Wrestling Gold: The History of the WWE Intercontinental Championship, Pt. 3
For this edition of Wrestling Gold, I present the WWE Intercontinental Championship!
The title was established in September 1979, but before that was the WWF North American Heavyweight Championship. Established just seven months beforehand, the North American title is seen as the predecessor to the Intercontinental title.
The North American Heavyweight Championship was unified with the South American Heavyweight Championship to create the Intercontinental Championship, but some believe there was no unification and that it was just said to explain the introduction of the new title.
WWE doesn’t recognize the two titles as the same, and they’re most likely not. Since the belt is a predecessor to the Intercontinental title, and it was “unified” with another to create it, I included its brief existence.
On May 6, 2002, the title would be renamed the WWE Intercontinental Championship due to the issues over the initials “WWF” with the World Wildlife Fund, and it would be briefly abandoned in October when it was unified with the World Heavyweight Championship.
The title would return seven months later and has been active ever since.
In part one of the title, the champions of the 1980s were presented! The 1980s saw 16 champions hold the belt, but in the part two, which was the champions of the 1990s, the Intercontinental Championship saw 43 title holders!
For part three of the title, the 67 title holders of the 2000s will be presented!
Chris Jericho and Chyna
1 of 68Defeated: Awarded
Where: Miami, Fla.
When: Jan. 3, 2000
Event: Raw is War
Title Reign: 20 days
Both Chris Jericho & Chyna were awarded the title by Stephanie McMahon, who was running the company with her husband Triple H after Vince McMahon left storylines, due to the double pin that occurred in their match a few weeks earlier. The reign came with the stipulation of if one loses, they both lose the title.
This reign is not officially recognized by WWE, though.
Chris Jericho
2 of 68Defeated: Chyna and Hardcore Holly
Where: New York City
When: Jan. 23, 2000
Event: Royal Rumble
Title Reign: 35 days
This was a triple threat match.
WWE Highlights:
One-time Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight champion
Three-time World Heavyweight champion
Two-time WCW World Heavyweight champion
Nine-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Kurt Angle
3 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Hartford, Conn.
When: Feb. 27, 2000
Event: No Way Out
Title Reign: 35 days
WWE Highlights:
Four-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
One-time World Heavyweight champion
One-time WCW World Heavyweight champion
One-time WWE European champion
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE Hardcore champion
One-time WWE Tag Team champion
2000 King of the Ring winner
Other career highlights:
Five-time TNA World Heavyweight champion
One-time IWGP World Heavyweight champion
One-time PPW Heavyweight champion
2007 and 2009 TNA King of the Mountain winner
Inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Class of 2012
Chris Benoit
4 of 68Defeated: Kurt Angle and Chris Jericho
Where: Anaheim, Calif.
When: April 2, 2000
Event: WrestleMania 2000
Title Reign: 30 days
This was a two-fall triple threat match that saw both this title and the European Championship on the line. Each title was on the line with each decision.
WWE Highlights:
One-time World Heavyweight champion
Four-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Three-time WWE United States champion
Three-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WWE Tag Team champion
2004 Royal Rumble winner
Chris Jericho
5 of 68Defeated: Chris Benoit
Where: Richmond, Va.
When: May 2, 2000
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: six days
WWE Highlights:
2008 Slammy Award for Superstar of the Year
2009 Slammy Award for Tag Team of the Year as Jeri-Show with the Big Show
Chris Benoit
6 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Uniondale, N.Y.
When: May 8, 2000
Event: Raw is War
Title Reign: 43 days
WCW Highlights:
One-time WCW World Heavyweight champion
Two-time WCW United States champion
ECW Highlights:
Rikishi
7 of 68Defeated: Chris Benoit
Where: Memphis, Tenn.
