2-Time WWE Champion Finally Returns On SmackDown After 13-Month Absence

A former WWE Champion returned to live TV by appearing on SmackDown.

Apollo Crews had been out of action for around 13 months, having last wrestled on the January 24, 2025, episode of the blue brand, where he defeated Johnny Gargano.

A couple of weeks later, it was reported that Crews had undergone surgery for a torn pectoral muscle, revealing that he would be out of action.

Post-rehabilitation, the 38-year-old competed in his first wrestling match at AAA Alianzas after answering an open challenge from Lince Dorado during an untelevised portion of the taping.

He also wrestled on the January 17 edition of AAA on FOX in a Rey de Reyes 2026 Qualifying Four Way, against La Parka, Aero Star, and Jack Cartwheel, which was won by La Parka.

Apollo Crews Featured On WWE SmackDown

Apollo Crews was featured in a backstage segment on this week’s WWE SmackDown.

The segment showed him speaking to Matt Cardona, when they were interrupted by Kit Wilson. Wilson ranted about how Cardona was toxic, claiming that their rivalry was not over.

Cardona replied that he was ready for a challenge at any time. Wilson left. While Crews did not make any significant impact in the segment, it remains to be seen when he returns to action on the blue brand.

Earlier in the night, Kit Wilson explained to the WWE Universe why he was not a part of the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Calling all the participants ‘toxic,’ he challenged anyone who was in the Rumble match to face him. This led to Oba Femi coming out to a huge pop.

The Ruler destroyed Wilson within seconds, winning the match after hitting the Brit with a Fall From Grace.

On January 23, Crews was defeated by Wilson on WWE Main Event.