In a shocking and decisive turn of events, Dominik Mysterio, who has started to go by the monicker “Dirty Dom”, bested a proven champion in Wes Lee to snatch the NXT North American Championship in last night’s WWE NXT event.
Fans are still reeling, with “Dirty Dom” and “Dom Dom” trending on social media platforms as the debate over Mysterio and his most victory heats up.
Rhea Ripley, Mysterio’s accomplice and confidante, proudly declared that Mysterio had outdone his famed father and promised that his first-ever singles title was just the start of a meteoric rise. Mysterio himself hinted at a switch to the “NXT” brand, adding fuel to an already raging fire of anticipation.
Despite entering the ring as arguably the most-hated heel in the WWE – his constant run-ins with the audience have earned him a reputation – Mysterio’s victory has opened a new chapter for him, the Judgement Day, and WWE NXT. Regardless of his popularity or the lack thereof, it’s undeniable that Mysterio, the smarmy, nepotistic, and ungrateful prodigy, brings an air of raw excitement and controversy to the ring.
Speechless#WWENXT pic.twitter.com/fWkOKDcatt
— WWE (@WWE) July 19, 2023
The chaotic, grueling match against Wes Lee was a testament to Mysterio and his ruthless approach. The former champion Lee, who held the title for an impressive 269 days after a hard-fought victory at Halloween Havoc, met his match in Mysterio’s calculated brutality and the underhanded interventions of the rest of his newfound family.
As Ripley, Finn Balor, and Damian Priest lurked menacingly around the ring, Mysterio and Lee clashed fiercely. The ongoing tussle turned in Mysterio’s favor when Lee, who was in control, was knocked cold by Ripley’s Championship Title. Mysterio was quick to seize the opportunity, crawling over the unconscious Lee to win the NXT North American Championship.
Mysterio’s victory could prove to be a game-changer for WWE NXT, especially as it angles for a ratings boost in the face of new TV deal proceedings. Having Mysterio, a high-profile and polarizing figure, as the North American Champion gives the audiences another reason to watch NXT.
It’s a strategic decision that elevates both Judgment Day and WWE NXT in one fell swoop. There’s a tangible benefit to the crowning of the WWE’s biggest heat magnet: the fans who loathe him will pay good money to see him dethroned.
Looking forward, the path is set for Mysterio’s title defense against Mustafa Ali, who won the right to challenge for the same title belt. This opens a fresh storyline, providing both a platform for newer fighters and a thrilling spectacle for WWE’s fan base.
Even though his wrestling prowess has been frequently mocked and called into question, Mysterio’s victory should silence all the haters. In the lead-up to his match, Cody Rhodes lampooned Mysterio as a below-average grappler, but the newly crowned champion had the last laugh.
Interestingly, this victory and probable shift to the NXT brand offer Mysterio the chance to hone his skills against a range of performers, including Tyler Bate, Dragon Lee, Damon Kemp, and Charlie Dempsey, fortifying his in-ring abilities. This move, while taking nothing away from Mysterio’s appearances on RAW, provides a fantastic opportunity for growth.
Ultimately, while controversial, the win has set the stage for fascinating confrontations and an elevated WWE NXT brand. It doesn’t matter if you love him or hate him, Dirty Dom is here to stay. As for Lee, this short-term setback opens up new narratives that could propel him into the spotlight in a different way.
The true winner here, however, is WWE NXT, which stands to gain significantly from Mysterio’s newfound status as a WWE champion, the hype around Judgment Day, and the riveting plotlines that will undoubtedly follow.
With Dominik Mysterio reigning over WWE NXT, Rhea Ripley dominating the WWE women’s division, and Finn Balor as well as Damian Priest taking turns against Seth Rollins, the Judgment Day is taking over the WWE.