When: June 20, 2000
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: 14 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Two-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WWE Tag Team champion
WCCW Highlights:
One-time WCWA Texas Tag Team champion
Three-time WCWA World Tag Team champion
Other Career highlights:
One-time Portland Pacific Northwest Heavyweight champion
One-time PPW Heavyweight champion
One-time Campeonato Internacional Absoluto
One-time UWA World Trios champion
One-time WWC Caribbean Tag Team champion
Val Venis
8 of 68Defeated: Rikishi
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
When: July 4, 2000
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: 54 days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE European champion
One-time WWE World Tag Team champion
Other career highlights:
One-time CMLL World Heavyweight champion
One-time EXW Tag Team champion
One-time HWA Tag Team champion
One-time IWA World Tag Team champion
One-time WWC Television champion
Three-time WWC World Tag Team champion
1997 International Gran Prix winner
Chyna
9 of 68Defeated: Val Venis and Trish Stratus
Where: Raleigh, N.C.
When: Aug. 27, 2000
Event: SummerSlam
Title Reign: eight days
This was a tag team match between Eddie Guerrero and Chyna and the team of Val Venis and Trish Stratus. The first person to get a pin or submission on anyone in the ring would be champion. So when Chyna pinned Trish, she became the new Intercontinental champion.
WWE Highlights:
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Other career highlights:
One-time IWF Women’s champion
Eddie Guerrero
10 of 68Defeated: Chyna and Kurt Angle
Where: Lexington, Ky.
When: Sept. 4, 2000
Event: Raw is War
Title Reign: 78 days
This was a triple threat match.
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Four-time WWE Tag Team champion
One-time WWE United States champion
Two-time WWE European champion
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2006
WCW Highlights:
One-time WCW United States champion
ECW Highlights:
Billy Gunn
11 of 68Defeated: Eddie Guerrero
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
When: Nov. 21, 2000
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: 19 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
10-time WWE World Tag Team champion
Two-time WWE Hardcore champion
1999 King of the Ring winner
Other career highlights:
One-time APWA American champion
One-time BBFW Aruba champion
Two-time IWF Tag Team champion
One-time MCW Tag Team champion
One-time TWA Tag Team champion
One-time WPW World Heavyweight champion
Chris Benoit
12 of 68Defeated: Billy Gunn
Where: Birmingham, Ala.
When: Dec. 10, 2000
Event: Armageddon
Title Reign: 42 days
Stampede Wrestling highlights:
Four-time Stampede British Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight champion
Four-time Stampede Wrestling International Tag Team champion
Inducted into the Stampede Wrestling Hall of Fame
Chris Jericho
13 of 68Defeated: Chris Benoit
Where: New Orleans, La.
When: Jan. 21, 2001
Event: Royal Rumble
Title Reign: 72 days
WCW Highlights:
Four-time WCW Cruiserweight champion
One-time WCW World Television champion
Triple H
14 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Tulsa, Okla.
When: April 3, 2001
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: seven days
WWE Highlights:
Eight-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
Five-time World Heavyweight champion
Five-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Two-time WWE European champion
Two-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WWE Tag Team champion
Jeff Hardy
15 of 68Defeated: Triple H
Where: Philadelphia
When: April 10, 2001
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: six days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time World Heavyweight champion
One-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
Four-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE European champion
Three-time WWE Hardcore champion
One-time WWE Light Heavyweight champion
Six-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WCW World Tag Team champion
Triple H
16 of 68Defeated: Jeff Hardy
Where: Knoxville, Tenn.
When: April 16, 2001
Event: Raw is War
Title Reign: 34 days
WWE Highlights:
1997 King of the Ring winner
1997 Slammy Award for Best Hair
2002 Royal Rumble winner
2011 Slammy Award for OMG Moment of the Year
2012 Slammy Award for Match of the Year vs. the Undertaker
Kane
17 of 68Defeated: Triple H
Where: Sacramento, Calif.
When: May 20, 2001
Event: Judgment Day
Title Reign: 37 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
One-time World Heavyweight champion
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Nine-time WWE World Tag team champion
Two-time WWE Tag Team champion
One-time WWE Hardcore champion
One-time WCW World Tag Team champion
2010 SmackDown Money in the Bank winner
2010 Slammy Award for Best Family Values
Albert
18 of 68Defeated: Kane
Where: New York City
When: June 26, 2001
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: 27 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Other career highlights:
One-time IZW Heavyweight champion
Two-time IWGP Tag Team champion
One-time PPW Heavyweight champion
One-time PPW Young Guns champion
One-time GHC tag Team champion
2007 and 2009 G1 Climax Tag team League winner
2006 New Japan Cup winner
Lance Storm
19 of 68Defeated: Albert
Where: Buffalo, N.Y.
