The Intercontinental Championship has been a launching pad for future main event stars in WWE for a long time. This prestigious title has been held by remarkably young talents who announced their arrival on the biggest stage. These record-breaking champions proved that age doesn’t determine championship potential.
Some wrestlers seized opportunities early in their careers to make history. Others overcame veteran opposition through determination and natural ability. The youngest Intercontinental Champions often used these title reigns as stepping stones to even greater success. Their victories represent crucial moments that changed their careers forever. Here’s our countdown of the 10 youngest Intercontinental Champions.
10. Johnny Nitro – 26 years, 8 months, 22 days (June 25, 2006 – Vengeance)
Johnny Nitro won his first Intercontinental Championship in a triple threat match at Vengeance 2006, defeating Shelton Benjamin and Carlito. With Melina’s distraction helping him avoid Carlito’s Backstabber, Nitro tossed him from the ring and stole the pin on Shelton after he’d been laid out.
Also Read: Ranking the 10 Best WWE Storylines of All Time
9. Test – 26 years, 7 months, 19 days (August 25, 2002 – SummerSlam)
Test defeated Edge at SummerSlam 2002 to win the Intercontinental Championship. The two traded heavy strikes and big slams before Test ducked a Spear and hit a running big boot, followed by a pump-handle slam for the win.
8. Carlito – 26 years, 3 months, 30 days (October 21, 2004 – Raw)
Carlito made his WWE debut on Raw and immediately captured the Intercontinental Championship by defeating Shelton Benjamin. Using heel tactics and taking advantage of Benjamin’s injured shoulder, Carlito struck with the Backstabber to earn a shocking win in his first match.
Also Read: Every WWE Grand Slam Winners in History ft. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Randy Orton
7. Cody Rhodes – 26 years, 1 month, 13 days (October 2, 2011 – Hell in a Cell)
At Hell in a Cell 2011, Cody Rhodes defeated John Morrison to win the Intercontinental Title and usher in the return of the classic white strap design. Wrestling under his “Undashing” persona, Cody used psychological tactics and targeted Morrison’s ribs. He avoided Starship Pain and countered with Cross Rhodes for the pin.
6. D’Lo Brown – 25 years, 9 months, 11 days (July 20, 1998 – Raw Is War)
D’Lo Brown shocked the crowd by defeating Triple H to win the Intercontinental Championship on Raw Is War. Representing The Nation of Domination, D’Lo used interference from Mark Henry and timely counters to take control. After dodging a Pedigree attempt, he nailed a Sky High powerbomb to seal the victory.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 United States Championship Reigns of All Time
5. Edge – 25 years, 8 months, 25 days (July 24, 1999 – House Show)
Edge won his first Intercontinental Title by defeating Jeff Jarrett at a Toronto house show. Edge hit a Spear late in the match to get the pinfall and a massive ovation. However, he lost the title back to Jarrett the next night at Fully Loaded.
4. Rocky Maivia – 24 years, 9 months, 11 days (February 13, 1997 – Raw)
In just his debut year, Rocky Maivia won the Intercontinental Title by defeating Triple H on Raw. While still developing his identity, Maivia showed raw athleticism against the seasoned champion. After countering the Pedigree with a back body drop, he hit a surprise crossbody for the pin.
Also Read: Ranking the Top 10 WWE Tag Team Championship Reigns of All Time
3. Drew McIntyre – 24 years, 6 months, 7 days (December 13, 2009 – TLC)
Drew McIntyre captured his first Intercontinental Championship by defeating John Morrison at TLC 2009. Billed as Vince McMahon’s “Chosen One,” McIntyre used his size and intensity to wear Morrison down. Despite Morrison’s agility, McIntyre caught him mid-air with a brutal Future Shock DDT to score the pinfall.
When Drew McIntyre defeated John Morrison to win the Intercontinental Championship at WWE TLC 2009 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KkkaPrMN9c
— Coleman (@SCLionWrestling) January 20, 2025
2. Randy Orton – 23 years, 8 months, 13 days (December 14, 2003 – Armageddon)
Randy Orton defeated Rob Van Dam to win his first Intercontinental Championship at Armageddon 2003. Representing Evolution, Orton countered RVD’s high-flying offense with calculated precision. After dodging a Five-Star Frog Splash, he hit a mid-air dropkick and followed with the RKO to secure the win. Orton’s reign lasted over 200 days.
Who is the youngest Intercontinental Champion of all time?
Jeff Hardy – 23 years, 7 months, 1 day (April 12, 2001 – SmackDown)
Jeff Hardy won his first Intercontinental Championship by upsetting Triple H on an episode of SmackDown. Hardy shocked the crowd with his resilience and high-risk style. With brief interference from Matt Hardy creating the opening, Jeff hit a Twist of Fate and sealed the win with a Swanton Bomb.
