The 2019 edition of WWE King of the Ring is underway with 16 superstars participating. Four matches have already gotten underway with some familiar names like Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Cesaro already out of contention. Skimming through the remaining competitors, there is one that is reportedly a favorite to win it all.

Brad Shepard cited sources and revealed on his show "Oh, You Didn't Know" that Drew McIntyre is the WWE's pick to win it all this year. However, that seems to be only the initial take. The WWE has been known to change plans at the last minutes. It all depends on what WWE CEO Vince McMahon wants to happen.

It was indicated in a previous post that it would normally be a heel WWE star who could be crowned the 2019 WWE King of the Ring. The last five winners can attest to that. They were Brock Lesnar (2002), Booker T (2006), William Regal (2008), Sheamus (2010) and Bad News Barrett (2015). From that list, only Lesnar and Sheamus went on to better things. Could this mean a big push for the former WWE Intercontinental Champion?

The Scottish wrestler has long been rumored of getting a push and it appears this will be his ticket. He is set to face Ricochet, another up and coming superstar in the eliminations. Should he get past him, the road to the 2019 KOTR title is expected to get tougher since Samoa Joe will face the winner of that match.

Last month, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson sees the Scottish Psychopath as someone who has the potential to rise in the WWE ranks. He explains in an interview with TMZ Sports why McIntyre could be the next rising star in the promotion.

"I think he's got a great look, great build," said The Rock.

Ironically, McIntyre feuded with The Rock's Cousin, Roman Reigns, earlier this year. That WWE storyline hardly prospered although winning the King of the Ring this year could add more spice to that feud. There is a lot on the table for McIntyre and it appears rumors of him getting the push are slowly making sense.

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The WWE logo hangs on a wall at a media conference announcing the all-star lineup of WWE WrestleMania XIX at ESPN Zone in Times Square in New York City, March 18, 2003. Mark Mainz/Getty Images
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