6 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown: Former World Champion makes in-ring return after 6 years, 11-month Championship reign ends (January 8th, 2021)

#4 Apollo Crews is in a good position, but Big E reigns supreme on SmackDown

How did Apollo Crews fare?

Apollo Crews challenged Big E for the Intercontinental Championship on SmackDown and it was an excellent way to get the show on track. It was a great showing for Apollo Crews, but he was never going to topple Big E this early into his Championship reign and push on SmackDown.

Apollo Crews had his time in 2020, but with performances like this, he could still be in secondary title pictures for a long time to come. Unfortunately, it wasn't his night on SmackDown.

.@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

---

#3 Rey Mysterio and King Corbin's feud begins

King Corbin's next major feud

King Corbin's next major rivalry on SmackDown will be against Rey Mysterio. After attacking Murphy, the feud began, and Rey Mysterio was attacked by King Corbin after getting eliminated by Shinsuke Nakamura.

It was an interesting way to start a feud, and since Rey Mysterio was never going to win the Gauntlet match on SmackDown, it's good that a feud ultimately came out of it. Who will walk out victorious?

Completely uncalled for, #King @BaronCorbinWWE. #SmackDown @reymysterio pic.twitter.com/7M0cIlbgb9

— WWE (@WWE) January 9, 2021