King of the Ring 2006 was the nineteenth annual King of the Ring tournament produced by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). The tournament was held between April 14 and May 21, 2006. It was the second King of the Ring tournament to take place after WWE's brand extension. However, unlike the previous tournament (it was exclusive for both Raw and SmackDown brands), it was exclusive for only the SmackDown brand. The 2006 tournament was the first time the formerly annual event had been held after it was discontinued in 2002. The tournament was won by Booker T, who began using the ring name "King Booker" for the rest of his tenure in WWE.