WWE SmackDown: 5 Biggest news stories - Seth Rollins brings back old theme song, Roman Reigns' next title defense announced (February 12, 2021)

#4 Shinsuke Nakamura answered Big E's WWE Intercontinental Championship open challenge; Apollo Crews' feud with the Intercontinental Champion isn't over yet

It's @WWEBigE vs. @ShinsukeN for the #ICTitle NEXT on #SmackDown! 😱 pic.twitter.com/wQXzsgm4Na

— WWE (@WWE) February 13, 2021

As a fighting Champion, Big E laid down an Intercontinental Title open challenge on this week's WWE SmackDown.

The challenge was meant for anyone apart from Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn, as Big E thought that it was time to give other stars an opportunity as well. While Zayn may not be a part of the Intercontinental Championship scene as of this moment, Apollo Crews has made it clear that he isn't done feuding with Big E yet.

Crews and Big E had an intense confrontation on WWE SmackDown, but the Intercontinental Champion did not allow his rival to face him once again. Shinsuke Nakamura came out and challenged Big E for the prestigious title instead, while Crews paced back-and-forth near the ringside area throughout the entirety of their bout.

What was that all about, @WWEApollo!?!?#SmackDown #ICTitle @WWEBigE @ShinsukeN pic.twitter.com/KLjbQ8yWMb

— WWE (@WWE) February 13, 2021

Before a clear winner could be determined, Crews attacked Big E to cause a disqualification. Apollo has shined in his role as an opportunistic heel against Big E, and there will most likely be another match between the two stars.

Meanwhile, Shinsuke Nakamura may want to get involved in the Intercontinental Title scene from this point onwards, as a clear winner wasn't determined between himself and Big E this week.