Dominik Mysterio is no longer a double champion after dropping the WWE Men's Intercontinental Championship to Penta on WWE Monday Night Raw, all because of a curse brought about by Danhausen!
How did this go down tonight, what led to this, and what could be on the horizon? Let's break it all down.
How We Got Here:
Penta and Dominik Mysterio have been fighting over the Intercontinental Championship for over a year, on and off, with Penta always coming up short in one way or another. He most recently earned another opportunity at the title by defeating El Grande Americano on February 16th.
There has been tension within The Judgment Day for well over a year, too, and recently, Dominik Mysterio has been butting heads with Finn Balor over Balor's burgeoning babyface turn. Dom continues to want Balor and JD McDonagh (and anyone else who can) to help him retain his title through dubious means, while Balor is returning back to having respect for his opponents and wishing to win titles the proper way.
They had a backstage segment on tonight's episode where they crossed paths with Danhausen, who eventually cursed them because they were talking down to him.
Match Details:
During the match, Penta went down with pain in his previously injured shoulder. While the referee was checking on him, Mysterio asked Balor and McDonagh to give him the ring bell hammer to use against Penta. McDonagh was easily willing to help give it to him, but Balor stopped him, pointing out that if Mysterio said he wanted to do this on his own, they shouldn't help him that way. Penta then took them both out and was able to capitalize on the situation by hitting a Mexican Destroyer for the win.
This is Penta's first taste of gold within World Wrestling Entertainment, and it ends Mysterio's second run at 94 days. Combined with his prior run with the belt, he now stands at 297 combined days as champion, which is the 20th longest time in the belt's history.
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
This is great in many ways, with one "uh oh" that pops into my head. Penta is more than capable to fill this title's prestige and responsibilities, and this will continue the issues between Mysterio and Balor, while also giving clout to Danhausen to make up for that terrible debut. All of those are wins.
But last year at WrestleMania, the Intercontinental Championship match was a Fatal 4-Way between Bron Breakker, Penta, Dominik Mysterio, and Finn Balor. This year, who are the three people revolving around the title? Penta, Dominik Mysterio, and Finn Balor. If we're in exactly the same position as 12 months ago, that means there hasn't been enough movement, and it's wild that we'll basically get the same match again this year.
Tell us what you think about this title change by leaving a comment below! Who do you think will be the next in line to challenge for the title, or possibly even win the belt next? Keep the discussion going!