IWGP Intercontinental Championship

On October 3, 2010, American promotion Jersey All Pro Wrestling announced that it had reached an agreement with NJPW to co-promote NJPW's first shows in the United States.{{cite web | url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17790/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006191438/http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/17790 | title=New Japan Pro Wrestling comes to the U.S. | last=Meltzer | first=Dave | author-link=Dave Meltzer | archive-date=October 6, 2010 | date= October 3, 2010 | access-date= May 13, 2011 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} NJPW officially announced the NJPW Invasion Tour 2011: Attack on East Coast tour on January 4, 2011, with shows taking place on May 13 in Rahway, New Jersey, May 14 in New York City and May 15 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.{{cite web | url = http://www.pwinsider.com/article/54046/new-japan-announces-dates-and-cities-for-american-tour.html?p=1 | title = New Japan announces dates and cities for American tour | last=Johnson | first=Mike | date=January 4, 2011 | access-date=June 24, 2017 | work=Pro Wrestling Insider}} The following day, NJPW added that, during the tour, the promotion would introduce the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, with the inaugural champion to be crowned in a tournament taking place over the three shows.{{cite web | url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_46541.shtml | title= WWE News: New Japan to introduce new title on U.S. tour, officially announces dates & venues for "Invasion" tour | last=Caldwell | first=James | date= January 5, 2011 | access-date= May 13, 2011 | work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

Participants for the tournament were announced on April 8, 2011. The list of participants included: former World Wrestling Entertainment performer MVP, who had signed a contract with New Japan in January 2011; Kazuchika Okada, who had been on a learning excursion to American promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) since February 2010; Hideo Saito, who had been on a similar tour of Puerto Rico's World Wrestling Council since September 2010; former IWGP Tag Team and IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions Tetsuya Naito and Yujiro Takahashi of No Limit; NJPW regulars Tama Tonga and Toru Yano, and; American independent worker Dan Maff, who made his first appearance for NJPW during the tour.{{cite web | url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1302269993 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413054841/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1302269993 | title= Indy News #2: Chikara, WWE, Wrestling on GFL | last=Martin | first=Adam | archive-date=April 13, 2011 | date= April 8, 2011 | access-date= May 13, 2011 | work=Wrestleview}} On May 6, it was announced that Tonga had suffered an injury which would force him out of the tournament. He was replaced by former TNA and Ring of Honor performer Josh Daniels.{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=5623 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120910000703/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=5623 |archive-date=September 10, 2012 | title=ニューヨーク遠征のカードが続々決定!! 棚橋はチャーリー・ハースとIWGP戦! ジュニアタッグ防衛戦も決定!! | date=May 6, 2011 | access-date=May 15, 2011 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja }} On May 15, MVP defeated Yano in the final of the tournament to become the inaugural champion.

;Tournament bracket

{{8TeamBracket-NoSeeds

|RD1=Round One
(May 13)

|RD2=Semifinals
(May 14)

|RD3=Final
(May 15)

|RD1-team1=MVP

|RD1-score1=Sub

|RD1-team2=Kazuchika Okada

|RD1-score2={{nowrap|12:45{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/invasion-tour-3911-attack-on-east-coast---day-1-10828.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129200928/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/invasion-tour-3911-attack-on-east-coast---day-1-10828.html |archive-date=January 29, 2020 |title=NJPW Invasion Tour '11: Attack on East Coast – Day 1 |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |date=May 13, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2023}}}}

|RD1-team3=Josh Daniels

|RD1-score3=Pin

|RD1-team4=Tetsuya Naito

|RD1-score4={{nowrap|12:28}}

|RD1-team5=Dan Maff

|RD1-score5=Pin

|RD1-team6=Toru Yano

|RD1-score6={{nowrap|10:38}}

|RD1-team7=Hideo Saito

|RD1-score7=Pin

|RD1-team8=Yujiro Takahashi

|RD1-score8={{nowrap|08:28}}

|RD2-team1=MVP

|RD2-score1=Sub

|RD2-team2=Tetsuya Naito

|RD2-score2={{nowrap|10:57{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/invasion-tour-3911-attack-on-east-coast---day-2-10829.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190804000125/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/invasion-tour-3911-attack-on-east-coast---day-2-10829.html |archive-date=August 4, 2019 |title=NJPW Invasion Tour '11: Attack on East Coast – Day 2 |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |date=May 14, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2023}}}}

