Sports

4 Reasons why WWE RAW GM Adam Pearce should strip Dominik Mysterio of the Intercontinental Championship

Photo of DIGITAL BUSINESS MAGAZINE DIGITAL BUSINESS MAGAZINE2 weeks ago
26 2 minutes read

Dominik Mysterio has been WWE’s Intercontinental Champion since winning the title back from John Cena at Survivor Series: WarGames at the end of November.

He continued to appear on screen with members of the Judgment Day, especially after Liv Morgan’s return helped him regain his coveted belt.

While he’s been on RAW screens for a few weeks, commentary mentioned that he’s now out indefinitely after suffering an injury at the latest AAA Lucha Libre event.

Since he’s in such a prominent spot as the Intercontinental Champion, RAW GM Adam Pearce should strip him of the title for the next four reasons.

#4. WWE is stretching him thin as the AAA Mega Champion

Dominik Mysterio holds two titles in WWE. (Image Credit: WWE.com).Dominik Mysterio holds two titles in WWE. (Image Credit: WWE.com).
Dominik Mysterio holds two titles in WWE. (Image Credit: WWE.com).

AEW and WWE have become obsessed with double champions in 2025. Mercedes Mone has over 10 titles, while Jacy Jayne, Ethan Page, Dominik Mysterio, and Sol Ruca have held two belts at different points this year.

Dirty Dom may be one of WWE’s most recognizable Latin names as he’s also the current AAA Mega Champion.

Having one star hold titles in two brands stretches both belts thin, rather than heavily focusing on one. That’s hurt the Intercontinental title and stars who could be challenging Mysterio.

#3. Dominik Mysterio already missed time with an injury this year

Dominik Mysterio won the Intercontinental title in a four-man match at WrestleMania 41. In the match, he pinned Finn Balor to win the belt from Bron Breakker.

A few months after winning the title, Mysterio missed time but kept the title. It was used as a story device as AJ Styles pursued the Intercontinental Championship.

The fact that he’s been hurt in both of his runs with the belt is disconcerting, especially since he wasn’t stripped the first time. Having the title on an injured star, and one who could be out for months, isn’t good for business.

#2. He hasn’t defended it since winning it back

Liv Morgan’s return was set up to help Dirty Dom win back the Intercontinental Championship at Survivor Series. That was at the end of November. Dominik hasn’t defended the title since winning it back.

In contrast, the US title has been defended nearly every week of the last few months thanks to the Open Challenge. Ilja Dragunov was putting on classics on SmackDown each week while Dirty Dom was playing video games.

WWE may not have the clause requiring champs to defend the title once every 30 days, but it’s been an ongoing issue with Dom as Intercontinental Champion.

#1. Keeping the title holds the rest of RAW’s roster back

The simplest issue with Dominik Mysterio keeping the Intercontinental title is that it hurts the rest of the RAW roster. Stars who haven’t won singles gold could be chasing it, but due to the injury, Mysterio is still protected.

Having the title up for grabs could create a big moment for a different star like Penta, Otis, or others. It would also provide bookers with an angle that requires little to no thought.

Put the vacant belt up in a battle royal. Have a fatal four-way on the first RAW of 2026. He hasn’t done anything with the title this time, so it’s not like he’d be stripped after a record-setting or awe-inspiring run as champion.