List of WWE Intercontinental Champions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The WWE Intercontinental Championship is a professional wrestling championship contested in and owned by the American promotion WWE on the Raw brand. The title was introduced into the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 1979. Pat Patterson, holder of the WWE 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).[1][2]

Current champion Penta

The Intercontinental Championship has been called the second most important championship in the company, after the WWE Championship.[3] It has been active in WWE for the second-longest period, but is the third-oldest active title overall, 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 renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), and the championship was renamed accordingly.[4] Following the 2023 WWE Draft, the title became exclusive to Raw.

Overall, there have been 191 reigns among 94 different champions. Chris Jericho holds the record for the most reigns with nine. Penta is the current champion in his first reign. He won the title by defeating previous champion Dominik Mysterio on the March 2, 2026, episode of Raw in Indianapolis, Indiana.[5]

Title history

Names

More information Name, Years ...
Name Years
WWF Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship September 1, 1979 – 1988
WWF Intercontinental Championship 1988 – May 6, 2002
WWE Intercontinental Championship May 6, 2002 – present
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Reigns

As of March 21, 2026.

More information No., Reign ...
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
† Championship change is unrecognized by the promotion
<1 Reign lasted less than a day
+ Current reign is changing daily
Close
More information No., Champion ...
No. Champion Championship change Reign statistics Notes Ref.
Date Event Location Reign DaysDays recog.
National Wrestling Alliance: World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
1 Pat Patterson September 1, 1979 — Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 1 233232 Patterson became the first champion as a result of defeating Ted DiBiase to win the WWF North American Heavyweight Championship on June 19, 1979 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and defeating Johnny Rodz in a fictional tournament final in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to 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. [1][6][7]
2 Ken Patera April 21, 1980 WWF on MSG Network New York, NY 1 231230 [8]
3 Pedro Morales December 8, 1980 WWF New York, NY 1 194193 [9]
4 Don Muraco June 20, 1981 WWF on PRISM Network Philadelphia, PA 1 156155 [10]
5 Pedro Morales November 23, 1981 WWF on MSG Network New York, NY 2 425424 [11]
6 Don Muraco January 22, 1983 WWF on MSG Network New York, NY 2 385384 During his reign, the WWF withdrew from the NWA. [12]
World Wrestling Federation (WWF)
7 Tito Santana February 11, 1984 WWF Boston, MA 1 226225 [13]
8 Greg Valentine September 24, 1984 Maple Leaf Wrestling London, ON, Canada 1 285284 Aired on tape delay on October 13, 1984. [14]
9 Tito Santana July 6, 1985 House show Baltimore, MD 2 217216 This was a steel cage match. [15]
10 Randy Savage February 8, 1986 WWF on NESN Boston, MA 1 414414 [16]
11 Ricky Steamboat March 29, 1987 WrestleMania III Pontiac, MI 1 6564 [17]
12 The Honky Tonk Man June 2, 1987 Superstars of Wrestling Buffalo, NY 1 454453 Aired on tape delay on June 13, 1987.[18]
13 The Ultimate Warrior August 29, 1988 SummerSlam New York, NY 1 216215 [19]
14 Rick Rude April 2, 1989 WrestleMania V Atlantic City, NJ 1 148147 [20]
15 The Ultimate Warrior August 28, 1989 SummerSlam East Rutherford, NJ 2 218215 [21][22]
— 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. [21][22]
16 Mr. Perfect April 23, 1990 Superstars of Wrestling Austin, TX 1 126125 Defeated Tito Santana in a tournament final for the vacant title.
