List of WWE Intercontinental Champions

= List of WWE Intercontinental Champions =
The WWE Intercontinental Championship is a professional wrestling championship contested in and owned by the American promotionWWE on the SmackDown brand. The title was introduced into the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979. Pat Patterson, holder of the WWF North American Heavyweight Championship, was awarded the title (with the kayfabe explanation that he won a tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and unified the North American and South American titles).
Current champion Ricochet
The Intercontinental Championship has been called the second most important championship in the company, after the WWE Championship. It has been active in WWE for the second-longest period, but is the third-oldest active title, behind the WWE Championship (1963) and the United States Championship (1975), the latter of which was acquired from World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in 2001. In 2002, the WWF was renamedWorld Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and the championship was renamed accordingly. As a result of the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up, it is exclusively contested on the SmackDown brand.
Overall, there have been 81 different Intercontinental Champions. Chris Jericho holds the record for the most reigns with nine. The Honky Tonk Man holds the longest reign at 454 days. Only three other wrestlers, Pedro Morales, Don Muraco, and Randy Savage, have held the championship for a continuous reign of more than a year. Ricochet is the current champion in his first reign. He defeated previous champion Shinsuke Nakamura, Sami Zyan and Cesaro in a fatal four match at the Royal Rumble 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri on January 29, 2022.
== Title history ==
=== Names ===
Name 	Years
WWF Intercontinental (Heavyweight) Championship	September 1, 1979 – May 6, 2002
WWE Intercontinental Championship 	May 6, 2002 – present
=== Reigns === 
As of January 29, 2022.
Key
No. 	Overall reign number
Reign 	Reign number for the specific champion
Days 	Number of days held
Days recog.	Number of days held recognized by the promotion
Defenses 	Number of successful defenses
† 	Championship change is unrecognized by the promotion
<1 	Reign lasted less than a day
+ 	Current reign is changing daily
No. 	Champion 	Championship change 	Championship change 	Championship change 	Reign statistics 	Reign statistics 	Reign statistics 	Notes 	Defenses 	Ref.
No. 	Champion 	Date 	Event 	Location 	Reign 	Days 	Days recog. 	Notes 	Defenses 	Ref.
National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)	National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
1 	Pat Patterson 	September 1, 1979 	— 	Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 	1 	233 	232 	Patterson became the first champion as a result of defeating Ted DiBiase to win the WWF North American Heavyweight Championshipon June 19, 1979 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and defeating Johnny Rodz in a fictional tournament final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazilto unify the North American Heavyweight Championship with the fictional South American Heavyweight Championship to create the WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship. First mention of the Intercontinental title took place on the August 22, 1979 Championship Wrestling program, which aired August 25, 1979 in an interview after Patterson defeated Johnny Rivera.	3 	
2 	Ken Patera 	April 21, 1980 	WWF on MSG Network 	New York, NY 	1 	231 	230 	 	3 	
3 	Pedro Morales 	December 8, 1980 	WWF 	New York, NY 	1 	194 	193 	 	3 	
4 	Don Muraco 	June 20, 1981 	WWF on PRISM Network 	Philadelphia, PA 	1 	156 	155 	 	3 	
5 	Pedro Morales 	November 23, 1981 	WWF on MSG Network 	New York, NY 	2 	425 	424 	 	3 	
6 	Don Muraco 	January 22, 1983 	WWF on MSG Network 	New York, NY 	2 	385 	384 	During his reign, the WWF withdrew from the NWA. 	3 	
World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF) 	World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
7 	Tito Santana 	February 11, 1984 	WWF 	Boston, MA 	1 	226 	226 	 	3 	
8 	Greg Valentine 	September 24, 1984 	Maple Leaf Wrestling 	London, ON, Canada 	1 	285 	285 	Aired on tape delay on October 13, 1984. 	3 	
9 	Tito Santana 	July 6, 1985 	House show 	Baltimore, MD 	2 	217 	217 	This was a steel cage match. 	3 	
10 	Randy Savage 	February 8, 1986 	WWF on NESN 	Boston, MA 	1 	414 	414 	 	3 	
11 	Ricky Steamboat 	March 29, 1987 	WrestleMania III 	Pontiac, MI 	1 	65 	65 	 	3 	
12 	The Honky Tonk Man 	June 2, 1987 	Superstars of Wrestling 	Buffalo, NY 	1 	454 	454 	Aired on tape delay on June 13, 1987. 	3 	
13 	The Ultimate Warrior 	August 29, 1988 	SummerSlam 	New York, NY 	1 	216 	216 	 	3 	
14 	Rick Rude 	April 2, 1989 	WrestleMania V 	Atlantic City, NJ 	1 	148 	148 	 	3 	
15 	The Ultimate Warrior 	August 28, 1989 	SummerSlam 	East Rutherford, NJ 	2 	218 	216 	 	3 	
— 	Vacated 	April 3, 1990 	Wrestling Challenge 	Syracuse, NY 	— 	— 	— 	Warrior relinquished the title after winning the WWF Championship in order to focus on defending the latter. WWE recognizes the title as being vacated on April 1, 1990 at WrestleMania VI. 	— 	
16 	Mr. Perfect 	April 23, 1990 	Superstars of Wrestling 	Austin, TX 	1 	126 	126 	Defeated Tito Santana in a tournament final for the vacant title.
