WWE Spoiler: A Championship Changes Hands at Raw Taping

Wade Barrett has defeated Kofi Kingston for the Intercontinental Championship, WWE.com has revealed. 

The victory came Saturday evening at the Raw taping held in the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

On Twitter, Barrett bragged about his victory:

"

Tonight, I will sleep with gold against my soul. There is a new Intercontinental Champion and he comes armed with a Bull Hammer.

— Wade Barrett (@WadeBarrett) December 30, 2012"

Barrett has been chasing Kingston and his title for several weeks now, only to continue to fall short. The two met for the title at TLC, but the champion was able to leave the ring with belt in hand.

But on this week's episode of SmackDown, Barrett was able to pin Kingston during a six-man bout that also featured Team Rhodes Scholars and Team Hell No.

It may come as a surprise that the WWE would leak news of a title change two days before the Raw episode airs. But the WWE may be trying to up viewership during the holiday season.

According to Lordsofpain.net, last Monday's Christmas Eve edition scored a 2.2, the lowest rating for Raw since September 8, 1997. 

Even WWE.com ends their article imploring fans to tune in: "How was Barrett able to capture the Intercontinental Title? Watch Raw this Monday at 8/7 C on USA to find out!"

Barrett's title victory marks the start of second run with the Intercontinental title. Interestingly, his first reign started in March of 2011 with a win over Kingston.