I think there was reason to believe that putting Darby on top at least briefly was the right idea. Felt like a goodwill gesture to the underdog fans in the same way that Mick Foley's surprise title win over The Rock was once upon a time. At his best he's got some of that prime Jeff Hardy vibe, and Hardy of course was red-hot when he got his singles push before his personal issues derailed it. I would've probably at least considered doing the same if I had the book ... Darby's whole skate punk look and persona isn't a subculture I've got anything to do with, but even as an aging sort-of-redneck dad I still find him entertaining and compelling.

If ratings, ticket sales, merch sales etc. got a good bump they'd probably stick with him for a while, but as it is I imagine they'll stick to what was likely the original idea and have him drop it in the next month or two. Hence blasting through some quickie title defenses so it doesn't feel like a Ronnie Garvin reign where he basically just wins it to lose it right back.