5 things WWE SmackDown got right this week - Daniel Bryan forced to leave; Champions defeated

#4 Apollo Crews retained his Intercontinental Championship with the help of Azeez on WWE SmackDown

.@WWEApollo's face says it all! #SmackDown #ICTitle @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/yRe3Rax8dA

— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2021

Big E and Apollo Crews made their way out on WWE SmackDown for yet another Intercontinental Championship match. Crews appeared overconfident as he was accompanied by the massive Commander Azeez.

Big E exploded early in the match and dominated Crews for some time. A big splash on the ring apron helped him keep control of the match. making Crews regret his previous actions.

The Intercontinental Champion took back control and dropped Big E at ringside. He delivered a moonsault to Big E on the floor to punish him further.

The separated member of The New Day tried to fight his way back and keep the pressure on the champion. A big splash nearly earned him the victory before he added a top-rope splash.

Big E came close to picking up the victory with the Big Ending, but Azeez pulled him out and sent him into the ring post. Kevin Owens arrived to make the save, but Sami Zayn appeared to nail him with a Helluva Kick.

The heels attacked Big E, and Zayn eyed the Intercontinental Championship before handing it to Crews. This ticked off Azeez who delivered a Nigerian Nail to Zayn to end the segment.

.@FightOwensFight has seen enough!#SmackDown #ICTitle @CommanderAzeez @WWEBigE @WWEApollo pic.twitter.com/8rMG3cK3kv

— WWE (@WWE) May 1, 2021

The angle will allow KO and Zayn to continue their rivalry before one man progresses to the Intercontinental Championship scene on SmackDown.

It also shows that Crews is vulnerable, and only holding onto his title thanks to Azeez. How long will SmackDown allow him to hold the title before Big E wins it back?