WWE introduced the intercontinental championship for the first time in 1979. Since then, it has been held by numerous Hall of Famers as well as future inductees. A number of superstars initially got their hand on the intercontinental championship before they rose to glory, winning the WWE championship and few of them also managed to hold it for a long time. So, let’s take a look at the 10 longest Intercontinental championship reigns In WWE history.
The 10 Longest Reigning Intercontinental Champions in the History of WWE
10. Cody Rhodes – 234 Days
Currently the no 1 contender to dethrone Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes was mostly a mid-card superstar for WWE in his first spell. But it’s fair to say that the American Nightmare had the charisma to hold the title. After the Intercontinental Title lost a bit of its importance during the 2000s, Cody Rhodes’ run was the first step towards its restoration.
9. Shelton Benjamin – 244 Days
Shelton Benjamin was highly agile and had a great technical understanding, all that is required to be a Champion WWE was present in him. But according to the company, he lacked the personality required to be great. Still, Benjamin achieved a chunk of success during his initial years with the company. In 2004, he won the IC Championship and went on to protect the title got 244 days.
8. Gunthar – 260 Days
The current Intercontinental Champion, Gunthar finds the eighth spot on this list. It’s almost definite that he’ll rise in the ranks because his dominance in the division is well-versed by all the other superstars. He defeated Ricochet for the title last June and since then he hasn’t lost a match on any televised event.
7. The Rock – 264 Days
When he made his debut, no one imagined that Rocky Maivia will be a future star. But following a turn of events in his favour, The Rock turned reel got better bookings instantly. Interestingly, the Rock defeated his biggest rival, Stone Cold Steve Austin to win the IC Championship.
6. “Mr Perfect” Curt Hennig – 280 Days
Several decent stars during the 80s got their hands on the intercontinental championship but the decade ended with the ultimate Warrior having the crown. But during WrestleMania 6, the babyface won the WWE Championship and the IC title went vacant. From there, we saw the rise of “The Perfect Intercontinental Champion.” Curt Hennig won a tournament to win the title.
5. Greg Valentine – 285 Days
Superstars such as Randy Savage, Tito Santana and Pedro Morales helped the title get the label of “Workhorse Championship”. However, not all the superstars who won the Intercontinental Title were workhorses but Greg “The Hammer” Valentine surely was. Giving decent matches was a trait of Valentine. However, he lost his title after a lofty reign in a Steel Cage matches against Tito Santana.
4. Don Muraco – 384 Days
Only two out of the initial 10 intercontinental championship reigns lasted more than 200 days and one of them was of Don Muraco. His first title reign was of 155 days but when he won the IC Championship for the second time, he went unbeaten for 384 days. He later lost the title against babyface Tito Santana.
3. Randy Savage – 414 Days
“Macho Man” Randy Savage won the Intercontinental Championship from Tito Santana in February 1986. And after 414 days, he lost his title against Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat at WrestleMania III. Few fans also say that Randy Savage is the greatest IC Champion of all time as he played a super crucial role in the building days of WWE.
2. Pedro Morales – 424 Days
When we talk about WWE legends such as Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan and more, the name of Pedro Morales can’t go unnoticed. He was the WWE Champion for a menacing number of 1,027 days and also the intercontinental champion for 424 days. In addition to being a technical wizard, Pedro Morales was also the first Triple Crown Champion in WWE history.
1. The Honky Tonk Man – 454 Days
During the 80s, WWE used to treat the intercontinental championship as one of their mainstream titles. The Honky Tonk Man was not a great powerhouse or we can say technical wrestler, but he had the ability to build a feud. During his time, he defeated a number of babyfaces. However, his run finally ended in SummerSlam 1998 against The Ultimate Warrior.
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