WWE star returns to the ring after nearly a year out of action

Apollo Crews has returned to compete under the WWE umbrella. Before the live broadcast of the January 2, 2026 episode of SmackDown from Buffalo, New York, the wrestler had his first match in almost a year, marking the end of a long absence.

Crews faced Talla Tonga in a match recorded for WWE Main Event. Although the result was a defeat, the focus was on the simple fact of seeing him back in a WWE ring after a recovery process that has extended throughout most of 2025.

This was Crews' first match in WWE since January of last year, when he achieved a victory against Johnny Gargano on SmackDown. Shortly after that match, he suffered a pectoral muscle tear that required surgery on February 4th and led to his complete disappearance from the programming.

During his absence, Crews surprised by reappearing outside of WWE. At an AAA event in Mexico, he answered an open challenge from Lince Dorado, delivering a convincing performance in his debut for the company and securing the victory. That appearance fueled rumors and doubts about his immediate future.

Now, with this match prior to SmackDown, Crews officially returns to activity within WWE. It is not clear if this is a gradual comeback to regain rhythm or the first step towards a more stable return to television. There are rumors that he will be part of the men's Royal Rumble match.