WWE: 5 Intercontinental Title feuds to watch while socially isolating

“The Ninth Wonder of the World” Chyna vs. “Y2J” Chris Jericho (Oct. 18, 1999-Jan. 23, 2000)

This is like the Warrior-Rude feud: it’s more about the ride than the matches.

The late Chyna became the first woman to hold the WWE Intercontinental Championship when she defeated Jeff Jarrett in a (…sigh…) “Good Housekeeping” match (no DQ) at No Mercy in 1999.

She then had that open challenge at the top of the page, which Jericho answered. They wrestled at Survivor Series and Armageddon, with Chyna retaining in the first match and Jericho winning the championship in the second.

They had a rubber match on SmackDown, which ended in controversy as it was declared a double pin. That led to this interesting development.

Jericho and Chyna then faced Hardcore Holly in a triple threat match, which Jericho won by pinning Chyna. This ended the rivalry, and Jericho would continue on to be one of the best wrestlers of the next, well, 20 years!

Further, Jericho on the mic is always a reason to rewatch any of his feuds.

Chyna was also the first woman to enter the Royal Rumble match and set the stage for future competitors like Beth Phoenix, Kharma (Awesome Kong), and Nia Jax to do the same. She arguably set the stage (albeit 20 years later) for Tessa Blanchard to become Impact World Champion.

Yes, Chyna was not the best in-ring worker nor great on the mic. However, her presence and accomplishments should not be undersold.

You know how we hear so much about how young girls and women receive the likes of Becky Lynch, Naomi, Sasha Banks, and others? I find it hard to believe that girls, women, and others (like fem men and masc women) didn’t react the same way to Chyna’s victories. Just look at the enthusiasm from fans when she won the title from Jarrett.

Let’s all once again marvel at the impressive Chyna as we relive this IC title feud.