5 Times WWE crowned a new Intercontinental Champion when the title was vacant

#3 A Battle Royal

WWE has crowned several new Intercontinental Champions in Battle Royal matches over the years.

WWE's most frequent solution to a vacant championship situation in recent times has been to put the belt on the line in a Battle Royal.

In terms of the Intercontinental Championship, the title was first contested in a Battle Royal setting in 1993. With reigning champion Shawn Michaels suspended, a multi-man over the top rope match was announced for the October 4 edition of RAW. The final two competitors would then meet for the vacant championship the following week.

In the end, Razor Ramon and Rick Martel were the last two superstars left in the Battle Royal. Seven days later, Ramon defeated Martel to win his first Intercontinental Championship.

Simpler, one-night Battle Royal matches have taken place to decide a new champion since though.

When the title was briefly retired in 2002, Christian won a Battle Royal at Judgment Day 2003 to win the revived championship. The Miz did the same at Battleground 2014 to claim the title, after Bad News Barrett dropped it due to injury.

In a scenario, where a champion is unexpectedly not available - a Battle Royal represents the quickest way to keep a title active. For this reason, it will always be something WWE consider when they need to change course at short notice.