The WWE Intercontinental Championship has served as a stepping stone to main event stardom for decades. This prestigious title has been held by wrestling legends who used their reigns to showcase incredible in-ring ability and storylines. Some champions dominated through technical excellence, while others relied on cunning heel tactics to maintain their grip on the gold. T
he greatest Intercontinental Championship reigns combined memorable matches and character development. These title runs helped define careers and created moments that fans still celebrate today. Here’s our countdown of the 10 greatest WWE Intercontinental Championship reigns that added legacy to both the champions and the title itself.
10. Rob Van Dam – 49 Days (July 22, 2002 – September 9, 2002)
Rob Van Dam unified the European and Intercontinental Championships by defeating Jeff Hardy. Though his reign was short, his matches were consistently strong, including defenses against Chris Jericho, Christian, and Eddie Guerrero. RVD’s reign ended when he lost the title to Jericho on Raw.
9. Cody Rhodes – 236 Days (August 12, 2011 – April 1, 2012)
Cody Rhodes defeated Ezekiel Jackson to win the Intercontinental Title and revived the classic white strap design. He defended the championship against Booker T, Ted DiBiase Jr., and Goldust. Rhodes lost the championship to Big Show at WrestleMania 28 in a short match.
8. Mr. Perfect – 280 Combined Days (April 23, 1990 – August 27, 1990 & November 19, 1990 – August 26, 1991)
Mr. Perfect won the vacant Intercontinental Title by defeating Tito Santana in a tournament final and later regained it from Texas Tornado. He defended the title against Kerry Von Erich, Davey Boy Smith, and Bret Hart. His second reign came to an end at SummerSlam 1991 when Hart defeated him.
WWF Intercontinental Title Match
Champion Mr. Perfect
vs
Challenger Bret HartWWF SummerSlam
August 26, 1991 pic.twitter.com/pNWM2cjt6r— GrappleClips (@GrappleClips) October 19, 2024
7. Rey Mysterio – 68 Days (June 28, 2009 – September 4, 2009)
Rey Mysterio won the Intercontinental Championship from Chris Jericho at The Bash 2009 in a title vs. mask match. During his reign, he defended the title against Dolph Ziggler and John Morrison. He eventually lost the title to Morrison on SmackDown.
6. Chris Jericho – Multiple Reigns (Highlight: 2008–2009)
Chris Jericho is a record nine-time Intercontinental Champion. In October 2008, he won the title from Kofi Kingston and defended it in high-profile matches against CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, and Jeff Hardy. He eventually lost the belt to CM Punk on Raw in early 2009.
5. Honky Tonk Man – 454 Days (June 2, 1987 – August 29, 1988)
Honky Tonk Man won the Intercontinental Title from Ricky Steamboat and held onto it for over a year by any means necessary. Known for escaping title defenses through count-outs and disqualifications, he survived challenges from Brutus Beefcake, Jake Roberts, and Randy Savage. His reign ended in just 31 seconds at SummerSlam 1988 when he was defeated by the Ultimate Warrior in a surprise squash match.
4. Bret Hart – 232 Days (August 26, 1991 – April 5, 1992)
Bret Hart captured the Intercontinental Championship from Mr. Perfect at SummerSlam 1991. His reign saw defenses against The Mountie, Skinner, and The British Bulldog. He lost the championship to Roddy Piper at WrestleMania VIII.
3. The Miz – 201 Days (November 15, 2016 – January 9, 2018)
The Miz began this reign by regaining the title from Dolph Ziggler on SmackDown. He successfully defended the title against Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, Jason Jordan, and Finn Bálor. Miz’s reign ended at Raw 25, when he lost the title to Roman Reigns.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 SmackDown Matches of All Time
2. Randy Savage – 414 Days (February 8, 1986 – March 29, 1987)
Randy Savage won the Intercontinental Championship from Tito Santana. He defended the championship against Ricky Steamboat, George “The Animal” Steele, and Bruno Sammartino. His rivalry with Steamboat culminated in one of the most iconic matches in WWE history at WrestleMania III, where Steamboat defeated Savage to end the reign.
Which is the greatest WWE Intercontinental Championship reign of all time?
Gunther – 666 Days (June 10, 2022 – April 6, 2024)
Gunther became Intercontinental Champion by defeating Ricochet on SmackDown, beginning the longest reign in the title’s history. His reign included defenses against top opponents like Sheamus, Drew McIntyre, Braun Strowman, Chad Gable, and Rey Mysterio. At WrestleMania 39, he defeated both Sheamus and McIntyre in a triple-threat classic. He was finally defeated by Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 40.
