Apollo Crews: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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'''Sesugh Uhaa'''<ref name=WWEContractWON/><ref name=WWESigningPR/> (born August 22, 1987)<ref name="28Birthday">{{cite web |date=August 22, 2015 |title=Apollo Crews reflects on his NXT debut: WWE.com Exclusive, August 22, 2015 (0:58) |url=https://www.wwe.com/videos/apollo-crews-reflects-on-his-nxt-debut-wwe-com-exclusive-august-22-2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908091433/https://www.wwe.com/videos/apollo-crews-reflects-on-his-nxt-debut-wwe-com-exclusive-august-22-2015 |archive-date=September 8, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2015 |publisher=[[WWE]] |quote=Apollo Crews comments on what it was like debuting in NXT, before more than 15,000 NXT fans, on his 28th birthday.}}</ref> is ana Nigerian-American [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. He is currently signed to [[WWE]], where he performs on the [[~~Raw~~SmackDown (WWE brand)|~~Raw~~SmackDown]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]] under the [[ring name]] '''Apollo Crews'''.

He started his career in 2009, ~~originally~~first working under the ring name '''Uhaa Nation''',<ref name="DGUSA">{{cite web |title=Uhaa Nation |url=http://www.dgusa.tv/bio/uhaa-nation |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102164019/http://www.dgusa.tv/bio/uhaa-nation |archive-date=January 2, 2015 |access-date=November 25, 2012 |publisher=[[Dragon Gate USA]]}}</ref> and made his breakthrough in 2011, when he was signed by the [[Dragon Gate USA]] [[Professional wrestling promotion|promotion]], which also led to him making his first trip to Japan to work for [[Dragon Gate (wrestling)|Dragon Gate]]. Standing at {{height|ft=6|in=1}} and weighing {{convert|240|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, Uhaa is known both as a [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques|high-flyer]] and a power wrestler.<ref name=MiamiHeraldInterview/><ref name=WWEInterview/><ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/105-dr-keith/26062-june-12-dr-keith-presents-one-nation-under-uhaa | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120619022413/http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/105-dr-keith/26062-june-12-dr-keith-presents-one-nation-under-uhaa | title = June 12 – Dr. Keith Presents: One Nation Under Uhaa!!! | last=Counihan | first=Alan | archive-date=June 19, 2012 | date=June 12, 2012 | access-date=November 25, 2012 | work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

He signed with WWE in 2015 and was assigned to the [[NXT (WWE brand)|NXT]] brand, where he was given his current ring name. He was promoted to WWE's main roster in April 2016, where he won the [[WWE United States Championship|United States Championship]] in May 2020 and later won the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship|Intercontinental Championship]] at [[WrestleMania 37]].

