So much hype and anticipation went into Uso vs. Breakker that the main event of Monday’s show was ultimately going to decide how the episode was received.
The match started slower but picked up, delivering a flurry late and the outcome fans demanded and deserved. Their support of Uso has been unwavering since he jumped into singles action, and his win over Breakker was the only outcome.
The match felt like a big deal, a premium live event-worthy showdown that was properly hyped by WWE and sold on commentary by Tessitore and Barrett.
The rest of the show was strong, too. More focused, even.
Triple H and Co. eased off of The Judgment Day, thus preventing overexposure, while shining a spotlight on Woods, Kingston and what looks to be a cracking New Day. The latest in that feud, the strong match between Zayn and Kaiser and denial of a championship opportunity by Gunther, all furthered ongoing stories.
Throw in the latest from Strowman and Reed ahead of next week’s Last Monster Standing match, a tease for the returning Viking Raiders and a haunting new QR code from the Wyatt Sicks, and you had a show that maximized its three-hour run time and set the stage for future episodes.