5 things WWE SmackDown got right this week - Former champion turned face, new champions crowned and more

#4 Apollo Crews gets a big chance on WWE SmackDown

Apollo Crews in WWE

WWE SmackDown's first match pit Big E against Apollo Crews. These two stars displayed good chemistry in a bout for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Crews took the fight to Big E and showed off his impressive strength.

He easily threw around the massive WWE Intercontinental Champion and took him down with a big Superplex. But the match abruptly ended when the referee counted a double pinfall. He declared that the match ended in a draw.

It was a draw, meaning the title stays with the champ... and @WWEApollo is having NONE OF IT! The rematch starts RIGHT NOW!#SmackDown #ICTitle @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/tFn0PXkXrg

— WWE (@WWE) January 9, 2021

Crews demanded the title, as he claimed that he won the match. He then disrespectfully slapped Big E in the face. Crews’ actions convinced Big E to restart the match, and he fought Crews with much more aggression.

Big E refused to stay down, though Crews executed his signature moves. Big E finally hit his finisher to earn the victory. The initial false finish confused some fans, but this match still delivered.

.@WWEApollo took the champ to the limit, but the #ICTitle is staying with @WWEBigE tonight.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/tyL7qD4MWZ

— WWE (@WWE) January 9, 2021

Though he lost the match, Crews looked quite strong this week on WWE SmackDown. He'll probably get another shot at the title sooner rather than later. Fans can also expect the former WWE United States Champion to turn heel, as he hinted at his dark side on Friday night.