Dominik Mysterio, currently the Intercontinental Champion, faces a daunting challenge in his title defense next week on WWE RAW against Rusev. However, his difficulties extend beyond the ring as tensions within his own faction, Judgment Day, threaten to leave him isolated during this critical match.
Scheduled for September 30, the match is part of a highly anticipated episode featuring multiple headline bouts, including a tornado tag team match and a women’s singles contest, but Mysterio’s situation is particularly precarious due to internal conflicts.
Discord Within Judgment Day Undermines Mysterio’s Support
The turmoil backstage following the September 22 RAW episode revealed growing fractures in Judgment Day. When Mysterio sought assistance from his teammates to prepare for his defense against Rusev, he found himself largely ignored. Finn Balor, a former Universal Champion and key leader of the group, declined to offer help, signaling his unwillingness to get involved with the Intercontinental title match.
Meanwhile, JD McDonagh appeared uncertain and hesitant, caught between supporting Mysterio and adhering to Balor’s stance. Roxanne Perez emerged as the lone voice attempting to unify the faction in defense of Mysterio, but her efforts may be insufficient to prevent a full breakdown of the team.
The underlying issue stems from mistrust within Judgment Day. Mysterio’s recent alliance with El Grande Americano, a masked luchador, has fueled doubts about his loyalty. This partnership is seen by some faction members as a sign that Mysterio prioritizes his external lucha connections over the group’s cohesion and objectives.
Rusev’s Momentum and the Threat to Mysterio’s Reign
Rusev has secured his opportunity to challenge for the Intercontinental Championship by defeating JD McDonagh decisively. The Bulgarian powerhouse, who returned to WWE just over five months ago, has been steadily gaining momentum and is now positioned to claim his first WWE title since his comeback.
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
His aggressive approach includes a plan to break down McDonagh before turning his full assault on Mysterio, aiming to become the Intercontinental Champion.
RUSEV’S PLAN:– DESTROY JD MCDONAGH.– MAKE DOM WATCH.– DESTROY DOM.– BECOME INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION? pic.twitter.com/6VESLZoaBi— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
Complicating Factors: Limited Support and Additional Rivals
Mysterio’s troubles deepen due to the inability to count on allies from Los Americanos, the lucha-based faction that includes masked wrestlers. Two of their members are engaged in a separate tag team battle during the same RAW event, which leaves Mysterio with minimal backup. The third member, El Grande Americano, may attempt interference, but such support remains uncertain amid ongoing faction struggles.
On top of the external challenges, El Hijo del Vikingo emerges as another significant threat. Having lost the AAA Mega Championship to Mysterio recently at the Worlds Collide event in Las Vegas, Vikingo is likely motivated to regain his title and could seek to sabotage Mysterio’s reign through outside interference.
Implications for Dominik Mysterio’s Future as Champion
Dominik Mysterio is heading into one of the most perilous moments of his championship tenure, with mounting hostilities inside his faction and formidable adversaries positioning themselves for his downfall. The combination of internal distrust and powerful challengers like Rusev and potentially El Hijo del Vikingo paints a challenging picture for his title defense.
This situation not only jeopardizes Mysterio’s hold on the Intercontinental Championship but may also signal a potential reshuffling within Judgment Day, as factions break under pressure and alliances shift ahead of key matches. The upcoming RAW episode will likely be decisive for Mysterio’s future and the stability of his faction.
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
Judgment Day On The Verge Of Breakup As Visible Tension Continues On Raw https://t.co/H1BTn9GqWQ pic.twitter.com/0UL87Fz5Za
— ITR Wrestling (@ITRWrestling_) September 23, 2025
RUSEV'S PLAN:
– DESTROY JD MCDONAGH.
– MAKE DOM WATCH.
– DESTROY DOM.
– BECOME INTERCONTINENTAL CHAMPION? pic.twitter.com/6VESLZoaBi— WWE (@WWE) September 23, 2025
