5 'Never Before Seen' feuds that could save WWE's Intercontinental Championship

The WWE Intercontinental Championship is widely hailed as one of the most prestigious championships in the world of professional wrestling. So, it's a shame that WWE haven't done enough to maintain the prestige and significance the title once held.

The title, currently being held by Shinsuke Nakamura, has yet to receive a proper feud on the main roster in quite some time.

Considering that A.J. Styles' current reign as the United States Championship has received quite the praise from the WWE Universe, it's unfortunate the same cannot be said about the King of Strong Style.

Even though the former NXT Champion defended the Intercontinental Championship at WWE Smackville against Ali, the creative team doesn't seem to have any legitimate plans moving forward.

As much as we would want to see Nakamura showcase his offensive innovation as the I.C. Champion, we genuinely feel it's about time the company makes the title relevant and prestigious again.

Therefore, let's dive into some never seen before feuds that could legitimately help WWE's Intercontinental Championship.

#1 Aleister Black Vs. Ali

Starting the proceedings with what could very well be a game changing feud for the Intercontinental Championship.

Aleister Black and Ali are two individuals who are yet to grab the proverbial brass ring and fighting for a title as prestigious as the I.C. Championship could give them the right amount of television time on the main roster.

The feud definitely has a nice ring to it, with Ali's 'Chasing Light' gimmick tussling it out with Aleister Black's dark ambitions inside the squared circle.

Moreover, both the performers possess the ability to deliver a match of the year contender and if done right, the Intercontinental Championship could regain its prestige back.

It's a win-win situation, you see. Considering that WWE would be heading into FOX Sports soon, starting with this feud could pay the right amount of dividends.

#2 Roman Reigns Vs. Andrade

Can Roman bring the I.C. title back to relevance?

Roman Reigns Vs. Andrade is another 'never before seen' feud that could work very well on SmackDown Live, especially for the Intercontinental Championship.

In spite of being one of the most versatile performers between the ropes, WWE really has not done very much to keep the audience's invested in Andrade. There's no denying that the guy can run circles around his opposition on any given night, in any given arena. However, his athleticism alone cannot elevate his credibility moving forward.

Therefore, if the company is indeed serious in turning him into the future of this business, they certainly have to give him some legitimate opportunities.

Feuding against a guy like Roman Reigns could give Andrade the right amount of spotlight and would only propel his chances of wearing some gold around his waist.

#3 Kevin Owens Vs. Buddy Murphy

As incredibly underrated as Kevin Owens is, the man legitimately deserves to be pushed as the biggest face in the company.

His recent face turn has rejuvenated his direction within WWE, and with Vince McMahon wanting to go the distance with his current face run, the Prizefighter could be destined for big things.

Considering that the former Universal Champion will be slugging it out to become the next 'King of the Ring', a possible feud with Buddy Murphy in the latter stages of the year could be sensational.

Owens has openly spoken out on the company's reluctance towards pushing new stars, with Buddy Murphy being one of them, and if provided with the right booking, the two could come out looking like a million bucks.

The in-ring performances are bound to be exceptional, with Murphy already proving his mettle on the main roster in a classic with Roman Reigns.

Owens Vs. Murphy for the Intercontinental Championship is everything that the blue brand needs heading into Fox Sports and it is everything that would make the I.C. Championship great again.

#4 The New Daniel Bryan Vs. Shinsuke Nakamura

If you've been closely following Shinsuke Nakamura's career from the independent scene, then you know that the former NXT Champion shares a very close relationship with Daniel Bryan.

Both the performers are pretty good pals and have always openly stated of their desire to work together on the main roster.

Considering that Nakamura is currently roaming around with the Intercontinental Championship, this could be the right opportunity to book this classic feud.

Moreover, WWE could use Bryan's brilliant heel run to gradually transition Nakamura into a full-fledged babyface.

Imagine these two in-ring technicians going against one another, with Bryan bringing the best out of the King of Strong Style.

These two could literally ascend the prestige of the I.C. Championship and if there was ever a momentous time for this rivalry to come to life, it is now.

#5 Samoa Joe Vs. Randy Orton

Judging by how WWE has been presenting Samoa Joe recently, legions in the WWE Universe are expecting the former NXT Champion to gradually transition into a babyface.

Even though he may never be a full-fledged face, portraying more of an anti-hero against one of the most decorated superstars in Randy Orton could very well give WWE what's best for business.

A feud of this stature could be similar to Orton's last epic, yet short lived, feud with A.J. Styles. Orton's detest for Samoa Joe's awe-inspiring journey from the independent circuits could make for some spine-chilling narrative.

Since the company is pushing for some edgier television on the main roster, this could be the perfect feud to redefine the prestige and importance of the Intercontinental Championship.

The Apex Predator colliding with the Samoan Submission Machine, with Joe working as an admirable anti-hero could very well propel this feud to unimaginable heights.

What other new feuds could WWE put together to put the excitement back in the I.C. title? Share your ideas with us in the comments section below!