The WWE Intercontinental Championship has traditionally been viewed as a stepping stone for younger wrestlers ascending to main event status. However, some of wrestling’s most seasoned veterans have captured this prestigious title later in their careers. These record-breaking champions proved that experience and wisdom can overcome youthful athleticism. Some wrestlers achieved their first Intercontinental Championship after decades in the business. Others returned to reclaim past glory.
The oldest WWE Intercontinental Champions represent different generations and showcase the evolution of professional wrestling. Their victories often carried special significance because fans understood the difficulty of winning championships at advanced ages. Here’s our countdown of the 10 oldest WWE Intercontinental Champions.
10. Christian – 38 years, 5 months, 21 days (March 18, 2013 – Raw)
Christian won his fourth Intercontinental Championship by defeating Wade Barrett on Raw. The match was physical and back-and-forth, with Barrett working over Christian’s ribs. After avoiding the Bullhammer Elbow, Christian countered with a top-rope dropkick followed by the Killswitch for the pinfall. This victory marked Christian’s return from injury and added another title to his long career.
9. Pedro Morales – 39 years, 1 month, 2 days (December 8, 1980 – Madison Square Garden)
Pedro Morales won the Intercontinental Championship for the second time by defeating Ken Patera at Madison Square Garden. In a hard-fought encounter, Patera targeted Morales’ back, using slams and bearhugs to wear him down. Morales fought back with fiery punches and a running senton. The decisive moment came when he countered Patera’s full nelson and rolled him up for a three-count.
8. The Big Show – 40 years, 1 month, 25 days (April 1, 2012 – WrestleMania 28)
Big Show defeated Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 28 to win the Intercontinental Championship for the first time. Cody had been mocking Show’s WrestleMania record leading up to the bout, and Show responded with force. After enduring Cody’s quick offense and Beautiful Disaster kicks, Big Show caught him mid-air with a massive Spear and finished him with the WMD punch.
Also Read: List of Top 10 Oldest WWE Champions of All Time
7. William Regal – 40 years, 6 months, 1 day (November 10, 2008 – Raw)
William Regal won the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Santino Marella on Raw in Manchester, England. Regal made short work of Santino, reversing an early attempt at comedy into a serious striking exchange. After nailing a knee trembler to the head, Regal scored the pinfall to win the title in front of his home country crowd.
6. Shinsuke Nakamura – 41 years, 5 months, 21 days (July 12, 2019 – SmackDown)
Shinsuke Nakamura defeated Finn Bálor on the Extreme Rules kickoff show to win the Intercontinental Championship. After wearing down Finn with hard knees and strikes, Nakamura dodged the Coup de Grâce and landed a Kinshasa to the back of the head. He followed with another Kinshasa to the face for the pin.
5. JBL – 42 years, 3 months, 10 days (March 9, 2009 – Raw)
JBL defeated CM Punk on Raw to win the Intercontinental Championship and complete his WWE Grand Slam. Punk controlled much of the match with his kicks and agility, but JBL’s veteran savvy allowed him to hang in. After escaping the GTS, JBL countered with a stiff Clothesline from Hell to pin Punk clean.
4. Bobby Lashley – 42 years, 7 months, 24 days (January 14, 2019 – Raw)
Bobby Lashley captured his first Intercontinental Championship in a triple threat match against Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins on Raw. The match was action-packed with power spots, dives, and sequences involving all three men. Rollins appeared to be in control until Lio Rush interfered, giving Lashley the opening to spear Ambrose and get the pin.
For the FIRST time in his career, @fightbobby is the NEW #ICChampion! #RAW pic.twitter.com/A7vtkdrS4b
— WWE (@WWE) January 15, 2019
3. Jeff Hardy – 42 years, 11 months, 22 days (August 21, 2020 – SmackDown)
Jeff Hardy won the Intercontinental Championship for the fifth time by defeating AJ Styles on SmackDown. Entering with a knee brace from a prior attack, Hardy appeared vulnerable. AJ targeted the injured leg throughout the match, but Hardy turned the tide by using the brace to escape the Calf Crusher. As AJ staggered, Jeff landed a Twist of Fate and climbed the ropes for a decisive Swanton Bomb to win the title.
2. AJ Styles – 43 years, 7 days (May 12, 2020 – SmackDown)
AJ Styles won the vacant Intercontinental Championship in a tournament final against Daniel Bryan on SmackDown. Both men traded submissions, reversals, and signature moves. After Bryan missed a running knee, AJ hit a sudden Phenomenal Forearm for the clean pinfall.
Who is the oldest WWE Intercontinental Champion of all time?
Ric Flair – 56 years, 6 months, 25 days (May 19, 2005 – Raw)
Ric Flair captured his first and only Intercontinental Championship on an episode of Raw in 2005 by defeating Carlito. The Nature Boy, a multi-time world champion, hadn’t held the title before this night. The match saw Carlito try to cheat using his apple and the ropes, but Flair used his veteran experience to turn the tide. After blocking a Backstabber attempt, Flair locked in the Figure-Four Leglock, forcing Carlito to submit. At 56, he became the oldest WWE Intercontinental Champion in history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age difference between the youngest and oldest WWE Intercontinental Champions?
The age difference is approximately 32 years and 11 months. Ric Flair was 56 years, 6 months, 25 days when he won the title, while Jeff Hardy was 23 years, 7 months, 1 day during his first championship victory.
How many wrestlers won their first WWE Intercontinental Championship after age 40?
Several wrestlers captured their first Intercontinental Championship after turning 40, including Ric Flair (age 56), AJ Styles (age 43), Bobby Lashley (age 42), JBL (age 42), Shinsuke Nakamura (age 41), William Regal (age 40), and The Big Show (age 40).
Which wrestler had the longest gap between WWE Intercontinental Championship reigns?
Pedro Morales had a significant gap between his championship reigns, winning his second Intercontinental Championship in 1980 at age 39, many years after his first reign in the early 1970s.
