5 Things WWE Subtly told us on SmackDown: Edge's surprising involvement at Fastlane revealed, Big Fatal Four-Way ladder match teased for WrestleMania?

#1 Big E returns to SmackDown, but Apollo has taken it to the next level

Apollo Crews and Big E

Big E made his return to SmackDown, furious and ready to destroy Apollo Crews. He called out the former US Champion but got no response. He then issued an open challenge for his Intercontinental Title.

King Corbin and Sami Zayn answered the challenge. The Great Liberator described it as the perfect ending for his documentary, but he fell short to Big E in a solid match.

"You come here to hurt me... and I come to MAIM YOU!!!"#SmackDown @WWEBigE pic.twitter.com/IRlbT6uib7

— WWE (@WWE) March 13, 2021

After the match, the IC Champion continued to call out Apollo Crews and was attacked from behind.

While it wasn't an outright brutalization like their last interaction together, it was a big statement made on SmackDown by Apollo Crews. A change in attitude has taken him far and he will be the next in line to challenge for the Intercontinental Title.

.@WWEApollo ambushes @WWEBigE!!#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/zigptdg1dx

— WWE (@WWE) March 13, 2021

We can only hope that the feud pours on to WrestleMania 37 rather than Fastlane. It's a feud that has a lot of steam, and both men deserve that spot on this year's Show Of Shows. It will be interesting to see, but we expect Big E to eventually come out on top.