Aired on tape delay on May 19, 1990.		 [23][24]
17 The Texas Tornado August 27, 1990 SummerSlam Philadelphia, PA 1 8483 [25]
18 Mr. Perfect November 19, 1990 Superstars of Wrestling Rochester, NY 2 280279 Aired on tape delay on December 15, 1990. [23][26]
19 Bret Hart August 26, 1991 SummerSlam New York, NY 1 144143 [27]
20 The Mountie January 17, 1992 House show Springfield, MA 1 21 [28]
21 Roddy Piper January 19, 1992 Royal Rumble Albany, NY 1 7776 [29]
22 Bret Hart April 5, 1992 WrestleMania VIII Indianapolis, IN 2 146145 [30]
23 The British Bulldog August 29, 1992 SummerSlam London, England 1 5958 [31]
24 Shawn Michaels October 27, 1992 Saturday Night's Main Event XXXI Terre Haute, IN 1 202201 Aired on tape delay on November 14, 1992. [32][33]
25 Marty Jannetty May 17, 1993 Raw New York, NY 1 2019 [34]
26 Shawn Michaels June 6, 1993 House show Albany, NY 2 113112 [35]
— 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.[36] [37]
27 Razor Ramon September 27, 1993 Raw New Haven, CT 1 198197 Ramon and Rick Martel were 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 Michaels returned in November 1993, claiming to be the legitimate champion as nobody defeated him. Ramon went on to defeat Michaels in a ladder match on March 20, 1994 at WrestleMania X. [37][38]
28 Diesel April 13, 1994 Superstars Rochester, NY 1 138137 Aired on tape delay on April 30, 1994. [39]
29 Razor Ramon August 29, 1994 SummerSlam Chicago, IL 2 146145 [40]
30 Jeff Jarrett January 22, 1995 Royal Rumble Tampa, FL 1 9493 [41]
— Vacated April 26, 1995 Action Zone Moline, IL — —— Held up when match between Jeff Jarrett and Bob "Spark Plug" Holly ended in controversy.
Aired on tape delay on April 30, 1995.		 [42]
31 Jeff Jarrett April 26, 1995 Action Zone Moline, IL 2 2322 Defeated Bob Holly in a rematch for the vacant title.
Aired on tape delay on May 7, 1995.		 [42]
32 Razor Ramon May 19, 1995 House show Montreal QC, Canada 3 22 This was a ladder match.
WWE recognizes Ramon's reign as ending on May 22, 1995.		 [43]
33 Jeff Jarrett May 21, 1995 House show Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada 3 6361 WWE recognizes Jarrett's reign as beginning on May 22, 1995. [44]
34 Shawn Michaels July 23, 1995 In Your House 2: The Lumberjacks Nashville, TN 3 9190 [45]
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, NY on October 14, 1995. [46]
36 Razor Ramon October 22, 1995 In Your House 4: Great White North Winnipeg, MB, Canada 4 9190 [47]
37 Goldust January 21, 1996 Royal Rumble Fresno, CA 1 7163 WWE recognizes Goldust's reign as ending on March 25, 1996. [48]
— Vacated April 1, 1996[48] 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.		 [49][50]
38 Goldust April 1, 1996 Raw San Bernardino, CA 2 8382 Defeated Savio Vega in a rematch for the vacant championship.
Aired on tape delay on April 22, 1996.		 [49][50]
39 Ahmed Johnson June 23, 1996 King of the Ring Milwaukee, WI 1 5057 WWE recognizes Johnson's reign as ending on August 19, 1996. [51]
— Vacated August 12, 1996 Raw Seattle, WA — —— Ahmed Johnson forfeited the championship after being attacked by the debuting Faarooq after winning an 11-man battle royal. [51]
40 Marc Mero September 23, 1996 Raw Hershey, PA 1 2827 Defeated Faarooq in a tournament final for the vacant championship. [49][52]
41 Hunter Hearst Helmsley October 21, 1996 Raw Fort Wayne, IN 1 115114 [53]
42 Rocky Maivia February 13, 1997 Raw Lowell, MA 1 7473 [54]
43 Owen Hart April 28, 1997 Raw Omaha, NE 1 9796 [55]
44 "Stone Cold" Steve Austin August 3, 1997 SummerSlam East Rutherford, NJ 1 3663 WWE mistakenly lists Austin's reign as lasting 63 days, ending on October 5, 1997. [56]
— Vacated September 8, 1997 — — — —— Vacated due to a neck injury that Stone Cold Steve Austin suffered in winning the championship. [56][57]
45 Owen Hart October 5, 1997 Badd Blood: In Your House St. Louis, MO 2 3534 Defeated Faarooq in a tournament final for the vacant championship. [58][59]
46 "Stone Cold" Steve Austin November 9, 1997 Survivor Series Montreal, QC, Canada 2 2928 [60]
47 The Rock December 8, 1997 Raw Portland, ME 2 265264 Stone Cold Steve Austin handed the championship belt to The Rock, who was formerly known as Rocky Maivia. [61]
48 Triple H August 30, 1998 SummerSlam New York, NY 2 4043 This was a ladder match.
Triple H was formerly known as Hunter Hearst Helmsley.
