The new WWE Intercontinental Champion Apollo Crews appeared with his new muscle during a backstage segment on tonight’s SmackDown on FOX episode, confirming that the big man is called Commander Azeez.
As noted, Crews defeated Big E in a Nigerian Drum Fight to win the title at Night Two at WrestleMania 37. Crews took the win after Commander Azeez (formerly Dabba-Kato, Babatunde Aiyegbusi) hit the ring and Big E.
Commander Azeez is the same name that WWE trademarked shortly before WrestleMania 37.
On tonight’s SmackDown, Crews laughed at Big E and said he would offer the former champion a rematch, but he wasn’t on the show because of the beating at WrestleMania.
Crews provided some background on Commander Azeez, saying he was a former member of the Nigerian Elite Guard. Crews also mentioned the move that hit Big E at WrestleMania – the Nigerian Nail. Crews warned that if anyone dares to run for their Intercontinental title, they will be destroyed by the Nigerian Nail.
There’s no word on whether Big E will get a rematch at the WrestleMania Backlash pay-per-view on May 16, but we’ll keep you posted.
Below is a video of tonight’s backstage segment on SmackDown: