Dominik Mysterio has become one of professional wrestling’s most effective villains precisely because he understands one fundamental truth: getting under people’s skin is the job. As a member of The Judgment Day and one of WWE’s most polarizing figures, the Puerto Rican star has built his reputation on crossing lines that other wrestlers won’t touch. But even the most committed heel has limits, and Mysterio recently revealed that WWE management has placed some rather specific restrictions on his in-ring conduct—particularly regarding his infamous “snot rocket” antics.
The Confession: How Far Is Too Far?
During an appearance on the Towers of Power podcast, Mysterio opened up about his philosophy as a professional antagonist and admitted that his commitment to getting heat has occasionally landed him in hot water with WWE’s creative team and backstage officials. When pressed about whether he’s ever felt he’s “gone too far” with a particular angle or physical interaction, the former United States Champion didn’t shy away from the truth.[2]
“I’m the type of guy who’s always thinking about what will get the biggest reaction,” Mysterio explained, according to the interview. “Sometimes that means doing things that make people uncomfortable. That’s kind of the point when you’re a heel, right? You want people to hate you.”
This philosophy has defined Mysterio’s career, especially during his tenure with The Judgment Day. From his work alongside Rhea Ripley to his interactions with opponents across WWE’s roster, Dominik has proven himself willing to venture into uncomfortable territory to draw legitimate heat from audiences. However, that approach recently collided with WWE’s standards and practices guidelines in a rather unexpected way.
The “Snot Rocket” Ban: When WWE Says No
The specific incident that prompted backstage discussions involved Mysterio’s use of “snot rockets”—the act of forcefully expelling nasal mucus during matches—which he had incorporated into his heel work on WWE Raw. The shocking visual became memorable enough that it generated significant social media reaction and fan commentary, but it also caught the attention of WWE’s production and standards teams during commercial breaks.
According to sources close to WWE’s production department, officials made it clear to Mysterio that this particular tactic needed to stop. The message was direct: “No more snot rockets during commercials.” This directive highlights the careful balance WWE maintains between creating compelling television that generates heat and maintaining certain baseline standards that keep the product acceptable for its broad audience.
“Dominik was told in no uncertain terms that this specific behavior wasn’t going to fly anymore,” a WWE insider revealed. “The company understands that his job is to be a villain, but there are lines even heels don’t cross on live television—or during commercial breaks, for that matter.”
Understanding the Heel’s Dilemma
The incident underscores a broader challenge facing modern professional wrestlers who work as heels or villains. The line between effective character work and genuinely offensive conduct has become increasingly scrutinized in an era where every moment is captured, clipped, and shared across social media platforms instantly. What might have drawn organic heat in previous decades can now create PR headaches for WWE’s corporate partners and sponsors.
Mysterio’s work in this regard is particularly complex because his role often involves physical and psychological antagonism directed at opponents like Jey Uso and others on the WWE roster. His willingness to engage in unconventional tactics—whether verbal insults, physical intimidation, or yes, the occasional snot rocket—has made him an effective foil for rising babyfaces. But WWE’s directive about the nasal projectiles suggests that the company wants to preserve Mysterio’s edge while establishing clearer boundaries around what constitutes acceptable villain conduct.
The Broader Context: Heels in the Modern Era
This situation reflects a larger conversation happening within WWE about what modern heel work looks like. The company has invested significantly in Mysterio as a long-term antagonist, particularly through his association with The Judgment Day and his storylines with top-tier talent. His ability to generate genuine disdain from audiences is valuable from a storytelling perspective, but that value comes with parameters.
Other wrestlers on the WWE roster have faced similar conversations over the years. The balance between creating an engaging television product and maintaining corporate standards is a perpetual negotiation between creative departments, talent relations, and the wrestlers themselves. Mysterio’s situation suggests WWE is actively managing this balance by allowing certain elements of heel conduct to flourish while drawing firm lines in other areas.
Mysterio’s Evolution as a Performer
Despite the restrictions, Mysterio continues to prove that effective heel work doesn’t depend on any single tactic or shock value. His character work, psychology in the ring, and ability to tell stories with opponents remain among the best in WWE. The “snot rocket” incident, while memorable and meme-worthy, ultimately represents just one tool in his much larger arsenal as a performer.
Moving forward, WWE fans can expect Mysterio to continue his reign as one of the promotion’s most effective villains—just without the specific nasal theatrics that prompted backstage conversations. His commitment to pushing boundaries will likely remain intact, but it will find expression through other means that align with WWE’s current standards.
The directive itself serves as a reminder that even in professional wrestling, where theatrical exaggeration is the norm, there exists a framework of acceptable conduct. For Dominik Mysterio, that framework is clear, and he’ll continue operating within it while maintaining the edge that makes him such an effective antagonist.
