APOLLO CREWS

Sesugh Uhaa is a 37-year-old professional wrestler from Sacramento, California. He is currently signed with WWE and performs on the company’s SmackDown brand under the ring name, Apollo Crews.

Uhaa grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and was a huge wrestling fan in his younger years. Uhaa attended a military high school and participated in numerous sports including amateur wrestling.

After he participated in a tryout seminar held by Dragon Gate USA promotion, Uhaa was immediately signed by the company. He also competed in many different promotions such as Dragon Gate USA, Full Impact Pro, Great Championship Wrestling (GCW).

Apollo Crews’ WWE Debut

In 2014, Uhaa participated in a tryout camp for the WWE. He was signed to a developmental contract and joined the Performance Center in 2015. He made his first televised appearance on NXT in May under the ring name, Uhaa Nation. In August, NXT announced that his new ring name would be Apollo Crews. His first televised NXT debut was at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn in August.

At NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, Crews defeated Tye Dillinger. In his next match, he defeated Martin Stone and Tyler Breeze. He won a NXT battle royal in October earning him the number one contender spot for the NXT Championship. Crews received his title shot against Finn Bálor in November. He won by disqualification when Crews was attacked by Baron Corbin.

Apollo Crews’ Main Roster Debut

Crews made his main roster debut in a winning match against Tyler Breeze in April 2016. Three months later, Crews became the number one contender to the Intercontinental Championship. He received his title shot at SummerSlam but lost to the Miz. In 2017, Crews was moved to RAW as part of the SuperStar Shake-up.

Crews was drafted to SmackDown after the SuperStar Shake-up in April 2019. He then participated in a 51-man battle royal that was won by Mansoor. At Crown Jewel in October, Crews also competed unsuccessfully in a 20-man battle royal. Crews was drafted back to RAW in April 2020.

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One month later, he won his first ever WWE Championship title defeating Andrade for the United States Championship. His reign lasted 97 days when he was defeated by Bobby Lashley at PayBack.

Apollo Crews Drafted to SmackDown

As part of the WWE Draft in October 2020, Crews was drafted to SmackDown. Two months later, he began a storyline with Big E. Crews helped Big E win the Intercontinental Championship on December 25, 2020. Big E then issued an open challenge for the title, which Crews immediately accepted. This match ended in a draw.

Crews teased a heel turn by slapping Big E after the match and constantly asked for rematches.On the February 19th episode of SmackDown, after losing to Shinsuke Nakamura, Crews attacked Nakamura and Big E, confirming his heel turn.

Apollo Crews debuted a new character where he declared himself Nigerian royalty. He began to speak with a Nigerian accent in his promos. Crews also started coming to the ring with a spear and two Nigerian “elite guards.” He faced Big E at the Fastlane pay-per-view for the Intercontinental title but was unsuccessful.

Apollo Crews Wins Intercontinental Championship

On the April 2nd episode of Smackdown, Crews challenged Big E to a Nigerian Drum Fight match at WrestleMania 37. Big E accepted. At WrestleMania 37, Crews defeated Big E with the help of Commander Azeez to win the Intercontinental title for the first time in his career.

Crews lost the Intercontinental Championship on the August 13th episode of SmackDown to King Nakamura. His reign lasted 125 days. As part of the WWE Draft in October 2021, Apollo Crews was drafted to Monday Night RAW.

Apollo Crews Returns to NXT 2.0

In June, Crews was sent to NXT 2.0 and made his return on the June 7, 2022 episode as a fan favorite, confronting NXT Champion Bron Breakker. He would make his in ring return for the brand on the same night, teaming up with Solo Sikoa to take on Carmelo Hayes and Grayson Waller, which they went on to win.

On December 10 at NXT Deadline, Crews challenged Breakker for the NXT Championship in a losing effort. Soon after, Crews began a feud with Carmelo Hayes leading to a two out of three falls match at NXT Vengeance Day where Crews lost to Hayes in two straight falls. After the match, Crews was attacked by his former ally Dabba-Kato, who was originally Commander Azeez. This resulted in a match on the March 14th episode of NXT, where Crews was defeated.

As part of the 2023 WWE Draft, Crews was drafted back to the RAW brand. Crews was drafted to the SmackDown brand at Night 2 of the 2024 WWE Draft in the supplemental draft.

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STATS

Birth Name: Sesugh Uhaa
Born: August 22, 1987, Sacramento, California, USA
Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight: 240 lb (110 kg)
Spouse: Linda Palonen
Children: 2
Ring Name(s): Apollo, Apollo Crews, Uhaa Nation
Current Roster: WWE SmackDown
Finishing Move(s): Spinning Sit-out Powerbomb

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