THE WWE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Over the past four decades the Intercontinental Championship has been held by many legends in the sport of Pro Wrestling. As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the title, there are 5 men that I think define what the title has stood for in the WWE.
1. "MACHO MAN" RANDY SAVAGE
The "Macho Man" beat Tito Santana in 1986 with illegal tactics to become the Intercontinental Champion. With this win he became one of the fastest rising stars in WWE. While Hulk Hogan was the good guy champion everyone loved, Savage could be the villain people loved to hate but also one of the most entertaining wrestlers ever with his outfits and interviews. Randy Savage would go on to lose the Intercontinental title to Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania 3 in 1987. But it was the start of a wonderful career in WWE as he would win the WWE World title twice before leaving the WWE in 1994.
2. BRET "THE HITMAN" HART
During his 13-year career in the WWE, Bret Hart won the Intercontinental title twice. In 1991 he defeated Curt Henning at Summerslam and at Wrestlemania 8 he defeated "Rowdy" Roddy Piper. During his two reigns as Intercontinental Champion Bret had a legendary feud with Shawn Michaels. At Summerslam 1992, Hart lost the Intercontinental title to Davey Boy Smith. In September of 1992, Bret Hart would bounce back winning the World title from Ric Flair.
3. SHAWN MICHAELS
The man known as the "HeartBreak Kid" is one of the most outlandish and colorful personalities to ever step foot in the wrestling ring. Between 1992 and 1995 he held the Intercontinental Title three times defeating Davey Boy Smith, Jeff Jarrett, and Marty Jannetty. His feud with Razor Ramon in 1994 that culminated in their epic ladder match at Wrestlemania 10 is one of the most legendary matches in WWE history. Michaels would win the World Title at Wrestlemania 12 defeating Bret Hart in 1996.
4. RAZOR RAMON (SCOTT HALL
When Scott Hall entered the WWE in 1993, it was the beginning of a new era. Superstars like Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior were on the way out and Vince McMahon was looking to build new stars. Scott Hall and Vince McMahon created the character of Razor Ramon, a Cuban tough guy from Miami based off the movie Scarface. Razor Ramon was the epitome of a cool heel that turned into a great babyface. His feud with Shawn Michaels over the Intercontinental title and their epic ladder match at Wrestlemania 10 solidifiied Razor Ramon as a superstar. Razor Ramon held the titile a record 4 times with feuds with stars like Jeff Jarrett, Diesel, and Goldust. Scott Hall would leave the WWE in 1996 and begin the Monday Night Wars when he appeared on WCW Nitro in September of' 1996.
5. "STONE COLD" STEVE AUSTIN
Like Razor Ramon, Steve Austin entered the WWE in 1996 as stars like Hulk Hogan, Randy Savage, Kevin Nash, and Scott Hall were making a name for themselves in World Championship Wrestling. Vince McMahon needed new stars. Steve Austin is a former two-time Intercontinental Champion. The beginning of the McMahon-Austin feud started after Austin defeated Owen Hart for his second Intercontinental Championship. The Rattlesnake's feud with The Rock solidified both men as future superstars. Steve Austin and The Rock became the two biggest stars in the WWE from 1997 to 2000 known as The Attitude Era.
For 40 years the Intercontinental title has stood as a benchamark of excellence for some of the best superstars in pro wrestling, These five men in my opinion are the epitome of what a superstar should be. With their charisma and wrestling skill, they've become legends in the sport of professional wrestling.
Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR
