12 WWE SummerSlam 2019 Impulse Reactions
3. Kofi Kingston Vs. Randy Orton
Kofi Kingston and Randy Orton were trapped at the latter's pace in a match that failed to spring to life despite the typical spring in the Champion's step.
All the synonyms were out for it - "slow", "deliberate", "methodical", but there was no getting away from exactly what this was - a Randy Orton main event. Well, a main event buried in the middle of the card anyway.
It had to be - the finish would have been the worst SummerSlam show-closer since Brock Lesnar opened 'The Viper's head up in 2016. A rare case of WWE production letting the idea down, Orton's sinister face-off with Kofi's son seemed missed by the bulk of the crowd, as was the 10-count the referee administered as they engaged in a staring contest.
It was, in defence of WWE, the only match of the night to deliver a unsatisfying non-finish. The company clearly had one eye on the rematches, but the Toronto audience understandably weren't enthused with the outcome they were served.