WWE mistakenly lists Triple H's reign as lasting 43 days, ending on October 12, 1998.		 [62]
— Vacated October 9, 1998 — — — —— Vacated due to a knee injury. [62]
49 Ken Shamrock October 12, 1998 Raw Uniondale, NY 1 125124 Defeated X-Pac in a tournament final for the vacant championship. [63][64]
50 Val Venis February 14, 1999 St. Valentine's Day Massacre: In Your House Memphis, TN 1 2928 Billy Gunn was the guest referee. [65][66]
51 Road Dogg March 15, 1999 Raw San Jose, CA 1 1413 [67]
52 Goldust March 29, 1999 Raw East Rutherford, NJ 3 1413 [68]
53 The Godfather April 12, 1999 Raw Detroit, MI 1 4342 [69]
54 Jeff Jarrett May 25, 1999 Raw Moline, IL 4 6053 WWE recognizes Jarrett's reign as beginning on May 31, 1999, when the episode aired on tape delay. [70]
55 Edge July 24, 1999 House show Toronto, ON, Canada 1 1<1 [71]
56 Jeff Jarrett July 25, 1999 Fully Loaded Buffalo, NY 5 2<1 WWE recognizes Jarrett's reign as ending on July 26, 1999. [72]
57 D'Lo Brown July 27, 1999 Raw Columbus, OH 1 2626 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.		 [73]
58 Jeff Jarrett August 22, 1999 SummerSlam Minneapolis, MN 6 5655 Jarrett also won the European Championship in the match to become the second Eurocontinental Champion. [74]
59 Chyna October 17, 1999 No Mercy Cleveland, OH 1 5655 This was a Good Housekeeping match. [75][76]
60 Chris Jericho December 12, 1999 Armageddon Sunrise, FL 1 2221 [77]
† Chris Jericho and 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. [7][78]
61 Chris Jericho January 23, 2000 Royal Rumble New York, NY 2 3534 Jericho defeated Chyna and Hardcore Holly in a triple threat match to become undisputed champion. [78]
62 Kurt Angle February 27, 2000 No Way Out Hartford, CT 1 3534 Earlier that month, Angle had also won the European Championship. This win made Angle the third and final Eurocontinental Champion. [79]
63 Chris Benoit April 2, 2000 WrestleMania 2000 Anaheim, CA 1 3049 This was a two-fall triple threat match, also involving Chris Jericho, in which Kurt Angle defended 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 49 days.		 [80]
64 Chris Jericho May 2, 2000 SmackDown! Richmond, VA 3 64 WWE recognizes Jericho's reign as beginning on May 4, 2000, when the episode aired on tape delay. [81]
65 Chris Benoit May 8, 2000 Raw Uniondale, NY 2 4342 Triple H was the special outside enforcer [82]
66 Rikishi June 20, 2000 SmackDown! Memphis, TN 1 1413 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. [83]
67 Val Venis July 4, 2000 SmackDown! Sunrise, FL 2 5451 WWE recognizes Venis's reign as beginning on July 6, 2000, when the episode aired on tape delay. [84]
68 Chyna August 27, 2000 SummerSlam Raleigh, NC 2 87 Won the title in a mixed tag team match that pitted Chyna and Eddie Guerrero against Val Venis and Trish Stratus; Chyna pinned Trish to win Venis' title. [85]
69 Eddie Guerrero September 4, 2000 Raw Lexington, KY 1 7879 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.		 [86]
70 Billy Gunn November 21, 2000 SmackDown! Sunrise, FL 1 1916 WWE recognizes Gunn's reign as beginning on November 23, 2000, when the episode aired on tape delay. [87]
71 Chris Benoit December 10, 2000 Armageddon Birmingham, AL 3 4241 [88]
72 Chris Jericho January 21, 2001 Royal Rumble New Orleans, LA 4 7273 This was a ladder match.
WWE recognizes Jericho's reign as ending on April 5, 2001, when the following episode aired on tape delay.		 [89]
73 Triple H April 3, 2001 SmackDown! Oklahoma City, OK 3 76 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. [90]
74 Jeff Hardy April 10, 2001 SmackDown! Philadelphia, PA 1 63 WWE recognizes Hardy's reign as beginning on April 12, 2001, when the episode aired on tape delay. [91]