When: July 23, 2001
Event: Raw is War
Title Reign: 27 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Four-time WWE World Tag Team champion
WCW Highlights:
Three-time WCW United States champion
One-time WCW Cruiserweight champion
ECW Highlights:
Three-time ECW World Tag Team champion
Smoky Mountain Wrestling Highlights:
One-time SMW Beat the Champ Television champion
Other career highlights:
Five-time CRMW Commonwealth Mid-Heavyweight champion
Two-time CRMW International/North American champion
One-time CRMW North American Tag Team champion
Two-time CWA Catch Junior Heavyweight champion
Two-time WAR International Junior Heavyweight champion
One-time WAR World Six-Man Tag Team champion
Edge
20 of 68Defeated: Lance Storm
Where: San Jose, Calif.
When: Aug. 19, 2001
Event: SummerSlam
Title Reign: 35 days
WWE Highlights:
Seven-time World Heavyweight champion
Four-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
Five-time WWE Intercontinental champion
12-time WWE World Tag Team champion
Two-time WWE Tag Team champion
One-time WCW United States champion
Christian
21 of 68Defeated: Edge
Where: Pittsburgh, Pa.
When: Sept. 23, 2001
Event: Unforgiven
Title Reign: 28 days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time World Heavyweight champion
Two-time ECW World Heavyweight champion
Four-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Nine-time WWE World Tag team champion
One-time WWE European champion
One-time WWE Hardcore champion
One-time WWE Light Heavyweight champion
Edge
22 of 68Defeated: Christian
Where: St. Louis, Mo.
When: Oct. 21, 2001
Event: No Mercy
Title Reign: 15 days
WWE Highlights:
2001 King of the Ring winner
2005 Money in the Bank winner
2008 Slammy Award for Couple of the Year with Vickie Guerrero
2010 Royal Rumble winner
2010 Slammy Award for “Oh Snap” Meltdown of the Year
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012
Test
23 of 68Defeated: Edge
Where: Uniondale, N.Y.
When: Nov. 5, 2001
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 13 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Two-time WWE Hardcore champion
One-time WWE European champion
One-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WCW World Tag Team champion
Other career highlights:
One-time WWW Heavyweight champion
Edge
24 of 68Defeated: Test
Where: Greensboro, N.C.
When: Nov. 18, 2001
Event: Survivor Series
Title Reign: 63 days
Other career highlights:
Two-time ICW Street Fight Tag Team champion
One-time ICW/MWCW Mid-West Unified Tag Team champion
One-time OCW Tag Team champion
One-time SSW Tag Team champion
William Regal
25 of 68Defeated: Edge
Where: Atlanta
When: Jan. 20, 2002
Event: Royal Rumble
Title Reign: 56 days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Four-time World Tag team champion
Five-time WWE Hardcore champion
Four-time WWE European champion
2008 King of the Ring winner
Rob Van Dam
26 of 68Defeated: William Regal
Where: Toronto
When: March 17, 2002
Event: WrestleMania X8
Title Reign: 35 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
One-time ECW World Heavyweight champion
Six-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Two-time WWE World Tag team champion
One-time WWE Tag team champion
One-time WWE European champion
Four-time WWE Hardcore champion
2006 Money in the Bank winner
Eddie Guerrero
27 of 68Defeated: Rob Van Dam
Where: Kansas City, Mo.
When: April 21, 2002
Event: Backlash
Title Reign: 36 days
Due to a lawsuit by the World Wildlife Fund over the initials “WWF,” the World Wrestling Federation changed their name to World Wrestling Entertainment.
On an episode of Raw on May 6, 2002 from Hartford, Connecticut, WWE was officially recognized under the new name and all titles were renamed as such. This very first show under the WWE banner was an event I actually got to attend!
