Add as a preferred source on Google The King of the Ring may have undergone a major change before even getting started in WWE.
After officially revealing the brackets on the Clash in Italy post-show, WWE listed Penta, Oba Femi, Solo Sikoa, and Carmelo Hayes for the first Fatal 4-Way Match of the tournament. On its official website, the company also kept Dominik Mysterio, Bron Breakker, Trick Williams, Damian Priest, Seth Rollins, Je’Von Evans, Talla Tonga, Ricky Saints, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Royce Keys, and Finn Bálor in the rest of the bracket.
However, Drew McIntyre has since been promoted for the tournament, raising the possibility of a last-minute change to the men’s bracket. As of now, WWE has not published a written update confirming who would be removed from the field.
WWE has seemingly changed the KOTR bracket.
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) June 1, 2026
Drew McIntyre is now being promoted for the tournament. pic.twitter.com/eM9zcesdW3
McIntyre had already been mentioned behind the scenes in a different context. According to rumors, The Scottish Warrior was considered as an alternative to face Roman Reigns at Clash in Italy if Jacob Fatu was not cleared for Tribal Combat. Fatu ended up competing as scheduled and was defeated by Reigns.
The winner of the King of the Ring will earn a world title opportunity at SummerSlam 2026, while the tournament final will take place at Night of Champions on June 27 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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It remains to be seen whether McIntyre’s possible addition is simply a promotional correction or if WWE has actually decided to alter one of the strongest paths in the tournament.