Aired on tape delay on May 19, 1990. 	3 	
17 	The Texas Tornado 	August 27, 1990 	SummerSlam 	Philadelphia, PA 	1 	84 	84 	 	3 	
18 	Mr. Perfect 	November 19, 1990 	Superstars of Wrestling 	Rochester, NY 	2 	280 	280 	Aired on tape delay on December 15, 1990. 	3 	
19 	Bret Hart 	August 26, 1991 	SummerSlam 	New York, NY 	1 	144 	144 	 	3 	
20 	The Mountie 	January 17, 1992 	House show 	Springfield, MA 	1 	2 	2 	 	3 	
21 	Roddy Piper 	January 19, 1992 	Royal Rumble 	Albany, NY 	1 	77 	77 	 	3 	
22 	Bret Hart 	April 5, 1992 	WrestleMania VIII 	Indianapolis, IN 	2 	146 	146 	 	3 	
23 	The British Bulldog 	August 29, 1992 	SummerSlam 	London, England 	1 	59 	59 	 	3 	
24 	Shawn Michaels 	October 27, 1992 	Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI 	Terre Haute, IN 	1 	202 	202 	Aired on tape delay on November 14, 1992 	3 	
25 	Marty Jannetty 	May 17, 1993 	Raw 	New York, NY 	1 	20 	20 	 	3 	
26 	Shawn Michaels 	June 6, 1993 	House show 	Albany, NY 	2 	113 	113 	 	3 	
— 	Vacated 	September 27, 1993 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	Shawn Michaels was stripped of the title for failing to defend it within 30 days. In reality, Michaels was suspended for testing positive for steroids. 	— 	
27 	Razor Ramon 	September 27, 1993 	Raw 	New Haven, CT 	1 	198 	198 	Ramon and Rick Martelwere the final two participants in a battle royal. Ramon then defeated Martel for the vacant title; The match aired on tape delay on October 11, 1993. However, Shawn Michaelsreturned in November 1993, claiming to be the legitimate champion as nobody defeated him. Ramon went on to defeat Michaels in a ladder matchon March 20, 1994 at WrestleMania X. 	 	
28 	Diesel 	April 13, 1994 	Superstars 	Rochester, NY 	1 	138 	138 	Aired on tape delay on April 30, 1994. 	 	
29 	Razor Ramon 	August 29, 1994 	SummerSlam 	Chicago, IL 	2 	146 	146 	 	 	
30 	Jeff Jarrett 	January 22, 1995 	Royal Rumble 	Tampa, FL 	1 	94 	94 	 	 	
— 	Vacated 	April 26, 1995 	Action Zone 	Moline, IL 	— 	— 	— 	Held up when match between Jeff Jarrett and Bob "Spark Plug" Hollyended in controversy.
Aired on tape delay on April 30, 1995. 	 	
31 	Jeff Jarrett 	April 26, 1995 	Action Zone 	Moline, IL 	2 	23 	23 	Defeated Bob Holly in a rematch for the vacant title.
Aired on tape delay on May 7, 1995. 	 	
32 	Razor Ramon 	May 19, 1995 	House show 	Montreal QC, Canada 	3 	2 	3 	This was a ladder match.
WWE recognizes Ramon's reign as ending on May 22, 1995. 	 	
33 	Jeff Jarrett 	May 21, 1995 	House show 	Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada 	3 	63 	62 	WWE recognizes Jarrett's reign as beginning on May 22, 1995. 	 	
34 	Shawn Michaels 	July 23, 1995 	In Your House 2: The Lumberjacks 	Nashville, TN 	3 	91 	91 	 	 	
35 	Dean Douglas 	October 22, 1995 	In Your House 4: Great White North 	Winnipeg, MB, Canada 	1 	<1 	<1 	Won the title by forfeit due to Shawn Michaels being attacked outside a nightclub in Syracuse, NYon October 14, 1995. 	 	
36 	Razor Ramon 	October 22, 1995 	In Your House 4: Great White North 	Winnipeg, MB, Canada 	4 	91 	91 	 	 	
37 	Goldust 	January 21, 1996 	Royal Rumble 	Fresno, CA 	1 	71 	64 	WWE recognizes Goldust's reign as ending on March 25, 1996. 	 	
— 	Vacated 	April 1, 1996 	Raw 	San Bernardino, CA 	— 	— 	— 	Held up when a title defense against Savio Vega ended in a no contest.
Aired on tape delay on April 15, 1996. 	 	
38 	Goldust 	April 1, 1996 	Raw 	San Bernardino, CA 	2 	83 	83 	Defeated Savio Vega in a rematch for the vacant championship.
Aired on tape delay on April 22, 1996. 	 	
39 	Ahmed Johnson 	June 23, 1996 	King of the Ring 	Milwaukee, WI 	1 	50 	58 	WWE recognizes Johnson's reign as ending on August 19, 1996. 	 	
— 	Vacated 	August 12, 1996 	Raw 	Seattle, WA 	— 	— 	— 	Ahmed Johnsonforfeited the championship after being attacked by the debuting Faarooq after winning an 11-man battle royal. 	 	
40 	Marc Mero 	September 23, 1996 	Raw 	Hershey, PA 	1 	28 	28 	Defeated Faarooq in a tournament final for the vacant championship. 	 	
41 	Hunter Hearst Helmsley 	October 21, 1996 	Raw 	Fort Wayne, IN 	1 	115 	115 	 	 	
42 	Rocky Maivia 	February 13, 1997 	Raw 	Lowell, MA 	1 	74 	73 	 	 	
43 	Owen Hart 	April 28, 1997 	Raw 	Omaha, NE 	1 	97 	97 	 	 	
44 	Stone Cold Steve Austin 	August 3, 1997 	SummerSlam 	East Rutherford, NJ 	1 	36 	64 	WWE mistakenly lists Austin's reign as lasting 64 days, ending on October 5, 1997. 	 	
— 	Vacated 	September 8, 1997 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	Vacated due to a neck injury that Stone Cold Steve Austinsuffered in winning the championship. 	 	
