Your WWE Cadillac Champion

How come the WWE Intercontinental Championship doesn't currently uphold the same reputation it did during the golden era, new generation era, and the attitude era?

Let's compare Cadillac the luxury automobile to the Intercontinental Championship. Although some may argue Cadillac doesn't tote the same elite status which various other luxury car manufacturers portray (i.e. Mercedes Benz, BMW, Tesla, Porsche, Bugatti, etc). Like them, Cadillac is well-known for carrying tradition and providing top performance in it's class. Cadillac is also considered to evoke style in this category. These are all traits required by any WWE Superstar to carry the Intercontinental Championship. Cadillac calls itself unstoppable, driven, and innovative while proving groundbreaking firsts in it's field to this day. Many WWE Legends, pro wrestling historians, and fans would say the same about top Intercontinental Champions of their time. What's impressive to me is how Cadillac has had the ability to remain driving next to it's competition for numerous years now. For decades, the Intercontinental Championship was the only other pro wrestling title comparable to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, or the NWA World Heavyweight Championship. For as long as history holds, those two titles were the most competitively sought after championships in the pro wrestling industry. Cadillac and the Intercontinental Championship's insistent devotion to standards and values is what creates this ultimate comparison. Over the years both have taught me how endurance, quality and showmanship will take you to unfathomable heights in life. Your WWE Cadillac Champion was real.

In 1991 Chairman and CEO of WWE, Vince McMahon was under investigation for the infamous steroid scandal. In 1994 the WWE witnessed it's final days of old school wrestling as the company was forced to undergo a name change. The WWE's legal name used to be the WWF. For those unaware, the 'WWF' World Wild Fund for Nature is responsible for filing and winning this lawsuit against McMahon. At the time these events were the cause of many concerns surrounding the future of WWE. Although McMahon was eventually absolved of all inconclusive allegations regarding the steroid scandal. In order to overcome a significant decrease in revenue caused by terrible publicity the company received through these events. The WWE would set their sights on a new generation era. New superstars were born as the WWE creatively re-designed it's product. The Intercontinental Championship title played a huge role to re-build the brand; specifically during the golden era, new generation era, and the attitude era.

Several of McMahon's hungry WWE Superstars saw this as an opportunity to seize the moment. In doing so they innovatively elevated the industry of sports entertainment. They thought out of the box and created authenticity in WWE matches, which involved various never seen before stipulations. These historical matches and rivalries set groundbreaking firsts of their kind, and further changed the landscape in professional wrestling. Your WWE Cadillac Champions from the golden era would set a standard for the IC title to inspire. WWE Superstars from the new generation and the attitude eras would then define the Intercontinental tradition.

Your WWE Cadillac Champion

He arrived and subtly acquired a commanding reputation in the locker room. He was the guy who always held his head high with pride, which inspired others. He instilled integrity which added personality to his title. His persona demanded reckoning whenever he was in the ring. He was a professional with superior technical wrestling skills. He was known as the Intercontinental Champion a.k.a. your WWE Cadillac Champion.

He dedicated his whole life to the sport. He sacrificed countless years with family and friends to set new standards in the industry. His relentless passion to win the belt helped heal a suffering promotion. Even when he wasn't scheduled to wrestle he consistently showed up. He was a team player who other wrestlers could seek for advice. He was the guy that ticket holders left the arena talking about every night. His enthusiasm was infectious to others around him as he humbly traveled from city to city all across the U.S.A. He sparked admiration in the hearts of haters everywhere. His charisma added a glowing prestige to the belt. His Intercontinental Championship reign was the first major accomplishment in his faithful career to rise to the top. He started a tradition which has since been lost.

Currently Big E Langston is your WWE Intercontinental Champion. Big E is an intimidating and phenomenal athlete. However, in my opinion does not have all of the criteria required to be considered your WWE Cadillac Champion. Let me be clear, this is not a knock at the WWE or Big E (most likely Big E could knock me out). Big E's massive size and attitude coupled with tremendous power are qualities which won himself the title. He still lacks several key skills needed in order to be considered your WWE Cadillac Champion. For example, Big E doesn't hone a strong technical wrestling ability, a noteworthy reputation, or an undeniable charisma. I am not saying he isn't championship material in the future. In order to carry the strap, he needs the ability to sell large volumes of tickets by himself. Let's identify and examine the Intercontinental Champions from the golden era, new generation era and attitude era considered to be your WWE Cadillac Champ.

The Golden Era

The golden era defined the careers of many Cadillac Champions. Superstars such as Pedro Morales, Greg Valentine, Tito Santana, Randy Savage, Rick Rude, Ricky Steamboat, and most notably the Ultimate Warrior can be placed in this category. Do you remember the Honky Tonk Man? He was an Elvis impostor-like villain who was managed by the illustrious Jimmy Hart. To this day Honky Tonk Man holds the record for longest title reign in Intercontinental Championship history. These superstars were carefully assessed based on win record, popularity during the era, and the legacy they leave with us today. They also added pride, prestige, integrity and tradition for the future of the Intercontinental Championship title. All of them individually were considered top talent in the world of wrestling at that time.

