THE TOP FIVE GREATEST INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONS IN WWE HISTORY

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

HARLEY RACE PASSES AWAY AT AGE 76

HARLEY RACE AS NWA WORLD CHAMPION IN THE 70's

Harley Race, one of the biggest stars in wrestling during the 70's and 80's passed away on Thursday, August 1st. The former NWA Champion was 76 years old. Race began his career in the American Wrestling Association in the 60's appearing in a tag-team with Larry "The Axe" Hennig. After winning the AWA tag team titles three different times with Hennig, Race moved onto the National Wrestling Alliance.

Race entered the National Wrestling Alliance in 1970 and became one of the biggest stars the promotion ever had. In 1973, Race defeated Dory Funk Jr. to win his first NWA World Championship. Between 1973 and 1983, Harley Race would win the NWA World title eight times during his career engaging in legendary feuds with Terry Funk, Dusty Rhodes, and Ric Flair. In November 1983, Race and Flair made history when Starrcade, the first pay per view aired on closed circuit TV. Starrcade was the precursor to Wrestlemania and would launch a new age in pro wrestling. At Starrcade, Ric Flair would defeat Harley Race for the championship and Race would leave the NWA in 1984.


HARLEY RACE WITH BIG VAN VADER

By 1986, Harley Race started wrestling in World Wrestling Entertainment as "The King" after he won the King Of The Ring tournament. He engaged in feuds with the Junkyard Dog, Hacksaw Jim Duggan, and Hulk Hogan. In 1989, Race would leave the WWE and work other promotions including the NWA and AWA. In 1991, Harley Race retired as an active wrestler and became a manager in World Championship Wrestling. Harley Race managed both Lex Luger and Big Van Vader to World title runs in WCW.

Harley Race was one of the biggest stars in the territory days of pro wrestling. His legendary skill and toughness made him a major attraction in wrestling during the 70's and 80's. During his legendary career he was a true icon of the sport and he crafted a legacy that will never be forgotten. 

Class Dismissed,
THE PROFESSOR

ROWDY RODDY PIPER: HIS THREE GREATEST FEUDS

Rowdy Roddy Piper as N.W.A. U.S. Champion

July 31, 2019 marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Rowdy Roddy Piper, one of wrestling's greatest legends. Roddy Piper is one of the greatest wrestlers to ever step in the ring not only for his in ring ability but also for his ability to draw people in with his amazing interviews. In this post I'd like to talk about some of Piper's greatest feuds.

ROWDY RODDY PIPER VS. GREG VALENTINE


At Starrcade 1983, Rowdy Roddy Piper and Greg Valentine made history in Greensboro, North Carolina. Greg Valentine was the U.S. Champion defending against Piper in a dog collar match. Piper and Valentine were connected by collars around their necks connected by a 12-foot logging chain.

The match was brutal and physical as Valentine used the metal chain to beat Piper up and damaged his left ear drum during the match. This match by today's standards, would be considered hardcore but back in 1983, that was just the southern style of wrestling. Roddy Piper would come out victorious and win the U.S. Championship to a raucous crowd.

ROWDY RODDY PIPER VS HULK HOGAN


After leaving the N.W.A.(National Wrestling Alliance) in 1983, Roddy Piper moved onto WWE. Piper feuded with Jimmy Superfly Snuka and soon feuded with Hulk Hogan after Piper attacked Cyndi Lauper. By 1985 at Wrestlemania I, Piper and Hogan were the hottest wrestlers on the planet. Piper was always one of the best villains in wrestling. His skills on the mic during interviews along with Hogan's popularity made Wrestlemania a must see attraction.  

At Wrestlemania I Piper teamed with Paul Orndorff and Hogan teamed with Mr. T who was the star of the A-Team TV show.With the cross promotion of MTV and WWE, pro wrestling was approaching a new level of popularity. Piper and Orndorff lost the match to Hulk Hogan and Mr. T.

ROWDY RODDY PIPER VS. MR.T



At Wrestlemania 2, Roddy Piper faced Mr. T in a boxing match. Piper was still the biggest villain in wrestling and Mr. T was a big star thanks to the A-Team TV show. Piper hated Mr. T because he was an outsider coming into pro wrestling. Piper used his incredible mic skills to build the match up. During the boxing match, Piper body slammed Mr. T and lost the match, but he gained the respect of the fans.

It's been four years since the passing of Rowdy Roddy Piper. He was one of the best personalities to ever grace the squared circle. Today pro wrestling needs more characters and wrestlers like The Hot Rod. He's left a legacy that will never be forgotten. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

BRANDON ROUTH RETURNS AS SUPERMAN IN ARROWVERSE

BRANDON ROUTH AS SUPERMAN

Brandon Routh will return as Superman according to TVLine, in the Arrowverse during the Crisis On Infinite Earths special airing in the Fall of 2019. He starred as Clark Kent/Superman in the 2006 movie, Superman Returns. Presently, Routh stars as Ray Palmer /The Atom on Legends Of Tomorrow a character he's played since 2014 on Arrow.

During the Arrowverse crossover, Routh will play a Superman from another "time frame" which could mean he's from another earth. Any fan of The Flash and Supergirl know that the producers love to go to alternate earths. It will be interesting to see if they use Brandon Routh as a Superman based on Christopher Reeve's Superman as Bryan Singer did in Superman Returns.

As a huge fan of Superman this news has piqued my curiousity and I will be watching the Arrowverse crossover event when it airs in the Fall of 2019.

