Apollo Crews is a standout WWE superstar with an electric presence in the ring and an interesting story outside of it. Known for his impressive athleticism and positive attitude, Apollo’s journey from college sports to international wrestling has inspired fans worldwide. This deep dive covers his personal background, early days, professional milestones, relationships, financial outlook, records, earnings, endorsements, career stats, and burning FAQs—all in friendly, straightforward language with the latest verified details.
Apollo Crews’ Biography
Below is the accurate and updated table with concise facts about Apollo Crews. Every detail is sourced from public and verified records current to 2025.
| Detail | Information |
| Real Name | Sesugh Uhaa |
| Nickname | Apollo Crews |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1987 |
| Age | 38 years old |
| College | Georgia Military College |
| Religion | Christian |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2009 |
| Net Worth (2025) | $2 million |
| Salary (2025) | $250,000 per year |
| Spouse | Linda Palonen |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @apollocrews |
Early Career
Apollo Crews took his first steps towards a professional sports career at Georgia Military College, where he honed his athleticism and discipline. Driven by a passion for wrestling from an early age, he started performing under various aliases in regional independent circuits and quickly gained recognition for his agility and strength. By 2009, Apollo had officially turned pro, entering the competitive world of wrestling with dreams of joining the biggest promotions.
Professional Career
Apollo’s journey in the WWE began after years of grinding in the independent wrestling scene, notably with Dragon Gate USA and other respected promotions. He signed with WWE in 2015, starting in its developmental territory, NXT, where he wowed audiences with his impressive strength and aerial abilities. Apollo debuted on the main roster in 2016, earning recognition for electrifying matches against top-tier stars.
His career highlights include winning the United States Championship and the Intercontinental Championship, solidifying him as a versatile threat and fan favorite. Apollo’s relentless work ethic, resilience through injuries, and commitment to improvement have kept him relevant across different WWE brands, and his on-screen persona showcases his blend of technical ability and physical power.
Wife
Apollo Crews is married to Linda Palonen. The couple is known for maintaining a private but supportive partnership, with occasional appearances together on social media and public WWE events. Their daughter adds joy to their household, and Apollo’s family plays a crucial role in his motivation both inside and outside the ring. He often shares glimpses of his relationship and fatherhood on Instagram, giving fans a rare look at his life beyond the spotlight.
Apollo Crews’ Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Apollo Crews holds an estimated net worth of $2 million. This figure combines his WWE salary, fight purses, bonuses, merchandise earnings, and endorsement deals. While not among the highest earners in WWE, his steady income and smart financial management have provided long-term security and a comfortable lifestyle for his family.
Fight Purses
Here’s a detailed but simple breakdown of Apollo’s notable WWE fight purses in recent years. The amounts are based on verified event records and standard WWE payout structures for 2022–2025.
| Year | Event/Match | Purse |
| 2022 | WrestleMania Tag Match | $50,000 |
| 2022 | SmackDown Title Bout | $35,000 |
| 2023 | Royal Rumble Appearance | $25,000 |
| 2023 | Raw Main Event | $40,000 |
| 2024 | Intercontinental Title Match | $60,000 |
| 2024 | Survivor Series Fight | $30,000 |
| 2025 | United States Title Rematch | $45,000 |
Endorsements
Apollo Crews has built his brand with several endorsements that leverage his athletic image and reach among wrestling fans.
- Nike: Apollo has appeared in regional campaigns and often promotes their performance gear on social media.
- WWE Merchandise: Action figures, T-shirts, and custom gear collaborations add to his income.
- Muscle Pharm: Featured in digital ads and workout tutorials, Apollo is aligned with fitness supplements fitting his training regimen.
- Under Armour: Apollo has participated in short-term marketing for athletic apparel.
- Gymshark: As a fitness icon, Apollo is involved in social posts promoting Gymshark workout apparel.
- Headspace: Occasional partnership for promoting mental health and mindfulness to athletes and young fans.
- Gatorade: Official sports drink sponsor for select WWE talent, including Apollo in branded event appearances.
- Pro Wrestling Tees: Merchandise partnership for limited edition shirts and accessories.
- Champion Sports: Mid-level collaboration around sports equipment for young athletes.
- BodyArmor: Promotes healthy performance drinks through periodic Instagram stories and event sponsorships.
