Val Venis - Was he as good as Rick Rude?

[thedamndest]

When I look at Val Venis, I see something of an updated face version of Ravishing Rick Rude, right down to the towel. When I compare their accomplishments, though, Val Venis never gets past Intercontinental Champion, and a pretty standard mid-card level one at that. When Rude held it, he had already been a top champion, and so he was one of those Intercontinental champions that really elevated the belt almost to a level of a second World's title, rather than a secondary men's belt.

Granted, Venis played in different times. More shows meant much more title swaps. It's not his fault if the IC belt was somehow worth less when he held it.

Do you think the two men are athletically comparable? Do you think it is in the booking? Do you think it is in the times? Do you think it has anything to do with the fact that Rude died young? Do you thing the two are even comparable, or this talk is a waste?