Since it's inception in 1979, the Intercontinental Championship has been involved in some of the greatest feuds and matches in WWE history. While the belt is not nearly as esteemed today, there is no doubting it's importance and value in years past.
Originally considered the secondary belt to WWE/F title, this belt has been used as a key element in regard to propelling wrestlers towards the top, and often serving as a platform for one day going after the WWE title. Without further ado, here is who I consider to be the 10 Greatest IC champions of all-time.
10. The Rock (2 reigns, 339 days): While his first reign as the face Rocky Maivia wasn't the most memorable run ever, The Rock demonstrated his inner greatness when making a heel transition in the Nation of Domination. Upon showing prowess on the microphone and great feuds over the title with Austin and Triple H, The Rock showed that he was destined for the next level.
9. The Honkytonk Man (1 reign, 454 days): As the all-time record holder for longest streak as champion, it's tough to leave Honky off this list. An ideal heel, The Honkytonk Man was able to claw and cheat his way through matches to hold onto the belt. While he may not fit the billing of the "greatest Intercontinental champ of all-time" as he claimed, there's no doubting that he has his place as one of the most memorable champions of all-time.
8. Chris Jericho (9 reigns, 318 days): As the all-time record holder for most reigns as Intercontinental champ, Y2J has had plenty of memorable matches for the belt with the likes of Kurt Angle, Edge, Rob Van Dam, and various others. Apart from this, Jericho is one of the last few guys in recent years to make the title feel important. His in-ring work, mic skills, and overall talent brought back legitimacy to the IC belt.
7. Pedro Morales (2 reigns, 619 days): Unlike most other wrestlers, Morales first won the IC belt after having previously been the WWE champ (then called the WWWF World Heavyweight Championship), making him the first wrestler ever to do so. As the all-time record holder for most combined days spent as IC champ, Morales was able to establish a high esteem for the title. With feuds against Billy Graham and Don Muraco, the title was always highly coveted.
6. Don Muraco (2 reigns, 541 days): Having won the title from Morales both times, the original Rock had two very successful runs when the title was near it's peak in value. One of his most memorable title defenses came against Jimmy Snuka at Madison Square Garden, where Snuka
flew off the top of the steel cage.
5. Razor Ramon (4 reigns, 438 days): First winning the title in September of 1993, The Bad Guy was a staple of the Intercontinental title in the mid-90s. With feuds against the likes of IRS, Jeff Jarrett, Diesel, and of course Shawn Michaels, Razor carried the belt well and put on plenty of memorable performances.
4. Bret Hart (2 reigns, 290 days): The Hitman is a perfect example of someone who used the IC belt as a stepping stone to the top. When The Hart Foundation was dismantled and Bret tried his hand as a singles wrestler, he was able to establish his credibility by winning the strap. With great matches against the likes of Mr. Perfect, Shawn Michaels, and Rowdy Piper, it was evident that Bret was well on his way to the WWF championship.
3. Shawn Michaels (3 reigns, 406 days): Based on appearance alone, the IC belt always seemed to look great on HBK. Even more great, were his tremendous matches during the midst of him reaching his prime. First winning the title from The British Bulldog in late 1992, Michaels would go on to face the likes of Marty Jannetty, Jeff Jarrett, and of course Razor Ramon, in what would include plenty of memorable moments. HBK fit the mold of the workhorse in the ring during his time with the belt, which was a role that many of the greats who had held the title up until this point possessed.
2. Mr. Perfect (2 reigns, 406 days): The Perfect Wrestler, and the Perfect IC Champion, Mr. Perfect carried the belt at a peak era. It simply just felt right having the belt around his waist. One of the greatest technical wrestlers of all-time, it is surprising that Perfect was never elevated to the WWF world title scene. Either way, the credibility of the IC title benefitted tremendously by being in the hands of perfection.
1. Randy Savage (1 reign, 414 days): Ohhh Yeahhh. The greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time is none other than the late great "Macho Man" Randy Savage. At a time when Hulk Hogan was the WWF champ, Savage was right there next to him as the two biggest icons in the WWF. With the title around his waist for over a year, the credibility of the belt was at its peak, and the star status of Savage continued to grow. To conclude his run as IC champ, Savage on what many consider one of the greatest WrestleMania matches of all-time with Steamboat at WrestleMania I. As a guy whose face is on many peoples Mount Rushmore of professional wrestling, Savage will forever be remembered as a great wrestler and a great champion.
Honorable Mentions: Rick Rude, Tito Santana, Ultimate Warrior, Ricky Steamboat, Pat Patterson, Steve Austin, Jeff Jarrett, Greg Valentine
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