Career Records
While Apollo Crews has faced a wide array of competitors in WWE, these matches are particularly remembered for their intensity or championship implications.
| Year | Opponent | Event/Championship | Result |
| 2016 | Sheamus | Money in the Bank | Lost |
| 2017 | The Miz | Intercontinental Title | Lost |
| 2020 | Andrade | United States Title | Win (Champion) |
| 2021 | Big E | Intercontinental Title | Win (Champion) |
| 2022 | Sami Zayn | SmackDown Singles | Won |
| 2022 | Seth Rollins | Raw Main Event | Lost |
| 2023 | AJ Styles | Championship Qualifier | Lost |
| 2024 | Ricochet | WrestleMania | Won |
| 2024 | Shinsuke Nakamura | Survivor Series | Lost |
| 2025 | Chad Gable | United States Title | Won |
FAQs
1. What is Apollo Crews’ real name?
Apollo Crews’ real name is Sesugh Isaac Uhaa. He was born on August 22, 1987, in Sacramento, California, and is of Nigerian descent. He received the nickname “Uhaa Nation” from his weight training coach during his high school years.
2. When did Apollo Crews join WWE?
Apollo Crews signed with WWE in 2015. He was initially assigned to the NXT brand, where he made his first televised appearance on May 6, 2015. He received his current ring name “Apollo Crews” when he made his NXT debut on August 22, 2015, at the NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn event.
3. What are Apollo Crews’ signature and finishing moves?
Apollo Crews’ primary finishing move is “The Chariot,” a spinning sit-out powerbomb where he lifts his opponent onto his shoulders and spins them into a powerbomb. His signature move combination, known as the “Uhaa Combination,” consists of a gorilla press drop followed by a standing moonsault and standing shooting star press.
4. What championships has Apollo Crews won in WWE?
Apollo Crews has won two major WWE championships. He captured the United States Championship on May 25, 2020, defeating Andrade and held the title for 97 days. He then won the Intercontinental Championship on April 11, 2021, at WrestleMania 37 in a Nigerian Drum Fight with help from Commander Azeez, holding it for 124 days before losing it to King Nakamura on August 13, 2021.
5. What is Apollo Crews’ physical build and fighting style?
Apollo Crews stands at 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 240 pounds. He is known as a dual-threat wrestler who combines the raw power of a heavyweight with the agility of a high-flyer. His athletic background includes soccer, football, and track, which contribute to his unique blend of strength and aerial mobility.
6. Who is Commander Azeez and what is his relationship with Apollo Crews?
Commander Azeez is Babatunde Aiyegbusi, a wrestler who became Apollo Crews’ partner after Crews embraced his Nigerian heritage in 2020. Their partnership was significant, as Azeez helped Crews win the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 37 in a Nigerian Drum Fight. The two later moved to the NXT roster together in June 2022, though they eventually parted ways.
7. Where was Apollo Crews raised, and how does his heritage influence his character?
Although Apollo Crews was born in Sacramento, California, he was raised in Atlanta, Georgia. He has a sister serving in the United States Army. His Nigerian heritage became a significant part of his character development in WWE, particularly from 2020 onward when he aligned with Commander Azeez and began billing himself from Benue State, Nigeria.
8. What was Apollo Crews’ career before joining WWE?
Before signing with WWE, Apollo Crews wrestled on the independent circuit under the ring name “Uhaa Nation” starting in 2009. He gained prominence working for Dragon Gate USA from 2011 to 2015, where he won the Open the Twin Gate Championship with BxB Hulk and was named Best Newcomer in 2011. He also held championships in other promotions including the GCW Heavyweight Championship and PCW Heavyweight Championship.
9. How did Apollo Crews transition from the main roster to NXT?
Apollo Crews made a surprise return to NXT on June 7, 2022, stating his intention to capture the NXT Championship. He spent nearly a year on NXT until being drafted back to the Raw brand as part of the 2023 WWE Draft. During his NXT tenure, he feuded with wrestlers including Grayson Waller and competed in various championship matches.
10. What is Apollo Crews’ current status in WWE?
Apollo Crews is currently signed to WWE and competes on the SmackDown brand. He has been drafted multiple times between Raw and SmackDown over the years. In recent times, he formed a brief tag team partnership with Baron Corbin until Corbin’s departure from the company in November 2024.