18 Ups & 15 Downs For WWE In 2023

14. Dirty Dom Grows Into Role

When talking about most improved wrestlers for 2023, it’s impossible to ignore the growth of Dominik Mysterio this year.

That’s not to suggest he’s become a savant in the ring, but both WWE and Dirty Dom have cracked the code on how to best utilize him given his limited in-ring skills. Rather than trying to convince fans that he’s on par with Hall-of-Fame father Rey Mysterio, WWE has presented Dominik as a spoiled, delusional, hated heel who is everyone’s favorite human punching bag.

Fans mercilessly boo the younger Mysterio the moment he pulls a microphone to his mouth (with some help from a turned-down mic and sweetened crowd noise) and revels in seeing him get his a** handed to him in the ring. His relationship with Rhea Ripley continues to enrage crowds, with Mami fawning over her Dom-Dom and bailing him out when he gets in over his head.

Mysterio’s reigns with the NXT North American Championship illustrates this point, as WWE leaned into the hatred by turning Dominik into a modern-day Honky Tonk Man, an undeserving champion who holds onto his title through outside help and dumb luck.

Don’t expect Mysterio to be a main-event player once Judgment Day runs its course, but kudos to Dom and WWE for maximizing his potential at this stage in his career.