Dominik Mysterio is set to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Rusev tonight on WWE RAW. Since winning the title at WrestleMania 41, Dominik has used questionable tactics to hold onto the belt, but a new development involving a close associate could cause him to lose the title unexpectedly.
The focus turns to El Grande Americano, a trusted ally of Dominik on the red brand who has supported him through several victories, including playing a key role in winning the AAA Mega Championship at Worlds Collide: Las Vegas alongside The Judgment Day faction. However, tensions have risen as Dominik’s Judgment Day stablemates, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, appear uneasy with his secretive relationship with Americano.
Last week, Dominik failed to assist McDonagh in his match against Rusev, leading to growing friction within the group. This discord suggests that tonight, Dominik may rely heavily on Americano’s aid to keep his Intercontinental title, but that reliance could backfire and cost him the championship.
Rising Strains Within The Judgment Day and Americano’s Role
Dominik Mysterio’s alliance with El Grande Americano has drawn scrutiny from Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, who seem disturbed by the champion’s unexplained connection with the masked star. Their uneasy dynamic surfaced when Dominik stood by during McDonagh’s brutal loss to Rusev, refusing to intervene. This incident has left his stablemates holding a grudge, hinting at possible fractures within The Judgment Day.
Dominik’s potential dependence on Americano during his title defense could have unexpected consequences. Despite their close friendship, Americano might inadvertently cause Dominik’s downfall during tonight’s match against Rusev, known as The Bulgarian Brute, risking the loss of the Intercontinental Championship.
Potential Fallout and Future Rivalries
Should Dominik lose the title because of Americano’s misstep, a significant storyline could emerge, featuring Dominik cutting ties with Americano and mending the strained relationship with his Judgment Day members. This shift might set the stage for an intense feud between Dominik and Americano over the AAA Mega Championship in the near future.
In addition, Rusev could leverage a win to build momentum, possibly embarking on a dominant championship run following his impressive rivalry with Sheamus. However, the outcome remains uncertain as fans await the upcoming RAW episode to see how these storylines unfold.
JD McDonagh’s Demand for Payback After RAW Assault
JD McDonagh publicly called out Dominik Mysterio on Instagram after a violent encounter on last week’s WWE RAW. McDonagh competed against Rusev at the urging of Roxanne Perez, intending to support Dominik, who appeared intimidated by Rusev’s presence. Despite McDonagh’s efforts, he was decisively defeated and held in Rusev’s Accolade submission following the match. Meanwhile, Dominik refrained from interfering, only for Finn Balor to intervene and break the hold.
“Dominik Mysterio owes me one.” ?JD McDonagh, WWE Superstar
McDonagh’s call for repayment underscores the growing tension within The Judgment Day, raising questions about Dominik’s loyalties. How this conflict evolves will be revealed during tonight’s show, adding further drama to the championship scene.
The Significance of Tonight’s Match for Dominik’s Career
Tonight’s Intercontinental title defense is pivotal for Dominik Mysterio, as it not only tests his ability to retain the championship but also challenges his alliances within WWE RAW. The outcome could mark a turning point in his career, influencing his relationships with The Judgment Day and El Grande Americano. Fans should anticipate high stakes and potential storyline shifts that could alter the landscape of the title picture.
As the WWE Universe awaits the RAW broadcast, all eyes remain on how the complicated interplay of friendships and rivalries will impact Dominik’s fate as champion and the future direction of the Intercontinental Championship.
STACKED RAW NEXT WEEK:
🌐 DOM vs. RUSEV – #ICTitle Match
🔥 BAYLEY vs. RAQUEL
👏 USOS vs. THE BRONSONS – TORNADO TAG TEAM MATCH!SPECIAL START TIME 7ET/4PT! pic.twitter.com/MJ2bdrC74v
— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