75 Triple H April 16, 2001 Raw Knoxville, TN 4 3433 [92]
76 Kane May 20, 2001 Judgment Day Sacramento, CA 1 3738 This was a chain match.
WWE recognizes Kane's reign as ending on June 28, 2001, when the following episode aired on tape delay.		 [93][94]
77 Albert June 26, 2001 SmackDown! New York, NY 1 2724 This was a no disqualification match.
WWE recognizes Albert's reign as beginning on June 28, 2001, when the episode aired on tape delay.		 [95]
78 Lance Storm July 23, 2001 Raw Buffalo, NY 1 2726 [96]
79 Edge August 19, 2001 SummerSlam San Jose, CA 2 3534 [97]
80 Christian September 23, 2001 Unforgiven Pittsburgh, PA 1 2827 [98]
81 Edge October 21, 2001 No Mercy St. Louis, MO 3 1514 This was a ladder match. [99]
82 Test November 5, 2001 Raw Uniondale, NY 1 1312 [100]
83 Edge November 18, 2001 Survivor Series Greensboro, NC 4 6362 This was a title unification match, where Edge also defended the WCW United States Championship. The United States Championship was deactivated in favor of continuing the Intercontinental Championship. [101]
84 William Regal January 20, 2002 Royal Rumble Atlanta, GA 1 5655 [102]
85 Rob Van Dam March 17, 2002 WrestleMania X8 Toronto, ON, Canada 1 3534 On March 25, the brand extension began, in which wrestlers and championships became exclusive to either the Raw or 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. [103]
WWF: Raw
86 Eddie Guerrero April 21, 2002 Backlash Kansas City, MO 2 3635 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. [104][105]
WWE: Raw
87 Rob Van Dam May 27, 2002 Raw Edmonton, AB, Canada 2 6362 This was a ladder match.
On July 22, 2002, Van Dam defeated Jeff Hardy to unify the European Championship into the Intercontinental Championship, retiring the European title.		 [106]
88 Chris Benoit July 29, 2002 Raw Greensboro, NC 4 2727 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.		 [107][108]
WWE: SmackDown
89 Rob Van Dam August 25, 2002 SummerSlam Uniondale, NY 3 2240 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, retiring the Hardcore title.
WWE incorrectly list Van Dam's reign as beginning on August 6, 2002, and lasting 40 days.		 [108][109]
WWE: Raw
90 Chris Jericho September 16, 2002 Raw Denver, CO 5 1413 [110]
91 Kane September 30, 2002 Raw Houston, TX 2 2019 [111]
92 Triple H October 20, 2002 No Mercy North Little Rock, AR 5 <1<1 This was a title unification match to unify the Intercontinental Championship with Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship. [112]
— Unified October 20, 2002 No Mercy North Little Rock, AR — —— Unified with Triple H's World Heavyweight Championship; the Intercontinental Championship was deactivated. [112]
93 Christian May 18, 2003 Judgment Day Charlotte, NC 2 5049 Raw Co-General Manager Stone Cold Steve Austin reactivated the title. Christian won the revived title in a battle royal. [113]
94 Booker T July 7, 2003 Raw Montreal, QC, Canada 1 3433 That same month, the United States Championship was reactivated for the SmackDown brand as the Intercontinental title's counterpart. [114]
95 Christian August 10, 2003 House show Des Moines, IA 3 5049 [115]
96 Rob Van Dam September 29, 2003 Raw Rosemont, IL 4 2827 This was a ladder match. [116]
97 Chris Jericho October 27, 2003 Raw Fayetteville, NC 6 <1<1 [117]
98 Rob Van Dam October 27, 2003 Raw Fayetteville, NC 5 4847 This was a steel cage match. [118]
99 Randy Orton December 14, 2003 Armageddon Orlando, FL 1 210209 Mick Foley was the guest referee. [119]
100 Edge July 11, 2004 Vengeance Hartford, CT 5 5756 [120]
— Vacated September 6, 2004 Raw Wichita Falls, TX — —— Vacated due to a groin injury. [120]
101 Chris Jericho September 12, 2004 Unforgiven Portland, OR 7 3736 Defeated Christian in a ladder match for the vacant title. [121]
102 Shelton Benjamin October 19, 2004 Taboo Tuesday Milwaukee, WI 1 244244 Due to the stipulation of the event, fans could vote for who would face Chris Jericho for the title; Benjamin had the most votes. [122]
