10 Fascinating WWE SummerSlam 2008 Facts
7. It Was The First IC Title Change At SummerSlam In Six Years
It wasn't Ultimate Warrior squashing The Honky Tonk Man, nor was it Davey Boy Smith wrapping up Bret Hart's legs to score a dramatic pinfall in front of 80,000 countrymen. Santino Marella capturing the Intercontinental belt from Kofi Kingston at SummerSlam 2008 ranks among the least memorable IC title changes in the event's history, particularly since Beth Phoenix pinned Mickie James to facilitate the switch.
After the Intercontinental gold changed hands at 12 of the first 15 SummerSlams, IC title changes at the event became much more sparse, and in a handful of cases it wouldn't be defended at all. Santino's procurement of the IC belt was the first at a SummerSlam since Rob Van Dam pinned Chris Benoit at the 2002 show.
Although Van Dam pinned Benoit to end a hard-hitting, grueling battle, it lacked the wondrous visual of Van Dam being walked off on the shoulders of a dominant female.