45 	Owen Hart 	October 5, 1997 	Badd Blood: In Your House 	St. Louis, MO 	2 	35 	35 	Defeated Faarooq in a tournament final for the vacant championship. 	 	
46 	Stone Cold Steve Austin 	November 9, 1997 	Survivor Series 	Montreal, QC, Canada 	2 	29 	29 	 	 	
47 	The Rock 	December 8, 1997 	Raw 	Portland, ME 	2 	265 	264 	Stone Cold Steve Austinhanded the championship belt to The Rock, who was formerly known as Rocky Maivia. 	 	
48 	Triple H 	August 30, 1998 	SummerSlam 	New York, NY 	2 	40 	44 	This was a ladder match.
Triple H was formerly known as Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
WWE mistakenly lists Triple H's reign as lasting 44 days, ending on October 12, 1998. 	 	
— 	Vacated 	October 9, 1998 	— 	— 	— 	— 	— 	Vacated due to injury. 	 	
49 	Ken Shamrock 	October 12, 1998 	Raw 	Uniondale, NY 	1 	125 	125 	Defeated X-Pac in a tournament final for the vacant championship. 	 	
50 	Val Venis 	February 14, 1999 	St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House 	Memphis, TN 	1 	29 	29 	Billy Gunn was the guest referee. 	 	
51 	Road Dogg 	March 15, 1999 	Raw 	San Jose, CA 	1 	14 	14 	 	 	
52 	Goldust 	March 29, 1999 	Raw 	East Rutherford, NJ 	3 	14 	14 	 	 	
53 	The Godfather 	April 12, 1999 	Raw 	Detroit, MI 	1 	43 	43 	 	 	
54 	Jeff Jarrett 	May 25, 1999 	Raw 	Moline, IL 	4 	60 	54 	WWE recognizes Jarrett's reign as beginning on May 31, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
55 	Edge 	July 24, 1999 	House show 	Toronto, ON, Canada 	1 	1 	1 	 	 	
56 	Jeff Jarrett 	July 25, 1999 	Fully Loaded 	Buffalo, NY 	5 	2 	1 	WWE recognizes Jarrett's reign as ending on July 26, 1999. 	 	
57 	D'Lo Brown 	July 27, 1999 	Raw 	Columbus, OH 	1 	26 	27 	This was a Winner Takes All match, where Brown also defended the European Championship. Brown became the first Eurocontinental Champion.
Aired on tape delay on August 2, 1999.
WWE recognizes Brown's reign as beginning on July 26, 1999. 	 	
58 	Jeff Jarrett 	August 22, 1999 	SummerSlam 	Minneapolis, MN 	6 	56 	56 	Jarrett also won the European Championshipin the match to become the second Eurocontinental Champion. 	 	
59 	Chyna 	October 17, 1999 	No Mercy 	Cleveland, OH 	1 	56 	56 	This was a Good Housekeeping match. 	 	
60 	Chris Jericho 	December 12, 1999 	Armageddon 	Sunrise, FL 	1 	22 	22 	 	 	
† 	Chris Jerichoand Chyna 	January 3, 2000 	Raw 	Miami, FL 	1 	20 	— 	On December 28, 1999 (aired December 30, 1999) on SmackDown!, a title match between Chyna and Jericho ended in a double pinfall; as a result they were recognized as co-champions. WWE does not recognize this period as an official reign but as a vacancy. 	 	
61 	Chris Jericho 	January 23, 2000 	Royal Rumble 	New York, NY 	2 	35 	35 	Jericho defeated Chyna and Hardcore Hollyin a triple threat match to become undisputed champion. 	 	
62 	Kurt Angle 	February 27, 2000 	No Way Out 	Hartford, CT 	1 	35 	35 	Earlier that month, Angle had also won the European Championship. This win made Angle the third and final Eurocontinental Champion. 	 	
63 	Chris Benoit 	April 2, 2000 	WrestleMania 2000 	Anaheim, CA 	1 	30 	32 	This was a two-fall triple threat match, also involving Chris Jericho, in which Kurt Angledefended both championships. The person to get the first fall won the Intercontinental Championship and the person to score the second fall won the European Championship; Benoit scored the first fall to win the Intercontinental Championship.
WWE recognizes Benoit's reign as ending on May 4, 2000, when the following episode aired on tape delay. They incorrectly list his reign as ending on May 22, 2000, and lasting 50 days. 	 	
64 	Chris Jericho 	May 2, 2000 	SmackDown! 	Richmond, VA 	3 	6 	5 	WWE recognizes Jericho's reign as beginning on May 4, 2000, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
65 	Chris Benoit 	May 8, 2000 	Raw 	Uniondale, NY 	2 	43 	43 	 	 	
66 	Rikishi 	June 20, 2000 	SmackDown! 	Memphis, TN 	1 	14 	14 	WWE recognizes Rikishi's reign as beginning on June 22, 2000 and ending on July 6, 2000, both episodes of which aired on tape delay. 	 	
67 	Val Venis 	July 4, 2000 	SmackDown! 	Sunrise, FL 	2 	54 	52 	WWE recognizes Venis's reign as beginning on July 6, 2000, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
68 	Chyna 	August 27, 2000 	SummerSlam 	Raleigh, NC 	2 	8 	8 	Won the title in a mixed tag team match that pitted Chyna and Eddie Guerreroagainst Val Venis and Trish Stratus; Chyna pinned Trish to win Venis' title. 	 	
69 	Eddie Guerrero 	September 4, 2000 	Raw 	Lexington, KY 	1 	78 	80 	This was a triple threat match, also involving Kurt Angle.
