The Judgment Day’s Dominik Mysterio stepped into the ring against WWE legend John Cena on Monday Night Raw from the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, but came up short in their Intercontinental Championship match. However, according to wrestling veteran Bully Ray, this loss shouldn’t define the trajectory of “Dirty” Dom’s career in the long term.
The encounter marked a significant moment in WWE programming, with Cena announcing his retirement and participating in what he described as his final time competing in his hometown[4]. Mysterio challenged the veteran for the Intercontinental Championship, resulting in a high-profile confrontation that had all the makings of a career-defining moment for the younger superstar.
Cena’s Dominance in Boston
John Cena’s appearance on Raw was particularly poignant given his announced retirement status. The Cenation leader made it clear that his time in Boston was special, drawing from the emotional connection to his hometown audience. During their confrontation, Cena delivered a stern message to Mysterio, asserting his dominance and making it clear that the odds were stacked against the Intercontinental Champion[5].
“This is Boston, Massachusetts,” Cena proclaimed during the segment. “On any other night in any other city, I give you a chance. Tonight, you don’t have a chance. Tonight, I am invincible.”
The psychological warfare leading up to their match set the tone for what would be an intense physical encounter between the two competitors. Cena’s veteran presence and the emotional weight of his retirement announcement added significant narrative layers to the confrontation.
Bully Ray’s Professional Assessment
Bully Ray, a respected voice in professional wrestling commentary and analysis, has offered perspective on how this loss should be contextualized within Mysterio’s overall career narrative. The wrestling veteran doesn’t believe that falling to Cena represents a setback that will negatively impact Mysterio’s standing within WWE’s upper echelon.
According to wrestling insiders familiar with backstage sentiment, the loss to Cena is being viewed more as an opportunity for Mysterio to gain credibility through association with a legendary performer during a historically significant moment. Working with Cena at any point in a wrestler’s career is considered a privilege, and doing so in Boston during what many believe could be Cena’s final regular match adds additional prestige to the encounter.
“Sometimes in this business, it’s not about whether you win or lose,” a WWE source close to the creative team revealed. “It’s about the moment you’re part of and the story you’re telling. Dominik was involved in something special, and that matters more than the three count.”
The Context of “The Time is Now” Tournament
The Raw segment featured Cena announcing a tournament designed to determine which WWE superstar might earn the opportunity to potentially retire him—a fascinating narrative device that underscores just how significant his final chapter in wrestling truly is[2]. This tournament framework positions several competitors as viable contenders, and the wrestlers who face Cena during this period are gaining immeasurable exposure and credibility.
Mysterio’s participation in this program, regardless of the outcome against Cena, positions him as a significant player in WWE’s storytelling. The Judgment Day member has evolved considerably from his early days in the company, and working with Cena provides another platform for him to demonstrate his wrestling acumen to audiences worldwide.
Dominik’s Growth as a Performer
Over the past several years, Dominik Mysterio has developed into a multifaceted performer who excels in multiple areas of professional wrestling. From in-ring psychology to character work, Mysterio has shown considerable versatility. His work with The Judgment Day faction has elevated his status, and the group’s prominence on Raw has made him a featured performer in WWE’s main event scene.
The loss to Cena, viewed through this lens, represents an opportunity rather than a career derailment. Many observers believe Mysterio’s presence in high-profile matches against established veterans actually strengthens his positioning for future opportunities. Wrestling someone of Cena’s magnitude elevates the profile of both competitors, even when the outcome favors the legend.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Mysterio
As WWE continues to build toward its major pay-per-view events, Mysterio’s options for storyline development remain expansive. The Intercontinental Championship, while lost to Cena in this particular encounter, represents a significant platform for any performer. Whether Mysterio focuses on regaining that title or pursues different opportunities within the Judgment Day faction, the loss to Cena doesn’t appear to have derailed his momentum.
Sources within WWE’s creative department suggest that Mysterio remains positioned as a key player in the company’s long-term plans. His work rate, connection with audiences, and ability to work with performers across multiple styles make him valuable to the company’s programming strategy.
The Bigger Picture: Cena’s Final Bow
The significance of Cena’s final appearances in WWE cannot be overstated. The company is milking every possible narrative opportunity from his retirement announcement, and the wrestlers fortunate enough to be involved in his final matches are gaining career-enhancing experiences. Mysterio should be viewed as one of these fortunate performers, not as someone whose career was damaged by the encounter.
The match between Cena and Mysterio represents a passing-of-the-torch moment—even if Mysterio didn’t claim victory. The younger generation of WWE superstars is taking center stage, and Mysterio’s inclusion in Cena’s farewell tour validates his status within that next generation.
Final Verdict
Bully Ray’s assessment aligns with the broader wrestling community’s perspective: Dominik Mysterio’s loss to John Cena on Raw should be contextualized as a valuable experience rather than a career setback. The Judgment Day member competed against one of wrestling’s greatest ambassadors during a historic period in WWE programming. That opportunity, regardless of the match’s outcome, holds significant value for Mysterio’s continued development and positioning within the company.
As WWE continues to build storylines heading into the remainder of 2025 and beyond, expect Mysterio to remain a fixture in the company’s main event scene. His time against Cena, rather than diminishing his prospects, has added another meaningful moment to his growing WWE resume.