|RD2-team3=Toru Yano

|RD2-score3=Pin

|RD2-team4=Yujiro Takahashi

|RD2-score4={{nowrap|07:47}}

|RD3-team1=MVP

|RD3-score1=Sub

|RD3-team2=Toru Yano

|RD3-score2={{nowrap|09:27{{cite web | url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=5669 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110728091258/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=5669 | title= NY遠征最終日、真壁がライノ撃破! 初代インターコンチ王者はMVP！ ライガーまさかの王座陥落!!（結果速報） | archive-date=July 28, 2011 | date= May 16, 2011 | access-date= May 16, 2011 | work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling | language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/invasion-tour-3911-attack-on-east-coast---day-3-11788.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211129123731/http://www.profightdb.com/cards/njpw/invasion-tour-3911-attack-on-east-coast---day-3-11788.html |archive-date=November 29, 2021 |title=NJPW Invasion Tour '11: Attack on East Coast – Day 3 |work=The Internet Wrestling Database |date=May 15, 2011 |access-date=February 19, 2023}}}}

}}

File:Shinsuke Nakamura 2015.JPG is credited with establishing the prestige of the title]]

Through MVP's inaugural reign and the subsequent reigns of Masato Tanaka and Hirooki Goto,{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111014001109/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=412|title=Destruction '11|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|archive-date=October 14, 2011|access-date=October 10, 2011|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215184034/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=513|title=The New Beginning|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|archive-date=February 15, 2012|access-date=February 12, 2012|language=ja}} the IWGP Intercontinental Championship was largely a midcard title, remaining firmly behind the IWGP Heavyweight Championship and IWGP Tag Team Championship in importance.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=230|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623174303/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=230|title=Dominion 6.18|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|archive-date=June 23, 2011|access-date=February 11, 2014|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111114175302/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=469|title=Power Struggle|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|archive-date=November 14, 2011|access-date=February 11, 2014|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=481|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111206230238/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=481|title=New Japan Alive 2011|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|archive-date=December 6, 2011|access-date=February 11, 2014|language=ja}} However, after Shinsuke Nakamura captured the title from Goto on July 22, 2012,{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730073154/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=593|title=NJPW 40th anniversary Tour Kizuna Road|archive-date=July 30, 2012|access-date=July 22, 2012|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} the title began gaining importance. He was already a former three-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion and his first reign lasted {{age in days|month1=07|day1=22|year1=2012|month2=05|day2=31|year2=2013}} days. Nakamura also made the title international again, defending it in both the United States and Mexico.{{cite news|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8055|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120830162744/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8055|title=【アメリカ遠征速報!!】中邑がIC王座初防衛!! 新ベルトも披露!! A・シェリーをKushidaが救出!!|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|archive-date=August 30, 2012|date=August 28, 2012|access-date=February 11, 2014|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_64632.shtml|title=8/26 SWF results Northern California: Alex Shelley & A.J. Kirsch challenge for IWGP Jr. Tag Titles, New Japan's IC Title defended, more|last=Gee Schoon Tong|first=Chris|date=August 27, 2012|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On May 31, 2013, while on tour with Mexican promotion Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), with whom NJPW has a working relationship, Nakamura lost the title to La Sombra. This marked the first time the title had changed hands outside of NJPW.{{cite web |url=http://cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130525183157/http://www.cmll.com/02_resultados/super_viernes/super_viernes_cmll.htm |title=Resultados Arena México Viernes 31 de Mayo '13 |last=Salazar López |first=Alexis A. |archive-date=May 25, 2013 |date=June 1, 2013 |access-date=June 1, 2013 |work=Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre |language=es |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/31572-sombra-wins-ic-title-at-arena-mexico|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609015922/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/31572-sombra-wins-ic-title-at-arena-mexico|title=Sombra wins IC title at Arena Mexico|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|archive-date=June 9, 2013|date=June 1, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} Nakamura regained the title back in NJPW two months later on July 20, and in the process became the first two-time holder of the title.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=738|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723014730/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=738|title=吉野家Presents Kizuna Road 2013|archive-date=July 23, 2013|access-date=July 20, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}

