The whole mom thing held him back
The mom thing probably shouldn't have happened to begin with, that's just so weird, but since it did, I don't think they had his character right to best utilize it.
Last night I felt was his first big breakout moment as a character. I wasn't entirely sold on the character before last night but could see the potential. I feel like he's really starting to put all the pieces together to get to that next level. Still needs more work in the weight room but it's obvious he is putting in the work there because guy looked thinner than Tayshaun Prince when he debuted.
He went in knowing exactly what he wanted to say without it sounding like he was just reciting lines he had memorized, delivered it verbally and physically with confidence and conviction, and in my opinion the most impressive part, adjusted very smoothly and naturally on the fly when part of the crowd asked him to say one more time that he beat Chris Jericho.
All I know is he is only 21 years old and there's people who have been wrestling for longer than he's been alive that don't have instincts like that in front of a live crowd.