Penta Wins WWE Intercontinental Championship on 3/2 Raw

At Survivor Series: WarGames this past November, Dominik Mysterio won the WWE Intercontinental Championship from John Cena. The latter held the title for 19 days after winning it on the November 11, 2025, episode of Monday Night Raw. Prior to that, Mysterio held the title for 204 days. In his first reign, there was one person who kept chasing after his title. Penta was always around, watching and waiting in order to get title matches and a chance for his first championship in WWE.

He faced Mysterio five times, including the fatal four-way at WrestleMania 42, when Mysterio won the title. Each time he fell short of the win. But now, with things fractured between the Judgment Day, will the sixth time be the charm for Penta? If things don’t get patched up between Mysterio and Finn Balor, a costly mistake could be Penta’s gain.

Penta Becomes IC Champ for his First Title in WWE

After Balor’s loss at Elimination Chamber on Saturday to WWE Champion CM Punk, he ignored his prior advice and stuck with the Judgment Day. He joined JD McDonagh in accompanying Mysterio to the ring for his Intercontinental Championship match against Penta.

But before they could go out there, Raw General Manager Adam Pearce had them meet someone special. He introduced Danhausen, who debuted at Elimination Chamber. The three threatened him, which he responded to with his “YOU ARE CURSED!” catchphrase. They looked at each other weirdly, but Danhausen disappeared before they could respond.

Confused, Balor and McDonagh led Mysterio out for his fifth one-on-one meeting with Penta. The match definitely showed their familiarity with each other. Penta was looking for a Mexican Destroyer early, but Mysterio quickly countered with a driver, and Penta kicked out. Mysterio then delivered a 619, but a splash led to Penta getting his knees up and applying a Sacrifice.

Each move was effortless, evident by their multiple matches together over the last year. Mysterio kicked out of a Penta Driver, then rammed Penta’s shoulder into the ring post. He then signalled to McDonagh to give him the bell. But Balor stopped him, saying that Mysterio wanted to do everything himself. This distraction led to Penta leaping on both of them. He then went for a Mexican Destroyer again, but got tripped.

Mysterio had him in position for another 619, but moved out of the way and successfully hit a Mexican Destroyer. The count was applied, and Penta was the new Intercontinental Champion. Whether it was Danhausen’s or Balor and McDonagh’s fault, Mysterio lost his championship. Will he want a rematch, or will serious conversations within the Judgment Day have to happen?