The original Intercontinental Championship Tournament field was comprised of Daniel Bryan, Drew Gulak, Jeff Hardy, Sheamus, Elias, King Corbin, AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura. With Sami Zayn unable to compete, the title will be held in abeyance until the end of the tournament.

Elias was the first to advance after delivering payback to Corbin, and Bryan joined him later that night by besting his training partner and friend Gulak. The following week on SmackDown, AJ Styles made a triumphant return to the blue brand with a win over Shinsuke Nakamura, and Jeff Hardy earned a gritty win over Sheamus to round out the first round of competition. After a chaotic start to SmackDown removed Elias and Jeff Hardy from the competition, AJ Styles receieved a bye, and Daniel Bryan defeated Sheamus to set the final matchup.

Who will outlast a loaded field and cash in on the golden title opportunity? Catch the final round next Friday on SmackDown at 8/7 C on FOX.