5 challengers for Apollo Crews' WWE Intercontinental Title

#2. Commander Azeez turns on Apollo Crews

If Commander Azeez is here, then you know that Blanka, Vega and E. Honda can't be far behind. #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Zfxy0hMJfZ

— Sportskeeda Wrestling (@SKWrestling_) July 24, 2021

Commander Azeez has been a huge part of Apollo Crews' success, both in terms of winning the Intercontinental Title and in terms of the latter keeping it for as long as he has.

It's a tried and tested storyline that WWE has highlighted time and time again. But they should absolutely explore a story where the giant gets tired of being ordered around by the smaller Crews and turns on him as a result.

This would allow Azeez to strike out on his own as WWE's next big monster in the absence of Braun Strowman, and to kick off a singles run as the new Intercontinental Champion.

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#1. Cesaro is the next rightful challenger to Apollo Crews

CESARO SWING!!!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/AvikLVxurg

— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2021

Cesaro is one of those superstars, who, like Kofi Kingston, has worked tirelessly in WWE for many years and definitely deserves some recognition for his efforts. It looked like this was going to happen when he defeated Seth Rollins at WrestleMania.

And it sort of did, for a while. Cesaro got to challenge Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship in a short-lived feud between the two, but obviously, Reigns came out on top.

As a result, Cesaro has still not been rewarded with a world title run following his WrestleMania success, which is why he should be next in line to challenge for a mid-card championship, at least.