Dominik Mysterio is set to defend his WWE Intercontinental Championship against Rusev on Monday Night RAW tonight, facing a challenging test after recent events. The match bears added tension due to the strained relationship between Dominik and Finn Balor, who may drastically influence the outcome of the Dominik Mysterio IC title defense.
Potential Fallout from Finn Balor’s Loyalty Questioned
Dominik Mysterio’s alliance with Finn Balor has shown signs of instability over recent months, marked by recurring tension and unanswered doubts about trust between the two. Last week, Rusev launched a fierce attack on JD McDonagh, one of Dominik’s Judgment Day teammates, and Dominik failed to intervene. Finn Balor openly criticized Dominik for this failure, exposing cracks within their partnership. This animosity sets the stage for a possible betrayal tonight that could cost Dominik his championship.
The possibility of Finn Balor turning against Dominik would dramatically shift the power balance in the match. If Balor abandons his teammate in the ring, Dominik would be left vulnerable to Rusev’s overwhelming strength, likely resulting in a title loss.
Disqualification Could Play a Decisive Role in the Match Outcome
One likely scenario involves the match ending in a disqualification favoring Rusev, although this outcome would not result in a title change. In this case, interference from Finn Balor and JD McDonagh could spark chaos, prompting the referee to call off the bout. Such a finish would allow Dominik to retain the championship despite a loss, while setting up further conflicts and high-stakes rematches for future pay-per-view events.
Dominik May Retain Title With Support From Allies
Another potential ending sees Dominik successfully defending his Intercontinental Championship with assistance from his Judgment Day allies, Finn Balor and JD McDonagh. Throughout his recent matches, Dominik has frequently relied on teamwork and strategic interference to secure victories. If this trend continues tonight, their coordinated efforts may help Dominik overcome Rusev’s challenge and maintain his reign as champion.
It is also possible that only JD McDonagh intervenes if Finn Balor refrains from involvement, ensuring Dominik’s survival as champion through tactical support rather than solo effort.
Rusev Could Secure the Title With a Clean Victory
The cleanest and perhaps most straightforward outcome would see Rusev overpower Dominik and claim the Intercontinental Championship without outside interference. Given Rusev’s strength and experience, this scenario is plausible, especially if WWE intends to ignite a new storyline involving Dominik and Finn Balor. A decisive win for Rusev would underscore his dominance and potentially initiate a fresh rivalry, shaking up the established dynamics within the title scene.
This result would mark a significant setback for Dominik but simultaneously open doors for more intense feuds and character development.
What Tonight’s Outcome Could Mean for WWE’s Storylines
The direction of the WWE Intercontinental Championship match tonight carries important implications beyond the title itself. A betrayal by Finn Balor could signal a turning point in Dominik Mysterio’s character arc and lead to a bitter rivalry filled with tension and personal conflict. Conversely, if Dominik retains with support, it reinforces the strength of the Judgment Day faction and builds toward collective dominance.
Should Rusev win cleanly, it would symbolize a power shift and potentially reposition the championship landscape ahead of upcoming major events. The result will also set the tone for future programming on Monday Night RAW and shape the narratives surrounding these wrestlers.
“Finn Balor had to come out, who also gave Dom an earful for not being able to intervene and make the save.” – Mohammed Bilal, Trends Writer, Sportskeeda Wrestling
“The Prince might finally ditch Dirty Dom this time, costing him his WWE Intercontinental Championship.” – Mohammed Bilal, Trends Writer, Sportskeeda Wrestling
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
