As WWE’s SummerSlam 2025 weekend unfolded, Dominik Mysterio continued to stir the pot with pointed jabs aimed at CM Punk, this time with a sharp twist referencing a former UFC adversary who once defeated Punk inside the octagon. The ongoing heated rivalry, coupled with Dominik’s upcoming WWE Intercontinental Championship defense against AJ Styles, kept fans buzzing as the lines between wrestling and mixed martial arts blurred.
Dominik Mysterio’s recent comments, made during a candid interview with Shakiel Mahjouri from SHAK Wrestling ahead of SummerSlam, highlighted his growing disdain for CM Punk. “Dirty Dom” didn’t just stop at verbal barbs but escalated his taunting by name-dropping Mickey Gall, the UFC fighter who famously choked out CM Punk in their 2016 UFC bout. This reference was no accident; it underscored Dominik’s effort to exacerbate Punk’s notorious MMA setback while cementing his own tough-guy persona heading into one of WWE’s biggest events of the year[2].
This latest round of trolling comes at a time when Dominik is firmly in the spotlight. Following an injury that delayed his scheduled Intercontinental title defense against AJ Styles at Night of Champions, Dominik evaded medical re-evaluations, stirring storyline tension on WWE Raw. General Manager Adam Pearce threatened to strip him of the championship if he refused clearance, but Dominik ultimately declared himself medically fit in dramatic fashion, attacking Styles and confirming their SummerSlam clash[1]. His confidence and antagonism not only fuel the storyline but also add layers to his feud with several WWE top stars.
In addition to mocking CM Punk’s MMA career, Dominik took aim at Punk’s WWE credentials. According to reports on Ringside News, Dominik publicly questioned whether CM Punk deserved to have held the WWE World Title before Seth Rollins “saved the show” at SummerSlam, intensifying the animosity between the two[3]. This challenge to Punk’s legacy has extended outside the ring, involving both verbal jabs in interviews and social media spats, generating significant chatter among wrestling fans and media.
Sources close to WWE suggest this ongoing feud is more than just storyline heat; insiders view Dominik’s aggressive promos as a calculated move to elevate his standing and create compelling television during SummerSlam weekend, which WWE is heavily promoting globally. This year’s SummerSlam was notably available on multiple platforms including Peacock in the US and Netflix internationally, attracting a vast live audience eager for high-stakes drama[1]. WWE’s strategy appears to leverage real-life mixed martial arts history intertwined with wrestling narratives to engage a broader fanbase.
From a backstage perspective, a WWE insider shared that Dominik’s confidence has skyrocketed since adopting a more confrontational character. “Dominik’s not just playing the kid of a WWE legend anymore; he’s carving his own path and isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers, especially with someone like CM Punk who is known for his outspoken nature. It’s a win-win: it elevates Dominik and keeps Punk relevant in the conversation,” the source explained.
Dominik’s persistence in weaving MMA references into his promos also fuels speculation about potential inter-promotional storylines or future appearances blending WWE storylines with UFC elements, tapping into crossover appeal. While no official announcements have been made, fans remain intrigued by the possibility of continued intersections between these two combat sports worlds, especially with WWE’s willingness to incorporate real combat sports history into its narratives.
As the countdown to SummerSlam continues, Dominik Mysterio’s blend of wrestling skill, MMA nods, and irreverent promos has made him one of the event’s hottest topics. His upcoming title match against AJ Styles promises to be a hard-fought contest, while his verbal sparring with CM Punk shows no signs of slowing, setting the stage for continued fireworks in WWE programming.
For fans tracking the evolving saga, it’s clear that Dominik Mysterio is embracing his role as both a formidable competitor and provocateur, a combination that could define his career trajectory in 2025 and beyond.
[Sources: WWE.com via event updates and official announcements; SHAK Wrestling interview with Dominik Mysterio, August 2, 2025; Ringside News coverage of CM Punk and Dominik Mysterio feud, August 4, 2025; Wikipedia SummerSlam 2025 event summary]