The Ultimate Warrior became the first ever WWE World Heavyweight Intercontinental Champion when he defeated Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania VI. The Ultimate Warrior's title reign led us into the new generation. Warrior's unstoppable energy and charisma created a new excitement in the WWE. Warrior became your 1st WWE Cadillac Champion during the golden era. However based on the steroid scandal and the FBI's watchful eye, McMahon had to enforce strict policies surrounding drug use in the WWE. The new policies would effect the way Superstars maintained their appearance and performance. Legal woes in my opinion are what provoked a new era to begin. Body and size could no longer be the main drawing factor in the appearance of a WWE Superstar.

New Generation Era

Several Cadillac Champions emerged in the new generation era; including Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Mr. Perfect and Razor Ramon. To this day Bret Hart is described as 'the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.' Trained by his father the legendary Stu Hart, I would have to agree. Many people often say Bret 'Hitman' Hart is the best technical wrestler of all-time.

Shawn Michaels aka 'Mr. WrestleMania' coupled with Hart remain one of the business' greatest rivalries of all time. Their personal resentment towards one another eventually climaxed in what later was dubbed the 'Montreal screw job.' During the course of this era both wrestlers rose in their rank at the WWE. The two champions also contributed several groundbreaking and original stipulation matches that later became standardized in the professional wrestling industry. Hitman and Mr. WrestleMania raised the bar by setting an immaculate example for upcoming Intercontinental Champions. Fighting equipped with a quicker athletic tone and wrestling with skills that showcased their technical crafts, the era was newly defined.

Mr. Perfect played a big role in the characterization of the IC championship as well. His condescending attitude made him a great heel champion since he had such perfect mic skills. Perfect's in-ring persona exuded the over-confident champion. Perfect and Hart performed the greatest IC title shift of-all time at SummerSlam 1991 (see video archives). When you think back on the life and career of Mr. Perfect it's a tragedy that he never got a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Like Hart, Perfect came from a wrestling dynasty family. They both came into the business with a knack for sport and entertainment. This led them to organically excel in their careers at WWE. Mr. Perfect grew the IC title's prestige, integrity and clout.

Razor Ramon was seen driving a Cadillac in his first vignette in the WWF. To me, Razor is a big part of the Cadillac Champion's growing personality. 'The bad guy' was donned first-ever undisputed Intercontinental Champion when he defeated Shawn Michaels in one of the very first Ladder Matches at WrestleMania X. Razor and Michaels created unimaginable innovation as they performed in the ring that evening.

All four of these superstars carried the business during the new generation era. They were able to consistently grow ticket sales and viewership through their hard work and desire. I believe they contributed largely to the overall success and stability of the WWE during this turbulent period in the company's history. During those years, I bet ticket sales and merchandise (specifically from them) significantly increased the company's gross annual profit.

In the NBA, each franchise is loosely defined by the starting five players on the roster. During the new generation era in the WWE, Hulk Hogan could be considered the center of this starting five. Hogan was the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and already considered a global icon at the time. What Hart, Michaels, Perfect and Razor did for the IC title was create value, importance, and significance to another belt in the WWE. Together these Superstars carefully orchestrated numerous historical matches involving the Intercontinental Championship, while enduring real conflict with one another at times. They successfully created a persona to be associated with your new WWE Cadillac Champion.

Attitude Era

Just like the new generation era, the attitude era completely changed the landscape within the WWE. The Rock, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, and Hunter-Hearst Helmsley 'Triple H' were budding Superstars seeking to be the next WWE Cadillac Champion. Fans slowly began noticing each of them establish electrifying larger than life egos. At the tail-end of the Rock, Stone Cold, and Triple H's IC title reign is right around the time WWE declared their new legal name. WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment). Since these superstars, I haven't seen WWE groom wrestlers for the Intercontinental Championship quite like they used to do. Where have all the WWE Cadillac Champions gone?

Time to play the GAME!

How come the WWE stopped maintaining the reputation it built for the Intercontinental Championship? 

WWE should have billed Daniel Bryan to be your next WWE Cadillac Champion. Since 2010 Bryan has exuded all of the criteria required to prove this caliber of talent. Bryan is an eccentric superstar, and his draw to fans is unstoppable. Daniel Bryan's in-ring wrestling ability is comparable to the skills of superstars such as Bret Hart, Shawn Michaels, Randy Savage and several others.

In my opinion, Daniel Bryan's timeline of events in his career could have been handled with better precision. If WWE carefully planned his role in the company more strategically, Bryan could have been the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship (after his reign as United States Champion, circa 2010. In theory if Bryan carried the IC title from 2011 to 2012, then perhaps his Money in the Bank and World Heavyweight Championship reign could have been stretched out much longer. Lastly, Daniel Bryan's WWE Tag Team Championship reign with Kane in Team Hell NO was brilliant. This story angle could have also added clout to his 'would-be' cinderella storied as your WWE Cadillac Champion. Yes! Yes! Yes!