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WWE: Apollo Crews continues to stand out, and we need even more of him

By Kevin Parvizi

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 12: WWE wrestlers Mojo Rawley and Apollo Crews pose for a photo during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings on December 12, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 12: WWE wrestlers Mojo Rawley and Apollo Crews pose for a photo during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings on December 12, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Apollo Crews picked up a big win over Baron Corbin on the Mar. 18 episode of WWE Raw, and we need to see even more of him going forward.

A potential sleeper to win the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 35, Apollo Crews has been an under-used member of the WWE main roster since joining SmackDown Live back in 2016. Crews has been with Titus Worldwide and seemed poised to get a mini-push, but it’s now in 2019 where we’re starting to see him take on an increased role on Monday Night Raw.

On the Mar. 18 episode in Chicago, Crews managed to earn himself a big match against Baron Corbin, who had just been named by Kurt Angle as the Olympic gold medalist’s final match in WWE at the “Show of Shows” on Apr. 7. By annoying Corbin, Apollo was able to get into a match, and then he told Corbin the truth: nobody likes “The Lone Wolf”, who received no support from The Revival after Apollo’s remarks.

In that minute, Apollo showed off the comedic timing and character work that have long gone underrated. Some fans like to say that Apollo lacks charisma and needs a manager to speak for him, but, clearly, he’s more than capable of holding his own on the mic or with his interactions in comedy segments. Remember his pose-off with Bobby Lashley?

But where Apollo Crews truly shines is in the ring. He’s a special athlete with his blend of power, technique, agility, and acrobatics. This man can pull off perfect gorilla presses, standing moonsaults, and some of the prettiest counters ever.

Apollo’s counter of Corbin’s chokeslam backbreaker on Raw was tremendous, and he was at his electric best, once again, in his match with Angle’s potential “Farewell” match opponent, Corbin. Furthermore, Apollo, who partook in Angle’s final match in his hometown of Pittsburgh on last week’s Raw, picked up the victory, rolling up his possible new rival.

That victory gives Crews some momentum, and it’s been a long time coming. Though Crews shined in late December in an Intercontinental Championship match against Dean Ambrose after starring – and winning – a battle royal earlier, WWE didn’t use him much until the Mar. 11 match after Fastlane against Angle.

But the WWE Universe respects the heck out of Crews, whose in-ring work speaks for itself. And as fans saw when he pestered Corbin and verbally owned him before one-upping the former United States Champion in the ring, Crews brings plenty of ability to the table as a character.

Next. The Kurt Angle 'Farewell Tour' has been awesome so far. dark

It’s time for WWE to take Apollo, who is now an experienced member of the roster in his third year on Raw or SmackDown, more seriously in their booking plans. That appears to be where we’re headed, but the key is consistency. With a win over Corbin, a seed has been planted that Apollo is a fully legitimate player on the Raw roster, and, again, the fans are ready to get behind Crews. Now, it’s all about getting WWE to follow through on a talented member of the roster who is ready to shine more brightly than ever in 2019.

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