Dominik Mysterio is no stranger to controversy, but his latest title defense on WWE RAW might be his slipperiest win yet. Facing powerhouse Rusev in a brutal Intercontinental Championship clash, “Dirty Dom” looked like he was seconds away from losing his belt. From the opening bell, Rusev manhandled him with suplexes, strikes, and raw strength that had fans convinced a new champion was on the horizon.
Tricks Over Power
Instead of going toe-to-toe with his challenger, Dominik leaned into his bag of tricks. At one point, he grabbed his title belt and teased walking out, hoping to escape the match entirely. When dragged back into the ring, he faked being hit with the championship in a desperate attempt to earn a disqualification win. The referee, however, wasn’t fooled. With the crowd on edge, it seemed Rusev had the champion cornered for good.
The Desperation Finish
Just when the end looked near, Dominik delivered a low blow the referee didn’t see. In the blink of an eye, he rolled Rusev into a tight pin and stole the three-count. The crowd erupted, but not with cheers most were left stunned at how blatantly he had gotten away with it. Rusev was furious, pacing the ring, while Dominik sprinted up the ramp clutching his title like it was stolen treasure.
Match Breakdown: Dominik vs. Rusev
| Element | Rusev’s Approach | Dominik’s Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Dominated with power moves | Outmatched physically |
| Strategy | Straightforward offense | Relied on stalling and shortcuts |
| Turning Point | Pressed for the finish | Landed unseen low blow |
| Result | Left frustrated after unfair loss | Retained title with controversial pin |
What This Means for the Future
With this win, Dominik extends his reign to 163 days, but the controversy surrounding his tactics is impossible to ignore. His style has become his trademark: bend the rules, frustrate opponents, and walk away with the gold by any means necessary. Fans might hate it, but it keeps him in the spotlight.
As for Rusev, the loss is a bitter pill. Given how dominant he looked, it’s hard to imagine he won’t demand another shot. And this time, he may come in even more determined to crush “Dirty Dom” once and for all.
Conclusion
Dominik Mysterio’s shocking escape on RAW proves he’ll do whatever it takes to hold onto the Intercontinental Championship. Love him or hate him, his ability to outsmart opponents and rile up fans is what keeps him relevant. The only question is: how long can he keep pulling off these escapes before karma or Rusev finally catches up?