What Is 1987 WWF King of the Ring

Overview

The 1987 WWF King of the Ring marked the inaugural edition of what would become an annual tradition in professional wrestling. Though not yet broadcast as a pay-per-view, the event was a major house show produced by the World Wrestling Federation and featured a unique single-elimination tournament format centered on in-ring excellence.

Hosted on September 7, 1987, at the Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Missouri, the event showcased some of the WWF's top talent competing for the symbolic title of 'King of the Ring.' While not televised live, it laid the foundation for future King of the Ring events that would evolve into full-fledged PPVs by the mid-1990s.

• Randy 'Macho Man' Savage emerged victorious by defeating Jim Duggan in the finals, earning the tournament trophy and a major career boost.
• The tournament included eight competitors: a mix of established stars and rising mid-card talent, including Bret Hart, Greg Valentine, and Ricky Steamboat.
• Each match was a standard singles bout with no weight class restrictions, emphasizing storytelling and technical ability over gimmicks.
• The event was not broadcast on television at the time but was later released on home video and WWE Network compilations.
• Though not a pay-per-view, it drew a live attendance of approximately 8,500 fans, reflecting the WWF's growing national popularity in the mid-1980s.

How It Works

The 1987 King of the Ring followed a straightforward single-elimination tournament structure, with predetermined match outcomes designed to elevate key performers and advance storylines.

• Tournament Format: Eight wrestlers were seeded into a bracket; each round was a one-fall singles match, with winners advancing until a champion was crowned.
• Match Length: Matches averaged 8 to 12 minutes, allowing enough time for drama while maintaining event pacing.
• Referees and Judges: Standard WWF referees officiated; no judges scored the bouts—victories came by pinfall, submission, or disqualification.
• Booking Decisions: The WWF creative team determined outcomes to enhance character arcs—Savage’s win positioned him as a top-tier main eventer.
• Post-Match Ceremonies: The winner was crowned in a ring ceremony featuring a regal robe, scepter, and crown, establishing the event’s theatrical flair.
• Storyline Integration: Results were used to fuel future feuds—Savage’s victory intensified his rivalry with Duggan and other top contenders.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 1987 King of the Ring with later televised editions of the event:

The 1987 event was modest compared to later years but crucial in establishing the King of the Ring as a platform for rising stars. By 1993, it had transitioned into a televised PPV, and by 1997, it became legendary—especially due to Steve Austin’s iconic post-match promo. The 1987 version set the template for future success.

Why It Matters

The 1987 WWF King of the Ring holds historical significance as the origin point of a major wrestling tradition that helped launch careers and shape storylines throughout the 1990s.

• Launched Randy Savage into main event status, cementing his 'Macho King' persona that persisted for years.
• Introduced the concept of a summer tournament to spotlight talent during the off-peak wrestling season.
• Provided early exposure for future stars like Bret Hart, who competed in the quarterfinals.
• Established a format later used for other tournaments, including the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal.
• Demonstrated the WWF’s ability to create story-driven events without relying on championship titles.
• Influenced how promotions use tournaments—not just for crowning winners, but for building long-term narratives.

Though overshadowed by later, more televised versions, the 1987 King of the Ring remains a pivotal moment in WWF history—the first step in transforming a house show into a cornerstone of professional wrestling culture.