10 Huge Stars Who Only Held The WWE Intercontinental Title Once
5. Daniel Bryan
This one is a bit heartbreaking.
Seeing Bryan Danielson rock up in All Elite Wrestling has been an incredible experience and knowing that Danielson will soon be kicking the ever loving sh*t out of people is even better. But let's face it, had it not been for some horrendously timed injuries, Danielson's legacy in WWE would be even greater.
Widely regarded as a contender for the GOAT of professional wrestling, WWE always treated the then Daniel Bryan as a B+ player. Despite them trying to retcon the 'Yes Movement' as something planned, the WWE never seemed to hold Bryan in the same regard as the fans did.
Which makes his one and only IC Title reign surprising and sadly, intrinsically linked with his retirement. A year after he had won the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 30, Bryan fought off six other men in a hellacious ladder match at WrestleMania 31 to capture a belt that he, like AJ Styles, seemed tailor made for.
Less than two months later, due to the extensive concussions he had suffered, Bryan was forced to vacate the belt and retire from professional wrestling. It was a devastating moment and considering that three years later he returned for an incredible second run and is now in a feud with Kenny Omega in AEW, we should be thankful that somehow Bryan has made it through and is healthy enough to compete.