Dominik Mysterio once again escaped with his WWE Intercontinental Championship after a dramatic and contentious finish on the October 20, 2025, episode of WWE Raw. The reigning IC Champion successfully defended his title against Rusev, but not without outside interference from Penta, whose actions at ringside ultimately cost Rusev the match.
Intense Rivalry Reaches Another Climax on Raw
The stage was set for a high-stakes Intercontinental Title bout between Dominik Mysterio and Rusev, following weeks of buildup culminating in this eagerly anticipated showdown. Both Superstars delivered a fiercely competitive and physically demanding match, evoking strong reactions from the live crowd and WWE’s global audience.
Despite Rusev’s determination and near falls, Dominik showed a crafty and ruthless side, often called “Dirty Dominik” by fans and commentators alike. His ability to capitalize on every opening was on full display, but the turning point came with the controversial involvement of Penta.
Penta’s Ringside Assistance Costs Rusev Dearly
In a moment that shocked viewers, Penta, who had been at ringside, distracted the official and directly interfered in the match. This diversion allowed Dominik to use a concealed hammer originally the timekeeper’s ringing bell hammer—against Rusev, striking him while the referee’s attention was elsewhere. Dominik cleverly hid the hammer in his boot, masking his illegal tactic.
Following the unexpected strike, Dominik executed his signature 619 and capstone frog splash to seal the victory. The referee, Eddie Arango, counted the pinfall without noticing the illicit weapon, thus confirming Dominik’s retention of the Intercontinental Championship in highly controversial fashion.
Backstage Insights on the Controversy
According to a WWE insider familiar with the Raw production, Penta’s interference was a carefully orchestrated move designed to protect the championship reign of Dominik while escalating the feud with Rusev.
“From what we’ve heard, this isn’t just about the match,” the source revealed. “It’s about building a narrative where Dominik can lean into his ‘dirty’ persona, and Penta’s involvement adds a whole new layer of intrigue and future storyline possibilities.”
This backstage confirmation suggests WWE creative is deliberately positioning Dominik as a cunning heel champion who uses any means necessary to retain his gold, while extending the rivalry with Rusev and Penta for weeks to come.
What This Means for the Intercontinental Title Picture
Dominik Mysterio’s escape with the IC Title after such a tainted finish fuels speculation about the trajectory of this championship scene. With Penta actively interfering, it sets the stage for:
- A possible triple-threat or tag-team encounter featuring Dominik, Rusev, and Penta.
- Renewed grudge matches focused on settling scores beyond just the title exchange.
- Further opportunities for Dominik to evolve as a redefined, more aggressive champion.
Fans and analysts alike are closely watching for how WWE will book the fallout from this contentious match as it enhances the storytelling depth around the Intercontinental Championship.
Fan and Expert Reactions
The crowd at Raw and viewers online expressed mixed feelings. Many praised the in-ring effort but criticized the finish for being too reliant on interference and weapon use. Wrestling journalist H Jenkins described the match as “a must-watch for the athleticism but a frustrating finish from a pure competitive standpoint,” emphasizing that “these kinds of endings keep fans talking, even if not everyone is happy with the result”[3].
Others speculate that Dominik’s heel tactics are part of a broader angle, aiming to elevate his profile as a villain capable of outsmarting his opponents and getting under their skin.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Dominik Mysterio and Rusev?
With the title still in Dominik’s possession, the rivalry is far from over. Rusev is sure to demand a rematch under stricter conditions to neutralize outside interference. At the same time, Penta’s involvement could place him more prominently in the IC Title storyline, possibly leading to a multi-layered feud.
Sources close to WWE’s creative team have hinted that the company is planning to leverage the drama and personal animosity among these three to generate sustained interest in the Intercontinental division through the remainder of the year and into 2026.
Conclusion
Dominik Mysterio’s survival as WWE Intercontinental Champion on Raw, helped by Penta’s controversial ringside interference, adds a compelling chapter to one of WWE’s hottest title rivalries. As the drama unfolds, WWE fans can expect more twists and high-stakes contests featuring these intertwined superstars.
This match highlights the blend of athletic drama and storytelling that keeps WWE’s weekly shows unpredictable and engaging for audiences worldwide. Stay tuned as new developments emerge from this evolving saga.