From the Podium III: The Legacy of Championships (The IC Edition)

[Leonard]

Unfortunately, the great “2009 Valentine’s Day Reset” occurred over the weekend, but I haven’t forgotten all that is “From the Podium,” and I hope you haven’t, either. After two very intense discussions of first tier titles, I am temporarily skipping the WWE Championship to focus on the second tier titles. But first, I want to take a second to talk about how the world championships have been booked lately.

There is evidence lately that the world titles are not being booked with long term gains in mind. I blame this, in part, to the internet community (yes, I blame MYSELF!). But, also, I blame the creative team, because they worry so much about what the IWC finds out that they are willing to change plans just to swerve the “smarks.”

Also, (in what could be considered shades of Vince Russo’s WCW) the creative team is throwing swerve balls just for the sake of throwing them. And the titles are becoming casualties of this desire, leading to shorter and shorter title reigns. My suggestion is to pick a guy and run with him, and give some integrity back to these world titles.

Phew…Here we go…

The noticeable beat of a conductor’s pattern.

WWE Intercontinental Championship
First Champion: Pat Patterson (“defeated” some guy in Rio de Janeiro)
Current Champion: C.M. Punk (defeated William Regal)

The Intercontinental (IC) Championship has always been known as the “workhorse” title, aptly named because of the technical caliber of workers who held and competed for the title. The history shows a who’s who of competitors holding the championship, and as well as a fair share of duds (see “Bottom Two”). The IC title has a very rich history, and now has the potential to re-earn the nickname with which it was so fondly associated in the late ‘80’s and early ‘90’s.

In terms of lineage, I will consider any title reign before January 23, 1984 (Hulk Hogan’s first world championship reign, and commonly considered as the beginning of the “Modern Era”) as “lineage.” The stats from this time period, however, are included in the “statistics” section.

Ted Dibiase was awarded the North American Heavyweight Championship upon his arrival to WWF in 1979. When Pat Patterson defeated Dibiase for that championship on June 16, 1979, he held the title until September of that year, when he was awarded the WWF Intercontinental Championship. Supposedly, he had defended the North American title in a tournament in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in which a South American Heavyweight Championship was also on the line (we’ll find that all fictitious wrestling tournaments take place in this location, for some reason). It was a good way to give the title instant credibility (in fact, there was no Internet Wrestling Community to expose the façade), because of the magnitude defending a title (and winning) in an “international tournament.”

Looking at the holders of the championship during this time, Patterson, Ken Patera, Pedro Morales, and Don Muraco are the only champions in the “pre-Modern Era” period. Each had a healthy reign(s), all stretching well past 100 days. Also, the standard of the “elevator” title was already set in motion here, as three of the four were not consistently in the world title scene up to this point. Considering that those on the outside did not know of the fabricated tournament, and the caliber of holders up to the Modern Era point, the lineage is extremely prestigious. Lineage=9/10

Looking at the list of champions since the first Intercontinental Championship reign since 1979, here are the facts as of February 17, 2009:

-61—Unique Champions
-120—Championship Reigns
-50.8—Percentage of New Champions
-86.7—Average Title Reign (in days)
-8—Most Reigns (Chris Jericho)
-454—Longest Reign (in days) (The Honky Tonk Man)
-<1—Shortest Reign (in days) (Dean Douglas and Chris Jericho—also Triple H, by unification)

The one stat that deals a pretty staggering blow to the IC championship is the percentage of new champions, which is about half of the reigns. For being the “elevator” championship, the relatively low percentage of new champions does not make a good case for an ushering in of new stars. With only half of those being new reigns, the IC title comes back to those already established (Chris Jericho, Triple H in 2001, Razor Ramon), rather than those who need to be (Carlito, Shelton Benjamin).

The average reign length is about on par with all the other championships analyzed so far. The insanely long reign of the “Honky Donky Man” (thanks, Santino) is a hefty record that still stands and is often mentioned on WWE television. Jericho’s eight reigns do have an effect on the stats, but is still impressive. The one day reigns are customary in title history, it seems, and do not adversely affect the rating here. Statistics=7/10

The history of champions…what a hodgepodge of activity there is here. There is plenty to be analyzed, but I think, since this is supposed to be a stepping stone, the amount of holders to go on to a world title reign should be taken into account here.

Good news, Intercontinental Championship: You’ve helped elevate some superstars to the main event echelon. Bad news: Not enough to justify calling you the “elevator” title that you have been known for. Only 17 of the 61 unique champions have held the IC title only to later win the world championship for which the title was meant to be a stepping stone (the WWE, World Heavyweight, or ECW Championships). Not many more went on to other world championships (WCW, NWA, or TNA). Additionally, a few held world titles prior to their world championship reigns, so this would be considered a step down. On the same token, however, this last fact does build some credibility, even though this is a title that is trying to establish stars rather than reward those who are established.

It seems to me that, since many of the holders did not reach the pinnacle that the title is meant to elevate the holder to, the title does not have quite the “elevation” quality that we’ve come to accept from the Intercontinental Championship. This could also be a reflection of the booking decisions made for the title, which have consistently been under scrutiny (especially in the past few years).

