With the road to WrestleMania 42 quickly zooming towards Las Vegas, a WWE Intercontinental Championship feud hasn’t been established.
Rather, Penta has issued an open challenge for the championship on WWE Raw, a move that could end up shaking up the future of the WrestleMania card.
Here are seven potential opponents that could answer an open challenge from Penta on WWE Raw for the Intercontinental Championship.
7. Rusev
One potential star in the hunt for a shot at the Intercontinental Championship in might be Rusev.
Able to answer an open challenge in order to face Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, Rusev could certainly put up a formidable fight.
With the result able to go either way and still lead to some compelling future storylines, the match could serve as the first of several between the talented stars, including a round two.
Definitely able to face off again in singles or multi-man action for the IC title at WrestleMania 42, there could be seeds for the future planted on this week’s WWE Raw.
6. Kofi Kingston
One of the most compelling heels on WWE Raw remains Kofi Kingston, despite his New Day partner Xavier Woods’ injury.
Continuing to engage in backstage segments with a variety of characters, Kingston has teased potentially challenging Penta for the Intercontinental Championship.
Certainly able to engage in a compelling singles bout, the clash between Penta and Kingston could end up being a show stealer in the end that sets the stage for a future showdown.
Inevitably when the Lucha Brothers (Penta and Rey Fenix) reunite in WWE, their collision course through the division will likely meet up with The New Day.
5. Sheamus
One returning name that could answer an open challenge by Penta for the Intercontinental Championship might be Sheamus.
Out of action since December 2025 when he was removed from action during the Last Time Is Now tournament, Sheamus still is hunting one important WWE achievement.
Similarly to John Cena before his final months in WWE, Sheamus’ Grand Slam is missing an Intercontinental Championship victory.
Potentially being a vehicle for not only a surprise return to action from Sheamus but also the crowning achievement to secure his place in the history books, there could be a memorable WWE Raw return moment coming soon.
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4. JD McDonagh
One interesting detail of Judgment Day turning on Finn Balor was the allegiance of JD McDonagh to the faction over his friend Balor.
Potentially a red herring entrant, McDonagh could serve as a pre-cursor to a subsequent challenge from Dominik Mysterio.
A dastardly set-up that the Judgment Day would certainly consider executing, rather than actually take the opportunity for himself, McDonagh would do Mysterio’s heavy work first.
Leaving room for Dirty Dom to sneak in and capture an ‘easy’ victory over Penta, their feud could certainly come back around in multi-man combat at WWE WrestleMania 42.
3. Je’Von Evans
One of the best aspects of an open challenge is that whoever answers it could be doing so simply to seize a major opportunity rather than looking to fight out a feud.
A further star making moment could be if Je’Von Evans answers the open challenge from Penta for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
With both stars able to showcase their unique combination of technical skill and high flying risk taking, they could put on a memorable bout.
Able to end with mutual respect, the match would serve as a testament to competition as well as sportsmanship – with a hearty side of merchandise sales for the two young-fan favorites.
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2. El Hijo del Vikingo
An intriguing storyline for Penta that has been running outside of the main roster are his various appearances in AAA.
Already picking up a number of enemies in AAA, the one that seems most unwilling to back down is El Hijo del Vikingo.
With El Hijo del Vikingo rolling with Omos as well as Dorian Roldan, the former AAA Mega Champion has already taken aim at Penta.
A big opportunity for a major crossover moment with AAA at WrestleMania 42, there could a very captivating showcase of Lucha Libre in Las Vegas that stems from Vikingo making an appearance on WWE Raw.
1. LA Knight
One star that has yet to have their WrestleMania 42 plans revealed is LA Knight.
With the fan favorite certainly able to play a factor in any number of storylines set for the Las Vegas two-night event however, it could be that being reserved from a spot on the card is purposeful.
Certainly a formidable foe, answering an open challenge for the Intercontinental Championship to compete against Penta, LA Knight could capture the IC Title and go on to have a host of challengers aiming for him in Las Vegas.
With the movement with the title making for more unpredictable action on WWE Raw, it could be that a title change now makes complete sense by the time WrestleMania 42 comes around.
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