103 Carlito June 20, 2005 Raw Phoenix, AZ 1 9090 WWE incorrectly list Carlito's reign as ending on September 19, 2005. [123]
104 Ric Flair September 18, 2005 Unforgiven Oklahoma City, OK 1 155153 WWE incorrectly list Flair's reign as beginning on September 19, 2005, and lasting 153 days. [124]
105 Shelton Benjamin February 20, 2006 Raw Trenton, NJ 2 6968 [125]
106 Rob Van Dam April 30, 2006 Backlash Lexington, KY 6 1514 This was a Winner Takes All match, where Van Dam also defended his Money in the Bank contract. [126]
107 Shelton Benjamin May 15, 2006 Raw Lubbock, TX 3 4140 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. [127]
108 Johnny Nitro June 25, 2006 Vengeance Charlotte, NC 1 9998 This was a triple threat match, also involving Carlito. [128]
109 Jeff Hardy October 2, 2006 Raw Topeka, KS 2 3534 [129]
110 Johnny Nitro November 6, 2006 Raw Columbus, OH 2 76 This was a no disqualification match. [130]
111 Jeff Hardy November 13, 2006 Raw Manchester, England 3 9897 [131]
112 Umaga February 19, 2007 Raw Bakersfield, CA 1 5655 [132]
113 Santino Marella April 16, 2007 Raw Milan, Italy 1 7776 This was a No Holds Barred match. Santino was "picked out of the audience" by Vince McMahon. [133]
114 Umaga July 2, 2007 Raw Dallas, TX 2 6262 WWE recognizes Umaga's reign as ending on September 3, 2007, when the following episode aired on tape delay. [134]
115 Jeff Hardy September 2, 2007 Raw Columbus, OH 4 190189 WWE recognizes Hardy's reign as beginning on September 3, 2007, when the episode aired on tape delay. [135][136]
116 Chris Jericho March 10, 2008 Raw Milwaukee, WI 8 111110 [137]
117 Kofi Kingston June 29, 2008 Night of Champions Dallas, TX 1 4948 [138]
118 Santino Marella August 17, 2008 SummerSlam Indianapolis, IN 2 8584 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. [139]
119 William Regal November 10, 2008 Raw Manchester, England 2 7069 [140]
120 CM Punk January 19, 2009 Raw Rosemont, IL 1 4948 This was a no disqualification match. [141]
121 John "Bradshaw" Layfield March 9, 2009 Raw Jacksonville, FL 1 2726 [142]
122 Rey Mysterio April 5, 2009 WrestleMania 25 Houston, TX 1 6362 The title became exclusive to SmackDown following the 2009 WWE Draft. [143]
WWE: SmackDown
123 Chris Jericho June 7, 2009 Extreme Rules New Orleans, LA 9 2120 This was a No Holds Barred match. [144]
124 Rey Mysterio June 28, 2009 The Bash Sacramento, CA 2 6567 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.		 [145]
125 John Morrison September 1, 2009 SmackDown Cleveland, OH 3 10399 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.		 [146]
126 Drew McIntyre December 13, 2009 TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs San Antonio, TX 1 161160 On May 7, 2010, SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long suspended McIntyre and vacated the title. The following week on SmackDown, Kofi Kingston won a tournament to declare a new champion, but Vince McMahon reverted Long's decision, nullifying Kingston's win and continuing McIntyre's. [147]
127 Kofi Kingston May 23, 2010 Over the Limit Detroit, MI 2 6674 WWE recognizes Kingston's reign as ending on August 6, 2010, when the following episode aired on tape delay. [148]
128 Dolph Ziggler July 28, 2010 SmackDown Laredo, TX 1 160153 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. [149]
129 Kofi Kingston January 4, 2011 SmackDown Tucson, AZ 3 7776 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. [150]
130 Wade Barrett March 22, 2011 SmackDown Columbus, OH 1 8985 WWE recognizes Barrett's reign as beginning on March 25, 2011, when the episode aired on tape delay. [151]
131 Ezekiel Jackson June 19, 2011 Capitol Punishment Washington, D.C. 1 5153 WWE recognizes Jackson's reign as ending on August 12, 2011, when the following episode aired on tape delay. [152]
132 Cody Rhodes August 9, 2011 SmackDown Sacramento, CA 1 236233 WWE recognizes Rhodes's reign as beginning on August 12, 2011, when the episode aired on tape delay.
