Credit: WWE.com
Dominik Mysterio successfully defended his WWE Intercontinental Championship at the September 1, 2025 episode of WWE Raw, but not without some surprising assistance. In a highly competitive rematch against AJ Styles, Mysterio retained the title thanks to the interference of an unexpected figure: El Grande Americano. This unexpected alliance continues to fuel intrigue around Mysterio’s reign, which now spans 130 days with five successful defenses since WrestleMania 40.
Mysterio vs. Styles: A Rematch with High Stakes
The bout was a follow-up to their SummerSlam clash, where Mysterio initially retained the title after controversially using his boot as a weapon against Styles. This time, Styles, a former Intercontinental Champion seeking his second reign, came in aggressively, aiming to decisively end Mysterio’s hold on the belt. Early in the match, Styles nearly had Mysterio pinned following a near-perfect Styles Clash and was setting up for his signature Phenomenal Forearm.
However, the match stipulated that Mysterio could not rely on assistance from Judgment Day, his usual faction, increasing the drama in favor of Styles.
The Unexpected Intervention: El Grande Americano’s Role
Just as Styles was about to land his finishing blow, El Grande Americano suddenly emerged from under the ring. Sporting his trademark steel plate mask, he headbutted Styles, using the steel plate to amplify the impact. This surprising intervention allowed Mysterio to recover, climb to the top rope, and execute a Frog Splash that secured the pinfall victory and another successful title defense.
This interference raised immediate questions within WWE circles about Grande Americano’s motivations and future involvement with Mysterio.
Backstage Perspectives: What’s Next for Mysterio?
According to a WWE insider close to the situation, “El Grande Americano’s appearance was a calculated gamble by Mysterio’s camp. They knew Styles was the biggest threat yet and sought to tilt the odds in Dominik’s favor without breaking the rules about Judgment Day interference.” The source added that there may be more storyline developments involving Grande Americano aligned with Mysterio going forward.
This retention solidifies Mysterio as one of the most dominant Intercontinental Champions in recent memory. His reign includes prior defenses against notable stars like Penta and Octagon Jr., demonstrating his ability to hold the title through a diverse range of challengers.
What This Means for AJ Styles and Judgment Day
For AJ Styles, this loss marks yet another frustrating setback in his quest to recapture the Intercontinental title. Despite his technical prowess and the crowd’s support, the outside interference cost him dearly, adding a layer of controversy to the bout.
Styles’ absence of backup from Judgment Day due to the match stipulation limited his options for countering surprises like El Grande Americano’s. It has fueled speculation about how Judgment Day might respond or whether they will seek retribution in upcoming shows.
Implications for WWE’s Intercontinental Championship Scene
Mysterio’s reign, now stretching over four months, is positioned as a cornerstone storyline for WWE Raw. His ability to retain the title against major contenders, even when faced with adversity, bolsters his credibility. Furthermore, the addition of El Grande Americano as a mysterious ally adds fresh dimensions to his championship defenses, opening potential directions for future narratives and rivalries.
Wrestling fans and commentators alike are watching closely how WWE will further exploit these dynamics. Whether Grande Americano becomes a permanent ally or a wildcard remains to be seen, but his arrival certainly injected unpredictability into the title picture.
Final Thoughts
Dominik Mysterio’s recent victory on Raw, aided by an unexpected ally, underscores his resourcefulness and the evolving complexity of his championship run. With AJ Styles still hungry for redemption and Judgment Day lurking in the background, the road ahead for the WWE Intercontinental Championship looks compelling.
As WWE continues to build momentum toward upcoming pay-per-views and special events, expect this feud and the intriguing new alliances to remain at the forefront.