Apollo Crews has officially returned to WWE action after being sidelined for nearly a year. Before the January 2, 2026, episode of SmackDown went live from Buffalo, New York, Crews competed in a match taped for WWE Main Event against Talla Tonga.
Although Tonga secured the victory, the match marked a significant milestone as Crews’ first time competing in a WWE ring since January 2025. Crews had been out of action due to a torn pectoral muscle suffered shortly after a win over Johnny Gargano on SmackDown in early 2025.
He underwent surgery on February 4, which kept him on the shelf for the majority of the year. His return to the company comes after a surprising appearance at AAA Alianzas in Mexico.
This is where he answered an open challenge from Lince Dorado and picked up a decisive win. The appearance in Mexico fueled speculation about Crews’ status and future. It remains to be seen if this match was a “soft reset” to help him shake off ring rust or the beginning of a full-fledged return to television for the former Intercontinental Champion.
Apollo Crews is back in-ring action.
📸: @RealPiccks pic.twitter.com/RDNopM6Mz8
— Roman Reigns SZN đź’Ą (@reigns_era) January 3, 2026
Filmed ahead of #SmackDown
Main Event match:
Talla Tonga defeated Apollo Crews pic.twitter.com/uHNmg3IY7q
— Ella Jay (@itsellajay) January 3, 2026