WWE recognizes Guerrero's reign as ending on November 23, 2000, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
70 	Billy Gunn 	November 21, 2000 	SmackDown! 	Sunrise, FL 	1 	19 	17 	WWE recognizes Gunn's reign as beginning on November 23, 2000, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
71 	Chris Benoit 	December 10, 2000 	Armageddon 	Birmingham, AL 	3 	42 	42 	 	 	
72 	Chris Jericho 	January 21, 2001 	Royal Rumble 	New Orleans, LA 	4 	72 	74 	This was a ladder match.
WWE recognizes Jericho's reign as ending on April 5, 2001, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
73 	Triple H 	April 3, 2001 	SmackDown! 	Oklahoma City, OK 	3 	7 	7 	WWE recognizes Triple H's reign as beginning on April 5, 2001 and ending on April 12, 2001, both episodes of which aired on tape delay. 	 	
74 	Jeff Hardy 	April 10, 2001 	SmackDown! 	Philadelphia, PA 	1 	6 	3 	WWE recognizes Hardy's reign as beginning on April 12, 2001, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
75 	Triple H 	April 16, 2001 	Raw 	Knoxville, TN 	4 	34 	34 	 	 	
76 	Kane 	May 20, 2001 	Judgment Day 	Sacramento, CA 	1 	37 	39 	This was a chain match.
WWE recognizes Kane's reign as ending on June 28, 2001, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
77 	Albert 	June 26, 2001 	SmackDown! 	New York, NY 	1 	27 	25 	This was a no disqualification match.
WWE recognizes Albert's reign as beginning on June 28, 2001, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
78 	Lance Storm 	July 23, 2001 	Raw 	Buffalo, NY 	1 	27 	27 	 	 	
79 	Edge 	August 19, 2001 	SummerSlam 	San Jose, CA 	2 	35 	35 	 	 	
80 	Christian 	September 23, 2001 	Unforgiven 	Pittsburgh, PA 	1 	28 	28 	 	 	
81 	Edge 	October 21, 2001 	No Mercy 	St. Louis, MO 	3 	15 	15 	This was a ladder match. 	 	
82 	Test 	November 5, 2001 	Raw 	Uniondale, NY 	1 	13 	13 	 	 	
83 	Edge 	November 18, 2001 	Survivor Series 	Greensboro, NC 	4 	63 	63 	This was a title unificationmatch, where Edge also defended the WCW United States Championship. The United States Championship was deactivated in favor of continuing the Intercontinental Championship. 	 	
84 	William Regal 	January 20, 2002 	Royal Rumble 	Atlanta, GA 	1 	56 	56 	 	 	
85 	Rob Van Dam 	March 17, 2002 	WrestleMania X8 	Toronto, ON, Canada 	1 	35 	35 	On March 25, the brand extensionbegan, in which wrestlers and championships became exclusive to either the Rawor SmackDown!brands, represented by the show of the same name. The title became exclusive to Raw when Van Dam was drafted to the Raw brand. 	 	
WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw 	WWF: Raw
86 	Eddie Guerrero 	April 21, 2002 	Backlash 	Kansas City, MO 	2 	36 	36 	On May 6, 2002, after the World Wrestling Federation was renamed "World Wrestling Entertainment" due to a lawsuit by the World Wide Fund for Nature, the title was subsequently renamed to WWE Intercontinental Championship. 	 	
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87 	Rob Van Dam 	May 27, 2002 	Raw 	Edmonton, AB, Canada 	2 	63 	63 	This was a ladder match.
On July 22, 2002, Van Dam defeated Jeff Hardy to unify the European Championship into the Intercontinental Championship, deactivating the European title. 	 	
88 	Chris Benoit 	July 29, 2002 	Raw 	Greensboro, NC 	4 	27 	27 	The title became exclusive to SmackDown!when Benoit defected to SmackDown! on July 30, 2002.
Aired on tape delay on August 1, 2002.
WWE incorrectly lists Benoit's reign as ending on August 26, 2002, and lasting 28 days. 	 	
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89 	Rob Van Dam 	August 25, 2002 	SummerSlam 	Uniondale, NY 	3 	22 	22 	The title was returned to Raw due to Van Dam's status as a Raw wrestler.
The following night on Raw, Van Dam defeated Tommy Dreamer to unify Hardcore Championship into the Intercontinental Championship, deactivating the Hardcore title.
WWE incorrectly list Van Dam's reign as beginning on August 6, 2002, and lasting 41 days. 	 	
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90 	Chris Jericho 	September 16, 2002 	Raw 	Denver, CO 	5 	14 	14 	 	 	
91 	Kane 	September 30, 2002 	Raw 	Houston, TX 	2 	20 	20 	 	 	
92 	Triple H 	October 20, 2002 	No Mercy 	North Little Rock, AR 	5 	<1 	<1 	This was a title unificationmatch to unify the Intercontinental Championship with Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship. 	 	
— 	Unified 	October 20, 2002 	No Mercy 	North Little Rock, AR 	— 	— 	— 	Unified with Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship; the Intercontinental Championship was deactivated. 	 	
93 	Christian 	May 18, 2003 	Judgment Day 	Charlotte, NC 	2 	50 	50 	Raw Co-General Manager Stone Cold Steve Austinreactivated the title. Christian won the revived title in a battle royal. 	 	
94 	Booker T 	July 7, 2003 	Raw 	Montreal, QC, Canada 	1 	34 	34 	That same month, the United States Championshipwas reactivated for the SmackDownbrand as the Intercontinental title's counterpart. 	 	
