5 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown: Surprising direction for Edge at Fastlane, Popular star set for big title win after drastic character change? (February 26th, 2021)

#4 Has Apollo Crews finally announced his arrival on SmackDown?

Is this what Apollo Crews needed

We'll be the first to tell you that we thought Apollo Crews getting drafted back to SmackDown in 2020 would mean the end of his push. We're glad to see that we were wrong.

Wealth. Dominance. Power.#SmackDown @WWEApollo pic.twitter.com/qh8a8gvP1x

— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2021

Apollo Crews introduced a new side of his character this week on SmackDown - and it's unlike anything he has done before. Now a full-fledged heel, the former US Champion came out sporting a new ring attire, and a white and green silk scarf to represent his Nigerian royal heritage.

He seems to be embracing his roots, declaring on SmackDown that he wasn't from the hood and that he comes from wealth and prestige. While we're not sure why he added a random African accent at the end of his promo, the rest of what he did was gold.

.@WWEApollo picks up the win on #SmackDown. pic.twitter.com/60pmzfIK4V

— WWE (@WWE) February 27, 2021

He faced and defeated Shinsuke Nakamura (after a pre-match attack), seemingly to indicate that he could be the next in line for the Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown. Is Apollo Crews going to be a breakout star in WWE in 2021? He had his biggest career success post-WrestleMania 36, and he could take it to the next level.