WWE fans were dealt a significant blow on the June 23, 2025, episode of Monday Night Raw in Columbus when it was officially announced that Dominik Mysterio would be sidelined due to injury, resulting in the cancellation of his highly anticipated Intercontinental Championship defense against AJ Styles at the upcoming Night of Champions event. The news came directly from Raw General Manager Adam Pearce during a backstage segment, where he informed Styles that the match, scheduled for June 28 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was off the card.
The revelation sent ripples through the WWE Universe, as the match between Mysterio and Styles was one of the marquee contests on the Night of Champions lineup. The event, set to take place at the Kingdom Arena, still boasts a stacked card featuring the King of the Ring Tournament final, the Queen of the Ring Tournament final, the Undisputed WWE Championship clash between John Cena and CM Punk, and the WWE United States Championship bout between Jacob Fatu and Solo Sikoa.
Adam Pearce assured AJ Styles that he would be the first contender to challenge for the Intercontinental title once Dominik Mysterio has fully recovered. "I promise you, AJ, you’ll be first in line when Dominik is healthy again," Pearce told Styles, emphasizing WWE’s commitment to maintaining the prestige of the championship and the integrity of its storylines.
However, the exact nature and severity of Mysterio’s injury remain undisclosed, leaving fans and insiders alike speculating whether the injury is legitimate or a storyline (kayfabe) device. Mysterio has not competed since the June 9 episode of Raw, where he participated in a four-way match in the opening round of the King of the Ring tournament, a bout he ultimately lost. Despite his absence from the ring, he has continued to appear on WWE television, most recently alongside members of The Judgment Day faction.
In a subsequent segment on Raw, Dominik appeared with The Judgment Day stablemates, including Finn Balor, who encouraged him to focus on healing. Mysterio expressed that he missed fellow stablemate Liv Morgan, who herself is nursing a legitimate shoulder injury sustained during the previous week’s programming. The ongoing injuries within The Judgment Day have added a layer of complexity to the faction’s dynamics, with Balor even nudging Mysterio toward a storyline alliance with Roxanne Perez, who is currently competing in the Queen of the Ring Tournament.
Dominik Mysterio’s journey in WWE has been a compelling narrative of evolution and growth. The son of legendary luchador Rey Mysterio, Dominik first appeared sporadically in WWE during the 2000s as a child but made his official television debut in 2019 alongside his father. His first official match was a gritty Street Fight against Seth Rollins at SummerSlam 2020, marking the beginning of his ascent in professional wrestling.
As part of the father-son duo known as The Mysterios, Dominik and Rey captured the WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships, thrilling fans with their high-flying and technical prowess. However, in a dramatic twist in 2022, Dominik turned on his father, aligning himself with The Judgment Day faction, which includes Rhea Ripley, Damian Priest, and Finn Balor. This heel turn transformed Dominik into one of WWE’s most compelling villains, known for his cunning tactics and ruthless in-ring style.
Dominik’s rise culminated in a memorable victory at WrestleMania, where he captured the Intercontinental Championship in a competitive match against formidable opponents Penta, Finn Balor, and the then-champion Bron Breakker. Since winning the title, he has successfully defended it three times, twice against Penta and once against Octagon Jr. at Money in the Bank, solidifying his status as a credible and dangerous champion.
The cancellation of the Intercontinental Championship match at Night of Champions adds to a card already marked by uncertainty. The event itself has been under scrutiny due to ongoing global tensions in the Middle East, where Riyadh is located. Despite these challenges, WWE officials have confirmed that the event will proceed, albeit with a shortened match lineup.
AJ Styles, known for his resilience and in-ring excellence, expressed frustration during the backstage segment, initially accusing Mysterio of avoiding the match. However, Pearce affirmed the legitimacy of the injury, putting to rest any doubts about the situation. Styles’ readiness to compete and challenge for the title remains undiminished, and fans eagerly anticipate his next opportunity to reclaim the championship.
The ripple effects of Dominik’s injury are felt beyond just the Night of Champions card. The Judgment Day faction, already grappling with Liv Morgan’s injury, faces challenges in maintaining its dominance and storyline momentum. The possible alliance between Mysterio and Roxanne Perez could signal new directions for the faction and fresh rivalries in the WWE landscape.
As the WWE Universe awaits further updates, the focus shifts to the recovery and future plans for Dominik Mysterio. Whether the injury is genuine or part of a larger storyline, the impact on WWE’s mid-card scene is undeniable. The Intercontinental Championship, a title with a storied history, remains in limbo, with AJ Styles poised to step back into the spotlight the moment Mysterio returns to full health.
Night of Champions, scheduled for June 28, 2025, promises to deliver high-stakes matches and thrilling entertainment despite the absence of the Intercontinental title bout. Fans can look forward to the climactic King and Queen of the Ring finals, a blockbuster Undisputed WWE Championship showdown, and intense battles for the United States Championship.
In the meantime, Dominik Mysterio’s journey from the son of a legend to a top-tier WWE villain remains a captivating story. His resilience, both in and out of the ring, will be tested as he navigates this setback. WWE’s commitment to showcasing his talents and preserving the integrity of its championships ensures that when Mysterio returns, the Intercontinental Championship scene will be as electrifying as ever.