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On the April 6, 2020, episode of ''Raw'', Crews was traded to the [[Raw (WWE brand)|Raw]] brand, and lost to [[Aleister Black]] in his first match back as a Raw superstar.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Benigno |first=Anthony |date=April 6, 2020 |title=Aleister Black def. Apollo Crews |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-04-06/article/aleister-black-def-apollo-crews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707045233/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2020-04-06/article/aleister-black-def-apollo-crews |archive-date=July 7, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the April 20 episode of ''Raw'', Crews defeated [[Montel Vontavious Porter|MVP]] to qualify for the [[Money in the Bank (2020)|Money in the Bank]] [[Money in the Bank ladder match|ladder match]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 20, 2020 |title=4/20 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Money in the Bank qualifying matches featuring Rey Mysterio vs. Murphy, Aleister Black vs. Austin Theory, MVP vs. Apollo Crews |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/20/4-20-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-money-in-the-bank-qualifying-matches-featuring-rey-mysterio-vs-murphy-aleister-black-vs-austin-theory-mvp-vs-apollo-crews/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024061100/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/04/20/4-20-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-money-in-the-bank-qualifying-matches-featuring-rey-mysterio-vs-murphy-aleister-black-vs-austin-theory-mvp-vs-apollo-crews/ |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |access-date=April 20, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> however, he injured his knee in a [[WWE United States Championship]] match against Andrade the following week, ruling him out of the ladder match.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date=April 27, 2020 |title=Apollo Crews injured, out of Men's Money in the Bank Ladder Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/apollo-crews-injured-money-in-the-bank |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200618141631/https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/article/apollo-crews-injured-money-in-the-bank |archive-date=June 18, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Shortly after his return, off the back of a winning streak, on the May 25 episode of ''Raw'', Crews defeated Andrade to win the United States Championship, his first title in WWE.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Currier |first=Joseph |date=May 25, 2020 |title=Apollo Crews wins United States title on WWE Raw |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/apollo-crews-wins-united-states-title-wwe-raw-311821 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511010218/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/apollo-crews-wins-united-states-title-wwe-raw-311821 |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> At [[Backlash (2020)|Backlash]] on June 14, Crews retained the title against Andrade in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=June 14, 2020 |title=United States Champion Apollo Crews def. Andrade (Kickoff Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/wwe-backlash-2020/united-states-champion-apollo-crews-def-andrade-kickoff-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615040436/https://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/wwe-backlash-2020/united-states-champion-apollo-crews-def-andrade-kickoff-match |archive-date=June 15, 2020 |access-date=June 14, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> In June, he began a feud with [[The Hurt Business (professional wrestling)|The Hurt Business]] after Crews rejected an offer to join the stable. A title defense was set up between Crews and The Hurt Business' leader MVP on July 19 at [[The Horror Show at Extreme Rules]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zak |first=Brad |date=July 7, 2020 |title=Apollo Crews vs. MVP – U.S. Title Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/apollo-crews-mvp-united-states-title-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200708113030/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/apollo-crews-mvp-united-states-title-match |archive-date=July 8, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> however, Crews was absent at the event, and MVP declared himself as the new champion.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=July 19, 2020 |title=MVP declared himself the new United States Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/mvp-declared-himself-the-new-united-states-champion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801215255/https://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/mvp-declared-himself-the-new-united-states-champion |archive-date=August 1, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> In reality, Crews had tested positive for [[COVID-19]], though in storyline, he suffered a bulging disc as a result from an attack by [[Bobby Lashley]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Konuwa |first=Alfred |date=July 19, 2020 |title=WWE Extreme Rules 2020 Results: Apollo Crews off PPV Amid Twitter Speculation |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2020/07/19/wwe-extreme-rules-2020-results-apollo-crews-off-ppv-amid-twitter-speculation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200721223718/https://www.forbes.com/sites/alfredkonuwa/2020/07/19/wwe-extreme-rules-2020-results-apollo-crews-off-ppv-amid-twitter-speculation/ |archive-date=July 21, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Forbes]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=July 19, 2020 |title=Apollo Crews 'not able to compete' at WWE Extreme Rules |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/apollo-crews-not-able-compete-wwe-extreme-rules-315706 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208232836/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/apollo-crews-not-able-compete-wwe-extreme-rules-315706 |archive-date=December 8, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Crews returned on the August 3 episode of ''Raw'' and retained the title against MVP,<ref>{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=August 3, 2020 |title=8/3 WWE Raw Results: Powell's live review of Shane McMahon returns, Apollo Crews vs. MVP for the U.S. Championship, Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton meet face to face, the arrival of a new faction, the SummerSlam build continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/03/8-3-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-shane-mcmahon-returns-apollo-crews-vs-mvp-for-the-u-s-championship-drew-mcintyre-and-randy-orton-meet-face-to-face-the-arrival-of-a-new-faction-the/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319204456/https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/08/03/8-3-wwe-raw-results-powells-live-review-of-shane-mcmahon-returns-apollo-crews-vs-mvp-for-the-u-s-championship-drew-mcintyre-and-randy-orton-meet-face-to-face-the-arrival-of-a-new-faction-the/ |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |access-date=August 3, 2020 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> as well as in a rematch on August 23 at [[SummerSlam (2020)|SummerSlam]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=August 23, 2020 |title=United States Champion Apollo Crews def. MVP (Kickoff Match) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2020/united-states-champion-apollo-crews-def-mvp-kickoff-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207133852/https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2020/united-states-champion-apollo-crews-def-mvp-kickoff-match |archive-date=February 7, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Seven days later at [[Payback (2020)|Payback]] on August 30, Crews lost the United States Championship to Lashley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=August 30, 2020 |title=Bobby Lashley def. Apollo Crews to become the new United States Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/08-30-2020/bobby-lashley-def-apollo-crews-to-become-the-new-united-states-champion |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220618161837/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwepayback/08-30-2020/bobby-lashley-def-apollo-crews-to-become-the-new-united-states-champion |archive-date=June 18, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On September 27 at [[Clash of Champions (2020)|Clash of Champions]], Crews failed to regain the title from Lashley.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=September 27, 2020 |title=United States Champion Bobby Lashley def. Apollo Crews |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/09-27-2020/united-states-champion-bobby-lashley-def-apollo-crews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002011720/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/09-27-2020/united-states-champion-bobby-lashley-def-apollo-crews |archive-date=October 2, 2020 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