Other career highlights:
One-time AAA World Tag Team champion
One-time IWA Mid-South Heavyweight champion
One-time LAWA Heavyweight champion
One-time PWF World Tag Team champion
One-time WWA International Cruiserweight champion
One-time WWA Welterweight champion
One-time WWA Trios champion
1996 Best of Super Juniors winner
1996 Junior Heavyweight Super Grade Tag Team League winner
Inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame Class of 2008
Rob Van Dam
28 of 68Defeated: Eddie Guerrero
Where: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
When: May 26, 2002
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 63 days
On July 21, 2002 from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Rob Van Dam battled Jeff Hardy in a Ladder match with both this title and the European Championship on the line.
After Van Dam grabbed both titles, the European Championship was officially unified with the Intercontinental Championship. The unification saw the WWE European Championship abandoned.
Chris Benoit
29 of 68Defeated: Rob Van Dam
Where: Greensboro, N.C.
When: July 29, 2002
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 27 days
Other career highlights:
One-time NWA World Tag Team champion
One-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight champion
1993 and 1995 Best of Super Juniors winner
Rob Van Dam
30 of 68Defeated: Chris Benoit
Where: Uniondale, N.Y.
When: Aug. 25, 2002
Event: SummerSlam
Title Reign: 22 days
On Aug. 26, 2002 from New York City, Rob Van Dam battled Tommy Dreamer in a Hardcore match with both this title and the Hardcore Championship on the line.
After Van Dam defeated his fellow ECW alumnus, the Hardcore Championship was officially unified with the Intercontinental Championship. The unification saw the WWE Hardcore Championship abandoned.
Chris Jericho
31 of 68Defeated: Rob Van Dam
Where: Denver, Co.
When: Sept. 16, 2002
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 14 days
ECW Highlights:
One-time ECW World Television champion
Kane
32 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Houston
When: Sept. 30, 2002
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 20 days
Smoky Mountain Wrestling Highlights:
One-time SMW Tag Team champion
Other career highlights:
One-time USWA Heavyweight champion
Triple H
33 of 68Defeated: Kane
Where: Little Rock, Ark.
When: Oct. 20, 2002
Event: No Mercy
Title Reign: a few minutes
On this night, Intercontinental champion Kane battled World Heavyweight champion Triple H with both titles on the line. After the Game defeated the Big Red Monster, the Intercontinental Championship was officially unified with the World Heavyweight Championship.
The unification saw the WWE Intercontinental Championship abandoned after 23 years of existence.
Other career highlights:
One-time IWF Heavyweight champion
Christian
34 of 68Defeated: Booker T, Val Venis, Chris Jericho, Goldust, Test, Lance Storm, Kane and Rob Van Dam
Where: Charlotte, N.C.
When: May 18, 2003
Event: Judgment Day
Title Reign: 50 days
On May 5, 2003, co-general manager of RAW Stone Cold Steve Austin reinstated the WWE Intercontinental Championship. It was decided that the title would be on the line at that month’s pay per view, Judgment Day, in a battle royal.
Booker T would go onto win the match and become the new champion. When Booker threw Christian over the top rope, though, the referee was down on the outside of the ring and didn’t see it. Christian would then grab the title, hit Booker with it, and throw him over the top rope just as the referee was getting up.
The situation saw Christian as the official winner of the match.
Booker would win the title on June 30, 2003, but co-general manager of RAW Eric Bischoff came out and said that both Christian’s and Booker’s shoulders were down at the time of the three-count. That meant that the match was a draw, so the title was awarded back to Christian.
Booker would again win the title on July 7, but Christian’s foot was on the bottom rope during the count. The referee soon noticed his mistake, reversed the decision and award the title back to Christian. The match was restarted, which was eventually won by Booker.
Booker T
35 of 68Defeated: Christian
Where: Montreal
When: July 7, 2003
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 34 days
Christian would win the title on July 14, but during the match, referee Earl Hebner was knocked out. A new referee then came out and Christian won the title by holding the ropes for leverage.