On August 29, 2011, the brand extension ended, allowing the Intercontinental Champion to appear on both Raw and SmackDown.		 [153]
WWE (unbranded)
133 Big Show April 1, 2012 WrestleMania XXVIII Miami Gardens, FL 1 2827 [154]
134 Cody Rhodes April 29, 2012 Extreme Rules Rosemont, IL 2 2121 This was a tables match. [155]
135 Christian May 20, 2012 Over the Limit Raleigh, NC 4 6463 [156]
136 The Miz July 23, 2012 Raw 1000 St. Louis, MO 1 8584 [157]
137 Kofi Kingston October 16, 2012 Main Event Memphis, TN 4 7474 Aired on tape delay on October 17, 2012. [158]
138 Wade Barrett December 29, 2012 Raw Washington, D.C. 2 9998 Aired on tape delay on December 31, 2012. [159]
139 The Miz April 7, 2013 WrestleMania 29
Pre-Show		 East Rutherford, NJ 2 11 [160]
140 Wade Barrett April 8, 2013 Raw East Rutherford, NJ 3 6968 [161]
141 Curtis Axel June 16, 2013 Payback Rosemont, IL 1 155155 This was a triple threat match, also involving The Miz. [162]
142 Big E Langston November 18, 2013 Raw Nashville, TN 1 167166 On February 12, 2014, Big E Langston's ring name was shortened to Big E. [163]
143 Bad News Barrett May 4, 2014 Extreme Rules East Rutherford, NJ 4 5757 Bad News Barrett was formerly known as Wade Barrett. [164]
— Vacated June 30, 2014 Raw Hartford, CT — —— Title vacated due to a shoulder injury. [165]
144 The Miz July 20, 2014 Battleground Tampa, FL 3 2827 This was a 19-man battle royal. Miz last eliminated Dolph Ziggler to win the vacant title. [166]
145 Dolph Ziggler August 17, 2014 SummerSlam Los Angeles, CA 2 3535 [167]
146 The Miz September 21, 2014 Night of Champions Nashville, TN 4 1<1 [168]
147 Dolph Ziggler September 22, 2014 Raw Memphis, TN 3 5656 [169]
148 Luke Harper November 17, 2014 Raw Roanoke, VA 1 2726 [170]
149 Dolph Ziggler December 14, 2014 TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs Cleveland, OH 4 2222 This was a ladder match. [171]
150 Bad News Barrett January 5, 2015 Raw Corpus Christi, TX 5 8382 Dolph Ziggler originally retained his title against Barrett, but Director of Operations Kane made the match a two-out-of-three falls match, which Barrett won. [172]
151 Daniel Bryan March 29, 2015 WrestleMania 31 Santa Clara, CA 1 4343 This was a seven-way ladder match, also involving Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Luke Harper, R-Truth, and Stardust. [173]
— Vacated May 11, 2015 Raw Cincinnati, OH — —— Daniel Bryan was forced to relinquish the title due to a concussion-related injury. [174]
152 Ryback May 31, 2015 Elimination Chamber Corpus Christi, TX 1 112111 This was an Elimination Chamber match for the vacant title, also involving Sheamus, Dolph Ziggler, Mark Henry, R-Truth, and King Barrett. [175]
153 Kevin Owens September 20, 2015 Night of Champions Houston, TX 1 8484 [176]
154 Dean Ambrose December 13, 2015 TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs Boston, MA 1 6463 [177]
155 Kevin Owens February 15, 2016 Raw Anaheim, CA 2 4847 This was a fatal five-way match, also involving Tyler Breeze, Stardust, and Dolph Ziggler. [178]
156 Zack Ryder April 3, 2016 WrestleMania 32 Arlington, TX 1 11 This was a seven-way ladder match, also involving Dolph Ziggler, Sami Zayn, Stardust, Sin Cara, and The Miz. [179]
157 The Miz April 4, 2016 Raw Dallas, TX 5 188188 The brand extension returned and the title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2016 WWE Draft. [180]
WWE: SmackDown
158 Dolph Ziggler October 9, 2016 No Mercy Sacramento, CA 5 3736 This was a title vs. career match. [181]
159 The Miz November 15, 2016 SmackDown Wilkes-Barre, PA 6 4948 [182]
160 Dean Ambrose January 3, 2017 SmackDown Jacksonville, FL 2 152151 The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2017 WWE Superstar Shake-up. [183]
WWE: Raw
