THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION THE ROCK
Intercontinental Champion
Jul. 21, 2001 - Aug. 6, 2001
Jeff Jarrett managed to hold onto his title for months by hook or by crook. Eventually, The Rock earned a rematch by defeating Riptide in a No. 1 contender's match. However, the title bout was marred by controversy as Sean Gunn interfered, stealing the title belt, and then Riptide, Steve Austin, and the Patriot all interfered under various agendas. The match went to a no-contest, with a four-way signed the next week between Jarrett, Rock, Gunn, and Riptide to settle things. Gunn was eliminated by Riptide after interference from the Patriot, who would later be revealed to be Tigro in disguise. Riptide was next out, as he was prevented from tagging out of the match after beating Gunn, while Jarrett and The Rock kept switching off to keep him exhausted. Finally, it was down to Rock and Jarrett, and Jarrett's own cheating ways backfired this time, as Triple H tried to get a guitar into the ring for him to use, but The Rock intercepted it and waylaid the Chosen One with it for the pinfall.