As part of the [[2020 WWE Draft|2020 Draft]] in October, Crews was drafted back to the SmackDown brand.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=October 9, 2020 |title=See all the results from the 2020 Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016214644/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/10-09-2020/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2020 |archive-date=October 16, 2020 |access-date=October 12, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the December 25 episode of ''SmackDown'', Crews helped [[Big E (wrestler)|Big E]] win the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]] by preventing then-holder [[Sami Zayn]] from escaping the arena.<ref>{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=12/25 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a cage match for the WWE Universal Title, Sami Zayn vs. Big E for the IC Title, Charlotte Flair and Asuka vs. Carmella and Bayley vs. Sasha Banks and Bianca Belair for the WWE Women's Tag Titles, Daniel Bryan vs. Jey Uso|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/12/25/12-25-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-cage-match-for-the-wwe-universal-title-sami-zayn-vs-big-e-for-the-ic-title-charlotte-flair-and-asuka/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=December 25, 2020|access-date=March 27, 2024}}</ref> On the January 8, 2021 episode of ''SmackDown'', Big E issued an open challenge for the Intercontinental Championship, which Crews immediately accepted and lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=January 8, 2021 |title=SmackDown results, Jan. 8, 2021:The Head of the Table imposes his will on SmackDown's high-stakes Gauntlet Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2021-1-8 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109060040/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2021-1-8 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the February 19 episode of ''SmackDown'', after losing to [[Shinsuke Nakamura]], Crews attacked Big E, who was at ringside, turning [[Heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] for the first time in his WWE career.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burdick |first=Michael |date=February 18, 2021 |title=SmackDown results, Feb 19, 2021: Reigns stands tall en route to WWE Elimination Chamber |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2021-2-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515023309/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2021-2-19 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

