Dominik Mysterio (Image Credits: Imagn)

Intercontinental Title No. 1 Contender Decided on WWE Raw

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Anand Sharma | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 1:42 PM ET

A new challenger has officially emerged for the Intercontinental Championship on Monday Night Raw, and the road to the title just got even more chaotic.

Penta Defeats El Grande Americano in Contender’s Match

Penta secured a future Intercontinental Championship opportunity after defeating El Grande Americano in a high-stakes No. 1 contender’s bout.

The finish was classic Raw unpredictability.

Rayo and Bravo attempted to interfere on behalf of Americano, looking to tilt the odds in his favor. However, the situation took a bizarre turn when the original El Grande Americano suddenly appeared and laid out both impostors. The unexpected attack created the opening Penta needed. Capitalizing on the distraction, he delivered his devastating Mexican Destroyer to score the pinfall victory.

With the win, Penta has now earned a one-on-one title match against Dominik Mysterio.

Adam Pearce Sets Up the Match After Backstage Confrontation

Earlier in the night, tensions flared backstage when the second Americano approached Raw General Manager Adam Pearce.

He complained that the original El Grande Americano had already been granted an Elimination Chamber qualifying match for next week’s Raw and demanded a similar opportunity. Pearce made it clear he wouldn’t simply hand him anything — but instead placed him in a No. 1 contender’s match later in the evening against a mystery opponent.

That mystery opponent turned out to be Penta, setting the stage for the chaotic showdown that followed.

Dominik Mysterio’s Reign Faces Its Next Challenge

Dominik Mysterio has been the Intercontinental Champion since capturing the title at WrestleMania 41 last April.

Although John Cena briefly dethroned him on the November 10 edition of Raw, Mysterio regained the championship just days later at Survivor Series, thanks to a crucial assist from a returning Liv Morgan.

Since reclaiming the gold, Mysterio has continued to cement his reign with confidence — and plenty of outside support when needed.

Now, however, he faces a very different type of threat in Penta. Known for his high-impact offense and fearless style, Penta brings unpredictability and intensity that could seriously test Mysterio’s hold on the championship.