WWE Intercontinental title declared vacant, tournament to be held

The WWE Intercontinental title is officially vacant.

It was announced on WWE Backstage tonight that Sami Zayn, the current champion, is “unable to compete”. As a result, a tournament will be held on SmackDown, which was taped today but will air on Friday night.

On Monday. it was reported by Post Wrestling that the WWE would be addressing the championship situation later in the week. Zayn hasn’t appeared on WWE television since retaining the championship during the first night of WrestleMania 36.

Zayn had held the championship for 66 days, defeating Braun Strowman at the Elimination Chamber event on March 8. He was last seen retaining the championship against Daniel Bryan following interference from Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro.

Also announced for SmackDown is an appearance by NXT Women’s champion Charlotte Flair. There will also be Miz TV with special guest Otis, who won the Money in the Bank ladder match this past Sunday.