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Apollo Crews Undergoes Character Shift, Makes Shock NXT Appearance

By Sondra Ruth. Published 8th June 2022.
Apollo Crews

Former Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews shockingly returned to NXT to confront NXT Champion Bron Breakker!

On the latest episode of NXT 2.0, Bron Breakker addressed the crowd after retaining his NXT Championship against Joe Gacy at NXT: In Your House. The second generation superstar said that the feud between him and Gacy was deeply personal, but that he’s put that in the past since he’s been able to hold onto his championship. He then issued a challenge, asking who would step up to face him next.

Shockingly, former Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews entered to thunderous applause from the NXT crowd, who chanted his name and also “We miss you.” Crews said that he missed NXT as well, and that he’s here as long as he wants to be. He then began to praise Bron Breakker.

“Man I’ve gotta say, I’ve witnessed your meteoric rise to to top, and you are one of the best athletes, not just in NXT but in all of WWE.”

At this, the NXT audience applauded, and Crews continued, saying that this place is special and that he left too soon to accomplish some of his goals. Bron Breakker eagerly seemed to agree with everything Crews was saying, indicating that he’s interested in making history with the former Uhaa Nation.

“Man, I couldn’t agree with you more. This place is special, and I love this place! When I left NXT for the first time, I left way too soon, and I left a lot of things that I wanted to accomplish on the table. But I’m back to correct history! I am back to change history! Apollo Crews is back to make history!

“Brother, I envision that one day, sooner rather than later, you and I will be making some history together. Until that day, I’ll see you down the road, brother.”

In a complete shift from his main roster presentation, Apollo Crews appeared to be a babyface in the segment, and no longer has his Nigerian accent that he’s been sporting since early 2021. Commander Azeez did not accompany him, so it appears that his NXT persona going forward will be closer to the person he was when he made his beloved NXT debut at TakeOver: Brooklyn in 2015.

Apollo Crews wasn’t done with surprise appearances for the night, however, as later in the episode teamed with Solo Sikoa to take on the team of Grayson Waller and new NXT North American Champion Carmelo Hayes. This marks the first time he’s competed inside an NXT ring since being called up to the main roster in 2016.

Apollo Crews last competed in a tag team match alongside Commander Azeez on an episode of Main Event, and his last SmackDown appearance came the day before WrestleMania 38 when he competed in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal.

If you use any quotes from the transcription in this article, please link back with a h/t to Inside the Ropes.

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