Big E popping those numbers even when NFL was having a fantastic match in Ravens/Raiders (it had an all-timer ending) is incredible to be honest.
And listen, the last two RAW champions were Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley. BOTH are more over than before their reigns, so it's the one thing that has been happening in RAW in a positive light.
I thought Drew was going to be dead in the water once live crowds came back or when he started feuding with Jinder, but he still is massively adored. It doesn't hurt that he is built like those dudes in the cover of adult romance books and knows it. Every time he takes off his kilt or his shirt, people go apeshit.
Lashley survived an all-time dumb decision when they split The Hurt Business, yet he still comes across as a great, amazing threat. People lost their minds when he locked up with Omos, for good reason.
I have faith that Big E will have a very good run. Specially when he makes that "CLAP FOR YOUR WWE CHAMP AND FEEL THE POWER" spiel. Instant hype.