Hebner soon woke up and started to argue with the other referee, so co-general manager of RAW Steve Austin came out with a third referee and restarted the match.
WWE Highlights:
One-time World Heavyweight champion
One-time WCW World Heavyweight champion
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Three-time WWE United States champion
Two-time WWE Hardcore champion
Three-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WCW World Tag Team champion
2006 King of the Ring winner
WCW Highlights:
Four-time WCW World Heavyweight champion
One-time WCW United States champion
10-time WCW World Tag Team champion
Six-time WCW World Television champion
Other career highlights:
One-time TNA World Tag Team champion
Three-time GWF Tag Team champion
One-time LVPW UWF Heavyweight champion
One-time PWA Heavyweight champion
One-time TAP Heavyweight champion
Christian
36 of 68Defeated: Booker T
Where: Des Moines, Iowa
When: Aug. 10, 2003
Event: House Show
Title Reign: 50 days
Other career highlights:
Two-time NWA World Heavyweight champion
One-time ECWA Heavyweight champion
One-time PCW Heavyweight champion
Rob Van Dam
37 of 68Defeated: Christian
Where: Chicago
When: Sept. 29, 2003
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 28 days
ECW Highlights:
Two-time ECW World Tag Team champion
One-time ECW World Television champion
Chris Jericho
38 of 68Defeated: Rob Van Dam
Where: Fayetteville, N.C.
When: Oct. 27, 2003
Event: Raw
Title Reign: ~10 minutes
Other career highlights:
One-time CRMW Heavyweight champion
Two-time CRMW North American champion
One-time NWA World Middleweight champion
Rob Van Dam
39 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Fayetteville, N.C.
When: Oct. 27, 2003
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 48 days
Rob Van Dam invoked his rematch right away and got it inside of a steel cage.
Other career highlights:
One-time TNA World Heavyweight champion
One-time TNA X-Division champion
One-time ASW North American champion
One-time AWR World Heavyweight champion
One-time NLW Heavyweight champion
Randy Orton
40 of 68Defeated: Rob Van Dam
Where: Orlando, Fla.
When: Dec. 14, 2003
Event: Armageddon
Title Reign: 210 days
WWE Highlights:
Six-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
Three-time World Heavyweight champion
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE World Tag Team champion
2009 Royal Rumble winner
Other career highlights:
Two-time OVW Hardcore champion
Edge
41 of 68Defeated: Randy Orton
Where: Hartford, Conn.
When: July 11, 2004
Event: Vengeance
Title Reign: 57 days
Edge was stripped of the title on Sept. 6, 2004 due to a groin injury.
Chris Jericho
42 of 68Defeated: Christian
Where: Portland, Ore.
When: Sept. 12, 2004
Event: Unforgiven
Title Reign: 37 days
Chris Jericho defeated Christian in a Ladder match for the vacant title.
Shelton Benjamin
43 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Milwaukee, Wisc.
When: Oct. 19, 2004
Event: Taboo Tuesday
Title Reign: 244 days
Muhammad Hassan would win the title on June 6, 2005, but as the referee counted to three, Shelton Benjamin’s foot was on the bottom rope.
The referee soon noticed what happened and reversed his decision, which awarded the title back to Benjamin and restarted the match.
Carlito
44 of 68Defeated: Shelton Benjamin
Where: Phoenix, Ariz.
When: June 20, 2005
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 90 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WWE Tag Team champion
One-time WWE United States champion
Other career highlights:
One-time FEW Heavyweight champion
One-time FC Television champion
13-time WWC Universal Heavyweight champion
Two-time WWC World Tag Team champion
Ric Flair
45 of 68Defeated: Carlito
Where: Oklahoma City, Okla.
