In a night charged with electrifying emotion and historic significance, Dominik Mysterio unapologetically took center stage during John Cena’s final Boston farewell at the TD Garden. Though he ultimately lost the Intercontinental Championship to Cena, Mysterio made it clear he wasn’t there just to play a supporting role for one of WWE’s all-time greats. Instead, he aimed to own the moment—even if it meant stealing the spotlight from Cena’s hometown send-off.
Making the Moment About Himself
Dominik Mysterio recently shared his mindset going into his confrontation with John Cena and Triple H at WWE Raw in Boston, Massachusetts. Speaking on the Towers of Power podcast, Mysterio revealed that he wasn’t quite interested in blending into the background during what was widely anticipated as Cena’s emotional farewell in his home city.
“For me, it wasn’t even about preparing,” Mysterio explained. “It was just making that moment about me, you know? Because I knew I was going to be in there with, obviously, John Cena and Triple H in Boston, TD Garden. Everything was perfectly in place for John Cena, and it was his night. So when I went out there, I made sure it was about me”[1][2].
This bold attitude perfectly encapsulates Mysterio’s “Dirty Dom” persona, embracing the underdog villain role that thrives on pushing the crowd’s buttons—even in one of the toughest crowds imaginable.
Embracing the Boston Crowd’s Boos
Dom’s entrance in Boston was met with a deafening chorus of boos. Yet rather than shy away from the jeers, Mysterio embraced the hostility. “It doesn’t get to me at all,” he said regarding the intense negative reaction. “That’s the thing about being booed. You gotta embrace it. Some people don’t like it, but as long as you’re getting some noise out of people, man, that’s all that matters”[1].
This resilience in the face of disdain highlights Mysterio’s confidence and understanding of his role in storytelling. He was there not just to lose the Intercontinental Championship but also to add drama to Cena’s farewell—ensuring the night was memorable on multiple fronts.
The Historic Match: Cena’s Final IC Title Win
The night took on even more significance when John Cena defeated Dominik Mysterio to capture the WWE Intercontinental Championship. This victory marked Cena’s completion of the Grand Slam, finally capturing a title that had eluded him during his lengthy career as a 17-time world champion. For Cena, the win was a crowning achievement in his farewell tour.
For Mysterio, being the guy who handed Cena this important milestone gave his career a meaningful highlight despite the loss. As expressed in backstage buzz, “Dominik understood stepping into the ring with Cena for that title meant making history—not just for Cena, but for himself as well”[3].
Behind the Scenes: WWE’s Booking Insight
Sources close to WWE note that Mysterio’s booking was intentional in painting him as the perfect foil for Cena’s farewell in Boston. An insider shared, “WWE wanted someone to create genuine heat in Boston, and Dominik delivered. His willingness to hijack the moment elevated the entire narrative”[3].
This strategy paid off, as the duel’s emotional stakes resonated deeply both with fans witnessing Cena’s sendoff and with those invested in Mysterio’s rising star arc.
What’s Next for Dominik Mysterio?
After losing the Intercontinental Championship but gaining a spotlight-defining moment, the question remains: where does Dominik go from here? Mysterio hinted he’s ready to use this experience as a springboard for his wrestling career. “Being in a match like that, with those stakes and in front of that crowd, teaches you so much. I’m ready for bigger challenges”[4].
With John Cena’s farewell tour nearing its conclusion—including an anticipated final bout at Madison Square Garden—Dominik’s journey feels poised to accelerate. WWE fans can expect to see Dom capitalize on this momentum to carve out more high-profile opportunities.
Dominik Mysterio’s unapologetic approach to stealing Cena’s Boston farewell spotlight doesn’t just define a single moment in WWE history—it signals the rise of a confident performer ready to capture attention on his own terms. While he may have lost the IC title that night, Dom firmly established himself as a pivotal figure in one of the most memorable chapters of Cena’s farewell tour.
“Dominik didn’t just step into a historic occasion; he made sure the night belonged to both of them,” said a WWE insider. “That kind of grit and presence makes for unforgettable wrestling storytelling”[3].