Nakamura continued elevating the IWGP Intercontinental Championship, culminating with the IWGP Intercontinental Championship match receiving top billing over the IWGP Heavyweight Championship match at NJPW's biggest annual event, Wrestle Kingdom 8 on January 4, 2014,{{cite news|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10739|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212171721/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=10739|title=【WK8】1.4東京ドーム全カード!! メインは中邑vs棚橋に決定!! 後藤vs柴田! 真壁vsファレ! 小島がNWA挑戦! ハーリー・レイス氏も登場!! "X"とは？|archive-date=December 12, 2013|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/102-japan/34366-tokyo-dome-main-event-is|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212083933/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/102-japan/34366-tokyo-dome-main-event-is|title=Tokyo Dome main event is|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|archive-date=December 12, 2013|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} where former multi-time IWGP Heavyweight Champion Hiroshi Tanahashi became the new champion.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104212559/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=781|title=バディファイトPresents Wrestle Kingdom 8 in 東京ドーム|archive-date=January 4, 2014|access-date=January 4, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_75461.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW Tokyo Dome results 1/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Japan's biggest show of the year – four title changes, former WWE/TNA stars featured, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Afterwards, Tokyo Sports wrote that the Intercontinental and Heavyweight Championships were now equals, while Dave Meltzer wrote that Nakamura and Tanahashi made the Intercontinental Championship feel like "the real world title belt".{{cite news|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/232694/|script-title=ja:棚橋 ＩＣ王座防衛したら「ＮＪＣボイコット」|date=February 8, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=February 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224010021/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/232694/|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/35352-new-japan-the-new-beginning-live-coverage-from-hiroshima|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140301182106/http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/118-daily-updates/35352-new-japan-the-new-beginning-live-coverage-from-hiroshima|title=New Japan The New Beginning live coverage from Hiroshima|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|archive-date=March 1, 2014|date=February 9, 2014|access-date=February 11, 2014|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} Nakamura regained the title from Tanahashi in another main event match on April 6 at Invasion Attack 2014.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407084638/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=827|title=Invasion Attack 2014|archive-date=April 7, 2014|access-date=April 6, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/battle/news/f-bt-tp0-20140407-1281639.html|script-title=ja:中邑が棚橋破りインターコンチ王座奪回|date=April 7, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2014|work=Nikkan Sports|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/otherppvs/article_77512.shtml|title=Caldwell's NJPW PPV results 4/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of "Invasion Attack 2014" – Nakamura regains IC Title, A.J. Styles big angle, new NWA tag champions, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=April 6, 2014|access-date=May 1, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Nakamura's association with the championship continued to 2016, when he successfully defended it against former IWGP Heavyweight Champion A.J. Styles at Wrestle Kingdom 10.{{cite news|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15620|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105222711/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15620|script-title=ja:【WK10】“日米カリスマ対決”は、大激戦を制した中邑がAJにボマイェで逆転勝利！「さらなる高みを目指す」【1.4東京ドーム結果】|archive-date=January 5, 2016|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=January 13, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/04/caldwelltokyodomereport/|title= 1/4 NJPW "Wrestle Kingdom" Tokyo Dome Show – Caldwell's Complete Live Report|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 4, 2016|access-date=January 12, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On January 25, 2016, Nakamura was stripped of the title due to his departure from the promotion at the end of the month.{{cite news|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15740|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125043545/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15740|script-title=ja:中邑真輔が退団会見でインターコンチ王座を返上し、深々と礼。 新日本のレスラー人生を振り返り「こんなレスラー、他にいなかったなと」【1.25会見】|archive-date=January 25, 2016|date=January 25, 2016|access-date=January 25, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite news|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/498568/|script-title=ja:中邑が新日退団会見「新たな刺激、環境、舞台を求めて挑戦し続ける」|date=January 25, 2016|access-date=January 25, 2016|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=January 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125045742/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/498568/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/01/25/8988/|title=Nakamura formally announces NJPW exit, stripped of IC Title|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=January 25, 2016|access-date=January 25, 2016|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

