Intercontinental Championship: Top Ten Superstars Who Defined The Title

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7. The Ultimate Warrior

Like Shawn Michaels, future world champion and conqueror of the immortal Hulk Hogan, The Ultimate Warrior used the strength of not one, but two Intercontinental Title reigns to elevate his career tenfold. Between 1987 and 1988, The Warrior was a budding, albeit very green superstar. Coming out on top in feuds with Hercules Hernandez and Bobby Heenan, it was evident that from the reaction of the audience during his appearances, big things were coming. And that first big thing was when he became The Honky Tonk Man’s surprise opponent at the 1988 SummerSlam. After HTM arrogantly said into a microphone, “Get somebody out here. I’ll wrestle anybody.” The Warrior’s music hit and it tore the proverbial roof off of Madison Square Garden. 27 seconds later, he had his first IC title.

Warrior’s first reign was a good one. At 216 days, he put on a solid run which also included a brilliant Survivor Series performance where he was the last man standing in his elimination match. At Wrestlemania V the next April, Warrior lost the belt Rick Rude, a man who was quite possibly his biggest foe. Warrior got his revenge at the 1989 SummerSlam when he defeated Rude for his second IC title in what was one of his best matches in the WWE. Believe it or not, his second reign was also 216 days as he vacated it after beating Hogan at Wrestlemania VI. His 432 combined days ranks him 7th all time in that category.

Everyone knows the rest of the story with The Warrior. He got the biggest win of his career, had a lengthy title reign, lost the belt, got into a contract dispute, eventually walked out, only to return very briefly and then leave due to steroid allegations. There were a lot of missed opportunities after he became champion, but The Warrior will forever be remembered for what was possibly two of the most exciting IC title wins in the history of that belt. RIP Warrior.