After wrestling at WrestleMania 41 and becoming the Intercontinental Champion, Dominik Mysterio was to defend his title against AJ Styles at Night of Champions. But WWE RAW general manager Adam Pearce made an announcement that Dirty Dom would not be able to wrestle because of a rib injury. This is a few days before the event on June 28.
The Wrestling Observer Radio, via Dave Meltzer, is reporting that the injury is legit as it is not going to be serious. Meltzer confirmed it is a rib problem and Dominik is not going to miss much time. Further, PWInsider passed along confirmation that he was injured, and not geopolitical trouble, that kept him out of the card in Riyadh.
Healing in The Ring
The fan buzz, particularly theories that this might be a storyline device, notwithstanding, most credible sources confirm that this time it is actual. Meltzer again stated that the injury is “legit” and that “he will not be stripped of the title” and concluded by saying that Dom will just take the time that he needs before returning and AJ Styles will be first in line when he is cleared. No indication that WWE will vacate the belt in the time he is recuperating.
According to resources, certain insiders (including Bill Apter) are speculating that the injury angle could be a creative idea, the general opinion is that Dom is indeed injured according to Meltzer and PWInsider. There is still no official timeframe, but it is assumed that he will be back in a few weeks, which is long enough to recover without disrupting what is happening in the current plots.
The rib injury of Dominik Mysterio could put his in-ring activity on hold, but it is not likely to end his reign as the Intercontinental Champion. WWE can easily shift gears because it has a fan favorite AJ Styles ready to take on the next title shot. The thing now, with Dirty Dom, is that he has to rest, has to rehab, and come back stronger, so that he can bring back the heat in the ring soon.