WWE SmackDown (8th January 2021): 5 Talking Points - New challenger for the Universal Championship, Huge title change  

#2 Big E retains his Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown in a controversial match

.@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

Big E defeated Apollo Crews for the Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown in a match riddled with controversies. Just a couple of minutes into the bout, it felt like Crews had come on top by securing a pinfall. The former US Champion celebrated his win, but the replays showed both the men's shoulders were down on the mat.

Though the referee announced the match was a draw with the championship not changing hands, Crews was visibly displeased. He returned Big E's handshake of respect with a slap, which compelled the champion to restart the match.

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

While this gave the match a streak of aggression, it didn't last very long, with Big E convincingly coming on top by the end of it. It was quite an intriguing development, as not many had expected it to be so one-sided.

However, the seeds for a possible heel turn by Crews were laid here, and it would not come as a surprise if we see him taking down Big E in the coming weeks on SmackDown to set up another match between the two.