When: Sept. 18, 2005
Event: Unforgiven
Title Reign: 155 days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time WWE champion
Two-time WWE World Tag Team champion
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Three-time WWE World Tag team champion
1992 Royal Rumble winner
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2008
2008 Slammy Award for Match of the Year vs. Shawn Michaels
Inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2012 with the Four Horsemen
WCW/Mid-Atlantic Highlights:
10-time NWA World Heavyweight champion
Seven-time WCW World Heavyweight champion
Three-time NWA Mid-Atlantic Heavyweight champion
Three-time NWA Mid-Atlantic Tag Team champion
Two-time NWA Television champion
Six-time NWA/WCW United States champion
Three-time NWA World Tag Team champion (Mid-Atlantic version)
Other career highlights:
Three-time NWA World Heavyweight champion
One-time NWA Missouri Heavyweight champion
Inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2006
Inducted into the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame Class of 2007
Inducted into the NWA Hall of Fame Class of 2008
Inducted into the George Tragos/Lou Thesz Hall of Fame Class of 2013
Shelton Benjamin
46 of 68Defeated: Ric Flair
Where: Trenton, N.J.
When: Feb. 20, 2006
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 69 days
WWE Highlights:
Three-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE United States champion
Two-time WWE Tag Team champion
Other career highlights:
Two-time ROH World Tag Team champion
Four-time OVW Southern Tag team champion
One-time MWF Heavyweight champion
One-time WWC Universal Heavyweight champion
Rob Van Dam
47 of 68Defeated: Shelton Benjamin
Where: Lexington, Ky.
When: April 30, 2006
Event: Backlash
Title Reign: 15 days
Other career highlights:
One-time WSW World Heavyweight champion
One-time IWF Television champion
One-time NWC Tag Team champion
Two-time PSW Cordele City Heavyweight champion
One-time SAPW Tag Team champion
Shelton Benjamin
48 of 68Defeated: Rob Van Dam and John Cena
Where: Lubbock, Texas
When: May 15, 2006
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 41 days
This was a two-on-three Handicap match where the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the WWE Championship were on the line.
The match was Rob Van Dam and John Cena vs. Triple H, Shelton Benjamin and Chris Masters. If any of the challengers pinned or made one of the champions submit, they won the title from the champion that they defeated.
So when Benjamin pinned Van Dam, he won the Intercontinental title.
Johnny Nitro
49 of 68Defeated: Shelton Benjamin and Carlito
Where: Charlotte, N.C.
When: June 25, 2006
Event: Vengeance
Title Reign: 99 days
This was a Triple Threat match.
WWE Highlights:
One-time ECW World Heavyweight champion
Three-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE World Tag team champion
Four-time WWE Tag Team champion
Jeff Hardy
50 of 68Defeated: Johnny Nitro
Where: Topeka, Kan.
When: Oct. 2, 2006
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 35 days
WWE highlights:
2008 Slammy Award for Extreme Moment of the Year
2009 Slammy Award for Extreme Moment of the Year
Johnny Nitro
51 of 68Defeated: Jeff Hardy
Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: Nov. 6, 2006
Event: Raw
Title Reign: seven days
WWE Highlights:
Tough Enough III winner
2008 Slammy Award for Tag Team of the Year with the Miz
2008 Slammy Award for Best WWE.com Exclusive with the Miz (The Dirt Sheet)
Jeff Hardy
52 of 68Defeated: Johnny Nitro
Where: Manchester, England
When: Nov. 13, 2006
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 98 days
Other career highlights:
Three-time TNA World Heavyweight champion
One-time UWA World Middleweight champion
One-time NEW Junior Heavyweight champion
One-time NWA 2000 Tag Team champion
One-time OMEGA New Frontiers champion
One-time OMEGA Tag Team champion
Umaga
53 of 68Defeated: Jeff Hardy
Where: Bakersfield, Calif.
