5 of the greatest WWE Intercontinental championship matches in history

Throughout history, championship belts have been the mainstay for success. However, the Intercontinental Championship is considered the pathway to the WWE Championship.

Furthermore, with names like; Bret Hart, Randy Savage and Chris Jericho holding this title, future wrestlers have their work cut out.

At WrestleMania 34; The Miz, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor performed excellently to determine the new champion.

Rollins would become champion. Therefore, to appreciate it's prestige requires reviewing the best championship matches in history.

Here are five of the best Intercontinental Championship matches in history.

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#5 Randy Savage vs Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania 3, 1987

The fluidity of the match between Savage and Steamboat was brilliant

Performing in front of approximately 93,000 fans Ricky Steamboat defeated Randy Savage to become Intercontinental Champion.

Flanked by their respective manages their match garnered fans attention. Furthermore, this match is still a hot topic in discussion considering it happened in 1987.

Both Savage and Steamboat were excellent ring technicians. Moreover, they were pioneers in high-flying maneuvers.

Collectively their efforts would elevate the Intercontinental championship. Yes, this match happened decades ago but the match fluidity was brilliant. Overall, this match was innovative and exciting.

#4 Mr. Perfect vs Bret 'Hitman' Hart at SummerSlam 1991

Bret Hart would capture his first Intercontinental Championship against Curt Henning

In 1991 Hulk Hogan still dominated the WWE Championship scene. However, things were changing. At SummerSlam 1991 the Intercontinental Championship was on the line, and two gifted wrestlers would compete. Bret Hart would challenge and defeat Mr. Perfect (Curt Henning) to become champion.

Their match was dramatic and exciting, with Perfect giving everything to Hart. When remembering Mr. Perfect this match always comes to fruition. It is regarded as their best match together.

Furthermore, with the immense drama and excitement it offered, this match deserves to be remembered.

#3 Chris Jericho vs Chris Benoit at Royal Rumble 2001

Chris Jericho dominated Chris Benoit in their Ladder match

Chris Jericho and Chris Benoit had a storied history dating back to their time in WCW. Similarly, Jericho and Benoit utilised aerial moves and submissions.

However, their careers were exponentially different. At Royal Rumble 2001 they would compete for the Intercontinental Championship.

Their match was groundbreaking and crammed full of insane spots. Most notably, Jericho would strike Benoit during his famous Headbutt dive.

After a grueling back and forth action, Jericho would become champion. Although not as integral as the ladder match at WrestleMania X, this match was crucial.

#2 Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon at SummerSlam 1995.

This match prompted the beginning of Michaels'' incredible success

At SummerSlam 1995 Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon would repeat their classic ladder match from WrestleMania X. Being the second ladder match fans wondered could it rival the first. It most certainly would rival the first.

SummerSlam 1995 lacked exciting matches when compared to previous years. However, the ladder match afforded much-needed excitement. T

he WWE Championship match which followed it could not match its hype. Overall, this ladder match elevated Ramon and Michaels exponentially. Moreover, this match prompted the beginning of Michaels incredible success.

#1 Bret Hart Vs British Bulldog at SummerSlam 1992

This match was a turning point for both the wrestlers

In 1992 WWE would make history when SummerSlam occurred at Wembley Stadium. Moreover, the PPV was packed full on stellar matches, such as; Savage vs The Ultimate Warrior for the WWE Championship.

However, it was the main event that garnered the highest attention.

Hart and British Bulldog competed for the Intercontinental Championship. However, this moment was historic.

Firstly, both were Brother-In-Laws. Secondly, it marked a turning point for both wrestlers. Their match was action packed with excellent technical wrestling.

After a roll-up by Bulldog fans witnessed the first British Intercontinental Champion. Furthermore, this match was important because it freed Hart to pursue his first of multiple WWE Championships.