In short, the title has had some great champions, who have both added prestige to the IC title, and themselves been elevated to the main event scene. However, the lack of true stepping stone quality, and the larger amount of lackluster champions, knocks the rating down quite a bit. History of Champions=7/10

One must look at the vacancies that the title has seen during its 30 year existence. The title has been held up 7 times, mostly due to injuries. The championship was deactivated once when it was unified with the World Heavyweight Championship. The need for a mid-card title, however, was quickly realized, and was reactivated only 7 months later. There have been an awful lot of vacancies for the title, though, and this cannot be ignored when giving a final rating.

The IC Championship has seen more gimmick matches (particularly the ladder match) than any other mid-card title, perhaps even more than world championships. There have also been many multi-man matches contested for this title, but this is because of the sometimes stacked talent in the second-tier. Since most of the ladder matches have been really good, they do not hurt the rating all that much.

I have to address the way the IC Championship has been booked in recent years. In the past few years, it has seemed as if the bookers forget there is an Intercontinental title until they simply notice it one day, or the holder is suspended. The booking in general is really very wishy-washy—great champions such as Jeff Hardy, Umaga, and Chris Jericho have held the title, but title holders such as Santino and Kofi have left me scratching my head as to why they were given the strap. Also, the way these title holders are booked once they win the title is also questionable, especially the last four reigns (Jericho through Regal). The recent booking definitely detracts from the belt’s final rating here. Prestige=6.5/10

The Intercontinental Championship’s legacy is a very rich one, with many established and future stars holding the title. After years of questionable booking, one can only hope that feuds like Punk/Regal can help revitalize the title as a true gem in the achievements of wrestlers. Luckily, the other high ratings keep this title from sinking down too far. After averaging my ratings:

LEGACY OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPIONSHIP=7.37/10

“LEGACY” RANKINGS:

1. World Heavyweight Championship=8/10
2. Intercontinental Championship=7.37/10
3. ECW Championship=4.75/10


TOP THREE:

3. Bret “Hitman” Hart (2 Reigns, combined 290 days)

Bret is the prime example of the title serving as a stepping stone to the main event. Bret had some epic matches, namely with Mr. Perfect (SummerSlam 1991), Roddy Piper (WrestleMania VIII), and Davey Boy Smith (SummerSlam 1992). The title was at its peak during Bret’s times with the championship, even serving as the main event match at SummerSlam 1992 (the only time in Pay-Per-View history for this to occur, if research proves accurate). Although one could argue that this was only because of the location, and the man competing for a title (and no doubt about it, it was), I would argue that it was also due to the match that these two were capable of putting on.

2. Mr. Perfect (2 Reigns, combined 406 days)

When thinking of the title as a “workhorse” title, I immediately think of Curt Hennig. Arguably one of the most technically precise workers to step inside the “squared circle,” Mr. Perfect could wrestle a good match with anyone. Look no further than Kerry Von Erich (who I didn’t care for as a wrestler, but also because he wore those Ultimate Warrior-like tassels on his boots, and I hated the Warrior). Again, the clinic of a match with Bret Hart comes up. Both of his reigns stretched past the 100 day mark, as well.

1. Owen Hart (2 Reigns, combined 132 days)



I’m unsure how you readers will feel about this, but I stand behind my explanation here. While Owen would probably not have ever been escorted to the main event, he was a damned hard worker, and could put on a wrestling clinic in the ring with most anybody. This is a mid-card title, and Owen fit this bill well, and gave much prestige to the title in his many IC matches. I found his battles with Steve Austin and Triple H to be especially entertaining (not to mention his matches with Bret). Again, the term “workhorse” comes up. I often think that Owen could have had many more classic matches had the unfortunate incident that took his life not occurred. It also makes me wonder how great the matches with some of the Intercontinental Champions that came later would have been (imagine Owen v. Jericho, Angle, or Benoit, for example).

HONORABLE MENTION: KEN SHAMROCK, RAZOR RAMON


BOTTOM TWO:

2. Santino Marella (2 Reigns, combined 162 days)

Both of Santino’s reigns were atrocious, but for different reasons. In the first, he bombed as an “underdog Guido” type character, which evolved to fans enjoying seeing Umaga beat the tar out of him. I generally disagree with putting titles on a debuting wrestler (see MNM, Carlito, Gail Kim) as I feel rushing newcomers into title matches, and victories, does not do anything for the title or the wrestler. The second reign used the title as nothing more than a prop. Take, for example, the scandalous way he won the title (Kofi/Mickie v. Santino/Phoenix for I.C. & Women’s Championships). He didn’t even have part in the decision to win the title. As much as I loved the HONK-A-METER, it did nothing for the title. It wasn’t just a prop…it was a COMEDIC prop.

