In a major recognition of his rise in the wrestling world, Dominik Mysterio has been crowned the most hated wrestler of 2024 by the prestigious Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) magazine. This accolade highlights the impact of Mysterio’s persona, which has captivated the WWE universe with his incredible ability to generate strong reactions from the crowd.
Dominik, son of the legendary Rey Mysterio, began his wrestling career with a spotlight already on him due to his family legacy. However, it wasn’t until he turned on his father, aligning himself with Rhea Ripley and The Judgment Day faction, that his transformation into one of the most despised figures in professional wrestling truly began. This shift marked the beginning of his journey to the top of the “most hated” list, as fans quickly turned on him, reacting with fierce boos and jeers wherever he appeared.
The PWI award is a testament to the effectiveness of Mysterio’s character work, and it reflects the hard work he has put into cultivating a persona that fans love to hate. His decision to align himself with one of the most dominant factions in WWE, coupled with his controversial actions, has made him a lightning rod for animosity. Despite his history as a second-generation wrestler, Dominik’s choice to distance himself from the beloved legacy of his father has only further fueled the fire of hatred from fans.
One of the key moments that propelled Dominik to the top of the “most hated” list was his betrayal of his father at Clash at the Castle in 2022. After years of being part of Rey’s corner and assisting him in battles, the shocking turn left fans reeling. The betrayal was symbolic, not only because of the emotional weight tied to their real-life father-son relationship but also because of how it played into WWE’s larger narrative of family dynamics. Dominik’s switch was seen as a calculated move to distance himself from the path laid by his father, creating an image of a spoiled, entitled young man seeking power and control at any cost.
Following his heel turn, Mysterio’s character only grew more malicious, aligning himself with Ripley and The Judgment Day. His association with Ripley, who serves as the stable’s powerhouse, and the cunning leadership of Finn Bálor and Damian Priest, has helped elevate Mysterio’s image as someone who is willing to do anything to stay on top. His in-ring antics, which often feature underhanded tactics and interference from his faction, have made him even more despised by fans, who see him as a threat to the traditional heroism that Rey Mysterio represents.
While many fans initially saw Dominik as a young wrestler with potential, his character’s evolution into a heel has been marked by a series of antagonistic moments. His ability to generate heat with his constant provocations and lack of respect for his father has solidified his place at the top of WWE’s most hated wrestlers. His promos often feature disrespectful jabs at Rey, calling him weak and irrelevant, which has only served to amplify the crowd’s animosity.
It’s important to note that Mysterio’s rise to the title of most hated wrestler isn’t just a reflection of the fans’ emotions—it’s a sign of his growth as a performer. The best heels in wrestling history are those who can manipulate the audience’s feelings, and Dominik has proven that he can do so with style. His work as a heel has earned him consistent television time, and despite the boos, it’s clear that WWE sees the potential in his ability to draw attention and generate interest in their product.
As a young wrestler, Dominik’s evolution into one of the most despised figures in WWE has been nothing short of remarkable. His story shows how a heel turn, executed at the right moment, can completely change the trajectory of a wrestler’s career. From being seen as a likable rookie to now holding the title of the most hated, Dominik Mysterio’s journey has been one of the most compelling narratives in recent wrestling history.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2024, it’s likely that Mysterio will continue to play his role as the villain, with The Judgment Day by his side. His work in creating one of the most memorable heel personas of the modern era has already left an indelible mark on the WWE Universe, and this latest recognition by Pro Wrestling Illustrated only serves to cement his place in the history of professional wrestling.
The fact that Dominik Mysterio has achieved this recognition at such a young age speaks volumes about his potential as a top heel in the industry. While the fans continue to boo and jeer at every turn, it’s clear that Mysterio has mastered the art of generating intense emotion—and in the world of professional wrestling, that’s exactly what it takes to be remembered.
