Dominik Mysterio’s rise from a dramatic storyline involving prison to becoming a dual champion is a tale of intense character evolution and wrestling skill. The 28-year-old WWE Superstar, known as “Dirty Dom,” found himself at the center of a compelling narrative in late 2022 when he was portrayed as imprisoned during a Christmas episode. This storyline unfolded in the shadow of WrestleMania 39, highlighting his complicated relationship with his father, Rey Mysterio, and setting the stage for his eventual championship victories.
Although the character’s imprisonment was a fictional WWE plot, it added depth to Dominik’s persona as a rebellious member of the Judgment Day faction. The tale began when Dominik was “arrested” on December 25, 2022, at his grandparents’ home after tensions flared during the holiday. His arrest marked a turning point in his WWE career, eventually leading to his current status as both the WWE Intercontinental Champion and the AAA Mega Champion.
Escalating Conflict at the Mysterio Household
The catalyst for Dominik’s fictional arrest occurred during a Christmas visit with his on-screen girlfriend, Rhea Ripley, at his grandparents’ house. His father, Rey Mysterio, expressed disapproval, warning that Dominik had already spoiled Thanksgiving and would not be allowed to “ruin” Christmas. Despite Dominik’s insistence that he came seeking peace, an intense confrontation ensued when Rey challenged him to “take this outside.”
At the doorstep, the confrontation turned physical when Dominik pushed Rey after the latter refused to back down. This led to a tense moment where Dominik’s mother, Angie, tried to intervene but ended up slapping her son in frustration. The situation escalated as Rhea Ripley grew agitated, threatening retaliation against Angie before law enforcement arrived on the scene. Police then took Dominik away in handcuffs, dramatizing the tensions within the family and advancing the WWE storyline.
Dominik’s Portrayal of Prison Hardships
On January 3, 2023, WWE released a video that displayed footage of Dominik’s arrest, intertwined with his character reflecting on the experience of prison. He described the ordeal as an emotional and transformative hardship that profoundly affected him:
“Sadness. It’s not a bad thing to feel. But it’s that cold absence of feeling, that’s what prison was like. You think I’m playing a game? You think this is a game to me? I served hard time and I survived. Prison changes a man, and you guys might think that it’s over for me. But nah, I’m just getting started.” —Dominik Mysterio
This portrayal further intensified his on-screen persona, blending anguish and resilience. The storyline was enhanced by his Judgment Day allies Damian Priest and Finn Balor “bailing” him out, adding camaraderie and complexity to his character. Fans appreciated the mix of drama and comic elements that emerged from this narrative arc, especially during his high-profile involvement at WrestleMania 39.
WrestleMania 39: Defeat and Dignity
Dominik’s storyline prison narrative culminated during WrestleMania 39 at SoFi Stadium, where he faced his father, Rey Mysterio. In a scene filled with tension and symbolism, Dominik was escorted to the venue in a police van, surrounded by officers—underscoring the ongoing storyline of his recent “arrest.” Despite his best efforts, Dominik was unable to overcome Rey, who maintained his victory. This emotional encounter reinforced the strained father-son dynamic and set the ground for Dominik’s continuing character journey.
Seizing Dual Championships at Worlds Collide
Dominik Mysterio’s transformation reached a major milestone on September 12, 2025, at the Worlds Collide event, where he captured the AAA Mega Championship by defeating El Hijo del Vikingo. This victory, alongside his reign as the WWE Intercontinental Champion, crowned him as a powerful dual titleholder.
During the match, Dominik initially battled Vikingo alone, but his Judgment Day faction members JD McDonagh and Finn Balor soon intervened to assist. Seeking to reduce the odds, Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio arrived to balance the opposing sides. A risky move by Dominik—using a metal piece hidden behind his mask for a headbutt—backfired when Vikingo countered with a superkick. However, the match’s referee was unexpectedly pulled out by El Grande Americano, preventing a pinfall after Vikingo’s finishing move, the 630 Senton.
Taking advantage of the distraction, Dominik executed a Frog Splash on Vikingo, but with no referee present, the count could not be made. The scene intensified as Americano continued to create chaos, allowing Dominik to reapply the metal headbutt tactic followed by another Frog Splash, securing the win and the AAA Mega Championship. This triumph positioned Dominik as a dominant force in multiple wrestling promotions and deepened his rivalry with his father’s legacy.
A New Era for Dominik Mysterio and the Future Ahead
Dominik’s achievement as a dual champion marks a significant evolution from his earlier WWE portrayal of an outlaw character facing prison consequences. His victory at Worlds Collide not only reaffirms his individual skill and tenacity but also adds layers of complexity to the Mysterio family saga. By asking Rey Mysterio to place the AAA Mega Championship belt on him, Dominik sent a clear message challenging his father’s long-standing prominence.
As Dominik continues to hold both the Intercontinental and AAA Mega titles, questions arise about who might challenge him next and whether he can sustain this unprecedented level of success. His blend of determination and controversy keeps fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his career. For now, Dominik Mysterio stands as a symbol of resilience and ambition, moving from scripted adversity to genuine champion status.
