10 Best WWE Intercontinental Title Matches Ever

A somewhat dated but no less dramatic title switch over 30 years on from the show it undeniably stole, Ricky Steamboat's endearing liberation of the Intercontinental strap (and ultimately Randy Savage's soul) at WrestleMania 3 remains as iconic as its vainglorious surround.

In front of an sprawling crowd as enormous as it was disputed, Macho Man and 'The Dragon' assembled a clinic that was - due to Savage's known fastidiousness - clinically assembled. This observation is not a stick with which to beat the bout as callously as Randy had done to Ricky with the ring-bell in the equally legendary build. For Savage to bullet-point a battle so captivating reveals his incredible mind for audience manipulation that betrays his insecurities around improvisation.

Proficient at all aspects of the art-form, Steamboat's flexibility bends beautifully with the rigidly-planned arc, particularly when he exhaustedly catches the Champion with a smooth small package for the win. The pair look as short of breath as the ringsiders, taken on as journey as they were by a beautifully-crafted contest. A babyface turn later in the year was the only possible destination for Savage after giving his body to such an effort.