Dominik Mysterio, the current Dominik Mysterio Intercontinental Champion on WWE Monday Night RAW, suffered a shoulder injury during a tag team match at AAA Guerra de Titanes on December 20. Despite being ruled out of action for an indefinite period, WWE has chosen not to strip him of the Intercontinental Championship—prompting speculation and discussions among fans regarding the company’s decision.
WWE’s Rationale for Letting Mysterio Retain the Title
After Dominik Mysterio’s injury was announced, many expected that The Judgment Day member might be forced to vacate his Intercontinental Championship. However, recent developments have clarified why this has not happened. The injury, initially thought to be serious, turned out to be less severe than feared. According to updates from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Mysterio does not need surgery and is only expected to be sidelined for a brief period.
Meltzer’s report states that Mysterio could return to action within three to four weeks. WWE hopes to have him cleared in time for Royal Rumble week, which would mean he might miss very little television time leading up to one of the company’s biggest annual events. This timeline is central to WWE’s decision to keep the Intercontinental Championship on Mysterio during his recovery.
Although Finn Balor revealed Mysterio’s indefinite absence on RAW, the “out indefinitely” label is viewed internally as a precaution while further medical evaluations are conducted. The absence is not expected to be lengthy, and WWE tends to avoid unnecessary title vacations—especially for high-profile champions—when a return is anticipated soon. Letting Mysterio keep the title ensures stability in the title picture during the crucial months heading into WrestleMania season.
Mysterio’s Role in the Road to WrestleMania and Recent Career Highlights
Dominik Mysterio’s place as the Dominik Mysterio Intercontinental Champion has been built up over the past year, making him one of RAW’s most influential mid-card talents. WWE has invested heavily in his character, with Mysterio enjoying a breakout 2025 that included capturing the Intercontinental Championship on two occasions: first at WrestleMania 41, and again at Survivor Series in a major victory over John Cena.
Beyond WWE, Mysterio also became a double champion by winning the AAA Mega Championship, proving his value as a cross-promotional figure. WWE’s creative team is keen to maintain his momentum, particularly as the company approaches WrestleMania, and losing the Intercontinental Championship due to a short-term injury could disrupt significant plans and storylines.
There is strong belief within WWE that Triple H and management will keep Mysterio at the forefront of RAW as Intercontinental Champion, using his reign to set up important matches at the year’s grandest event. Stripping the title now would not only damage his rapid ascent in the division but could also undermine ongoing narratives during the crucial “Road to WrestleMania” period.
What’s Next for the Intercontinental Champion?
As the company waits for Dominik Mysterio to receive full clearance from medical staff, they remain optimistic that his recovery will be swift. The preference to avoid vacating the Intercontinental Championship during road to WrestleMania underscores WWE’s strategy for building stars and protecting the prestige of its titles.
Fans can expect updates on Mysterio’s status in the weeks ahead, particularly as Royal Rumble approaches. If the recovery goes as expected, Mysterio should return with minimal time away, continuing his reign as Dominik Mysterio Intercontinental Champion and setting the stage for significant developments leading into WrestleMania 42.
“I’ll be back soon 🖤”
— Dominik Mysterio pic.twitter.com/Ek4LlpVBPi
— WrestlingWorldCC (@WrestlingWCC) December 30, 2025