161 The Miz June 4, 2017 Extreme Rules Baltimore, MD 7 169169 If Ambrose was disqualified, he would have lost the title. [184]
162 Roman Reigns November 20, 2017 Raw Houston, TX 1 6362 [185]
163 The Miz January 22, 2018 Raw 25 Years Brooklyn, NY 8 7675 [186]
164 Seth Rollins April 8, 2018 WrestleMania 34 New Orleans, LA 1 7171 This was a triple threat match, also involving Finn Bálor. [187]
165 Dolph Ziggler June 18, 2018 Raw Grand Rapids, MI 6 6261 [188]
166 Seth Rollins August 19, 2018 SummerSlam Brooklyn, NY 2 119119 [189]
167 Dean Ambrose December 16, 2018 TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs San Jose, CA 3 2928 [190]
168 Bobby Lashley January 14, 2019 Raw Memphis, TN 1 3433 This was a triple threat match, also involving Seth Rollins. [191]
169 Finn Bálor February 17, 2019 Elimination Chamber Houston, TX 1 2221 This was a 2-on-1 handicap match, featuring Lio Rush as Bobby Lashley's partner. Bálor pinned Rush to win Lashley's title. [192]
170 Bobby Lashley March 11, 2019 Raw Pittsburgh, PA 2 2727 [193]
171 Finn Bálor April 7, 2019 WrestleMania 35 East Rutherford, NJ 2 9897 The title became exclusive to the SmackDown brand following the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake-up. [194]
WWE: SmackDown
172 Shinsuke Nakamura July 14, 2019 Extreme Rules
Kickoff		 Philadelphia, PA 1 201201 [195]
173 Braun Strowman January 31, 2020 SmackDown Tulsa, OK 1 3736 [196]
174 Sami Zayn March 8, 2020 Elimination Chamber Philadelphia, PA 1 6565 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. [197]
— 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. [198]
175 AJ Styles June 8, 2020 SmackDown Orlando, FL 1 7471 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.		 [199][200]
176 Jeff Hardy August 21, 2020 SmackDown Orlando, FL 5 3736 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. [201]
177 Sami Zayn September 27, 2020 Clash of Champions Orlando, FL 2 8689 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. [202]
178 Big E December 22, 2020 SmackDown St. Petersburg, FL 2 110106 This was a lumberjack match. WWE recognizes Big E's reign as beginning on December 25, 2020, when the episode aired on tape delay. [203][204]
179 Apollo Crews April 11, 2021 WrestleMania 37
Night 2		 Tampa, FL 1 124123 This was a Nigerian Drum Fight. [205]
180 King Nakamura August 13, 2021 SmackDown Tulsa, OK 2 182189 Nakamura won the title under the name King Nakamura; name reverted back to Shinsuke Nakamura on October 8, 2021.
WWE recognizes Nakamura's reign as ending on February 18, 2022, when the following episode aired on tape delay.		 [206]
181 Sami Zayn February 11, 2022 SmackDown New Orleans, LA 3 2113 WWE recognizes Zayn's reign as beginning on February 18, 2022, when the episode aired on tape delay. [207]
182 Ricochet March 4, 2022 SmackDown Miami, FL 1 9898 [208]
183 Gunther June 10, 2022 SmackDown Baton Rouge, LA 1 666666 The title became exclusive to the Raw brand following the 2023 WWE Draft. [209]
WWE: Raw
184 Sami Zayn April 6, 2024 WrestleMania XL
Night 1		 Philadelphia, PA 4 119118 [210]
185 Bron Breakker August 3, 2024 SummerSlam Cleveland, OH 1 5151 [211]
186 Jey Uso September 23, 2024 Raw Ontario, CA 1 2827 [212]
187 Bron Breakker October 21, 2024 Raw Philadelphia, PA 2 181180 [213]
188 Dominik Mysterio April 20, 2025 WrestleMania 41
Night 2		 Paradise, NV 1 204204 This was a fatal four-way match, also involving Penta and Finn Bálor, the latter of whom Mysterio pinned. [214]
189 John Cena November 10, 2025 Raw Boston, MA 1 1918 [215]
190 Dominik Mysterio November 29, 2025 Survivor Series: WarGames San Diego, CA 2 9393 [216]
191 Penta March 2, 2026 Raw Indianapolis, IN 1 19+19+ [5]
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Combined reigns

As of March 21, 2026.

