Big E returning to WWE SmackDown next week

Image: WWE

Intercontinental Champion Big E is returning to SmackDown next week.

In a video that aired on SmackDown tonight, it was announced that Big E will return to the show next Friday. It will be the first time he’s appeared since an angle where he was stretchered out following an attack by Apollo Crews two weeks ago.

After losing to Shinsuke Nakamura two weeks ago, Crews attacked Nakamura and went to hit him with the steel steps until Big E stepped in. Crews instead hit Big E with the steps from behind. From inside of the ring, Crews threw the steps at Big E as he was laid out on the outside.

WWE posted a storyline injury update after Crews’ attack announcing that Big E had a “brachial plexus injury that resulted in temporary arm weakness” and was recovering at home.

Crews debuted a character change on SmackDown last week, embracing his Nigerian heritage and claiming to be a descendent of Nigerian royalty. Crews defeated Nakamura on last week’s show. On tonight’s SmackDown, Crews cut a promo and was flanked by two Nigerian soldiers. Crews said he’s very happy that Big E is coming back next week — because Crews is no longer the man who Big E once dismissed. Crews said he’s demanding another shot at the Intercontinental title.

Big E told Crews on SmackDown three weeks ago that things between them were over and Crews has already had enough matches against him for the Intercontinental title.

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Joseph Currier
Joseph Currier

Joseph Currier is the lead editor of F4WOnline.com, directing daily news coverage and writing articles on professional wrestling. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, obtaining a journalism degree in 2016. Joseph joined F4W during his time at UMass and has now been writing about the industry for nearly a decade.

In addition to his work with F4W, Joseph has previously contributed to Sports Illustrated's wrestling coverage. He lives in Massachusetts and is a diehard fan of the Boston sports teams and Liverpool Football Club.