Bayley, Nia Jax, Bianca Belair & others react to absent WWE star's personal update

Many current and former WWE Superstars, including Bianca Belair and Bayley, have reacted to a heartwarming update from one of their peers. Former United States Champion Apollo Crews has been away from RAW and SmackDown for nearly five months now, having torn his pectoral muscle.

He seems to have utilized his enforced time off well, recently graduating from Auburn University. Crews explained that he attended college but left without graduating to pursue his wrestling career. He went back and finished his course, earning an honors degree. The former NXT star posted about it on Instagram, along with a heartfelt statement:

"It took 37 years, but we got it done! It's never too late to do anything! Today, it is official! College graduate with honors!👨🏾‍🎓I originally left Auburn University before I graduated to chase my dream of becoming a wrestler. I’m glad I decided to go back and finish what I started all those years ago. 🙏🏿🙌🏿," he wrote.

Many of Apollo Crews' fellow wrestlers have commented on the post, leaving congratulatory messages for him. This includes current and former WWE stars, as well as backstage figures. Adam Pearce. Bianca Belair, Nia Jax, and Bayley were among the biggest names to comment.

Check them out below:

Several stars commented on Apollo Crews' Instagram post.

Sportskeeda Wrestling congratulates Apollo Crews on his success and wishes him the best as he recovers from his injury.

---

Apollo Crews to return to WWE later this year?

Apollo Crews tore his pectoral muscle during a match against Johnny Gargano on the January 24, 2025, edition of SmackDown. He underwent surgery at the start of February, kickstarting his rehabilitation process.

Recovery from such an injury takes at least seven months, so Crews could be back in WWE by August.

It remains to be seen if that's how long he will take. Either way, the former Intercontinental Champion could be set for a push upon his return to SmackDown, given he was being regularly featured in the weeks leading up to his injury.