95 	Christian 	August 10, 2003 	House show 	Des Moines, IA 	3 	50 	50 	 	 	
96 	Rob Van Dam 	September 29, 2003 	Raw 	Rosemont, IL 	4 	28 	28 	This was a ladder match. 	 	
97 	Chris Jericho 	October 27, 2003 	Raw 	Fayetteville, NC 	6 	<1 	<1 	 	 	
98 	Rob Van Dam 	October 27, 2003 	Raw 	Fayetteville, NC 	5 	48 	48 	This was a steel cage match. 	 	
99 	Randy Orton 	December 14, 2003 	Armageddon 	Orlando, FL 	1 	210 	210 	Mick Foley was the guest referee. 	 	
100 	Edge 	July 11, 2004 	Vengeance 	Hartford, CT 	5 	57 	57 	 	 	
— 	Vacated 	September 6, 2004 	Raw 	Wichita Falls, TX 	— 	— 	— 	Vacated due to injury. 	 	
101 	Chris Jericho 	September 12, 2004 	Unforgiven 	Portland, OR 	7 	37 	37 	Defeated Christian in a ladder matchfor the vacant title. 	 	
102 	Shelton Benjamin 	October 19, 2004 	Taboo Tuesday 	Milwaukee, WI 	1 	244 	244 	Due to the stipulation of the event, fans could vote for who would face Chris Jericho for the title; Benjamin had the most votes. 	 	
103 	Carlito 	June 20, 2005 	Raw 	Phoenix, AZ 	1 	90 	90 	WWE incorrectly list Carlito's reign as ending on September 19, 2005, and lasting 91 days. 	 	
104 	Ric Flair 	September 18, 2005 	Unforgiven 	Oklahoma City, OK 	1 	155 	155 	WWE incorrectly list Flair's reign as beginning on September 19, 2005, and lasting 154 days. 	 	
105 	Shelton Benjamin 	February 20, 2006 	Raw 	Trenton, NJ 	2 	69 	68 	 	 	
106 	Rob Van Dam 	April 30, 2006 	Backlash 	Lexington, KY 	6 	15 	15 	This was a Winner Takes All match, where Van Dam also defended his Money in the Bank contract. 	 	
107 	Shelton Benjamin 	May 15, 2006 	Raw 	Lubbock, TX 	3 	41 	40 	This was a 3-on-2 handicap Texas tornado match, featuring Benjamin, Chris Masters, and Triple H against WWE Champion John Cena and Intercontinental Champion Rob Van Dam, where if someone pinned Cena or Van Dam, they would win their respective title; Benjamin pinned Van Dam. 	 	
108 	Johnny Nitro 	June 25, 2006 	Vengeance 	Charlotte, NC 	1 	99 	99 	This was a triple threat match, also involving Carlito. 	 	
109 	Jeff Hardy 	October 2, 2006 	Raw 	Topeka, KS 	2 	35 	34 	 	 	
110 	Johnny Nitro 	November 6, 2006 	Raw 	Columbus, OH 	2 	7 	7 	This was a no disqualification match. 	 	
111 	Jeff Hardy 	November 13, 2006 	Raw 	Manchester, England 	3 	98 	97 	 	 	
112 	Umaga 	February 19, 2007 	Raw 	Bakersfield, CA 	1 	56 	56 	 	 	
113 	Santino Marella 	April 16, 2007 	Raw 	Milan, Italy 	1 	77 	77 	This was a No Holds Barred match. Santino was "picked out of the audience" by Vince McMahon. 	 	
114 	Umaga 	July 2, 2007 	Raw 	Dallas, TX 	2 	62 	63 	WWE recognizes Umaga's reign as ending on September 3, 2007, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
115 	Jeff Hardy 	September 2, 2007 	Raw 	Columbus, OH 	4 	190 	189 	WWE recognizes Hardy's reign as beginning on September 3, 2007, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
116 	Chris Jericho 	March 10, 2008 	Raw 	Milwaukee, WI 	8 	111 	111 	 	 	
117 	Kofi Kingston 	June 29, 2008 	Night of Champions 	Dallas, TX 	1 	49 	48 	 	 	
118 	Santino Marella 	August 17, 2008 	SummerSlam 	Indianapolis, IN 	2 	85 	85 	This was a Winners Take All mixed tag team match in which both Kofi Kingston's Intercontinental and Mickie James's Women's Championship were on the line. Marella won Kingston's title when his partner, Beth Phoenix, pinned James. 	 	
119 	William Regal 	November 10, 2008 	Raw 	Manchester, England 	2 	70 	70 	 	 	
120 	CM Punk 	January 19, 2009 	Raw 	Rosemont, IL 	1 	49 	49 	This was a no disqualification match. 	 	
121 	John "Bradshaw" Layfield 	March 9, 2009 	Raw 	Jacksonville, FL 	1 	27 	27 	 	 	
122 	Rey Mysterio 	April 5, 2009 	WrestleMania 25 	Houston, TX 	1 	63 	63 	The title became exclusive to SmackDownfollowing the 2009 WWE Draft. 	 	
WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown
123 	Chris Jericho 	June 7, 2009 	Extreme Rules 	New Orleans, LA 	9 	21 	21 	This was a No Holds Barred match. 	 	
124 	Rey Mysterio 	June 28, 2009 	The Bash 	Sacramento, CA 	2 	65 	68 	This was a mask vs. title match.
WWE recognizes Mysterio's reign as ending on September 4, 2009, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
125 	John Morrison 	September 1, 2009 	SmackDown 	Cleveland, OH 	3 	103 	100 	WWE recognizes Morrison's reign as beginning on September 4, 2009, when the episode aired on tape delay.
John Morrison was formerly known as Johnny Nitro. 	 	
126 	Drew McIntyre 	December 13, 2009 	TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 	San Antonio, TX 	1 	161 	161 	On May 7, 2010, SmackDownGeneral Manager Theodore Longsuspended McIntyre and vacated the title. The following week on SmackDown, Kofi Kingstonwon a tournament to declare a new champion, but Vince McMahonreverted Long's decision, nullifying Kingston's win and continuing McIntyre's. 	 	
