Big E had successfully defended his Intercontinental title against Apollo Crews before. But until Fastlane, he hadn’t face the new Crews, the ruthless “Real African-American”.
At the start of their match on Sun., Mar. 21, it looked like the only difference was a fired-up, pissed-off E. While splashing Crews repeatedly on the ring apron, the champ told Apollo, “You earned every bit of this ass whooping, and you’re gonna get all of it.”
.@WWEBigE is out here to PUNISH @WWEApollo at #WWEFastlane! #ICTitle
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2021
▶️ https://t.co/xLIqW8bMss pic.twitter.com/eUxAMBAzLA
The man who’s embraced his Nigerian heritage as part of his heel turn wouldn’t go quietly, however. A series of German suplexes put him in the driver’s seat.
Unfortunately, a muddled finish overshadowed the story the men were telling. Crews thwarted a Big Ending and went for a small package. It looked like E’s shoulders were down for three, but then he bridged up and the referee counted three on Apollo.
They recovered to have Crews beatdown E in the aftermath for a “you won the battle, I’ll win the war” tease so they can continue the feud between the two at, or on the road to, WrestleMania 37.
A quick victory for @WWEBigE means @WWEApollo is NOT pleased. #WWEFastlane pic.twitter.com/JcQStTOnqS
— WWE (@WWE) March 21, 2021
Get complete Fastlane results and coverage of the entire show here.