Tonight's episode of WWE Monday Night Raw (November 10, 2025) in Boston started off with a bang as history was made when John Cena defeated Dominik Mysterio to win the men's WWE Intercontinental Championship for the first time in his career, which has now made him finally a Grand Slam Champion in World Wrestling Entertainment.
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:
Throughout all the accolades John Cena has attained over his career, including winning the world title for a record-breaking 17 times, the one main roster title he never won was the Intercontinental Championship. Of course, he's never won other titles like the Cruiserweight Championship or the NXT Championship, but the difference with the Intercontinental Championship is not only its lineage and history as WWE's secondary belt, but its distinction as being part of the package for a Grand Slam Champion.
For those unaware, when someone wins three titles in different configurations (usually a world title, midcard title, and tag title, but there are other ways), they are referred to as a Triple Crown winner. If they manage to win both of the midcard titles on top of that, they complete the package for a Grand Slam status.
Many of the greats have accomplished this in some fashion or another, but Cena was always missing the IC title (similar to how Sheamus is in that position now).
Match Details:
Opening this episode of Raw, Triple H gave Cena an introduction and was in the ring as Cena spoke about coming to Boston for his retirement tour. Dominik Mysterio interrupted to be rude and try to put himself over as more important, ultimately leading to an impromptu title match.
Mysterio tried to pull an Eddie Guerrero and cheat with the steel chair, only for Cena to also lay down and render it null and void to the referee, who was eventually taken out with a bump. While incapacitated, the referee wasn't able to see Mysterio tapping out to Cena's STF, nor able to count the pin after an Attitude Adjustment.
However, after Mysterio landed a frog splash, Cena caught him, rolled themselves up, put him on his shoulders and tossed him down with another Attitude Adjustment, this time getting the pin with the new referee.
Cena's title win was met with a warm reception from talent backstage, including Dom's father, Rey Mysterio, and the undisputed WWE champion, Cody Rhodes.
Personal Reactions & What Happens Next?:
This is great. Dom gets to have a match and be in the history books against Cena like this. Cena gets to work with a young heel and put him over (even by proxy of a loss, but you know what I mean). I love when people scratch off records like this, and this is only going to upgrade the December 13th final match. All wins here. I love it. I'm still anticipating Gunther is the last opponent and that he wins this title, obviously, which isn't a bad thing, either.
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!