127 	Kofi Kingston 	May 23, 2010 	Over the Limit 	Detroit, MI 	2 	66 	74 	WWE recognizes Kingston's reign as ending on August 6, 2010, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
128 	Dolph Ziggler 	July 28, 2010 	SmackDown 	Laredo, TX 	1 	160 	154 	WWE recognizes Ziggler's reign as beginning on August 6, 2010, and ending on January 7, 2011, both episodes of which aired on tape delay. 	 	
129 	Kofi Kingston 	January 4, 2011 	SmackDown 	Tucson, AZ 	3 	77 	76 	WWE recognizes Kingston's reign as beginning on January 7, 2011 and ending on March 25, 2011, both episodes of which aired on tape delay. 	 	
130 	Wade Barrett 	March 22, 2011 	SmackDown 	Columbus, OH 	1 	89 	86 	WWE recognizes Barrett's reign as beginning on March 25, 2011, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
131 	Ezekiel Jackson 	June 19, 2011 	Capitol Punishment 	Washington, D.C. 	1 	51 	54 	WWE recognizes Jackson's reign as ending on August 12, 2011, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	 	
132 	Cody Rhodes 	August 9, 2011 	SmackDown 	Sacramento, CA 	1 	236 	234 	WWE recognizes Rhodes's reign as beginning on August 12, 2011, when the episode aired on tape delay.
On August 29, 2011, the brand extensionended, allowing the Intercontinental Champion to appear on both Raw and SmackDown. 	 	
WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded) 	WWE (unbranded)
133 	Big Show 	April 1, 2012 	WrestleMania XXVIII 	Miami Gardens, FL 	1 	28 	27 	 	 	
134 	Cody Rhodes 	April 29, 2012 	Extreme Rules 	Rosemont, IL 	2 	21 	22 	This was a tables match. 	 	
135 	Christian 	May 20, 2012 	Over the Limit 	Raleigh, NC 	4 	64 	64 	 	 	
136 	The Miz 	July 23, 2012 	Raw 1000 	St. Louis, MO 	1 	85 	84 	 	 	
137 	Kofi Kingston 	October 16, 2012 	Main Event 	Memphis, TN 	4 	74 	76 	Aired on tape delay on October 17, 2012. 	 	
138 	Wade Barrett 	December 29, 2012 	Raw 	Washington, D.C. 	2 	99 	97 	Aired on tape delay on December 31, 2012. 	 	
139 	The Miz 	April 7, 2013 	WrestleMania 29Pre-Show 	East Rutherford, NJ 	2 	1 	1 	 	 	
140 	Wade Barrett 	April 8, 2013 	Raw 	East Rutherford, NJ 	3 	69 	68 	 	 	
141 	Curtis Axel 	June 16, 2013 	Payback 	Rosemont, IL 	1 	155 	156 	This was a triple threat match, also involving The Miz. 	3 	
142 	Big E Langston 	November 18, 2013 	Raw 	Nashville, TN 	1 	167 	167 	On February 12, 2014, Big E Langston's ring name was shortened to Big E. 	 	
143 	Bad News Barrett 	May 4, 2014 	Extreme Rules 	East Rutherford, NJ 	4 	57 	58 	Bad News Barrett was formerly known as Wade Barrett. 	 	
— 	Vacated 	June 30, 2014 	Raw 	Hartford, CT 	— 	— 	— 	Title vacated due to a shoulder injury. 	 	
144 	The Miz 	July 20, 2014 	Battleground 	Tampa, FL 	3 	28 	27 	This was a 19-man battle royal. Miz last eliminated Dolph Zigglerto win the vacant title. 	 	
145 	Dolph Ziggler 	August 17, 2014 	SummerSlam 	Los Angeles, CA 	2 	35 	36 	 	 	
146 	The Miz 	September 21, 2014 	Night of Champions 	Nashville, TN 	4 	1 	<1 	 	 	
147 	Dolph Ziggler 	September 22, 2014 	Raw 	Memphis, TN 	3 	56 	57 	 	 	
148 	Luke Harper 	November 17, 2014 	Raw 	Roanoke, VA 	1 	27 	27 	 	 	
149 	Dolph Ziggler 	December 14, 2014 	TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 	Cleveland, OH 	4 	22 	23 	This was a ladder match. 	 	
150 	Bad News Barrett 	January 5, 2015 	Raw 	Corpus Christi, TX 	5 	83 	82 	Dolph Ziggleroriginally retained his title against Barrett, but Director of Operations Kane made the match a two-out-of-three falls match, which Barrett won. 	 	
151 	Daniel Bryan 	March 29, 2015 	WrestleMania 31 	Santa Clara, CA 	1 	43 	44 	This was a seven-way ladder match, also involving Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Harper, R-Truth, and Stardust. 	 	
— 	Vacated 	May 11, 2015 	Raw 	Cincinnati, OH 	— 	— 	— 	Title vacated due to injury. 	 	
152 	Ryback 	May 31, 2015 	Elimination Chamber 	Corpus Christi, TX 	1 	112 	112 	This was an Elimination Chamber match for the vacant title, also involving Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry, R-Truth, and King Barrett. 	 	
153 	Kevin Owens 	September 20, 2015 	Night of Champions 	Houston, TX 	1 	84 	85 	 	 	
154 	Dean Ambrose 	December 13, 2015 	TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 	Boston, MA 	1 	64 	64 	 	 	
155 	Kevin Owens 	February 15, 2016 	Raw 	Anaheim, CA 	2 	48 	48 	This was a fatal five-way match, also involving Tyler Breeze, Stardust, and Dolph Ziggler. 	 	
