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The reigning WWE United States Champion Apollo Crews showed signs of embracing his dark side during the last episode of WWE RAW when he used the ropes to defeat Shelton Benjamin. The former NXT Superstar has received enormous support from the fans since joining the Red brand.
However, Vince McMahon seems to have grander plans for him as the rumor mill had suggested that the Creative team planned to turn Apollo heel even before he became the United States Champion. And as per a recent report, the current US champ could perhaps ally with MVP on the flagship show.
Given that Apollo Crews has become one of the top Superstars on RAW in just a few weeks, his heel turn would change the entire landscape of the Red brand. Here are the five things that could happen if Apollo Crews turns heel.
#5 Apollo Crews joins Bobby Lashley and MVP
MVP has undoubtedly become one of the most important members of the RAW roster as the former two-time United States Champion has ascended in his role as a manager. He played a huge role in putting Bobby Lashley in the WWE Championship picture in just a few weeks. Interestingly, on the previous RAW episode, he tried to recruit Apollo Crews in his group.
With the rumor mill reporting that this development was on the cards for a long time, Apollo will likely join forces with Montel Vontavious Porter soon. Like Lashley, MVP can resurrect the career of Apollo and make him a grander success.
Although he won the US title a few weeks ago, Apollo still has not received a new rival. Perhaps, WWE may slowly build his heel turn, and then, ultimately, he would join hands with MVP. Crews has improved a lot on the mic but someone as experienced as MVP can help him reach the next level.
If Apollo allies with MVP, WWE can also have a faction vs. faction rivalry. There are quite a few groups on the Red brand right now. Seth Rollins, Austin Theory, and Murphy have worked like a well-oiled unit while The Viking Profits would likely work as a stable going forward. Akira Tozawa and his group of ninjas were the latest addition to this list.
Whether MVP's faction gets more members soon is WWE's decision, but Apollo Crews would be the perfect choice if he turns heel.
#4 Apollo Crews vs. Angel Garza
The fans who followed Angel Garza during his Cruiserweight Championship reign would know how talented a performer he is. And if reports are to be believed, Vince McMahon considers him as a "young Eddie Guerrero."
The Mexican Superstar joined with Zelina Vega and Andrade upon his arrival on the Red brand. He even chased the RAW Tag Team Championships in WrestleMania season. However, Garza is yet to pick up his first title on the main roster.
Recently, he had received an opportunity to enter the United States Championship picture. Garza faced off against Kevin Owens and Andrade in a triple threat match to determine the next challenger for Apollo Crews' title. Much to the surprise of everyone, El Idolo pinned his partner to win the fight. Still, Garza stayed loyal to him and appeared in his corner at Backlash 2020.
However, Andrade's defeat to Apollo Crews weakened the bond between the two Mexicans. Vega tried her best to solve the issues between the two, but given how things have turned out on the Red brand, it is a matter of time before the faction implodes.
Garza could turn face here as there could be an angle where Andrade and Zelina kick him out. He could then pick up a massive win over the former NXT Champion to earn himself a US title shot and kick off a feud with Apollo Crews.
#3 Apollo Crews reduces the frequency of title defenses
Apollo Crews tried to defend his United States Championship regularly after picking up his first significant title on the main roster. He has been portraying the character of a face who is a fighting champion. However, this trend may end once he becomes a heel.
The heel Superstars often avoid defending their championships on weekly episodes. Perhaps, WWE can give Apollo Crews the same treatment and make his title defenses exclusive to pay-per-view events. While it is exciting to see the titles on the line every week, it would make lesser sense to see a heel Superstar putting his prized possession in jeopardy frequently.
WWE's next pay-per-view stops are Extreme Rules and SummerSlam, two events that always generate a lot of interest among the fans. It will be excellent for Apollo Crews' on-screen character if he gets a marquee match at these two PPVs because that could establish him as one of the top guys on RAW.
The company can even plan a grand storyline for the current United States Champion, where he would defend his title against a high-profile name.
#2 Apollo Crews vs. Christian
One of the key reasons why Superstars of the modern era have not gained a massive fanbase is that they lose momentum when they are about to reach the top. Apollo Crews has the potential to become the next big thing in WWE, and a feud with Christian could give him the boost that he wants.
As mentioned ahead, the next two pay-per-view events of the company are bound to attract a lot of attention, and it would be fantastic if WWE books a feud between Christian and Apollo Crews for the United States Championship. The Canadian Superstar may likely battle Randy Orton at Extreme Rules, and may even lose to the Apex Predator.
However, he can show up on RAW, and say that the match against Orton has helped him find his former self. Later, he could hint that maybe he has one more title reign left in him before he departs, and then WWE can kickstart the storyline between Apollo Crews and Christian.
The two-time World Heavyweight Champion has never held the US title in his career, a statistic that would further raise the stakes for their SummerSlam match. A win over Christian can establish Crews as one of the most significant Superstars in WWE.
This is a massive 'if' as Christian has repeatedly told that he may never return to the ring, but if he does, he could perhaps put over a current Superstar who is looking to solidify himself
#1 Apollo Crews becomes the next Paul Heyman guy
A majority of the fans would know that the former Creative head of the Red brand Paul Heyman played a massive role in the transformation of Apollo Crews from a lower mid-card talent to a champion. The rumor mills have reported that WWE can allow Heyman to manage a new Superstar on RAW since he is no longer an active member of the writing team.
Perhaps, WWE can blur the line between kayfabe and reality and book Apollo Crews to reject MVP's proposal, only to say that he already has the back of another veteran of this industry. The United States Champion would then leave everyone surprised by revealing Paul Heyman as his new manager.
WWE Universe is well aware of what being associated with Paul Heyman can to for a Superstar. He can take Apollo Crews to the main event picture. His promo-cutting skills are unmatched, and Heyman played a crucial role in Brock Lesnar's success.
Given that The Beast Incarnate is on a hiatus, WWE can use Paul Heyman as the new manager of Apollo Crews.