When: Feb. 19, 2007
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 56 days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Santino Marella
54 of 68Defeated: Umaga
Where: Milan, Italy
When: April 16, 2007
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 77 days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE Tag team champion
One-time WWE United States champion
2009 Miss WrestleMania
Umaga
55 of 68Defeated: Santino Marella
Where: Dallas, Texas
When: Sept. 3, 2007
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 62 days
Other career highlights:
One-time AJPW Unified World Tag Team champion
One-time FMW/WEW Hardcore Tag Team champion
One-time HCW Kekaulike Heritage Tag Team champion
One-time HWA Tag Team champion
Three-time MCW Southern Tag Team champion
2004 Korakuen Hall Heavyweight Battle Royal winner
2004 World’s Strongest Tag Team League winner
Jeff Hardy
56 of 68Defeated: Umaga
Where: Columbus, Ohio
When: Sept. 2, 2007
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 190 days
Other career highlights:
Two-time NCW Light Heavyweight champion
One-time NDW Light Heavyweight champion
One-time NDW Tag Team champion
One-time NFWA Heavyweight champion
2012 TNA Bound for Glory Series winner
Inducted into the NEWA Hall of Fame Class of 2012
Chris Jericho
57 of 68Defeated: Jeff Hardy
Where: Milwaukee, Wisc.
When: March 10, 2008
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 111 days
Other career highlights:
One-time WAR International Junior Heavyweight champion
One-time WAR International Junior Tag Team champion
One-time WWA Tag Team champion
Kofi Kingston
58 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Dallas, Texas
When: June 29, 2008
Event: Night of Champions
Title Reign: 49 days
WWE Highlights:
Four-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Two-time WWE United States champion
One-time WWE World Tag team champion
Two-time WWE Tag team champion
2012 Slammy Award for Tell Me I Did Not Just See That
Santino Marella
59 of 68Defeated: Kofi Kingston and Mickie James
Where: Indianapolis
When: Aug. 17, 2008
Event: SummerSlam
Title Reign: 85 days
This was a tag team match where both the WWE Intercontinental Championship and the WWE Women’s Championship were on the line. When Santino Marella and Beth Phoenix defeated Kofi Kingston and Mickie James, Santino won the Intercontinental title and Beth won the Women’s title.
Other career highlights:
Two-time OVW Television champion
William Regal
60 of 68Defeated: Santino Marella
Where: Manchester, England
When: Nov. 10, 2008
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 70 days
WCW highlights:
Four-time WCW World Television champion
Other career highlights:
One-time MCW Southern Heavyweight champion
CM Punk
61 of 68Defeated: William Regal
Where: Chicago
When: Jan. 19, 2009
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 49 days
WWE Highlights:
Three-time World Heavyweight champion
Two-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
One-time ECW World Heavyweight champion
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE World Tag team champion
2008 and 2009 Money in the Bank winner
2008 Slammy Award for OMG Moment of the Year
2009 Slammy Award for Shocker of the Year
2010 Slammy Award for Despicable Me
2011 Slammy Awards for Superstar of the Year, Pipe Bomb of the Year and T-Shirt of the Year
Other career highlights:
One-time ROH World Heavyweight champion
Two-time ROH World Tag Team champion
One-time OVW Heavyweight champion
One-time OVW Southern Tag Team champion
One-time OVW Television champion
Five-time IWA Mid-South Heavyweight champion
Two-time IWA Mid-South Light Heavyweight champion
One-time IWC World Heavyweight champion
One-time MAW Heavyweight champion
One-time NWA Cyberspace Tag Team champion
One-time NWA Revolution Heavyweight champion
Two-time SDW Northern States Television champion
One-time SPCW Northern States Light Heavyweight champion
John Bradshaw Layfield
62 of 68Defeated: CM Punk
Where: Jacksonville, Fla.
When: March 9, 2009
Event: Raw
Title Reign: 27 days
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
17-time WWE Hardcore champion
One-time WWE United States champion
One-time WWE European champion
Three-time WWE World Tag team champion
Other career highlights:
One-time OVW Southern Tag Team champion
One-time CWA World Tag Team champion
Two-time GWF Tag Team champion
One-time MCW Southern Tag Team champion
One-time NWA North American Heavyweight champion
One-time USWF Tag Team champion
Rey Mysterio
63 of 68Defeated: John Bradshaw Layfield
Where: Houston, Texas
When: April 5, 2009
Event: WrestleMania XXV
Title Reign: 63 days
WWE Highlights:
Two-time World Heavyweight champion
One-time WWE World Heavyweight champion
Two-time WWE Intercontinental champion
Four-time WWE Tag Team champion
Three-time WWE Cruiserweight champion
2006 Royal Rumble winner
WCW Highlights:
Five-time WCW Cruiserweight champion
Three-time WCW World Tag Team champion
1997 WCW Magazine Match of the Year vs. Eddie Guerrero
Chris Jericho
64 of 68Defeated: Rey Mysterio
Where: New Orleans, La.