156 	Zack Ryder 	April 3, 2016 	WrestleMania 32 	Arlington, TX 	1 	1 	1 	This was a seven-way ladder match, also involving Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn, Stardust, Sin Cara, and The Miz. 	 	
157 	The Miz 	April 4, 2016 	Raw 	Dallas, TX 	5 	188 	188 	The brand extensionreturned and the title became exclusive to the SmackDownbrand following the 2016 WWE Draft. 	 	
WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown
158 	Dolph Ziggler 	October 9, 2016 	No Mercy 	Sacramento, CA 	5 	37 	37 	This was a title vs. career match. 	 	
159 	The Miz 	November 15, 2016 	SmackDown 	Wilkes-Barre, PA 	6 	49 	48 	 	 	
160 	Dean Ambrose 	January 3, 2017 	SmackDown 	Jacksonville, FL 	2 	152 	152 	The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up. 	 	
WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw 	WWE: Raw
161 	The Miz 	June 4, 2017 	Extreme Rules 	Baltimore, MD 	7 	169 	169 	If Ambrose was disqualified, he would have lost the title. 	 	
162 	Roman Reigns 	November 20, 2017 	Raw 	Houston, TX 	1 	63 	63 	 	 	
163 	The Miz 	January 22, 2018 	Raw 25 Years 	Brooklyn, NY 	8 	76 	75 	 	 	
164 	Seth Rollins 	April 8, 2018 	WrestleMania 34 	New Orleans, LA 	1 	71 	71 	This was a triple threat match, also involving Finn Bálor. 	 	
165 	Dolph Ziggler 	June 18, 2018 	Raw 	Grand Rapids, MI 	6 	62 	61 	 	 	
166 	Seth Rollins 	August 19, 2018 	SummerSlam 	Brooklyn, NY 	2 	119 	119 	 	 	
167 	Dean Ambrose 	December 16, 2018 	TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs 	San Jose, CA 	3 	29 	28 	 	 	
168 	Bobby Lashley 	January 14, 2019 	Raw 	Memphis, TN 	1 	34 	33 	This was a triple threat match, also involving Seth Rollins. 	 	
169 	Finn Bálor 	February 17, 2019 	Elimination Chamber 	Houston, TX 	1 	22 	21 	This was a 2-on-1 handicap match, featuring Lio Rush as Bobby Lashley's partner. Bálor pinned Rush to win Lashley's title. 	 	
170 	Bobby Lashley 	March 11, 2019 	Raw 	Pittsburgh, PA 	2 	27 	27 	 	 	
171 	Finn Bálor 	April 7, 2019 	WrestleMania 35 	East Rutherford, NJ 	2 	98 	98 	The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up. 	3 	
WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown 	WWE: SmackDown
172 	Shinsuke Nakamura 	July 14, 2019 	Extreme RulesKickoff 	Philadelphia, PA 	1 	201 	201 	 	3 	
173 	Braun Strowman 	January 31, 2020 	SmackDown 	Tulsa, OK 	1 	37 	36 	 	3 	
174 	Sami Zayn 	March 8, 2020 	Elimination Chamber 	Philadelphia, PA 	1 	65 	65 	This was a 3-on-1 Handicap match, also involving Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro who teamed with Zayn. Zayn pinned Braun Strowman to win the title. 	3 	
— 	Vacated 	May 12, 2020 	Backstage 	— 	— 	— 	— 	Sami Zayn was stripped of the title after electing to refrain from competing during the COVID-19 pandemic. In storyline, he claimed to still be the champion, and continued to carry around his copy of the belt after he returned in August 2020. 	3 	
175 	AJ Styles 	June 8, 2020 	SmackDown 	Orlando, FL 	1 	74 	71 	Defeated Daniel Bryan in a tournament final for the vacant title.
WWE recognizes this reign as beginning on June 12, 2020, when the match aired on tape delay. WWE incorrectly lists Styles' reign as lasting 71 days, ending on August 22, 2020. 	3 	
176 	Jeff Hardy 	August 21, 2020 	SmackDown 	Orlando, FL 	5 	37 	36 	On August 28, 2020, Sami Zayn returned with his own title belt, claiming to be the legitimate champion as he was never defeated. WWE did not recognize Zayn as champion; however, this led to the following match to determine the undisputed champion. 	3 	
177 	Sami Zayn 	September 27, 2020 	Clash of Champions 	Orlando, FL 	2 	86 	89 	This was a triple threat ladder match also involving AJ Styles in which the winner had to retrieve both Jeff Hardy's belt and Zayn's faux belt to determine the undisputed champion. WWE recognizes Zayn's reign as ending on December 25, 2020, when the following episode aired on tape delay. 	3 	
178 	Big E 	December 22, 2020 	SmackDown 	St. Petersburg, FL 	2 	110 	107 	This was a lumberjack match. WWE recognizes Big E's reign as beginning on December 25, 2020, when the episode aired on tape delay. 	3 	
179 	Apollo Crews 	April 11, 2021 	WrestleMania 37Night 2 	Tampa, FL 	1 	124 	123 	This was a Nigerian Drum Fight. 	3 	
180 	King Nakamura 	August 13, 2021 	SmackDown 	Tulsa, OK 	2 	161 	162 	Won the title under the name King Nakamura. Reverted back to Shinsuke Nakamura on October 8, 2021. 	3 	
181 	Ricochet 	January 29, 2022 	Royal Rumble 2022 	St. Louis, Missouri 	1 	1+ 	1+ 	This was a fatal four match also involving Sami Zyan and Cesaro. 	0 	
== Combined reigns ==
: As of January 29, 2022.
