The one thing the Intercontinental championship has always had over any other title is nostalgia. Fans associate the WWE title for the dramatic moments such as the genesis of the Hulk Hogan or the Stone Cold Steve Austin era while those same people have a deep fondness towards legendary nights like Bret Hart vs. Mr. Perfect at Summer Slam 1991 or Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley at Backlash 2004. Im willing to bet that it is easier for a diehard wrestling fan to list their favorite IC title matches than it is to recite their favorite WWE title matches because that is what the IC title speaks to. Matches, titanic clashes, hard fought battles where getting the 1-2-3 was paramount over obtaining bragging rights for a night or simply getting one up on an opponent because you have the authoritative backing of the powers that be. Air specials on the belts legacy and historic matches on the WWE Network. Have established and respected veterans come on television and share their war stories over a title that meant something to them because it symbolizes that you are an elite professional wrestler. WWEs decades long push towards being sports entertainment wont allow them to highlight the sport over spectacle, but the narrative doesnt have to change. Just switch out certain words and spin it a little differently to maintain the promotional status quo while sending the same message. If these five objectives can be executed to their fullest, while adding the dramatic flair of angles revolving around the main story lines, not only will fans no longer condemn Lesnar with such vitriol for his part time status, but we will have two well-placed and highly established commodities for the roster vie for when the WWE championship reverts back to its regularly scheduled programming.
Atlee Greene is a freelance writer for various sites, including ForcesOfGeek.com, Gerweck.net, CamelClutchBlog.com, and WhatCulture.com. He is also a former independent professional wrestler and promotes shows in the Massachusetts area.
