10 Truly Upsetting Moments In The History Of The Intercontinental Title

3. Steve Austin Forced To Vacate Due To Injury

By 1997, Steve Austin's 'Stone Cold' character has caught on like wild fire, and he was clearly poised to the next big star in the wrestling world. Facing Owen Hart at Summerslam, Austin was carelessly dropped on the top of his head by his opponent, badly injuring his neck and changing the shape of his career forever. Stunningly, Austin was still able to finish the match, rolling up Owen weakly for the win and capturing the Intercontinental Title in the process. Clearly in a lot of pain, it must have taken every ounce of strength the man had to even touch Hart, not to remember put up with his kicking legs whilst on the mat. Vince McMahon made the decision to keep Austin as champion, even though he was unable to compete. By September, plans changed, and the guy was forced into vacating (there's that word again) the belt. Incredibly, Owen Hart himself would win a hastily cobbled-together tournament in October, lastly defeating Faarooq, and Austin wouldn't hold the strap again until November.