All 17 WWE Intercontinental Champions of the 2010’s So Far, Ranked

Credit: WWE.com

10. Big E

Before Big E was a part of The New Day, the longest reigning tag team champions in WWE history, as the big, boisterous, and booty-shaking braun of the team, he was the quiet and serious friend of AJ Lee.

Big E was an enforcer for Dolph Ziggler and AJ Lee, but once Dolph and AJ ended their relationship, the trio split up, and Big E tried his luck on the singles scene. Initially a heel, Big E quickly turned face as he began a feud with Heyman and his henchmen.

He quickly got an opportunity to face Axel for the Intercontinental Championship, but due to injury, it was delayed. Meanwhile, Big E faced Ambrose for the United States Championship but failed to capture it.

Once Axel was healthy, Big E faced and defeated Curtis Axel for the Intercontinental Championship. Big E then went on to defend the title for 167days against the likes of Axel, Damien Sandow, and Jack Swagger.

If those opponents don’t tell you how poorly the Intercontinental Championship was being booked at the time, Big E did not even defend his title at WrestleMania. Instead, he competed in the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal.

He then lost his title to Wade Barrett at Extreme Rules. Big E floated around aimlessly for a while, but its safe to say he found success once he teamed up with Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston to form the New Day.

A somewhat lengthy run with the title that helped launch Big E into success later in his career was almost enough for him to crack single digits in this list. Maybe better opponents, feuds, and card placement would’ve helped Mr. Langston.