@ChandranTheMan I disagree.
It made smackdown watchable during that period.
Melo and Ilja just had banger matches with Guys from NXT, TNA, Smackdown, AAA
It helped in elevating their in ring potential.
I’m glad Trick Williams shut down the US Title open challenge now that he’s champion.
That concept works for a megastar like John Cena because he’s always featured on PLEs. But for workhorses like Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes, it’s a double-edged sword. You get great TV matches every week, but no real rivalries or stories that build to PLE matches.
Going forward, WWE needs to prioritize STORYTELLING with guys like Melo and Ilja. That’s the only way they reach the next level and become regulars on PLE cards.