previously held both the WWE United Kingdom Championship and NXT Championship, Dragunov’s credentials have earned him recognition as one of the company’s special talents. Unique in his delivery, his selling, strikes, and in-ring emotion set him apart from others in the industry.
Though fans have not seen Dragunov for some time following an injury during a live event after joining Monday Night RAW, speculation about his return remains persistent. Many believed that, if cleared, his comeback as the fourth man in the King of the Ring opening round would have been both logical and exciting. His inclusion would have brought an unpredictable edge, especially in contrast to Jey Uso’s relatively recent defeat and subsequent selection.
El Grande Americano: The Masked Sensation with Strong In-Ring Prowess
El Grande Americano quickly established himself as a captivating addition to WWE, billed as a legendary luchador from the Gulf of Mexico and an acclaimed Speed Title holder. While the elaborate persona is, in fact, Chad Gable under a mask, the storyline origin involves Gable adopting the Americano guise after struggling to triumph over established luchadores. His tactics, which involve cheating and theatrics, added a layer of intrigue to WWE’s roster of characters.
Despite Chad Gable, as himself, not appearing in the tournament, El Grande Americano’s presence as the mystery competitor would have been a popular and engaging alternative to Jey Uso. His inclusion might have raised the stakes for the match thanks to his in-ring skill and the novelty behind the mask, offering audiences a fresher matchup dynamic.
Ricky Saints: Rising Star on the Verge of Main Roster Stardom
Ricky Saints, a recent acquisition from All Elite Wrestling, made a notable impact upon arriving on WWE’s NXT brand, quickly capturing the North American Championship. Despite his brief reign, which ended with a loss to former NXT Champion Ethan Page, rumors swirled about him moving up to the main WWE roster.
As anticipation grew, fans expressed strong interest in seeing Ricky Saints take the fourth spot, considering him overdue for a larger stage. His in-ring capabilities, paired with his relative freshness to WWE audiences, made him a more exciting contender than Jey Uso. The potential for a breakout moment at the King of the Ring might have better served both Saints and WWE’s evolving brand narratives.
What Comes Next for the King of the Ring Tournament?
The decision to position Jey Uso as the final opening round participant in the King of the Ring has resulted in mixed emotions among wrestling supporters, with some still voicing disappointment despite his accomplishments. While Jey’s storyline connects directly to his recent championship loss and ongoing rivalries, the list of potential alternatives—Mr. Iguana, Ilja Dragunov, El Grande Americano, and Ricky Saints—demonstrates the wider roster depth WWE could have tapped to engage its audience further. Attention will now turn to whether Jey’s run in the tournament can shift perceptions or if the clamor for change influences future creative decisions in WWE’s major events.
