Penta recently secured the status of number one contender for Dominik Mysterio‘s Intercontinental Championship by defeating El Grande Americano on Monday Night RAW. Despite this accomplishment, several fans and analysts argue that other wrestlers currently in WWE have stronger claims for a title shot against Mysterio.
This article explores three wrestlers who arguably present better options than Penta to challenge for the Intercontinental Title, offering potential storylines that could heighten interest in the championship.
Austin Theory’s Rising Momentum Deserves a Title Opportunity
Austin Theory made a high-impact return at Survivor Series: WarGames, entering as a mystery figure to aid The Vision in securing victory at the Men’s WarGames Match. Since then, he has aligned with Paul Heyman and the associated faction, steadily building momentum on Monday Night RAW. Although he was unsuccessful in qualifying for the Men’s Elimination Chamber Match, Theory’s recent trajectory suggests he merits a chance at Dominik Mysterio’s Intercontinental Championship.
Booking Theory as the next challenger would create a compelling rivalry between The Vision and The Judgment Day, potentially revitalizing audience investment in the title scene on WWE’s flagship show.
Dragon Lee’s Recent Feud Signals a Singles Title Push
Dragon Lee has reemerged as a singles competitor following his confrontation with The Career Killer Gunther on the episode of Monday Night RAW after the Royal Rumble. Gunther, known as The Ring General, notably ended the career of Lee’s former tag partner AJ Styles at a recent WWE Premium Live Event. Lee’s decision to take on Gunther positions him well within the singles division hierarchy.
Securing the number one contender spot for the Intercontinental Championship would firmly establish Dragon Lee as a strong competitor and set the stage for a high-stakes match against Dominik Mysterio, especially with WrestleMania approaching.
Rusev’s Potential Return Could Shake Up the Title Picture
Rusev offers an intriguing candidate for the top contender role. On a recent RAW backstage segment, he sported a throwback “Happy Rusev Day” shirt, sparking speculation about a resurgence of his popular 2017-2018 character. Although Rusev failed to capture the Intercontinental Title from Dominik Mysterio last year, now could be an ideal moment to revisit this rivalry.
If Rusev becomes the number one contender, it would open the door for him to finally claim the championship and launch a compelling feud with fellow powerhouse Oba Femi on the road to WrestleMania. This storyline could culminate in a marquee clash between two dominant wrestlers on WWE’s biggest stage.
The presence of Austin Theory, Dragon Lee, and Rusev as potential challengers creates multiple exciting narratives that could enhance the profile of Dominik Mysterio’s reign. Each contender brings distinct momentum and storyline possibilities, potentially intensifying fan interest and setting up memorable matches leading to WrestleMania.
The original El Grande Americano just cost El Grande Americano the match! 👀@PENTAELZEROM is #1 Contender for the Intercontinental Title! pic.twitter.com/ArMB9Gw0kj
— WWE (@WWE) February 17, 2026