1. Marc Mero (1 Reign, 28 days)



I had a lot of choices here, as there are many title holders who didn’t rise up to the occasion during their Intercontinental reigns. Marc Mero, however, just irritated the hell out of me. Marc did have some athleticism in the ring, but just came off as obnoxious rather than fan friendly. He defeated a very deserving Ron Simmons in a tournament final for the belt (I think Faarooq would have been a much better title holder), and fortunately dropped the title a month later to first time champion Hunter Hearst Helmsley. Gee, I wonder what happened to that guy?

I liked his boxer persona much better than the “Wildman” garbage, as the obnoxiousness was supposed to shine through. However, some lady named Sable completely overshadowed him by this point, so any title reign he would have had would have just been a moot point, anyways.

UN-HONORABLE MENTION: THE MOUNTIE, MARTY JANNETTY, ROAD DOGG, RIKISHI, ALBERT


MY FAVORITE INTERCONTINENTAL TITLE MATCH:

Razor Ramon (c) v. Shawn Michaels, Ladder Match, WrestleMania X, March 20, 1994



Sean_Taylor and Mazza have recently reviewed WrestleMania X (quite well, might I add), so I don’t need to go into a lot of detail here. There are three other matches I deeply considered for this spot (especially the Vengeance 2004 bout, which made me realize that both Orton and Edge were main-event bound), but decided on this match because of its revolutionary nature. Many old-school wrestling fans thought “what are they gonna do with a ladder?,” but Razor and Shawn certainly proved them all wrong with the (at that time) innovative ways that they incorporated the ladder into the match. This match (along with Bret v. Owen) stole the show, and added a ton of prestige to an otherwise worthless WrestleMania.

You can find this match on “The Complete WrestleMania Anthology, Volume II,” “WWE From the Vault: Shawn Michaels,” and “The History of the Intercontinental Championship,” all available at WWEShop.com and other fine Digital Video Disc retailers.

HONORABLE MENTION: STEAMBOAT/SAVAGE, WRESTLEMANIA III; BULLDOG/HART, SUMMERSLAM 1992; EDGE/ORTON, VENGEANCE 2004

Secondary gestures to signal certain moments or instruments in a piece of music.

-I did not order “No Way Out” (I’m a grad student, I have no money), but I hear it was quite the interesting evening. I was disappointed to hear that Swagger/Finlay was a proverbial dud, as I thought these two could really deliver. I blame Hornswoggle…he detracts from Finlay’s technical precision.

However, there was no way to predict that Edge would lose his title and regain the World Heavyweight Championship in the same night. His entry into the match was nonsensical and effectively killed any momentum that Kofi Kingston had towards increased status, but at least it was an interesting swerve (see introduction).

-I read about Paul London’s latest interview, and I have to say that the man is acting completely childish. Besides the fact that I never cared for London in the ring, I never got the impression that he took his stint in WWE very seriously. Take, for example, the McMahon blowing himself up angle. I was very surprised to see him even keep his job after his corny grin when everyone else was playing their part! His comments on Matt Hardy were unwarranted, and reek of jealousy. Matt should not have even responded to them. Good for Paul, though. Whatever helps him sleep at night.

-The Legacy/McMahon angle is getting better, and Triple H’s presence won’t hurt the situation, I believe. While I think it’s too soon for H to be jumping back to RAW, it certainly is warranted, as an Orton/H match will make for a good WrestleMania main event. I hope they acknowledge Stephanie and Triple H’s real-life relationship, because, otherwise, his intervening doesn’t make sense (to me, anyways).

The last additional note (mostly in marches) that signals the end of a piece.

Thus concludes the third edition of “From the Podium.” Once my twelve column “Legacy of Championships” series ends, I am thinking about a comprehensive look at win-loss records at PPV events (an idea stemming from a column I read a while back, but including more than just the “big” events). I might be stepping on toes, so let me know if I am, and if there are any other “legacies” that I should hyperanalyze.

In addition to feedback and constructive criticism, don’t hesitate give your thoughts on what you think makes the legacy of the Intercontinental Championship. These columns should be meant to stimulate intelligent conversation, so please share your opinions on the topic, whether you agree or disagree.

Until the next downbeat…

[cicero]

I enjoyed the first two, but this third column felt a little stagnant to me.

To improve I would say that for starters you should place more emphasis on the latter half of the column (the best/worst holders, matches).

Perhpas an expanison of the list to include five choices.

If you added another name to the bottom list then together they would total six.




seriously though; + opinion

[Leonard]

Thanks for the honest and enlightening feedback, cicero. The reason why I spend so much time on the ratings is because I want this to be a hyperanalyzation of history. I added the supplement of "Bottom/Top 2/3" and "My Favorite [Title] Match" as just that.

If you can remember, can you let me know what exactly you felt was stagnant as compared to the last two, because I'd like to work on it for the next column. Too much history?

Thanks a ton.

--Leonard

By the way, I don't do 5 item lists because I have a weird phobia of multiples of 5. I don't go crazy, it just unnerves me. Like the fact that the previous sentence contains so many fives. But this isn't group therapy, is it?...

[Jason Boy]

hey just wanted to let you no, i really liike these columns, they remind me of the title reigns and stuff nice job