Crews would then debut a new character where he declared himself [[Nigeria]]n royalty,<ref>{{cite news |last=Guzzo |first=Gisberto |date=February 26, 2021 |title=Apollo Crews Says He's A Real African American, Uses Angle Slam As A Finisher On WWE Smackdown |website=Fightful |url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/apollo-crews-says-he-s-real-african-american-uses-angle-slam-finisher-wwe-smackdown |access-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730101920/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/apollo-crews-says-he-s-real-african-american-uses-angle-slam-finisher-wwe-smackdown |archive-date=July 30, 2021}}</ref> began to speak with a Nigerian accent in his promos in order to "embrace who he really is" and began coming to the ring with a spear.<ref>{{cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=March 5, 2021 |title=3/5 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Daniel Bryan vs. Jey Uso in a steel cage match, Bianca Belair vs. Shayna Baszler, the WWE Fastlane build continues |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/05/3-5-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-jey-uso-in-a-steel-cage-match-bianca-belair-vs-shayna-baszler-the-wwe-fastlane-build-continues/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310023416/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/05/3-5-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-jey-uso-in-a-steel-cage-match-bianca-belair-vs-shayna-baszler-the-wwe-fastlane-build-continues/ |archive-date=March 10, 2021 |access-date=March 6, 2021 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref> On March 21 at [[Fastlane (2021)|Fastlane]], Crews failed to win the Intercontinental Championship from Big E.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=March 21, 2021 |title=Intercontinental Champion Big E def. Apollo Crews |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2021/big-e-vs-apollo-crew-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322100042/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2021/big-e-vs-apollo-crew-results |archive-date=March 22, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the April 2 episode of ''SmackDown'', Crews challenged Big E at [[WrestleMania 37]] in a [[Hardcore Match|Nigerian Drum Fight]] for the title, which Big E accepted.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 2, 2021 |title=4/2 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the build to Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan on the penultimate show before WrestleMania 37, the Sami Zayn's red carpet documentary premiere with Logan Paul |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/02/4-2-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-build-to-roman-reigns-vs-edge-vs-daniel-bryan-on-the-penultimate-show-before-wrestlemania-37-the-sami-zayns-red-carpet-documentary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210403020914/https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/02/4-2-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-build-to-roman-reigns-vs-edge-vs-daniel-bryan-on-the-penultimate-show-before-wrestlemania-37-the-sami-zayns-red-carpet-documentary/ |archive-date=April 3, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zak |first=Brad |date=March 26, 2021 |title=Intercontinental Champion Big E vs. Apollo Crews (Nigerian Drum Fight) |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37/big-e-vs-apollo-crews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411064228/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37/big-e-vs-apollo-crews |archive-date=April 11, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On the second night of the event on April 11, he defeated Big E with the help of [[Dabba-Kato|Commander Azeez]] to win the Intercontinental Championship.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garretson |first=Jordan |date=April 11, 2021 |title=Apollo Crews def. Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight to become the new Intercontinental Champion |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37-night-2/big-e-vs-apollo-crews-results |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412042944/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-37-night-2/big-e-vs-apollo-crews-results |archive-date=April 12, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> Crews then successfully retained his title against [[Kevin Owens]] on the April 23 episode of ''SmackDown'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Roy |date=April 23, 2021 |title=WWE SmackDown Results – 4/23/21 (Intercontinental Championship match, Post-Show) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/featured/189375-wwe-smackdown-results-4-23-21-intercontinental-championship-match-post-show/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425113412/https://www.wrestleview.com/featured/189375-wwe-smackdown-results-4-23-21-intercontinental-championship-match-post-show/ |archive-date=April 25, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> against Owens, Big E, and Sami Zayn in a [[fatal four-way match]] on the May 21 episode of ''SmackDown'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Roy |date=May 21, 2021 |title=WWE SmackDown Results – 5/21/21 (Intercontinental Championship match, Backlash fall-out) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/191537-wwe-smackdown-results-5-21-21-intercontinental-championship-match-backlash-fall-out/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210623085328/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/191537-wwe-smackdown-results-5-21-21-intercontinental-championship-match-backlash-fall-out/ |archive-date=June 23, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> and against Owens again on the June 4 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nemer |first=Roy |date=June 4, 2021 |title=WWE SmackDown Results – 6/04/21 (WWE Intercontinental Championship Match, Tag Team Championship) |url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/192422-wwe-smackdown-results-6-04-21-wwe-tag-team-championship-match-bayley-challenge/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616205539/https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/192422-wwe-smackdown-results-6-04-21-wwe-tag-team-championship-match-bayley-challenge/ |archive-date=June 16, 2021 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=WrestleView.com}}</ref> On the August 13 episode of ''SmackDown'', Crews lost the title to King Nakamura, ending his reign at 124 days.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=August 13, 2021 |title=WWE SmackDown live results: Reigns and Cena go face-to-face |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-reigns-and-cena-go-face-face-349916 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108005423/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-reigns-and-cena-go-face-face-349916 |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He failed to win the title in a rematch on the September 24 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=September 24, 2021 |title=WWE SmackDown live results: Extreme Rules go-home show |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-extreme-rules-go-home-show-354406 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108015903/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/wwe/results/wwe-smackdown-live-results-extreme-rules-go-home-show-354406 |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

