Known for his dynamic blend of power and agility, Crews hit his stride under the “Nigerian royalty” persona in 2021.
After an unfortunate torn pectoral injury in January 2025, he underwent surgery in February and has been steadily recovering ever since.
Off-camera, he accomplished a long-deferred dream earning his college degree with honours. Here’s the complete, updated look at his career, recent developments and what lies ahead.
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Table of Contents
Apollo Crews’ Bio
The Rise of Apollo Crews in WWE
Sesugh Uhaa, known to wrestling fans worldwide as Apollo Crews, has made his mark in WWE with his unique blend of athleticism, strength, and passion for the sport.1
Born on August 22, 1987, this Nigerian-American wrestler from Sacramento, California, has captivated audiences since his career began in 2009.
Here, we explore the key moments, accomplishments, and personal journey of Apollo Crews, a powerful wrestler who seamlessly combines high-flying acrobatics with power moves to create his unique in-ring style.
😂😂😂 I’m more upset you exposed my choice of style back then! https://t.co/THqw8q9aH8
— Apollo (@WWEApollo) August 22, 2024
Early Life and Inspiration in Wrestling
Sesugh Uhaa’s wrestling journey began long before he stepped into a professional ring.
Raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Uhaa grew up watching wrestling legends like “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Rock, and Kurt Angle, who became his early role models.
Wrestling wasn’t just a spectator sport for him; it was a source of motivation and inspiration. This enthusiasm was further fueled during his time in a military high school, where he sought physical outlets to escape the strict discipline of military life.
In addition to amateur wrestling, he took part in other sports like soccer, football, and track and field. His intense weight training caught his coach’s attention, leading to the memorable nickname “Uhaa Nation” due to his exceptional strength, even at a young age.
Apollo Crews’ Career
The Beginning of a Wrestling Career
Apollo Crews started his wrestling career in 2009, adopting the ring name “Uhaa Nation” in homage to the nickname he earned during high school.2
Uhaa Nation debuted in the independent wrestling circuit, where he quickly established a reputation for his high-impact moves and versatility.
Standing at 6 feet 1 inch and weighing 240 pounds, Uhaa was an anomaly his physique was built for strength, yet he was as agile as any cruiserweight.
His unique blend of high-flying and power moves gave him an edge over other wrestlers, helping him rise rapidly in the independent circuit.
Breakthrough in Dragon Gate USA and Japan
Uhaa’s big break came in 2011 when he signed with Dragon Gate USA, a major independent promotion known for its high-flying style and technical prowess.
His success in Dragon Gate USA opened doors for him internationally, including his first tour in Japan, where he worked for Dragon Gate, the Japanese parent company of the promotion. Japan’s rigorous wrestling culture allowed him to refine his skills further and introduced him to a global fan base.
His intense training and performances in Japan established him as a legitimate contender in the wrestling world, making him a sought-after talent for major wrestling promotions.
Signing with WWE and Transitioning to Apollo Crews
In 2015, Uhaa’s career took a significant turn when he signed with WWE, the world’s premier professional wrestling organization.
WWE assigned him to its developmental brand, NXT, where he was rebranded as Apollo Crews. The name change represented a new chapter in his career, allowing him to cultivate a new persona while still showcasing the in-ring style that made him popular as Uhaa Nation.
WWE introduced him to a larger audience, allowing him to compete with some of the most talented wrestlers in the industry.
Rising Through WWE NXT and Main Roster Promotion
Apollo Crews made his NXT debut with a strong performance, quickly establishing himself as one of the brand’s top stars. Known for his impressive athletic ability and charismatic presence, he quickly garnered a fan following.
In 2016, after less than a year in NXT, he was promoted to WWE’s main roster, where he continued to evolve and adapt.
His debut on the main roster was met with enthusiasm from fans, who were eager to see his skills on a larger stage.
He steadily gained momentum, showcasing his versatility in various matches and storylines across WWE’s Raw and SmackDown brands.
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Apollo Crews’ Achievements
Winning the United States Championship
Apollo Crews achieved his first major WWE milestone in May 2020 when he won the United States Championship.
This victory marked a turning point in his career, as it validated his abilities and solidified his place in WWE’s mid-card division.
Winning the championship was not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the hard work he put in to reach that level.
As the United States Champion, he defended his title against formidable opponents, proving his capability to hold his own in high-stakes matches.
Embracing His Nigerian Heritage
The Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 37
- One of the most defining moments of Apollo Crews’ WWE career came in 2021 when he began embracing his Nigerian heritage as part of his on-screen character.
- This character shift allowed him to explore his cultural identity and connect with fans on a deeper level. He adopted a new entrance, attire, and persona that reflected his Nigerian roots, adding layers to his character’s backstory.
- At WrestleMania 37, Crews won the Intercontinental Championship, a prestigious title with a rich history in WWE.
- This victory symbolized his journey and growth, as he transformed from a newcomer into a titleholder on one of WWE’s grandest stages.
- What sets Apollo Crews apart from other wrestlers is his dynamic in-ring style, which combines elements of power wrestling and high-flying acrobatics.
- While his muscular build lends itself to powerful slams and throws, Crews surprises opponents with his agility and speed.
