The WWE Universe is abuzz as it prepares for the highly anticipated Netflix debut of WWE Raw, slated for January 6, 2024, featuring legends such as The Rock and John Cena. This event marks the entrance of major figures from wrestling's storied past, revving up nostalgia among long-time fans. Yet, not everyone is thrilled with this influx of iconic wrestlers making their returns.
One of the notable dissenters is Dominik Mysterio, who openly expressed his frustration over the presence of these 'old heads' during his appearance on Busted Open Radio. Mysterio, the son of legendary wrestler Rey Mysterio, has carved out his own path within WWE, but he feels overshadowed by returning superstars who have ruled the squared circle.
“I don’t even like to talk about these old heads because I feel like, no offense, but you got guys like Rock and [John] Cena coming in, and it’s like, I don’t know, they saw something cool and they’re like, ‘Oh, let me jump on the train,'” Mysterio stated, referencing the likes of The Rock and Cena who have garnered massive popularity over decades.
While the excitement for WWE Raw’s Netflix premiere mounts, it's hard to ignore Mysterio's notable discontent. To him, the resurgence of these legends feels like they are stealing the spotlight from younger talent who have worked hard to establish their places within the promotion.
Mysterio stands at the precipice of his career, seeking to capitalize on this moment. He made it clear during the interview: he harbors ambitions of winning singles gold within WWE by 2025, positioning himself as more than just the kid of a Hall of Famer. “I never thought I’d be at this point...I really do think...I want to win singles gold,” he remarked. Following up, he noted the uncertainty of whether or not WWE management has plans for him, affirming, “I don’t necessarily know...but at the end of the day, I’m gonna make them make those goals for me, one way or another.”
His declaration reflects not just ambition but also confidence as he advocates for his worthiness of championship opportunities within the company, even amid such seasoned competitors. With notable victories under his belt, including multiple reigns as NXT North American Champion, many fans are eagerly anticipating how his storyline could evolve during the Netflix premiere and beyond.
The upcoming Raw also promises other significant matches, including Liv Morgan defending her Women’s World Championship against Rhea Ripley. Fans of the product will be enthused to see how Mysterio may influence the outcome or feature within the match—especially with his on-screen relationship with Morgan artfully intertwined within the fabric of the show.
The anticipation swells not only for the legendary returns but for Mysterio’s place within this grand narrative as he attempts to carve out his unique legacy amid titans of the wrestling world. Dominik’s comments raise questions about the delicate balance within WWE: Can homegrown talent rise when the giants of yesteryear continue to loom large?
Critical observers will keep their eyes peeled this January 6 to see how Mysterio handles the returning veterans. While he acknowledges their impact on the sport, he seeks recognition for the modern generation of wrestlers who are striving for success on their terms. With the eyes of wrestling fans firmly on him and the monumental legacy left by The Rock and John Cena, the WWE Network's epic foray onto Netflix may well serve as the backdrop for Dominik Mysterio’s bid to stake his claim and redefine his narrative.
WWE Raw's Netflix debut carries with it not just nostalgia, but the potential for new stories to be written, one of which may find Dominik Mysterio finally taking center stage. Only time will tell if he can transition from the shadows of legends to claim his rightful acclaim within the squared circle.