From 2012 to 2016, Nakamura held the IWGP Intercontinental Championship five times and defended it at four consecutive Wrestle Kingdom events.{{cite news|url=http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/464064/|script-title=ja:中邑が１・４ドームＩＣ戦の挑戦者を公募|date=October 24, 2015|access-date=January 13, 2016|work=Tokyo Sports|language=ja|archive-date=October 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029014001/http://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/mens_prores/464064/|url-status=dead}}

The title was also associated with Nakamura as it was he who personally introduced the new title belt design shortly into his first reign in August 2012. He was outspokenly disapproving of the first belt design—which had bronze plates on a black strap—for its resemblance to a 10 yen coin and saw it as a mockery of the IWGP.{{cite news|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7842|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816004940/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=7842|script-title=ja:「中邑との闘いは、ほかの選手たちとは違った感情」/7・22山形決戦直前！ IWGP IC王座防衛戦に臨む後藤洋央紀に直撃インタビュー！|archive-date=August 16, 2016|date=July 21, 2016|access-date=January 13, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} The new design featured gold plates on a white strap. The white strap was unprecedented for the IWGP, and symbolized a clean slate for its holder to add to and define.{{cite news|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8297|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121108215217/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=8297|script-title=ja:「前のベルトに戻す!!」荒武者がインターコンチ愛を告白!! 中邑は「好きにすればいい」と余裕の構え!!（IC王座調印式）|archive-date=November 8, 2012|date=October 5, 2012|access-date=January 13, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}

After Nakamura's departure, the title was most associated with Tetsuya Naito, who held the title for a record six times.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=282639|title=NJPW Summer Struggle in Jingu|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 29, 2020|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=2020.08.29 D4DJ Groovy Mix Presents SUMMER STRUGGLE in JINGU {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77858?showResult=1|access-date=2020-08-23|website=NJPW|language=en|archive-date=2020-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110035717/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77858?showResult=1|url-status=dead}} During his first reign, he began systematically destroying the title belt, forcing NJPW to have it repaired in June 2017.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-mae-young-classic-additions-ranallo-tanahashi-237906|title=Daily Update: Mae Young Classic additions, Ranallo, Tanahashi|last=Currier|first=Joseph|date=June 24, 2017|access-date=June 24, 2017|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/japan/njpw-dominion-live-results-kazuchika-okada-vs-kenny-omega-237066|title=NJPW Dominion live results: Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega|last=Rose|first=Bryan|date=June 10, 2017|access-date=June 24, 2017|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}} Unlike Nakamura, Naito firmly saw the Heavyweight Championship as the top title,{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/61870 |script-title=ja:【WK16】IC王者・内藤、なんと“ファン投票”を真っ向否定！ 挑戦者・棚橋は回答を“保留”したが…!!【1.4東京ドーム会見】|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=March 30, 2021|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} and had no desire for the Intercontinental Championship when he first won it.{{cite web |url=https://www.njpw.co.jp/card_result/12175 |title=DESTRUCTION in KOBE|date=September 25, 2016|access-date=March 30, 2021|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} On January 5, 2020, at Wrestle Kingdom 14, Tetsuya Naito won the Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. Both titles keep their individual history, but were defended at the same time. Sometimes, they were called "Double Championship".{{Cite web|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/83844?showResult=1|title=2021.01.05 Varsan presents WRESTLE KINGDOM 15 in Tokyo Dome | NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|access-date=2021-01-07|archive-date=2021-01-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106063728/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/83844?showResult=1|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesportster.com/wrestling/njpw-double-title-concept-works-fails/|title = 5 Problems with the Double Champion Idea in NJPW (& 5 Ways It's Working)|date = 18 December 2020}} On March 4, 2021, one year after Naito's victory, the titles were unified to form the new IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.{{Cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/96487-njpw-unifica-campeonatos-iwgp|title = NJPW: Kota Ibushi unifica los dos títulos IWPG en un único campeonato mundial|date = March 2021}}