- Moves like his standing moonsault and military press make him a well-rounded competitor who can adapt to any wrestling style.
- This versatility allows him to engage in diverse match types, whether he’s facing high-flyers, technical wrestlers, or larger opponents.
- His style reflects his independent wrestling roots while demonstrating his ability to adapt and grow within WWE’s framework.
Challenges and Evolution in WWE
Despite his accomplishments, Crews has faced challenges throughout his WWE career.
The transition from NXT to the main roster is notoriously difficult, as wrestlers must quickly adapt to a larger audience and different storytelling demands.
Crews initially struggled to establish himself in the highly competitive WWE environment, often being overlooked in favor of established stars.
However, his perseverance and willingness to evolve have kept him relevant. By embracing new character changes, like his Nigerian royal persona, and consistently delivering strong performances, he has managed to carve out a lasting place in WWE.
Impact on WWE and Representation of Nigerian Heritage
Apollo Crews’ portrayal of Nigerian heritage in WWE has contributed positively to diversity within the wrestling world.
His character evolution allows fans from diverse backgrounds to see themselves represented in WWE’s storylines, enhancing the company’s appeal to a global audience.
Crews’ journey serves as an example of how wrestlers can honor their cultural roots and incorporate them into their professional personas, making wrestling more inclusive and relatable. His portrayal celebrates Nigerian culture, offering fans a unique perspective and expanding the scope of storytelling in WWE.
Outside the ring, Apollo Crews is admired for his dedication and work ethic. He has become a role model for aspiring wrestlers and fans alike, showing that hard work, resilience, and staying true to oneself can lead to success.
Crews frequently engages with fans on social media, sharing insights into his training regimen, experiences, and the challenges he faces as a professional athlete.
His story resonates with individuals who face obstacles in their careers, and he inspires others to pursue their passions despite the odds.
Apollo Crews’ Net Worth
A Closer Look at the WWE Superstar’s Earnings and Endorsements
Apollo Crews has made a significant impact in the wrestling world, both in terms of his performances and his growing financial portfolio.
As of 2025, Apollo Crews’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million. His wealth is attributed to his base WWE salary, various bonuses, endorsements, and additional income from other wrestling-related ventures.
Below, we’ll break down his net worth, career earnings, endorsements, and income sources to give you a clear view of his financial standing.
Breakdown of Career Earnings
- One of Crews’s primary income sources is his annual WWE contract. Let’s look at the different elements contributing to his career earnings.
- Apollo Crews reportedly receives a base salary between $200,000 and $400,000 per year as part of his WWE contract.
- His current base annual salary is around $250,000. This salary provides him a steady income and access to various WWE perks and resources.
- In addition to his base salary, Crews can earn bonuses and incentives. WWE stars often receive extra pay for special events, ticket sales, and merchandise revenue.
- Crews may earn additional income from pay-per-view events, merchandise sales, and premium live events, with his performance at each event impacting his bonus potential.
- Apollo Crews’s net worth is further boosted by special appearances on WWE’s media promotions. Whether it’s on shows or media appearances, he frequently engages with fans, which sometimes comes with additional pay.
- These appearances help elevate his profile, giving him broader recognition and increasing his income potential through related bonuses.
Apollo Crews: Day Out
Apollo Crews went on a day out with his children and shared their fun moments on his official instagram account.
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Apollo Crews’s Endorsements and Merchandise Sales
Like many WWE Superstars, Apollo Crews’s earnings aren’t limited to his salary and bonuses. He also benefits from endorsements and merchandise sales, which contribute significantly to his overall income.
WWE offers a wide range of merchandise featuring Crews, such as T-shirts, action figures, posters, and more.
His fan-favorite status helps drive merchandise sales, which translates to royalties. Each item sold generates a percentage of revenue, which boosts his annual income.
Apollo Crews has been featured in multiple installments of the WWE 2K video game series. These games generate significant revenue for WWE, and featured stars like Crews receive compensation.
Being a part of this popular franchise helps Crews gain visibility and also contributes to his earnings through additional royalties or appearance fees.
Crews actively uses his social media platforms to promote himself and engage with fans. This digital presence is also a source of income, as he collaborates with brands for sponsored posts and endorsements.
With a significant follower base, Crews can promote various products and services on his social media platforms, bringing in extra revenue through brand partnerships.
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FAQ’s
Who is Apollo Crews?
Sesugh Uhaa (born August 22, 1987) is a Nigerian-American professional wrestler signed to WWE since 2015. Known as Apollo Crews, he’s a former U.S. and Intercontinental Champion with a high-flying, power-based style.
What titles has he won?
United States Championship (May 2020)
Intercontinental Championship (April 2021, WrestleMania 37 under his Nigerian royalty persona) 3
What happened to him in 2025?
He tore his left pectoral muscle during a January 24, 2025 SmackDown match vs Johnny Gargano. Underwent surgery in February, rehab through spring, and by mid-August was back to in-ring training.4
Is Apollo Crews back yet?
As of August 2025, he has resumed ring work at a training facility—no official WWE return date yet, but expected later in 2025.5
Any personal milestones during his downtime?
Yes—he graduated college with honours in mid-2025 at age 37, completing a goal he had deferred years earlier to pursue wrestling.6
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