Credit: WWE.com
The intense rivalry between Dominik Mysterio and AJ Styles over the WWE Intercontinental Championship is far from finished and is slated to carry on at the upcoming WWE x AAA Worlds Collide event next week in Las Vegas. Despite a string of recent encounters, insiders reveal that WWE is deliberately prolonging this high-profile feud to build momentum ahead of the cross-promotional spectacle.
Mysterio Retains, But the Storyline Evolves
On the latest episode of WWE Raw, Dominik Mysterio once again defended his Intercontinental Title against AJ Styles, securing a win that many fans saw as the culmination of their summer-long showdown. However, reports from PWInsider Elite paint a different picture backstage, noting the rivalry will continue and deepen next week at Worlds Collide.
The match on Raw saw Mysterio retain the championship, but it wasn’t without controversy the victory was aided by outside interference from El Grande Americano, continuing a pattern where Mysterio has yet to earn a clean win against the seasoned Styles. Their first showdown at WWE SummerSlam also ended in dubious fashion when Mysterio used his ring boot to secure a win.
According to a WWE insider familiar with the creative process, “The plan is to keep this feud alive for Worlds Collide, especially with Dominik’s AAA Mega Championship aspirations in play. AJ’s surprise involvement and ability to spoil Dominik’s opportunities keep the tension boiling, which is great storytelling for both brands.”
Building Toward a Cross-Promotional Climax
The stakes will increase at Worlds Collide, where Mysterio will challenge El Hijo del Vikingo for the prestigious AAA Mega Championship. Last month, Mysterio fell short of capturing the AAA title, partly due to Styles interfering in the Fatal Four-Way match. Now, Styles looks set to shadow “Dirty Dom” once again, possibly aiming to sabotage his title bid and grab one final shot at the Intercontinental Title.
This narrative effectively ties together WWE and AAA storylines, amplifying anticipation for the event by blending two major promotions’ top singles stars and titles.
A Rivalry Marked by Near Misses and Controversy
Though Mysterio holds physical possession of the Intercontinental Championship and has retained it multiple times since WrestleMania 41 now inching toward 140 days the feud’s unresolved tension lies in the manner of his victories.
Here’s a quick rundown of their competitive history this summer:
- SummerSlam: Mysterio retained the IC Title but resorted to using his boot and bending the rules.
- Raw (most recent): Mysterio again triumphed, benefitting from interference, maintaining that his wins are far from clean.
- AAA Fatal Four-Way: Styles’ interference cost Mysterio a shot at the AAA Mega Championship.
This ongoing back-and-forth has created a layered feud where neither man is without fault or advantage, crafting an unpredictable and emotionally charged rivalry.
What’s Next for Dominik and Styles Post-Worlds Collide?
Sources close to the WWE creative team suggest that the storyline is structured to last at least through Worlds Collide, with potential plans for further matches or segments depending on the reception from fans and wrestlers alike.
An insider noted, “Both Dominik and Styles bring veteran savvy and star power. WWE wants to explore this feud further before deciding the next direction, which might include a clean win, a surprise twist, or even expanding the rivalry into tag scenarios.”
This measured pacing aligns with WWE’s recent approach in fostering layered storytelling, allowing the championship to gain relevance through dramatic contests rather than quick title changes.
WWE’s Strategy of Long-Form Storytelling with Intercontinental Title
Dominik Mysterio’s reign represents WWE’s push to elevate younger or emerging stars through longer, more involved feuds. By pitting him against a seasoned legend like Styles, the company is mixing established credibility with fresh talent. This strategy has drawn praise for reinvigorating the Intercontinental Championship, which has seen fluctuating prestige over the years.
Mysterio’s current reign and rivalry with Styles have brought notable attention back to the Intercontinental Title scene, frequently showcased on WWE’s flagship Raw show and now spilling into collaborative events such as Worlds Collide.
Worlds Collide Promises Major Moments
WWE x AAA Worlds Collide, scheduled for next week in Las Vegas, promises to be a showcase of international wrestling talent with high stakes. The cross-promotional card blends WWE’s current stars with AAA’s top competitors like El Hijo del Vikingo.
Given this setting, the tension between Mysterio and Styles is expected to reach a boiling point. While Mysterio targets the AAA Mega Championship, Styles lurking in the backdrop adds compelling drama, possibly leading to surprise outcomes.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely not only for championship changes but for storyline evolutions that could influence WWE programming into the fall season.