10 Things You Didn’t Know About WWE’s Intercontinental Title

40 years of sheer magic, countless redesigns and a whole load of quirks...

by Jamie Kennedy
Bret Hart Intercontinental Title

WWE's Intercontinental Title has been running hot since 1979 (with only a brief, still-irritating unification interlude to break things up between 2002-03), has seen 83 unique champions hold it and became known as a "workhorse title" in the early-90s thanks to the exploits of men like Bret Hart, Mr. Perfect, Shawn Michaels and more.

The belt remains a beloved symbol of those who favour workrate over flash, and it's cherished by fans eager to recall classic bouts like Bret vs. Perfect from SummerSlam 1991 or HBK vs. Razor Ramon at WrestleMania X in MSG. Oh yes, that IC gold is one of wrestling's most prestigious, not least because fans have maintained their respect for the thing even when WWE hasn't.

The title's history is also a twisting tunnel network of facts and lore.

In 40 years since the belt was created, Intercontinental glory has led to promotional firsts, family ties, endless redesigns, regrettable oversights on the road and more. This list provides 10 big facts you probably didn't know about those letters IC, including the real story behind the championship's origins...

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Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.