Since 1979, when the Intercontinental Championship was established and strapped around the inaugural champion, Pat Patterson, the title has been cemented in WWE’s legacy as one of the most historic championships in the company.
This title has made stars out of Shawn Michaels, Triple H, Bret Hart and more!
Since being defended at the first WrestleMania when Junkyard Dog faced off against Greg Valentine, the IC belt has been on the line at WWE’s biggest show, a crazy 26 times!
This year’s ‘Mania is gearing up to see Daniel Bryan challenge Sami Zayn for his Intercontinental Championship. Will it be one of the greats or will the Artist Collective interfere and ruin any possibility?
To get everyone excited for that bout, why not we take a look at 10 of the best Intercontinental Championship matches to take place at the Showcase of the Immortals:
10. WrestleMania X8 – Rob Van Dam def. William Regal (c)
You might not think the styles of these two men would mesh well together but on this night, they did. Rob Van Dam is about as cool and relaxed a WWE performer as you would find in 2002. He had become very popular following his redebut during the Invasion and his first WrestleMania match came against William Regal.
Regal had spent time as an authoritative figure and was a perfect foil to Van Dam’s cool demeanor. Their match opened the show at WrestleMania X8 and they got the crowd excited early as Van Dam captured the Intercontinental Championship.
Surprisingly, this would be Regal’s final WrestleMania match, despite performing for the company for another eleven years.
9. WrestleMania X-Seven – Chris Jericho def. William Regal (c)
WrestleMania X-Seven stands as perhaps the best WrestleMania in history and this match opened the show. While it was not terribly long, Chris Jericho and William Regal had a very solid match, resulting in Jericho regaining the Intercontinental Championship.
Regal could always be counted on to put on a good technical wrestling showcase and Jericho was one of the best works in the promotion at the time. Add all this together and you have a very fun way to start the show.
Everyone loved seeing the rebellious Jericho stick it to the snotty Regal and their story culminated here.
8. WrestleMania 2000 – Chris Benoit def. Kurt Angle (c) & Chris Jericho
This was a cracking two-fall match, but that was bound to be the case though with these three superstars.
This match was filled with inventful spots and was obviously designed to get both Chris’ over seeing as Benoit walked away IC Champ and Jericho won the European belt.
Kurt Angle knows how to make those ‘Mania moments memorable.
7. WrestleMania IX – Tatanka def. (via CO) Shawn Michaels (c)
There is a reason why Shawn Michaels is known as Mr. WrestleMania – he always has a way of putting on a top-notch performance at WrestleMania. Such as one at WrestleMania IX when he defended his Intercontinental Championship against Tatanka.
With managers in both corners, Sensational Sherri & Luna Vachon, ready to stop any interference and shenanigans, this match succeeded in being a fun opener to the show and showcased Michaels as a singles star.
Tatanka won by count-out, due to many outside distractions, which meant HBK kept his title in tow.
6. WrestleMania VIII – Bret “The Hitman” Hart def. “Rowdy” Roddy Piper (c)
This match was incredible and adrenaline-driven throughout with a very passionate audience. The crowd was fueled with devotion to Hart, as they screamed when Piper almost got himself DQ’d with a ringbell.
Hart won with a roll-up and became the Intercontinental Champion in what people call a “passing of the torch moment”.
Bret Hart’s legacy continued to grow with this match and it was one of the finest Intercontinental Championship matches to take place at WrestleMania.
5. WrestleMania 34 – Seth Rollins def. The Miz (c) & Finn Balor
While he hasn’t been able to tie Chris Jericho’s record of nine title reigns, he has had one of the greatest IC title matches at WrestleMania.
WrestleMania 34 opened the show with fireworks, cheers, enjoyment and “BURN IT DOWN!”
Seth Rollins vs. The Miz vs. Finn Balor was a match constructed on fast-paced action and Miz trying to sneak away with the win while Balor and Rollins just kept putting on a spectacular wrestling match.
Seth Rollins picked up the win and would go on to have another great match with The Miz at one of WWE’s worst PPV’s – Backlash 2018.
Also, we can’t forget about those bright blue eyes that Rollins had. Perhaps he might bring them back for his gruelling match against Kevin Owens this weekend.
4. WrestleMania III – Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat def. “Macho Man” Randy Savage (c)
This one is special. Very special. Ricky Steamboat vs Randy Savage is still spoken about today, 33 years later as one of the best matches of all time.
This was something WWF fans of the 80s were not used to seeing. Their action was fast-paced and athletic, which was a stark contrast to the style of Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. This match has been pointed to as the match that inspired many people such as Chris Jericho who hadn’t seen anything like this before.
The match was made that much better when Steamboat rolled up Savage to win the title and the roof came off the Silverdome.
3. WrestleMania 31 – Daniel Bryan def. Wade Barrett (c), R-Truth, Luke Harper, Dean Ambrose & Stardust (Ladder Match)
WrestleMania 31 & 32 both equally proved that putting multiple wrestlers into a ladder match at the Showcase of the Immortals, was a great way to kickstart the crowd’s momentum and deliver a showcase of talent and potential.
At WrestleMania 31, Wade Barrett defended his championship against R-Truth, Luke Harper, Dean Ambrose, Stardust & Daniel Bryan.
The match was fantastic. While people like Ambrose and Harper caused chaos and destruction by throwing each other through ladders, Bryan and Ziggler battled for the title.
Bryan managed to survive, win the championship and start a Yes chant heard around the world.
2. WrestleMania 32: Zack Ryder def. Kevin Owens (c), Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Stardust, Sami Zayn & Sin Cara (Ladder Match)
Next on the list is the following year’s ladder match.
WrestleMania 32 saw Kevin Owens defend his title against Sami Zayn, Dolph Ziggler, The Miz, Stardust, Sin Cara & Zack Ryder.
It was again filled with highspots. Owens and Zayn basically put on a one-on-one match during the chaos as nobody could wait any longer to see Zayn get his hands on Owens.
Unfortunately, for Sami Zayn, he never got his opportunity to defend the Intercontinental Championship until this year’s WrestleMania.
Shockingly, Zack Ryder managed to pick up the win and deliver a heartwarming ‘Mania moment to all.
1. WrestleMania X – Razor Ramon (c) def. Shawn Michaels (c)(Ladder Match)
When wrestling fans discuss Intercontinental Championship matches at WrestleMania they always mention this one. It is one of the best IC title matches of all time and one of the best ‘Mania matches of all time as well.
The credibility of the Intercontinental Championship just seems to be heightened when put in a ladder match as Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X was an instant classic.
It even got the almighty 5-stars from Dave Meltzer!
Razor Ramon retained in a match you must watch after finishing this article.
Do you guys agree with these ranked matches? Did we leave any out? Let us know on Twitter
Comments.
Loading comments…