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The WWE Intercontinental Championship is a title that has long been seen as having prestige and value. Names such as Ricky Steamboat, Randy Savage, Chris Jericho and Daniel Bryan have held the title. However, as much value as the championship has had, it hasn't always been treated that way.
As a five-time champion, The Miz has brought prestige to the championship not only because he's held it on a number of occasions but also because he's defended it against notable opponents.
It should also be noted that a number of former Intercontinental Champions went on to become WWE Champions. We have seen what holding the championship did for the likes of The Rock, Triple H and Kurt Angle. But what has happened to those that left WWE after having successful runs with the championship?
While many have remained out of the public eye, some are recognized the world over still to this day because they continue to make wrestling a part of their lives in some way, shape or form. Without any further ado, here are five former WWE Intercontinental Champions and where they are now.
#5 Tito Santana
Santana was one of the most popular babyfaces during his time with WWE and put on incredible matches during his career. Fans will recall his feud with the late Randy ‘Macho Man' Savage as being among the most notable during his time with the company.
During the 1980s, Santana captured the title after a long-standing feud with Greg ‘the Hammer' Valentine.
Their rivalry saw these men fight all over North America until Santana eventually captured the title. Later on in his career, he formed a tag team with Rick Martel, and they were collectively known as Strike Force.
At 64 years of age, Santana continues to appear at wrestling conventions and is currently a high school physical education teacher. He is still recognized the world over for his in-ring accomplishments.
#4 Wade Barrett
Barrett's time with the company from beginning to end lasted ten years. However, since his time in the ring seems to have come and gone, he has pursued other activities outside wrestling. A five-time Intercontinental champion, Barrett managed to retain his championship on several occasions.
Early in his WWE career, he was the leader of The Nexus — a faction of men who looked to break down the roster and establish themselves at the expense of veterans such as Jericho, Edge, and John Cena.
Barrett held the title of King of the Ring at one point and highlighted his bare knuckles championships as a means to promote his in-ring ability. When Barrett departed the promotion in 2016, he walked away from mainstream professional wrestling.
However, while he has essentially taken a hiatus from the ring, he will return to professional wrestling if the right opportunity presents itself. As things stand, Barrett is actively pursuing his acting career.
#3 Greg 'The Hammer' Valentine
‘The Hammer' had a very notable and accomplished run in WWE. While many will remember Valentine's brutal dog collar match against the late Roddy Piper before they were in the WWE, Valentine captured championships on several occasions in Vince McMahon's promotion.
He had compelling rivalries with Tito Santana, Ronnie Garvin, and the Magnificent Muraco. After initially defeating Santana for the championship, he later lost the title in a moment that would later become infamous as the signature Intercontinental title belt was destroyed, and the championship we have come to know today took its place.
Fans will also recall that Valentine was a tag team champion alongside Brutus Beefcake. As part of the Dream Team managed by Johnny Valiant, Valentine was always seen as the much more refined but tough as nails member of the faction. Today, Valentine appears at various wrestling conventions after a career that spanned over thirty years.
#2 Ryback
The man that had an insatiable appetite, always wanting to be fed more, has striven to make himself prominent. He captured the Intercontinental Championship in the Elimination chamber, outlasting five opponents to come out victorious.
While he eventually lost the title to Kevin Owens, Ryback was an active and crucial part of the roster, having both heel and face runs with the company. After departing WWE, the Big Guy started taking independent bookings. For instance, he competed for Northeast Wrestling twenty days after being released.
He has since competed for such promotions as WrestlePro and even competed in the United Kingdom as part of the Revolution Pro Wrestling promotion. Ryback hasn't held back in voicing his thoughts on a number of things related to WWE.
On his own podcast and in an interview, he has given his opinion on such in-ring performers as John Cena and disputed the criticism directed at him by CM Punk. Ryback continues to be active and tries to stay relevant in his post-WWE life.
#1 Honky Tonk Man
He often referred to himself as the greatest Intercontinental champion of all time. When the Honky Tonk Man defeated Ricky ‘The Dragon' Steamboat, no one at the time could have anticipated that his reign would last an incredible 454 days.
During that time, he faced the likes of Brutus ‘The Barber' Beefcake, George ‘The Animal' Steel and Randy ‘Macho Man' Savage. The matches during his reign often saw him get himself counted out, disqualified, or simply use the rules to his advantage in order to retain the championship.
In what was supposed to be the challenger's last opportunity to battle for the title, The Ultimate Warrior beat him in 31 seconds. After losing the title, the Honky Tonk Man would go on to form a tag team alongside another former Intercontinental champion, Greg ‘the Hammer' Valentine, as Rhythm and Blues.
The Honky Tonk Man remains in the public eye, appearing on various podcasts, conducting interviews and appearing at wrestling conventions.
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