Best & Worst of SmackDown: Incredible match for Roman Reigns teased, Big mistake made in main-event storyline

#2. Best: The rise of Apollo Crews on SmackDown

😱😱😱#SmackDown #ICTitle @WWEApollo @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/pPnhOCpDpU

— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2021

Apollo Crews is having the best run of his career on SmackDown right now. While his run on RAW from April to September 2020 was impressive, he eventually fell off the radar once he lost the States Championship to Bobby Lashley.

His move to SmackDown in October was criticized, but has turned out to be for the best. A heel turn led to an Intercontinental Championship win, and he has now defeated the likes of Big E, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn.

This week, Commander Azeez was barred from the ringside for the Intercontinental Championship match between Apollo Crews and Kevin Owens, but that didn't stop the 6-foot-9-inch giant from attacking the Owens backstage before the match.

.@CommanderAzeez may be barred from ringside, but he's not barred from backstage! 😱#SmackDown #ICTitle @FightOwensFight @WWEApollo pic.twitter.com/Op3yfQz6Ng

— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2021

It paid dividends as Apollo Crews eventually retained the Intercontinental Championship against Kevin Owens, after which Sami Zayn attacked his old rival.

Apollo Crews' rise on SmackDown has been fascinating to watch, and we're curious to see where he eventually goes.