It’s almost time for WWE King and Queen of the Ring.
The Premium Live Event goes down at Jeddah’s Super Dome in Saudi Arabia, kicking off at 1 PM ET on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network elsewhere.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right into WWE King and Queen of the Ring preview and predictions.
Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair (c) vs. Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell – Women’s Tag Team Championship at WWE King and Queen of the Ring
Bianca Belair was confronted by Candie LeRae and Indi Hartwell on the final SmackDown before WWE King and Queen of the Ring. Jade Cargill walked up to join her fellow WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. The four women will collide with the titles on the line in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Prediction: This match is set for the pre-show. Bianca and Cargill retain against Candi and Indi. I believe Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler will be the one to dethrone the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
Gunther (RAW) vs. Randy Orton (SmackDown) – King of the Ring finals
Gunther brutalized Sheamus, Kofi Kingston and Jey Uso to punch his ticket to KOTR tournament finals. He faces “The Viper” Randy Orton in a first-time match-up between the two men. Orton made his way past AJ Styles, Carmelo Hayes and Tama Tonga to punch his ticket to Saudi Arabia.
The winner of the tournament will get a future title shot. If Gunther wins, he gets a World Heavyweight Championship shot at SummerSlam 2024. If Orton picks up the win, he fights for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Biggest Party of the Summer.
Prediction: I’d very much prefer Gunther to claim his first world title at Bash in Berlin so Orton is my pick for the 2024 WWE King of the Ring. WWE apparently teased a showdown between Orton and Cody Rhodes on the kickoff show before WWE King and Queen of the Ring. Both men have a long history and a world title match between them is long overdue.
A loss to Orton won’t hurt Gunther’s momentum. The Ring General would inevitably find himself in the title picture sooner than later. Orton vs. Cody for the Undisputed WWE Championship sounds like a great main event for SummerSlam 2024. I’d even go as far to say that Orton would be a great pick to dethrone Rhodes, planting the seeds for the American Nightmare’s heel turn.
Lyra Valkyria (RAW) vs. Nia Jax (SmackDown) – Queen of the Ring finals
Lyra Valkyria defeated Dakota Kai, Zoey Stark and IYO SKY to advance to the QOTR tournament finals. Nia Jax, meanwhile, dominated the SmackDown block by picking up wins against Noami, Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair. The two women are set to clash in Saudi Arabia to determine the 2024 Queen of the Ring.
Triple H has already announced that the winner gets a world title shot at SummerSlam 2024. If Lyra wins, she gets a shot at the Women’s World Championship. If Nia wins, she earns the opportunity to fight for SmackDown’s WWE Women’s Championship.
Prediction: Lyra Valkyria has been on the main roster for only weeks and she’s already competing in the finals of a major tournament. There’s no denying WWE officials are impressed with her. Lyra is a great talent and one of the best to come out of NXT. That said, I’m going with Nia Jax as the winner.
Nia Jax’s current WWE run has been nothing short of great. She’s come out looking dominant in almost all the feuds she’s been as of late. Her quarterfinal against Jade Cargill was short but sweet. Nia would be the perfect heel foil to end Bayley’s run as the WWE Women’s Champion at SummerSlam 2024.
Becky Lynch (c) vs. Liv Morgan – Women’s World Championship match at WWE King and Queen of the Ring
Becky Lynch won a battle royal on the April 22, 2024, episode of WWE RAW to become the new Women’s World Champion. The Man came across Liv Morgan as her next opponent. Liv had previously injured Rhea Ripley during a backstage assault that caused Mami to relinquish her world title.
Prediction: The build-up to this feud has been underwhelming. Liv Morgan doesn’t make for the best challenger to square off against Becky Lynch for the title. I’m not a fan of this Liv Morgan revenge tour shtick. Becky goes over at WWE King and Queen of the Ring so they can move past this feud.
Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bronson Reed vs. Chad Gable – Intercontinental Championship triple threat match
Sami Zayn ended Gunther’s historic IC title run at WrestleMania 40 Night 1. Zayn successfully retained his title against Chad Gable in his home country of Canada a week later on RAW. Gable turned heel following his loss. Bronson Reed inserted himself into the mix by destroying both men week in and out.
Prediction: Zayn retains by pinning Gable. They’ve already teased an alliance between Gable and Creed Brothers. If it was Vince, Brutus and Julius would’ve helped Gable win the title at WWE King and Queen of the Ring. Triple H may take a different route because of his love for long-term booking.
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Logan Paul – Undisputed WWE Championship match
Cody Rhodes’s first title defense came against AJ Styles at Backlash France. The American Nightmare survived the Phenomenal One after a hard-hitting match. Cody would come across Logan Paul as his opponent on SmackDown. Fans thought both of their titles would be on the line. Paul tore the contract and asked his lawyer to present a new one. Rhodes signed, making the match just for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Prediction: I’ve certain Saudi Arabia asked for this match because they love Logan Paul. This match has the potential to steal the show. Cody picks up the win. I’m guessing we get another Logan Paul vs. LA Knight tease during the PLE. Knight gets Logan at SummerSlam, while Cody main events against former mentor and (my pick for) the 2024 King of the Ring Randy Orton.
Wrestlezone will have full coverage of WWE King and Queen of the Ring as it airs Saturday, May 25.
What are your predictions for the show? Let us know in the comments section below!
