Former WWE Intercontinental Champions To Return To The Company

With the list of former WWE Intercontinental Champions encompassing some of professional wrestling’s biggest names, some could return to the company.

From those still in active competition to others that could come back for enjoyable on-screen appearances for fun – there are some fan favorite names on this list.

Here are six former WWE Intercontinental Champions to return to the company.

6. Nic Nemeth (Dolph Ziggler)

An acclaimed Intercontinental Champion, Nic Nemeth won the gold six times in his WWE career under his former ring name, Dolph Ziggler.

While he continues to perform in TNA Wrestling, currently in a tag team with his brother Ryan Nemeth – he would make for an interesting return to WWE.

Since there is room for continued crossover between TNA Wrestling and NXT, perhaps fans will see more of Nemeth on WWE TV in the future.

With a few dates left for John Cena ahead of his official retirement, it isn’t probable but it is possible we could see one more showdown between the pair.

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5. Chris Jericho

The most decorated Intercontinental Champion in WWE history is actually current AEW star Chris Jericho.

Having captured the IC title nine times in his WWE tenure, it is possible that we could see Jericho make it to 10 sometime in the future.

Although he is still signed to AEW, Chris Jericho’s contract with the company reportedly ends at the end of 2025.

By the time the 2026 Royal Rumble comes to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January – perhaps we could see the return of Chris Jericho.

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4. Rikishi

There are several Bloodline members to hold the Intercontinental Championship including Rikishi.

While Rikishi is often remembered for notable tag team title runs during his career – holding the WWF World Tag Team titles in 1994, 2002 & 2004 – he also has an IC title reign on his list of accomplishments.

Rikishi would be a fun re-signing to host an official WWE podcast or even appear on premium live event post-show panels with his obvious connection to the Bloodline making for an interesting perspective.

With Solo Sikoa coming into his own as a dynamic character, the MFTs don’t need a manager – but Rikishi could still make a one-off appearance.

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3. Jeff Hardy

Although he gained early acclaim as a part of the Hardy Boyz tag team with real life brother Matt Hardy – Jeff Hardy would go on to have his own accomplished singles career in the company.

Hardy won the Intercontinental Championship five times over the course of his WWE career, topping over 300 days across the combined reigns.

While Jeff Hardy is currently signed to TNA Wrestling where he continues in tag team action with his brother Matt Hardy, fans continue to hold out hope that the Hardy Boyz could come ‘home’.

Recently appearing on-screen in the crowd at WWE SummerSlam, Jeff Hardy fans could be one step closer to seeing the star make another singles run before he hangs up his wrestling boots.

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2. Matt Cardona (Zack Ryder)

One WWE highlight in Zack Ryder’s career was winning the Intercontinental Title in a seven-way ladder match at WrestleMania 32.

The win is also notable in a way for being the second shortest reign in the history of the IC title after he lost it the next night on WWE Raw to The Miz.

While Matt Cardona has proclaimed on the indies that Zack Ryder is dead, it would be really great to see Cardona make a return in WWE.

Since he continues to appear in TNA Wrestling and with the continued crossover between NXT and TNA, perhaps we’re closer than ever before to his return.

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1. The Rock

One highly anticipated returning former IC champ is a member of the TKO board, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.

The Rock is certainly occupied at the minute, promoting his new film directed by Benny Safdie, The Smashing Machine.

However, when the 2x Intercontinental Champion does make a return to WWE – it will certainly be a major moment.

There hasn’t been an appearance from The Rock since Elimination Chamber – seemingly with unfinished business with John Cena, hopefully they wrap up their story together before Cena’s farewell.

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