Injury Sidelines Champion: Why Dominik Mysterio vs. AJ Styles Was Scrapped from WWE Night of Champions.
In a last-minute change disrupting WWE’s Night of Champions card in Saudi Arabia, Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio was forced out of his scheduled title defense against AJ Styles. The reason? A legitimate rib cage injury suffered by the champion, confirmed by multiple backstage reports.
The Announcement:
During the June 23rd episode of Monday Night RAW, WWE General Manager Adam Pearce informed fans that “Dirty Dom” Mysterio suffered a rib injury and would be unable to compete at the premium live event in Riyadh. This abruptly canceled the highly anticipated rubber match between Mysterio and Styles.
Real Injury, Not Storyline:
While injuries in wrestling can sometimes be part of a scripted storyline (kayfabe), multiple sources confirm this is legitimate. PWInsider reported that Mysterio is dealing with a real-life rib cage issue. Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio further clarified, calling it a “minor” rib injury but confirming its legitimacy: “Dom has a minor injury. That was legit. It’s a rib injury, but he’s not going to be out for very long”.
Related — Who are the Sexiest WWE Female Superstars in 2025?
Meltzer also specifically addressed and dismissed online speculation connecting the match cancellation to broader geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Israel, stating definitively that the injury was the sole reason for the change.
Champion Status & Recovery Timeline:
Despite the setback forcing him off the Night of Champions card, Dominik Mysterio is not expected to relinquish the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Reports indicate the injury, while painful enough to prevent him from performing this weekend, isn’t considered severe or long-term. PWInsider noted it’s “believed to be not too serious,” and Meltzer echoed that he won’t be out “for very long.” While no exact return date is confirmed, the expectation is he might miss only “a few weeks or so” of in-ring action.
Pearce emphasized on RAW that the rivalry is far from over. Styles is guaranteed the next title shot whenever Mysterio is medically cleared to return. This sets up the third chapter in their singles series. Mysterio won their first encounter in October 2022, while Styles claimed victory in the rematch this past February.
Dominik Mysterio’s Rising Stock:
Dominik’s forced absence is a blow to his momentum. The 28-year-old heel captured the Intercontinental Championship in a Fatal Four-Way match at WrestleMania 41 (dethroning Bron Breakker, with Penta and Finn Balor also involved) and has successfully defended it multiple times since, marking a significant reign in his young career.
Judgment Day’s Injury Woes:
Interestingly, Mysterio isn’t the only member of The Judgment Day circle currently sidelined. His on-screen associate, Liv Morgan (WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion), recently suffered a dislocated shoulder on RAW and is expected to be out for months, potentially leading to her being replaced as champion.
What’s Next:
WWE Night of Champions will proceed without the Intercontinental Title match. Fans will now eagerly await updates on Dominik Mysterio’s recovery and the eventual rescheduling of his clash with “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles, where the gold will finally be back on the line.