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After spending most of the year relegated to [[WWE Main Event|''Main Event'']], both Crews and Azeez were sent to [[WWE NXT|NXT]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Johnson |first=Mike |date=June 8, 2022 |title=Apollo Crews' WWE Status Going Forward, Future For Another Raw Star Revealed |url=https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=159743 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711154011/https://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=159743 |archive-date=July 11, 2022 |accessdate=August 10, 2022 |publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> On the June 7, 2022 episode of ''NXT'', Crews returned as a face and dropped the Nigerian character, confronting [[NXT Championship|NXT Champion]] [[Bron Breakker]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=June 7, 2022 |title=Apollo Crews appears on WWE NXT, confronts Bron Breakker |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/apollo-crews-appears-on-wwe-nxt-confronts-bron-breakker |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608045120/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/apollo-crews-appears-on-wwe-nxt-confronts-bron-breakker |archive-date=June 8, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> He made his in-ring return to the brand on the same night, where he and [[Solo Sikoa]] defeated [[Carmelo Hayes]] and [[Grayson Waller]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maloney |first=Chris |date=June 7, 2022 |title=WWE NXT live results: Women's Breakout Tournament finals |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-womens-breakout-tournament-finals |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627155557/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-womens-breakout-tournament-finals |archive-date=June 27, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On July 5 at [[NXT: The Great American Bash (2022)|The Great American Bash]], Crews cut a promo on who he should face in NXT, but was interrupted by [[Giovanni Vinci]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiken |first=Chris |date=July 5, 2022 |title=WWE NXT Great American Bash live results: Breakker vs. Grimes |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-great-american-bash-live-results-breakker-vs-grimes |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706015333/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-great-american-bash-live-results-breakker-vs-grimes |archive-date=July 6, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> This led to a match between the two on the following episode of ''NXT'', which Crews lost.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiken |first=Chris |date=July 12, 2022 |title=WWE NXT live results: Mandy Rose vs. Roxanne Perez title match |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-mandy-rose-vs-roxanne-perez-title-match |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712231855/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-mandy-rose-vs-roxanne-perez-title-match |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> Crews soon began a feud with [[Grayson Waller]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiken |first=Chris |date=August 23, 2022 |title=WWE NXT live results: Lights Out match, Heatwave fallout |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-lights-out-match-heatwave-fallout |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220824024954/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-lights-out-match-heatwave-fallout |archive-date=August 24, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> and on the August 30 episode of ''NXT'', Crews lost to Waller after he was poked in the eye.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiken |first=Chris |date=August 30, 2022 |title=WWE NXT live results: Worlds Collide go-home show |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-worlds-collide-go-home-show |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831235907/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-worlds-collide-go-home-show |archive-date=August 31, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On the October 11 episode of ''NXT'', a [[Casket Match|casket match]] between the two was made official for [[NXT Halloween Havoc (2022)|Halloween Havoc]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bath |first=Dave |date=October 11, 2022 |title=WWE NXT live results: Nathan Frazer vs. Axiom best-of-three finale |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-nathan-frazer-vs-axiom-best-of-three-finale |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012023952/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-nathan-frazer-vs-axiom-best-of-three-finale |archive-date=October 12, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Apollo Crews looks to fulfill brutal vision for Grayson Waller at Halloween Havoc |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/apollo-crews-vs-grayson-waller |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221014102142/https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwenxt/apollo-crews-vs-grayson-waller |archive-date=October 14, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> At the event on October 22, Crews defeated Waller.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NXT Halloween Havoc 2022 results: Bron Breakker caps unforgettable Halloween Havoc with title defense |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtple/nxt-halloween-havoc-2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025082840/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtple/nxt-halloween-havoc-2022 |archive-date=October 25, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> On December 10 at [[NXT Deadline|Deadline]], Crews challenged Breakker for the NXT Championship in a losing effort.<ref>{{Cite web |title=NXT Deadline, Dec. 10, 2022: Grayson Waller and Roxanne Perez set sights on the titles after Iron Survivor wins |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtple/nxt-deadline-dec-10-2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211053322/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtple/nxt-deadline-dec-10-2022 |archive-date=December 11, 2022 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He then engaged in a feud with [[Carmelo Hayes]], leading to a [[two out of three falls match]] on February 4, 2023, at [[NXT Vengeance Day (2023)|Vengeance Day]],<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Apollo Crews and Carmelo Hayes face off in a 2 out of 3 Falls Match |url=https://www.wwe.com/event/nxt-vengeance-day/hayes-battles-crews-two-out-of-three-falls |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202072524/https://www.wwe.com/event/nxt-vengeance-day/hayes-battles-crews-two-out-of-three-falls |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> where Crews lost to Hayes in two straight falls.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Full NXT Vengeance Day results |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtple/vengeance-day-2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205213308/https://www.wwe.com/shows/nxtple/vengeance-day-2023 |archive-date=February 5, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> After the match, he was attacked by his former ally Dabba-Kato, originally Commander Azeez,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=February 4, 2023 |title=Dabba-Kato returns at WWE NXT Vengeance Day, turns on Apollo Crews |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/dabba-kato-appears-at-wwe-nxt-vengeance-day-turns-on-apollo-crews |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511031311/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/dabba-kato-appears-at-wwe-nxt-vengeance-day-turns-on-apollo-crews |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> who defeated Crews on the March 14 episode of ''NXT''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiken |first=Chris |date=March 14, 2023 |title=WWE NXT live results: Johnny Gargano appears |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-johnny-gargano-appears |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230315035959/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-johnny-gargano-appears |archive-date=March 15, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref> On the April 18 episode of ''NXT'', Crews wrestled his final match on the brand, where he was defeated by [[Dijak (wrestler)|Dijak]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aiken |first=Chris |date=April 18, 2023 |title=WWE NXT live results: Two championship matches |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-two-championships-on-the-line |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230511031910/https://www.f4wonline.com/news/nxt/results/wwe-nxt-live-results-two-championships-on-the-line |archive-date=May 11, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>

