in june 2010, he began a romantic storyline with vickie guerrero, who began accompanying him to the ring. on the july 9 episode of "smackdown", ziggler defeated chavo guerrero and montel vontavious porter in a triple threat match to qualify for the smackdown money in the bank ladder match at the money in the bank pay-per-view, where he once again failed to win the match. on july 28 at the tapings of the august 6 episode of "smackdown" ziggler defeated kofi kingston to win the wwe intercontinental championship for the first time. in his first title defense at summerslam, he retained the championship against kingston when the match ended in a no contest due to interference from the nexus. ziggler was able to make a successful title defense against kingston at the night of champions pay-per-view, and against kaval at survivor series.