Record nine-time champion Chris Jericho, shown here with the 2002–2011 belt design.
Inaugural champion Pat Patterson, shown here with the 2011–2019 belt design.
Longest reigning champion Gunther, who held the title for 666 days
More information † ...
† Indicates the current champion
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More information Rank, Wrestler ...
Rank Wrestler No. of
reigns		 Combined
days		 Combined days
rec. by WWE
1 Gunther1666
2 Pedro Morales2619617
3 The Miz8597592
4 Don Muraco2541539
5 The Honky Tonk Man1454453
6 Tito Santana2443441
7 Razor Ramon4437434
8 The Ultimate Warrior2434432
9 Randy Savage1414413
10 Mr. Perfect2406404
Shawn Michaels3406403
12 Wade Barrett5[a]397390
13 Shinsuke Nakamura2[b]383390
14 Dolph Ziggler6372363
15 Jeff Hardy5366359
16 Shelton Benjamin3354352
17 The Rock2[c]339337
18 Chris Jericho9318311
19 Jeff Jarrett6298284
20 Dominik Mysterio2297
21 Sami Zayn4291285
22 Bret Hart2290288
23 Greg Valentine1285284
24 Big E2[d]277272
25 Kofi Kingston4266272
26 Cody Rhodes2257254
27 Dean Ambrose3245242
28 Pat Patterson1233232
29 Bron Breakker2232231
30 Ken Patera1231230
31 Rob Van Dam6211224
32 Randy Orton1210209
33 John Morrison3[e]209203
34 Triple H5[f]196
35 Christian4192188
36 Seth Rollins2190
37 Edge5171166
38 Goldust3168158
39 Santino Marella2162160
40 Drew McIntyre1161160
41 Curtis Axel1155
Ric Flair1155153
43 Rick Rude1148147
44 Chris Benoit4142159
45 Diesel1138137
46 Kevin Owens2132131
Owen Hart2132130
48 Rey Mysterio2128129
49 William Regal2126124
50 Ken Shamrock1125124
51 Apollo Crews1124123
52 Finn Bálor2120118
53 Umaga2118119
54 Eddie Guerrero2114116
55 Ryback1112111
56 Ricochet198
57 Carlito190
58 The Texas Tornado18483
59 Val Venis28379
60 Roddy Piper17776
61 AJ Styles17471
62 "Stone Cold" Steve Austin26591
Ricky Steamboat16564
64 Chyna26462
65 Roman Reigns16362
66 Bobby Lashley26160
67 The British Bulldog15958
68 Kane25758
69 Ezekiel Jackson15153
70 Ahmed Johnson15057
71 CM Punk14948
72 Daniel Bryan143
The Godfather14342
74 Braun Strowman13736
75 Kurt Angle13534
76 Booker T13433
77 Big Show12827
Jey Uso12827
Marc Mero12827
80 Albert12724
John "Bradshaw" Layfield12726
Lance Storm12726
Luke Harper12726
84 D'Lo Brown12627
85 Marty Jannetty120
86 Penta †119+
87 Billy Gunn11917
John Cena11918
89 Rikishi11413
Road Dogg11413
91 Test11312
92 The Mountie121
93 Zack Ryder11
94 Dean Douglas1<1
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Notes

  1. [a]
    In his fourth and fifth reign Wade Barrett was wrestling as Bad News Barrett.
  2. [b]
    Started his second reign under the name King Nakamura. Reverted back to Shinsuke Nakamura on October 8, 2021.
  3. [c]
    During his first reign The Rock was known as Rocky Maivia.
  4. [d]
    During his first reign, on February 12, 2014, Big E's ring name was shortened from Big E Langston.
  5. [e]
    During his first and second reign John Morrison was known as Johnny Nitro.
  6. [f]
    During his first reign Triple H was known as Hunter Hearst Helmsley.

References

External links

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