Dominik Mysterio, also known as Dirty Dom, is considered “dirty” because he implements sneaky, nefarious tactics to win his title matches. By any means necessary, he will lie, cheat, and steal his way to win, just like Eddie Guerrero did back in the early 2000s. Dom is also seen as “dirty” because the likes of Liv Morgan and Finn Balor can’t fully trust him inside the Judgment Day.
His strong storytelling and character work in the Judgment Day have not only made the Intercontinental Title prestigious. They’ve also paid dividends for the common perception of him as the future of this business. He has even extended his influence in Lucha Libre AAA as their Mega Champion, which puts plenty of targets on his back. Here are the three biggest threats to Dirty Dom’s Intercontinental Title reign on the road to WrestleMania 42.
Finn Balor
Dirty Dom won the Intercontinental Title back from John Cena at WWE Survivor Series after winning it for the first time from Bron Breakker in a Fatal Four-Way at Mania 41. When he won it for the first time, he pinned Balor in this Fatal Four-Way. Ever since that night, Finn Balor has never gotten his comeuppance. He has even had tension with Dom inside the Judgment Day. Nonetheless, he is currently in a program with CM Punk.
Punk has made it clear that Balor has become a complacent hot tag with the Judgment Day. Balor took those words to heart. He even failed to help Dom in his matches. Balor is now hyper-focused on being the “best in the world,” rather than being just a mentor for Dom. Due to resentment, Dom will screw Balor in his match against Punk. This could build up this Intercontinental Title Match at Mania 42.
Je’Von Evans
Je’Von Evans earned his shot at the Intercontinental Title by pinning the champion himself, Dirty Dom, in the Elimination Chamber Qualifier with Gunther in the main event of RAW last week. This was legitimately the biggest win of his career. Initially, it seemed that Evans would be screwed on the main roster after what was a premature NXT call-up due to not winning any championship in NXT.
However, WWE let Evans’ work speak for itself. He is not just a bouncing highlight reel with jaw-dropping cutters that not even Randy Orton can hold a candle to. He is also gradually connecting with the WWE Universe while advancing up the card fruitfully. Despite all the systemic obstacles in his way, Evans is swimming with the sharks. The buoyancy force is in his favor.
Penta
Penta earned his shot at the Intercontinental Championship by defeating El Grande Americano last week on RAW. He has consistently shown he is destined to become a future Intercontinental Champion through his body of work. Penta is impeccable in the ring. He has more charisma than most of the stars in the locker room. At first, Penta seemed destined for a successful solo career, separate from his brother, Rey Fénix.
Yet, WWE failed to capitalize on Penta’s momentum. Many may forget this, but Penta was in that aforementioned Fatal Four-Way Intercontinental Title match with Dirty Dom, Bron Breakker, and Finn Balor at WrestleMania 41. He has had many title shots at that belt. Sadly, he always gets the short end of the stick. Hopefully, his talent won’t go to waste. He can prove that he is more than just a hot tag.
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