As part of the [[2023 WWE Draft]], Crews was drafted back to the [[Raw ~~(WWE~~ brand~~)|Raw]] [[WWE brand extension|brand]]~~.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 28, 2023 |title=See all the results from the 2023 Draft |url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430031156/https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/latest-wwe-draft-results-2023 |archive-date=April 30, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> He was drafted to the SmackDown brand at Night 2 of the [[2024 WWE Draft]] in the supplemental draft.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=April 30, 2024 |title=WWE Draft Tracker: The full list of wrestlers to Raw and Smackdown |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/30/wwe-draft-tracker-the-full-list-of-wrestlers-to-raw-and-smackdown/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430062711/https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/30/wwe-draft-tracker-the-full-list-of-wrestlers-to-raw-and-smackdown/ |archive-date=April 30, 2024 |access-date=April 30, 2024 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=}}</ref> On the June 14th 2024 episode of Smackdown, he would start a short feud with Legado Del Fantasma after they interfered in his match against Andrade, subsequently adding [[Baron Corbin]] as his tag team partner.

==Other media==

Uhaa, as Apollo Crews, has appeared in WWE video games as a playable character in ''[[WWE 2K17]]'' (as a [[Downloadable content|downloadable character]]),<ref>{{cite web |last=Artus |first=Matthew |date=September 22, 2016 |title=2K reveals WWE 2K17 DLC, Season Pass and Digital Deluxe Edition details |url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/article/wwe-2k17-dlc-season-pass-digital-deluxe-edition-update |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206042810/http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/article/wwe-2k17-dlc-season-pass-digital-deluxe-edition-update |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=September 8, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K18]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=August 30, 2017 |title=2K announces third roster reveal for WWE 2K18, new entrance videos for Balor, AOP (w/Radican's Analysis) |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/30/2k-announces-third-roster-reveal-wwe-2k18-new-entrance-videos-balor-aop-wradicans-analysis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706022238/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/30/2k-announces-third-roster-reveal-wwe-2k18-new-entrance-videos-balor-aop-wradicans-analysis/ |archive-date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=September 8, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K19]]'',<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=July 11, 2018 |title=WWE 2K19 roster: every confirmed wrestler, plus 20+ rumoured new faces |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k19-roster |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007013644/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k19-roster |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |access-date=July 17, 2018 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K20]],''<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE 2K20 roster art: photos |url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k20/gallery/wwe-2k20-roster-photos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008213657/https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k20/gallery/wwe-2k20-roster-photos |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=April 2, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref> ''[[WWE 2K22]]''<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=July 6, 2022 |title=WWE 2K22 wrestlers list sorted by Raw, Smackdown, AEW and more |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-wrestlers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720065821/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-wrestlers/ |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> and ''[[WWE 2K23]].''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=April 30, 2023 |title=WWE 2K23 roster reveal with every confirmed wrestler |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503001213/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/ |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref> and WWE 2K24

