Four possible directions for Dominik Mysterio ahead of WrestleMania 42 after losing WWE Intercontinental title
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Dirty Dom’s title reign came to an end on Raw after Elimination Chamber.
During the March 2 episode of WWE Raw, Dominik Mysterio defended the Intercontinental title against the number one contender, Penta. This was his first title defense since making his return from a shoulder injury in February.
Despite his best and sneaky attempts, Mysterio failed to win the match as Penta pinned him to capture his first WWE title in the promotion since his debut in January 2025.
Let us now take a look at four possible directions for Dirty Dom ahead of WrestleMania 42, after losing the Intercontinental title.
4. Defend his AAA Mega title
Dominik captured the AAA Mega title after defeating El Hijo del Vikingo at the 2025 edition of AAA x WWE Worlds Collide 2025: Las Vegas. Mysterio’s title reign now sits at over 170 days; however, he has only defended it once, that too against fellow Raw superstar Dragon Lee.
Mysterio can focus on defending the title, giving stars from AAA a chance to compete against him at the 42nd edition of WrestleMania. This would not only elevate the title but also give his opponent form AAA a chance to shine.
3. A rematch with Penta
Another option for Dirty Dom would be to get right into the mix and call for a rematch against Penta. Mysterio, aiming for a third title reign, would set up a fan-favorite WrestleMania clash between the two highly skilled high flyers.
However, there is a possibility of fatigue as Penta has extensively feuded with Dirty Dom and has battled him multiple times since his debut.
2. Callout Danhausen
One of the major developments before his Intercontinental title defense against Penta was during a backstage segment where Dirty Dom mocked Danhausen, dismissing his presence as little more than comic relief.
The mistake proved costly, as Danhausen put a curse on Dominik, resulting in Dirty Dom suffering a defeat against Penta, losing the Intercontinental Championship in the process. Mysterio could call out Danhausen, leading to a match, which would also see Danhausen make his debut.
1. Kickout Finn Balor from the Judgment Day
Another factor that played out in the title loss was Finn Balor, stopping JD McDonagh, who was going to hand the ring bell to Dirty Dom and help their stablemate win the match.
WWE has been teasing a split between the two, and with reports of a potential clash between the two planned for WrestleMania, fans might expect WWE to unfold this feud. If the plan is for Balor to turn face, then Dirty Dom could kick him out of the Judgment Day, leading to the ultimate clash at the ‘Grandest Stage.’
Did Dominik Mysterio lose the Intercontinental title?
Yes, Dirty Dom lost the IC title at the hands of Penta on the March 2 episode of WWE Raw.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Is Dominik Mysterio still the AAA Mega Champion?
Yes, Dominik still holds the AAA Mega title and is title reign currently sits at over 170 days.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.