File:Kota Ibushi Aug 2015.JPG]]

During the championship's existence there have been twenty-seven reigns shared among fifteen wrestlers with one vacancy. MVP was the first champion in the title's history. Tetsuya Naito has the most reigns with six.{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1037|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927191754/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1037|title=Destruction in Kobe|archive-date=September 27, 2015|access-date=September 27, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}}{{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=886|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040927/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=886|title=Destruction in Kobe|archive-date=September 24, 2014|access-date=September 21, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=ja}} Shinsuke Nakamura holds the record for the longest reign in the title's history at 313 days during his first reign. Tetsuya Naito's second reign of 41 days is the shortest in the title's history. Kota Ibushi was the final champion and had held the championship twice.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/04/1-4-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-15-results-powells-review-of-tetsuya-naito-vs-kota-ibushi-for-the-iwgp-heavyweight-and-iwgp-intercontinental-championships-kazuchika-okada-vs-will-ospreay-hiromu-takaha/|title=1/4 NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 15 results: Powell's review of Tetsuya Naito vs. Kota Ibushi for the IWGP Heavyweight and IWGP Intercontinental Championships, Kazuchika Okada vs. Will Ospreay, Hiromu Takahashi vs. El Phantasmo for a shot at the IWGP Jr. Heavyweight Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|publisher=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=January 4, 2021}}

{{Professional wrestling title history top|defenses=yes}}

{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 0.5

|type = promotion

|name = New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW)

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 1

|champion = MVP

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2011|05|15}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=15|year1=2011|month2=10|day2=10|year2=2011}}

|location = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.

|event = Invasion Tour 2011: Attack on East Coast

|defenses = 2

|notes = Defeated Toru Yano in an eight–man tournament final to become the inaugural champion.

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 2

|champion = Masato Tanaka

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2011|10|10}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=10|day1=10|year1=2011|month2=02|day2=12|year2=2012}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Destruction '11

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 3

|champion = Hirooki Goto

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2012|02|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=12|year1=2012|month2=07|day2=22|year2=2012}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = The New Beginning

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 4

|champion = Shinsuke Nakamura

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2012|07|22}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=07|day1=22|year1=2012|month2=05|day2=31|year2=2013}}

|location = Yamagata, Japan

|event = Kizuna Road

|defenses = 8

|notes =

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 5

|champion = La Sombra

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2013|05|31}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=31|year1=2013|month2=07|day2=20|year2=2013}}

|location = Mexico City, Mexico

|event = Super Viernes

|defenses = 1

|notes = This was a two out of three falls match.

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9633|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608172135/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=9633|script-title=ja:ラ・ソンブラが新インターコンチネンタル王者に！ 中邑がメキシコで王座陥落！|archivedate=June 8, 2013|date=June 1, 2013|accessdate=June 1, 2013|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 6

|champion = Shinsuke Nakamura

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2013|07|20}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=07|day1=20|year1=2013|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2014}}

|location = Akita, Japan

|event = Kizuna Road

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 7

|champion = Hiroshi Tanahashi

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2014|01|04}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2014|month2=04|day2=06|year2=2014}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom 8 in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 8

|champion = Shinsuke Nakamura

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2014|04|06}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=06|year1=2014|month2=06|day2=21|year2=2014}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Invasion Attack

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 9

|champion = Bad Luck Fale

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2014|06|21}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=21|year1=2014|month2=09|day2=21|year2=2014}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.21

