Dominik Mysterio, serving as WWE’s Intercontinental Champion since reclaiming the title from John Cena at Survivor Series: WarGames in November, now faces significant uncertainty due to a recent injury. The ongoing debate grows about whether Mysterio should be stripped of his Intercontinental Championship, with his absence directly impacting both the focus keyword, Dominik Mysterio Intercontinental Champion, and the direction of the RAW roster.
Challenges from Holding Multiple Championships
Dominik Mysterio’s status as both WWE’s Intercontinental Champion and the AAA Mega Champion places him in the spotlight but also spreads his commitments across two major wrestling brands, including the world of lucha libre. This year, major promotions have showcased stars like Mercedes Mone, Jacy Jayne, Ethan Page, and Sol Ruca achieving double championships. However, such scenarios can weaken both titles’ value by dividing attention and creating scheduling conflicts, which has affected opportunities for other WWE stars who aim to compete for the Intercontinental Championship.
Concerns About Repeated Injuries
Mysterio first secured the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Finn Balor and taking the belt from Bron Breakker. Not long after, he was sidelined with an injury yet retained his title, as WWE leveraged the situation in a storyline feud involving AJ Styles and the Intercontinental belt. Now, a new injury, reportedly at an AAA Lucha Libre event, has once again removed him from active participation, prompting concerns about the wisdom of keeping a championship on someone who might be unable to defend it for months.
Lack of Recent Title Defenses
Since Liv Morgan’s return assisted Mysterio in regaining the Intercontinental Championship last November, he has not defended the title. In contrast, the US title has seen frequent defenses, often featured through open challenges, with Ilja Dragunov delivering standout performances on SmackDown. The absence of a regular defense clause for WWE champions has allowed lengthy periods of inactivity, particularly in Mysterio’s reign, leading some within WWE to question the precedent this sets for championship standards.
Impact on the RAW Roster and Future Title Opportunities
With Dominik Mysterio holding the Intercontinental title while sidelined, the rest of the RAW roster—such as Otis and Penta—miss potential opportunities to compete for singles gold. The lack of an active champion means rising stars, especially those who have yet to win a solo championship, are effectively put on hold. Transitioning to a scenario where the Intercontinental title is vacated could open creative booking options, such as a battle royal or fatal four-way on RAW’s first show of 2026, allowing new talent a chance at gold and revitalizing the brand’s competitive landscape.
Mysterio’s current Intercontinental title reign lacks defining moments or matches that might justify keeping the championship in his possession during an extended absence. His situation stands in stark contrast to other notable Intercontinental Champions who have set high standards for frequency and quality of title defenses. The consequences of retaining him as champion may continue to ripple throughout the roster, affecting both storylines and the careers of emerging WWE talent. With RAW General Manager Adam Pearce now facing pressure to take action, the fate of the Intercontinental Championship—and the narrative direction of RAW—hangs in the balance, potentially setting a new precedent in how WWE handles injured titleholders.
