Wrestling fans, get ready to cheer Apollo Crews is finally back in action. After a long layoff due to a torn pectoral muscle suffered earlier in 2025, he made his in-ring return during an untelevised AAA event in Mexico on November 22.
What Happened The Injury and Recovery
Crews was last seen on WWE’s SmackDown on January 24, 2025, in a match against Johnny Gargano. Unfortunately, during that match, he suffered a torn pectoral muscle, which led to surgery on February 4. He handled his recovery like a pro, using rehab to not only heal physically but also to rebuild his mental strength.
By mid-2025, Crews was already pushing himself in the gym again, sharing updates that he was “feeling good” and taking things day by day.By August, he had resumed training in a well-known wrestling gym, signaling that he was gearing up for a full-fledged return.
The Grand Return Apollo Crews vs. Lince Dorado
His comeback match came during a dark match (i.e., a non-televised bout) at AAA’s Alianzas event in Mexico City. Lince Dorado threw out an open challenge and Crews answered it in style.
He looked sharp, powerful, and fully focused as he executed a gorilla press followed by a standing backward somersault to score the pinfall.The crowd erupted this was a meaningful return, not just a cameo.
What This Return Means for His Future
So what does this comeback mean? Here are a few big takeaways:
| Aspect | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Physical Comeback | He looks healthy and strong again, showing his injury hasn’t dimmed his in-ring ability. |
| Mental Strength | His rehab journey proves he’s resilient not just a brawler, but someone who can dig deep. |
| New Opportunities | Working with AAA suggests he might explore options outside WWE or at least flex his presence more broadly. |
| Fan Connection | His return rekindles excitement; fans who stayed invested in him now have a reason to rally again. |
Conclusion
Apollo Crews’ return is more than just a “back in business” moment it’s a statement. He’s fought through injury, rebuilt himself physically and mentally, and stepped back into the squared circle with fire in his eyes. Whether this is the beginning of a major run or just a one-off appearance, it tells us something important: Crews isn’t done yet. And honestly? As fans, that’s exactly the comeback we were hoping for.