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140624013755/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=853|title=Dominion 6.21|archivedate=June 24, 2014|accessdate=June 21, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 10

|champion = Shinsuke Nakamura

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|2014|09|21}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=09|day1=21|year1=2014|month2=05|day2=03|year2=2015}}

|location = Kobe, Japan

|event = Destruction in Kobe

|defenses = 3

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=886|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924040927/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=886|title=Destruction in Kobe|archivedate=September 24, 2014|accessdate=September 21, 2014|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 11

|champion = Hirooki Goto

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2015|05|03}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=05|day1=03|year1=2015|month2=09|day2=27|year2=2015}}

|location = Fukuoka, Japan

|event = Wrestling Dontaku

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=968|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504225146/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=968|title=レスリングどんたく 2015|archivedate=May 4, 2015|accessdate=May 3, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 12

|champion = Shinsuke Nakamura

|reign = 5

|date = {{dts|2015|09|27}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=09|day1=27|year1=2015|month2=01|day2=25|year2=2016}}

|location = Kobe, Japan

|event = Destruction in Kobe

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1037|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927191754/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1037|title=Destruction in Kobe|archivedate=September 27, 2015|accessdate=September 27, 2015|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 12.5

|type = vacated

|date = {{dts|2016|01|25}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|defenses = yes

|notes = Vacated due to Nakamura leaving NJPW for WWE.

|ref = {{cite news|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15740|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125043545/http://www.njpw.co.jp/news/detail.php?nid=15740|script-title=ja:中邑真輔が退団会見でインターコンチ王座を返上し、深々と礼。 新日本のレスラー人生を振り返り「こんなレスラー、他にいなかったなと」【1.25会見】|archivedate=January 25, 2016|date=January 25, 2016|accessdate=January 25, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 13

|champion = Kenny Omega

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2016|02|14}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=02|day1=14|year1=2016|month2=06|day2=19|year2=2016}}

|location = Nagaoka, Japan

|event = The New Beginning in Niigata

|defenses = 1

|notes = Defeated Hiroshi Tanahashi to win the vacant title.

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1088|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160214161536/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1088|title=The New Beginning in Niigata|archivedate=February 14, 2016|accessdate=February 14, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 14

|champion = Michael Elgin

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2016|06|19}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=19|year1=2016|month2=09|day2=25|year2=2016}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 1

|notes = This was a ladder match.

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1143|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808193813/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1143|title=Dominion 6.19 in Osaka-jo Hall|archivedate=August 8, 2016|accessdate=June 19, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 15

|champion = Tetsuya Naito

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2016|09|25}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=09|day1=25|year1=2016|month2=06|day2=11|year2=2017}}

|location = Kobe, Japan

|event = Destruction in Kobe

|defenses = 4

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1198|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927075346/http://www.njpw.co.jp/match/detail_result.php?e=1198|title=Destruction in Kobe|archivedate=September 27, 2016|accessdate=September 25, 2016|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 16

|champion = Hiroshi Tanahashi

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2017|06|11}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=11|year1=2017|month2=01|day2=27|year2=2018}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 4

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=http://www.njpw.co.jp/tornament/87443?showResult=1|script-title=ja:保険見直し本舗 Presents Dominion 6.11 in Osaka-jo Hall|accessdate=June 11, 2017|work=New Japan Pro-Wrestling|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 17

|champion = Minoru Suzuki

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2018|01|27}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=27|year1=2018|month2=04|day2=29|year2=2018}}

|location = Sapporo, Japan

|event = The New Beginning in Sapporo

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=192278|title=NJPW The New Beginning In Sapporo 2018 - Tag 1|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 27, 2018|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 18

|champion = Tetsuya Naito

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2018|04|29}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=29|year1=2018|month2=06|day2=09|year2=2018}}

|location = Kumamoto, Japan

|event = Wrestling Hinokuni

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=197983|title=NJPW Wrestling Hinokuni 2018|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 29, 2018|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 19

|champion = Chris Jericho

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2018|06|09}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=09|year1=2018|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2019}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=200129|title=NJPW Dominion 6.9 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 9, 2018|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 20

|champion = Tetsuya Naito

|reign = 3

|date = {{dts|2019|01|04}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2019|month2=04|day2=06|year2=2019}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom 13 in Tokyo Dome

|defenses = 1

|notes = This was a no disqualification match.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=217624|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 13 In Tokyo Dome|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2019|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 21

|champion = Kota Ibushi

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2019|04|06}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=04|day1=06|year1=2019|month2=06|day2=09|year2=2019}}

|location = New York City, U.S.