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

ALL IN THE FAMILY AND THE JEFFERSONS RETURN FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY

Carroll O' Connor, Sherman Helmsley, Isabelle Sanford, and Jean Stapleton in All in The Family

After more than three decades off the air, two of the most influential and prolific comedies, All in The Family and The Jeffersons return to TV on ABC tonight. Jimmy Kimmel (host of Jimmy Kimmel Live) will present, Live In Front of A Studio Audience: Norman Lear Presents All In the Family and The Jeffersons tonight at 8pm. This production is headlined by a stellar cast which includes Woody Harrelson, Marisa Tomei, Jamie Foxx, and Wanda Sykes. This special presentation of these two iconic TV classics, demonstrates the effect both shows have on society. 

In 1971, All In The Family premiered on CBS and changed the landscape of TV forever. The show centered around Archie Bunker (played by Carroll O' Connor), a hard-working middle class man who was a bigot and hated the changing landscape of America during the 1970's. Archie's home life at 704 Hauser Street reflected America's changing values as he clashed with his family including his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and her husband Mike (Rob Reiner) over such hot button issues of the 70's such as the War in Vietnam, Women's Liberation, and race in America. During its 8-year run the show became one of the most popular show of its time and stayed at #1 in the Nielsen ratings for 5 consecutive seasons. All In The Family ended in 1979 but had a spinoff called Archie Bunker's Place. 

The Jefferson started out as neighbors of The Bunkers for four seasons. Louise Jefferson  (Isabel Sanford) and her son Lionel (Mike Evans) were introduced first and in season 4 we finally met George Jefferson. In George Jefferson (Sherman Helmsley), Archie found a kindred spirit who could match him word for word and outsmart him as well. The Jeffersons proved so popular with the audience that Norman Lear would create a spinoff, rarely done in TV at the time, but commonplace today. 

In 1975, The Jeffersons, premiered on CBS and George Jefferson was now a wealthy black man due to his successful dry cleaning business that moved from Queens to the Upper East Side. George's son Lionel was married to Jenny who was a mixed race child whose mother, Helen Willis was African American and her father, Tom Willis was Caucasian. The crux of the comedy came with George dealing with The Willis' as his neighbors and his wisecracking maid, Florence (Marla Gibbs). The show dealt with serious issues such as racism, gun control, suicide, and adult illiteracy. The Jeffersons ran for 11 seasons on CBS before being cancelled in 1985.


Norman Lear

Tonight, All In The Family and The Jeffersons return to TV for one night only on ABC. It is a testament to Norman Lear and what he created that these shows stand the test of time. With the political and racial tone being so divisive today, it seems like a perfect time for these shows to return to TV. As a fan of classic TV I will be watching tonight when the show premieres tonight at 8pm. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

ALL ELITE WRESTLING TO AIR ON TNT AND WARNER MEDIA

Cody Runnels and The Young Bucks

TNT is getting back into the wrestling business. At the Warner Media Upfront TNT released a press release stating that TNT will air All Elite Wrestling later this year according to The New York Post. All Elite Wrestling (AEW) is a company owned by Tony Khan and has stars such as Chris Jericho, Cody Runnels, The Young Bucks (Nick and Matt Jackson), Kenny Omega, and Hangman Page. TNT has not had a pro wrestling show on its network since WCW (World Championship Wrestling) was bought by WWE and the final episode of WCW Monday Nitro aired on March 26, 2001. Since that fateful day in 2001, fans have wanted a new competitor that would challenge the monopoly that WWE has on the pro wrestling marketplace and now they have it. 

This new development adds a new wrinkle to the pro wrestling and TV landscape in 2019. Starting in October, WWE Smackdown will move from its Tuesday night spot on USA Network to Friday nights on Fox. Many in the wrestling news media believe that AEW will air its show on Tuesday nights to attract fans that are accustomed to watching wrestling on that night. 

WWE will certainly have competition once All Elite Wrestling begins airing on TNT. Many questions still remain as to how AEW will market itself to the masses and how will they attract talent both unknown on a national level and talent that have been in WWE. With WWE experiencing low ratings because of their lack of new stars, this may be the perfect time for AEW to bring something innovative to the industry. As a fan I can't wait to see what happens. 

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR

THANK YOU KURT ANGLE

KURT ANGLE AS TNA AND IWGP CHAMPION

Kurt Angle, one of WWE's most revered superstars will retire at Wrestlemania 35 this Sunday. Kurt Angle is considered one of the best athletes to ever compete in wrestling. He brought credibility to the sport with his Olympic background and he is one of the best all-around performers to ever wrestle in the business. In pro wrestling, Angle has won 21 World championships in multiple organizations including WWE, Impact Wrestling, and IWGP (International Wrestling Grand Prix). 

Angle has a long and storied career in amateur and pro wrestling. Angle won an Olympic gold medal during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. He began his career in 2000 and had a quick rise to the top winning the Intercontinental and European title his first year in WWE. During his six-year run he had various feuds with Triple H, Shawn Michaels, Brock Lesnar, The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Undertaker, and John Cena.

In 2006, Kurt Angle left WWE and went to Impact Wrestling (formerly Total Non-Stop Action Wrestling). Angle had memorable feuds with Samoa Joe, A.J. Styles, Sting, Jeff Jarrett, Matt Morgan, Drew Galloway, and Bobby Lashley. He spent 10 years there and was one of the top stars there until his departure in 2016.

In 2017, Angle returned to WWE when he was inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame. Vince McMahon also appointed him as the General Manager of RAW. In one of the biggest moments of his career, Angle teamed with Ronda Rousey to face Triple H and Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania 34. 

This Sunday, Kurt Angle will wrestle his final match against Baron Corbin at Wrestlemania 35. Angle is one of the best all around performers to ever enter the squared circle and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Class Dismissed, 
THE PROFESSOR