Ryback vs. Kevin Owens: Winner, Reaction from 2015 WWE Night of Champions

In what was easily his toughest test since becoming Intercontinental champion, Ryback was defeated by Kevin Owens on Sunday at Night of Champions.

WWE provided video of how the match ended:

NXT and Triple H were quick to offer up their congrats to the new champ:

WWE Universe provided a gif of one of the highlights:

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That left arm/shoulder of @Ryback22 continues to be targeted by @FightOwensFight! #WWENOC #ICTitle pic.twitter.com/w6APT8GzH7

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) September 21, 2015"

The Big Guy became a champ for the first time in his WWE career at Elimination Chamber when he defeated five other Superstars for the IC title. After that, he had to overcome challenges from Big Show and The Miz as well as a staph infection in his knee.   

Although The Human Wrecking Ball managed to get past those obstacles, there was no rest for the weary as he became the main target of KO. Owens fell short in his efforts to take the United States Championship from John Cena despite beating him in a non-title match, so he instead decided to go after WWE's other midcard belt.

After losing an NXT Championship ladder match to Finn Balor at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, the Canadian Superstar defeated Cesaro at SummerSlam, which gave him the momentum he needed to be launched into another feud of importance.

With things once again starting to work in his favor, KO had the utmost confidence he would take the Intercontinental title from Ryback, according to WWE Universe on Twitter:

Ryback has faced no shortage of adversity over the course of his WWE career, but most observers figured Owens would come out on top in Houston. And that is precisely what happened.

While it was undoubtedly a disappointing loss for Ryback and his fans, it is difficult to argue against the notion that Sunday's result will reinvigorate WWE's midcard in a significant way.

Owens seems like the ideal candidate to take the Intercontinental Championship and make it meaningful again, much like Cena did with the U.S. title. KO hasn't exactly been booked to perfection since making the leap to the main roster, but he rarely disappoints regardless of how he is utilized.

Ryback is a popular Superstar who certainly has his place on the WWE roster, but he hasn't proved himself to be someone capable of elevating the IC title to the next level.

Owens is one of the best all-around talents in the business because of his in-ring work, promo skills and character development. He is the best hope in terms of restoring the prestige of the Intercontinental Championship, and if he is able to do that, then a run with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship may not be far behind.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.