|event = G1 Supercard

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=202437|title=ROH/NJPW G1 Supercard|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=April 6, 2019|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 22

|champion = Tetsuya Naito

|reign = 4

|date = {{dts|2019|06|09}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=06|day1=09|year1=2019|month2=09|day2=22|year2=2019}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion 6.9 in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 0

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=230045|title=NJPW Dominion 6.9 In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=June 9, 2019|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 23

|champion = Jay White

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2019|09|22}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=09|day1=22|year1=2019|month2=01|day2=04|year2=2020}}

|location = Kobe, Japan

|event = Destruction in Kobe

|defenses = 1

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=241263|title=NJPW Destruction In Kobe 2019|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=September 22, 2019|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://411mania.com/wrestling/csonkas-njpw-destruction-in-kobe-2019-review/|title = 411Mania}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 24

|champion = Tetsuya Naito

|reign = 5

|date = {{dts|2020|01|04}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2020|month2=07|day2=12|year2=2020}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom 14 in Tokyo Dome
{{small|Night 1}}

|defenses = 2

|notes =

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=246211|title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 14 In Tokyo Dome - Tag 1|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=January 4, 2020|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 25

|champion = Evil

|reign = 1

|date = {{dts|2020|07|12}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=07|day1=12|year1=2020|month2=08|day2=29|year2=2020}}

|location = Osaka, Japan

|event = Dominion in Osaka-jo Hall

|defenses = 1

|notes =This match was also for Naito's IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=272950|title=NJPW Dominion In Osaka-Jo Hall|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=July 12, 2020|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 26

|champion = Tetsuya Naito

|reign = 6

|date = {{dts|2020|08|29}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=08|day1=29|year1=2020|month2=01|day2=4|year2=2021}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Summer Struggle in Jingu

|defenses = 1

|notes =This match was also for Evil's IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

|ref = {{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=282639|title=NJPW Summer Struggle in Jingu|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch - The Internet Wrestling Database|date=August 29, 2020|accessdate=December 20, 2020}}{{Cite web|last=NJPW|title=2020.08.29 D4DJ Groovy Mix Presents SUMMER STRUGGLE in JINGU {{!}} NEW JAPAN PRO-WRESTLING|url=https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77858?showResult=1|access-date=2020-08-23|website=NJPW|language=en|archive-date=2020-11-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110035717/https://www.njpw1972.com/tornament/77858?showResult=1|url-status=dead}}

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|number = 27

|champion = Kota Ibushi

|reign = 2

|date = {{dts|2021|01|04}}

|days = {{age in days nts|month1=01|day1=04|year1=2021|month2=03|day2=04|year2=2021}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Wrestle Kingdom 15 in Tokyo Dome
{{small|Night 1}}

|defenses = 4

|notes = This match was also for Naito's IWGP Heavyweight Championship.

|ref =

}}

{{PWtitlereign

|sort number = 27.5

|type = unified

|date = {{dts|2021|03|04}}

|location = Tokyo, Japan

|event = Anniversary Event

|defenses = —

|notes = Unified with the IWGP Heavyweight Championship to form the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship.

|ref = {{cite news|url=https://www.tokyo-sports.co.jp/prores/njpw/2825190/|script-title=ja:【新日本】飯伏勝利で２冠統一へ！菅林会長は「ＩＷＧＰ世界ヘビー級王座」新設を明言|date=March 1, 2021|accessdate=March 1, 2021|work=Tokyo Sports|language=Japanese}}

}}

{{BundleEnd}}

File:Tetsuya Naito IWGP Intercontinental Champion.jpg]]

The standard Championship belt has five plates on a white leather strap.

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.njpw.co.jp/champions/inter-continental Official title history at New Japan Pro-Wrestling.co.jp]
• [http://www.wrestling-titles.com/japan/newjapan/iwgp-ic.html Title history at Wrestling-Titles.com]

{{IWGP Intercontinental Championship}}

{{New Japan Pro Wrestling}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Iwgp Intercontinental Championship}}

Category:New Japan Pro-Wrestling championships

Category:Intercontinental professional wrestling championships