WWE Intercontinental Title Vacated, Tournament to Begin This Friday on SmackDown

WWE
WWE
May 13, 2020

Sami Zayn has been stripped of the Intercontinental Championship and a new champion will be crowned via a tournament that will begin this Friday on SmackDown.

Zayn has reportedly been staying home because of the coronavirus and last appeared at WrestleMania, defending the title against Daniel Bryan. WWE said that he’s “unable to defend the Intercontinental title.”

Friday night’s episode of SmackDown, where the tournament will begin, was already taped yesterday (Tuesday) at the WWE Performance Center.

Trending
  1. WWE: Vince McMahon Makes Brief Video Appearance at 12/13 WWE SNME Show, CM Punk Appearance and Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio Set for 12/15 WWE RAW Show, Andrade El Idolo on If Divorce from Charlotte Flair Led to His WWE ExitWWE: Vince McMahon Makes Brief Video Appearance at 12/13 WWE SNME Show, CM Punk Appearance…
  2. WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Results - Dec. 13, 2025 - John Cena vs. Gunther in John Cena's Final MatchWWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Results – Dec. 13, 2025 – John Cena vs.…
  3. WWE Saturday Night's Main Event Show Notes: Kurt Angle, The Rock, Kevin Owens, Joe Hendry, & More Appears, John Cena "GOAT" Tribute Video Airs, Michael Cole Pays Tribute to Taz, Jim Ross, & Others Who Called Cena Matches with Him, Gunther Makes Cena Tap Out in Cena's Final Match & Cena Leaves His Shoes In RingWWE Saturday Night’s Main Event Show Notes: Kurt Angle, The Rock, Kevin Owens, Joe…
  4. Triple H Responds to Negative Crowd Backlash Over John Cena's Loss at 12/13 WWE SNME ShowTriple H Responds to Negative Crowd Backlash Over John Cena’s Loss at 12/13 WWE SNME Show
  5. ROH Global Wars UK 2025 Taping Spoilers from Cardiff, Wales [Update]ROH Global Wars UK 2025 Taping Spoilers from Cardiff, Wales [Update]
  6. AEW Announces Full Card for 12/16 AEW Dark Stocking Stuffer ShowAEW Announces Full Card for 12/16 AEW Dark Stocking Stuffer Show