Kevin Owens vs. Ryback: Winner and Reaction from WWE Hell in a Cell 2015

In his first pay-per-view title defense since winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship at Night of Champions, Kevin Owens retained his title against Ryback on Sunday night at Hell in a Cell.

Owens finished off Ryback with a Pop Up Powerbomb, per WWE:

WWE shared a photo of Owens with his IC belt after the win: 

WWE legend Jim Ross thought the ending was strong: 

WWE Universe provided a few of the match highlights from both sides:

Owens initially beat Ryback for the title at Night of Champions via unfair tactics as he raked Ryback's eyes. The Big Guy has been in pursuit of the championship ever since, but Owens has found ways to keep the strap around his waist.

After intentionally being counted out in a rematch on SmackDown, Owens was forced to face the music at Hell in a Cell against one of the most physically imposing figures WWE has ever seen.

At the same time, Owens has enjoyed remarkable success since signing with the company. Not only did he win the NXT championship shortly after his debut, but he also defeated John Cena in his first match on the main roster.

The Canadian Superstar failed to capture the United States Championship and went on a bit of a losing streak, but he managed to turn things around by winning the IC title and hasn't looked back since.

Owens is known as one of the best trash talkers in wrestling, which is what makes him an effective heel. Ryback has gone on the offensive in that regard, though, by taking shots such as this one on Twitter:

Never one to back down from a verbal sparring session, Owens has struck back and continued to mock Ryback for his reliance on self-help book The Secret:

"

Wow! You actually found something even more ridiculous to believe in than that stupid book. Good job! https://t.co/N7rZOowMKq

— Kevin Owens (@FightOwensFight) October 10, 2015"

The tension finally spilled over at Hell in a Cell in a battle for one of the most prestigious championships in the history of sports entertainment.

Held by the likes of Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, The Rock and many other legends of the business in the past, the IC title was once a stepping stone to the main event scene and the world championship.

Both Owens and Ryback are trying to enter that class, but they must first elevate the Intercontinental Championship to the level it previously occupied.

Cena has managed to do that with the United States title, and the increased emphasis on the IC title has been encouraging.

There is still plenty of work to do; however, keeping the championship in Owens' possession is the most effective way to make it meaningful.

Owens has all the makings of a future star in WWE, and most observers seem to believe that he'll go on to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship eventually. If that comes to fruition, his run with the intercontinental title could be the catalyst that restores prestige to the belt.

WWE finally seems to be moving in the right direction when it comes to its secondary championships, but it must continue to create interesting angles to ensure that fans are invested.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.