Inaugural champion Pat Patterson, shown here with the 2011-2019 belt design
Record nine-time champion Chris Jericho
The Honky Tonk Man, whose 454-day reign is the longest in history
†	Indicates the current champion
Rank	Wrestler 	No. of
reigns	Combined
days	Combined days
rec. by WWE	Defenses	
1 	Pedro Morales 	2	619	617	2 	
2 	The Miz 	8	597	592	8 	
3 	Don Muraco 	2	541	539	2 	
4 	The Honky Tonk Man 	1	454	453	5 	
5 	Tito Santana 	2	443	441	3 	
6 	Razor Ramon 	4	437	434	3 	
7 	The Ultimate Warrior 	2	434	434	2 	
8 	Randy Savage 	1	414	413	2 	
9 	Mr. Perfect 	2	406	404	2 	
9 	Shawn Michaels 	3	406	403	3 	
11 	Wade Barrett 	5	397	391	5 	
12 	Dolph Ziggler 	6	372	363	2 	
13 	Jeff Hardy 	5	366	359	2 	
14 	Shinsuke Nakamura 	2	362	362	5 	
15 	Shelton Benjamin 	3	354	352	2 	
16 	The Rock 	2	339	337	6 	
17 	Chris Jericho 	9	318	311	9 	
18 	Jeff Jarrett 	6	298	284	2 	
19 	Bret Hart 	2	290	288	2 	
20 	Greg Valentine 	1	285	284	2 	
21 	Big E 	2	277	273	2 	
22 	Kofi Kingston 	4	266	272	2 	
23 	Cody Rhodes 	2	257	254	7 	
24 	Dean Ambrose 	3	245	244	2 	
25 	Pat Patterson 	1	233	232	3 	
26 	Ken Patera 	1	231	230	3 	
27 	Rob Van Dam 	6	211	224	2 	
28 	Randy Orton 	1	210	209	2 	
29 	John Morrison 	3	209	206	2 	
30 	Triple H 	5	196	200	2 	
31 	Christian 	4	192	192	2 	
32 	Seth Rollins 	2	190	190	2 	
33 	Edge 	5	171	171	2 	
34 	Goldust 	3	168	158	2 	
35 	Santino Marella 	2	162	160	2 	
36 	Drew McIntyre 	1	161	161	2 	
37 	Curtis Axel 	1	155	155	2 	
38 	Ric Flair 	1	155	153	2 	
38 	Sami Zayn 	2	151	154	3 	
40 	Rick Rude 	1	148	147	2 	
41 	Chris Benoit 	4	142	159	1 	
42 	Diesel 	1	138	137	2 	
43 	Kevin Owens 	2	132	131	2 	
43 	Owen Hart 	2	132	130	2 	
45 	Rey Mysterio 	2	128	129	2 	
46 	William Regal 	2	126	124	2 	
47 	Ken Shamrock 	1	125	124	2 	
48 	Apollo Crews 	1	124	123	2 	
49 	Finn Bálor 	2	120	119	2 	
50 	Umaga 	2	118	119	2 	
51 	Eddie Guerrero 	2	114	116	2 	
52 	Ryback 	1	112	112	2 	
53 	Carlito 	1	90 	90 	2 	
54 	The Texas Tornado 	1	84 	84 	2 	
55 	Val Venis 	2	83 	79 	2 	
56 	Roddy Piper 	1	77 	77 	2 	
57 	AJ Styles 	1	74 	71 	2 	
58 	Stone Cold Steve Austin 	2	65 	93 	2 	
58 	Ricky Steamboat 	1	65 	65 	2 	2
59 	Chyna 	2	64 	64 	2 	
60 	Roman Reigns 	1	63 	62 	2 	
61 	Bobby Lashley 	2	61 	60 	2 	
62 	The British Bulldog 	1	59 	59 	2 	
63 	Kane 	2	57 	59 	2 	
64 	Ezekiel Jackson 	1	51 	54 	2 	
65 	Ahmed Johnson 	1	50 	58 	2 	
66 	CM Punk 	1	49 	49 	2 	
67 	Daniel Bryan 	1	43 	43 	2 	
67 	The Godfather 	1	43 	43 	2 	2
68 	Braun Strowman 	1	37 	36 	2 	
69 	Kurt Angle 	1	35 	35 	2 	
70 	Booker T 	1	34 	34 	2 	
71 	Big Show 	1	28 	27 	2 	
71 	Marc Mero 	1	28 	28 	2 	2
72 	Albert 	1	27 	25 	2 	
72 	John "Bradshaw" Layfield	1	27 	27 	2 	
72 	Lance Storm 	1	27 	27 	2 	
72 	Luke Harper 	1	27 	26 	2 	
73 	D'Lo Brown 	1	26 	27 	2 	
74 	Marty Jannetty 	1	20 	20 	2 	
75 	Billy Gunn 	1	19 	17 	2 	
76 	Rikishi 	1	14 	14 	2 	
76 	Road Dogg 	1	14 	14 	2 	
77 	Test 	1	13 	13 	2 	
78 	The Mountie 	1	2 	2 	2 	
79 	Zack Ryder 	1	1 	1 	0 	
80 	Ricochet † 	1	1+ 	1+ 	0 	
81 	Dean Douglas 	1	<1 	<1 	0 	
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== NotesEdit ==
# ^ In his fourth and fifth reign Wade Barrett was wrestling as Bad News Barrett .
# ^ Won his second reign under the name King Nakamura. Reverted back to Shinsuke Nakamura on October 8, 2021.
# ^ In his first reign The Rock was formerly known as Rocky Maivia .
# ^ During his first reign, on February 12, 2014, Big E Langston's ring name was shortened to Big E.
# ^ In his first and second reign John Morrison was formerly known as Johnny Nitro .
# ^ In his first reign Triple H was formerly known as Hunter Hearst Helmsley .
== References ==
== External links ==