Historically, it all started with Pat Patterson. But, for all intents and purposes, it really took shape and form with the Honky Tonk Man.
Now what would those two grapplers possibly have in common? Patterson was the wrestler to hold what is now known as the Intercontinental Belt (back in 1979 when Patterson defeated Ted DiBiase for the strap, it was called the WWF North American Heavyweight Championship), and the Honky Tonk Man was arguably the man who uploaded the title to mainstream consciousness and brought it to the forefront for all hardcore fans.
Honky Tonk, with his over-the-top Elvis impersonation (complete with guitar and glitzy jumpsuits), loved to tell anyone who would listen that he was “the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time,” and backed up that claim by holding onto the strap for a staggering 454 days from June 2, 1987 until August 29, 1988, a record that still stands today. (In case you’re wondering, Dean Douglas had the shortest I-C reign –...
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