Former WWE champion breaks silence after first SmackDown appearance in more than a year

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After the show, Apollo Crews posted two pictures of himself, one each from his recent in-ring appearances at a house show and AAA. In the caption, he wrote a popular quote from Greek Stoic philosopher Epictetus about making the best of what one has and accepting what is beyond one’s control. The 38-year-old was seemingly reflecting on his return to in-ring action following a long hiatus due to injury.

“What should we do then? Make the best use of what is in our power, and treat the rest in accordance with its nature. 🫡 — Epictetus,” Crews wrote.

You can check out his Instagram post below:

WWE Superstar Apollo Crews returned to in-ring action at AAA Alianzas

Apollo Crews had been absent from WWE programming since the January 24, 2025, edition of Friday Night SmackDown, where he tore his pectoral muscle during his match against Johnny Gargano.

Although he continued to wrestle and secured the match, he had to undergo surgery and only returned to the squared circle at AAA Alianzas in November 2025. He has since competed in four more bouts: one on AAA, a dark match on NXT, and two on WWE Main Event.

Only time will tell when Apollo Crews wrestles his first televised match after returning from injury.