The Ring General is now the longest-reigning Intercontinental champion in the history of the WWE, with 455 days, surpassing Honky Tonk Man’s record of 454 days.
The Austrian Superstar now climbs the chart and is #4 on the combined total days, with Don Muraco, The Miz, and Pedro Morales the only ones ahead of him.
The Honky Tonk Man won the title from Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat during an episode of Superstars of Wrestling in Buffalo, New York, which was taped on June 2, 1987. The episode aired the next day and WWE recognizes Honky Tonk’s Man record as 453 days and not 454 since his win aired the following day.
The impressive run then came to a very screeching halt at SummerSlam on August 29, 1988 when The Ultimate Warrior came running down Madison Square Garden and beat him in a matter of a few seconds. Warrior’s reign lasted 216 days, losing it at WrestleMania V against Rick Rude.
Gunther won the title on the June 10, 2022 episode of Smackdown from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, beating Ricochet. His most recent title defense was this past Monday against Chad Gable, a win which allowed him to surpass HTM’s record.