=== Video games ===

{| class="wikitable sortable"

|+Video game appearances

!Year

!Title

!Notes

!{{Abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

|2016

|''[[WWE 2K17]]''

|Video game debut. Downloadable content

|<ref>{{cite web |last=Artus |first=Matthew |date=September 22, 2016 |title=2K reveals WWE 2K17 DLC, Season Pass and Digital Deluxe Edition details |url=http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/article/wwe-2k17-dlc-season-pass-digital-deluxe-edition-update |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180206042810/http://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k17/article/wwe-2k17-dlc-season-pass-digital-deluxe-edition-update |archive-date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=September 8, 2017 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

|2017

|''[[WWE 2K18]]''

|<ref>{{cite web |last=Radican |first=Sean |date=August 30, 2017 |title=2K announces third roster reveal for WWE 2K18, new entrance videos for Balor, AOP (w/Radican's Analysis) |url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/30/2k-announces-third-roster-reveal-wwe-2k18-new-entrance-videos-balor-aop-wradicans-analysis/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180706022238/http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/30/2k-announces-third-roster-reveal-wwe-2k18-new-entrance-videos-balor-aop-wradicans-analysis/ |archive-date=July 6, 2018 |access-date=September 8, 2017 |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |publisher=TDH Communications Inc.}}</ref>

|2018

|''[[WWE 2K19]]''

|<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=July 11, 2018 |title=WWE 2K19 roster: every confirmed wrestler, plus 20+ rumoured new faces |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k19-roster |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007013644/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k19-roster |archive-date=October 7, 2020 |access-date=July 17, 2018 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref>

|2019

|''[[WWE 2K20]]''

|<ref>{{cite web |title=WWE 2K20 roster art: photos |url=https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k20/gallery/wwe-2k20-roster-photos |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008213657/https://www.wwe.com/section/wwe-2k20/gallery/wwe-2k20-roster-photos |archive-date=October 8, 2020 |access-date=April 2, 2020 |publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>

|2020

|''[[WWE 2K Battlegrounds]]''

|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bankhurst |first=Adam |date=2020-08-16 |title=WWE 2K Battleground's Full Roster Revealed, AJ Styles and Finn Balor Confirmed for Launch |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/wwe-2k-battlegrounds-full-roster-revealed-aj-styles-and-finn-balor-confirmed-for-launch |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>

|2022

|''[[WWE 2K22]]''

|<ref>{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=July 6, 2022 |title=WWE 2K22 wrestlers list sorted by Raw, Smackdown, AEW and more |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-wrestlers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220720065821/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k22-wrestlers/ |archive-date=July 20, 2022 |access-date=July 23, 2022 |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref>

|2023

|''[[WWE 2K23]]''

|<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ben |date=April 30, 2023 |title=WWE 2K23 roster reveal with every confirmed wrestler |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230503001213/https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k23-roster/ |archive-date=May 3, 2023 |access-date=May 10, 2023 |website= |publisher=[[GamesRadar+]]}}</ref>

|2024

|''[[WWE 2K24]]''

|<ref>{{Cite web |last=updated |first=Ben Wilson last |date=2024-02-23 |title=WWE 2K24 roster guide with every confirmed wrestler |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/wwe-2k24-roster/ |access-date=2024-06-26 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref>

==Personal life==

Line 131 ⟶ 179:

[[Category:Living people]]

[[Category:NWA/WCW/WWE United States Heavyweight Champions]]

[[Category:Phi Beta Sigma ~~Brothers~~members]]

[[Category:Professional wrestlers from California]]

[[Category:Sportspeople from Sacramento, California]]

Line 137 ⟶ 185:

[[Category:21st-century male professional wrestlers]]

[[Category:Open the Twin Gate Champions]]

[[Category:FIP Florida Heritage Champions]]