When: June 7, 2009
Event: Extreme Rules
Title Reign: 21 days
While away from wrestling, Chris Jericho is the lead singer for the hard rock/heavy metal band Fozzy. I personally got to see them last month and I highly recommend them to fans of the band or of Jericho.
Rey Mysterio
65 of 68Defeated: Chris Jericho
Where: Sacramento, Calif.
When: June 28, 2009
Event: The Bash
Title Reign: 65 days
Other career highlights:
One-time Mexican National Trios champion
One-time Mexican National Welterweight champion
One-time HHW Light Heavyweight champion
One-time IWAS Tag Team champion
Two-time IWC World Middleweight champion
Three-time WWA Light Heavyweight champion
One-time WWA Tag Team champion
Three-time WWA Welterweight champion
One-time WWC World Junior Heavyweight champion
Inducted into the Tijuana Hall of Fame Class of 2006
Inducted into the AAA Hall of Fame Class of 2007
John Morrison
66 of 68Defeated: Rey Mysterio
Where: Cleveland, Ohio
When: Sept. 1, 2009
Event: SmackDown!
Title Reign: 103 days
Other career highlights:
One-time OVW Southern Tag Team champion
One-time WWFX Heavyweight champion
Drew McIntyre
67 of 68Defeated: John Morrison
Where: San Antonio, Texas
When: Dec. 13, 2009
Event: TLC: Table, Ladders & Chairs
Title Reign: 142 days
Drew McIntyre was stripped of the title on May 4, 2010 by SmackDown general manager Teddy Long due to McIntyre’s assault on Matt Hardy. Teddy then set up a tournament to crown a new champion, which was won by Kofi Kingston on May 11.
McIntyre would appear as Kingston was celebrating, though, with a letter from Vince McMahon stating that he was still champion. The title was awarded back to him as a result.
WWE Highlights:
One-time WWE Intercontinental champion
One-time WWE Tag Team champion
FCW Highlights:
One-time FCW Florida Heavyweight champion
One-time FCW Florida Tag Team champion
Other career highlights:
Two-time BCW Heavyweight champion
One-time ICW heavyweight champion
One-time IWW International Heavyweight champion
Statistics/Final Part Coming Soon
68 of 68Longest 00s Reign: Shelton Benjamin (244 days)
Shortest 00s Reign: Triple H (a few minutes)
Thanks for reading! Part 4, which will be the final part, of the WWE Intercontinental Championship will be up next week!
Previous Installments
WWE Divas│TNA Knockouts│TNA Knockouts Tag│WWE Tag│TNA Tag│Shimmer│WWE US 1│WWE US 2│TNA TV│TNA X-Division│ WWE IC 1│WWE IC 2
Abandoned Series
WWE Women’s│WWE European│ECW Television│WCW Hardcore│WCW US Tag Team│WWF Martial Arts│WWF International│WCW Women’s│ECW World│WWE Cruiserweight│WWF Light Weight│ECW Tag Team│FTW World│WCW 6-Man Tag Team│Million Dollar│WWF Junior│WWF Women’s Tag Team│WCW International│ WCW TV pt.1│WCW TV pt. 2│WWE Hardcore │WCW Tag Team pt. 1│WCW Tag Team pt. 2│World Tag Team pt. 1│World Tag Team pt. 2│ World Tag Team pt. 3│World Tag Team pt. 4│WWWF USA
Sources
Information on wrestler title histories provided by Wikipedia
Title "Wrestling Gold" thought up by Jeff D. Gorman
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to hit me up on Twitter, where I always follow back fellow wrestling fans and usually tweet during the shows!
