At WWE SummerSlam 2025, Dominik Mysterio retained his Intercontinental Championship in a hard-fought and controversial match against AJ Styles, but more importantly, he delivered a defining moment that sent a clear message to doubters and critics alike. In a recent candid interview on the My Mom’s Basement podcast with Barstool Sports’ Robbie Fox, Dominik revealed that he intentionally fought his match alone, rejecting any outside interference from his Judgment Day stablemates to prove that he could succeed solely on his own merits[2].

During the match at MetLife Stadium, Dominik channeled the legacy of WWE legend Eddie Guerrero, utilizing clever tactics as a homage to Guerrero’s iconic “dirty tricks.” One such moment saw Dominik slam a steel chair to the mat and toss it to Styles before collapsing to simulate being hit, fooling the referee into thinking Styles was the cheater. This tribute further enriched the narrative, tying Dominik’s 20-year WWE journey back to the original “Who’s Your Papi?” storyline from SummerSlam 2005, where a young Dominik was a central figure between Guerrero and his father, Rey Mysterio[1][4].

Dominik’s decision to forgo help from The Judgment Day in his marquee match was not a slight against his faction, but rather a deliberate “shot at the haters,” as he explained. Many fans and critics had anticipated outside interference, speculating whether members like Roxanne Perez or Finn Balor would intervene. Instead, Dominik chose to rely entirely on his own skills and strategy to outsmart AJ Styles, a veteran and highly respected opponent. The victory under these self-reliant circumstances demonstrated Dominik’s growth as a top-tier WWE competitor[2].

The match itself was intense and showcased both wrestlers’ resilience and high-level technique. Styles dominated early, nearly executing his signature Styles Clash, but Dominik managed escapes and counters including a Michinoku Driver and a 619. In a dramatic finish, Styles’s attempt at a calf crusher was broken involuntarily when he pulled off Dominik’s boot, allowing Dominik to capitalize with a boot to the head and a decisive Frog Splash pinfall[1][3][4]. The controversial tactics and close calls stirred a passionate reaction from the audience, highlighting Dominik’s clever mix of athleticism and guile.

Following the match, Dominik reaffirmed his identity as “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio, embracing the cunning and resourcefulness emblematic of his family’s wrestling legacy. His win at SummerSlam marked another milestone in defending the Intercontinental Title since capturing it at WrestleMania earlier this year in a fatal four-way. With previous successful defenses against Pentagon Jr. and Octagon Jr., Dominik’s persistence in holding the championship solidifies his status as a mainstay of the mid-card and possibly a future world title contender[3].

In addition to his WWE accomplishments, Dominik’s ambition extends beyond the company. He recently entered the AAA Mega Championship scene in Mexico, indicating his desire to expand his wrestling resume internationally and connect with Lucha Libre traditions that are part of his heritage[3]. This cross-promotion pursuit only strengthens his reputation as a versatile, increasingly influential figure in professional wrestling.

Sources close to WWE insiders revealed that the company supported Dominik’s decision to wrestle solo at SummerSlam, seeing it as a pivotal character moment that adds layers of depth to his ongoing storyline within Judgment Day and the WWE Universe. This development is viewed backstage as a deliberate character-building strategy to elevate Dominik from a promising talent to a serious, self-assured champion capable of carrying high-profile matches on his own[2].

Dominik Mysterio’s SummerSlam 2025 performance and his recent interview underscore a personal and professional evolution—balancing the honor of a wrestling family legacy while carving out his own path. His ability to blend homage with innovation, skill with strategy, demonstrates why he continues to garner respect from fans and peers alike. As he said on the podcast, “I told them I was going to do it all on my own, and I did just that.” Whether Defying the odds inside the ring or responding to external skeptics, Dominik Mysterio is proving he belongs at the top of WWE’s next generation of stars[2].

For continuing updates and detailed coverage of Dominik’s WWE career and future endeavors, stay tuned to WWE.com, Fightful, and premium wrestling podcasts. His journey is not only a tribute to legacy but also a bold statement for his own destiny as WWE SummerSlam’s rising star.