in 2021 and was not defended at any within the first quarter of 2022, including WrestleMania 38; its absence on the premiere event was widely criticized by fans. After Vince McMahon retired on July 22, 2022, the championship has been featured more prominently after Paul “Triple H” Levesque (a five-time Intercontinental Champion) took over as Head of Creative. The championship has been featured in the main event on SmackDown most weeks, and has received a five-star match from Dave Meltzer between champion Gunther and challenger Sheamus at Clash at the Castle. It was the second WWE five-star match in the 2020s, as well as the second match in the title's history to receive a five-star rating; the first one being Razor Ramon vs. Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania X in 1994. The title's current status has been acclaimed by fans and analysts. Notes References External links Official WWE Intercontinental Title History Wrestling-Titles.com: Intercontinental Championship WWE Intercontinental Title Belts: A Guide to the Gold Awards established in 1979 Intercontinental professional wrestling championships WWE championships