Apollo Crews Deserves to Be the NXT Championship No. 1 Contender

Apollo Crews is the new big man on campus.

He is the new No. 1 contender for the NXT championship, and evidently, somewhere down the line, Crews will vie for the title against Finn Balor.

Crews earned his spot by eliminating Baron Corbin on the October 14 episode of NXT. He survived the likes of Corbin, Rhyno, Tyler Breeze and Samoa Joe in an NXT championship Battle Royal to secure this opportunity.

Apollo Crews deserves to be the No. 1 contender for the NXT championship, even though he’s a fresh face many might not be familiar with.

So who is this Apollo Crews? What makes him worthy of recognition? More importantly, does he match up well with the champion?

Crews, billed as 6’1” and 240 pounds, is the big man who spent several years wrestling around the world, including in Japan. Crews went under the moniker, “Uhaa Nation,” until he signed with WWE.

Triple H inked Crews to NXT and had him debut at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn. Crews made an impressive mark, defeating "the Perfect 10” Tye Dillinger.

Since then, Crews continued his momentum to the top.

He’s been undefeated ever since his debut in Brooklyn. Crews recently bested Breeze at NXT TakeOver: Respect. Beating a wrestler who’s been one of NXT’s most recognizable faces is a notable victory for Crews.

Crews can overpower his enemies with his raw strength, and he can fly, too.

Crews presses his opponents over his head only to drop them behind him. He does a standing moonsault afterward, reminiscent of wrestling legend Rob Van Dam.

This is how Apollo Crews works. This is how he defeats his enemies.

His arsenal, presence and resume make him worthy of being the No. 1 contender.

Yet, the most important question of the day is more complicated than it seems. How would Apollo Crews fare against Finn Balor?

The tale of the tape pits Crews as the stronger of the two. Balor has the edge over taking the air. Crews’ strategy might be to ground the champion from utilizing his Coup de Grace.

Balor might be thinking the same way by keeping Crews off his feet and neutralizing one of his legs would keep the big man on edge.

Balor also has the experience factor. He’s battled Breeze, Rhyno and Corbin. The champion also took the title from Kevin Owens, who lost to Balor twice.

What makes Crews different from Balor’s other opponents is his unique package. Crews can move like a high-flyer and overpower enemies without a moment’s notice. He’s a deadly combination of strength and speed unlike any we’ve seen before.

Frankly, Crews has the tools to become the next NXT champion. But his lack of experience could hurt him in the end.

Breeze is the only competitor who tested Crews. Balor’s been tested by numerous NXT Superstars, including Breeze, Corbin and former champion Kevin Owens. Balor is better prepared for battle than Crews because of his experience. He can handle the spotlight.

However, it doesn’t change the fact that Apollo Crews is earning his spot. He’s stormed onto the scene and has passed so far with flying colors.

How Crews will fare against Balor remains to be seen. One thing is clear: Apollo Crews is worthy of becoming the No. 1 contender for the NXT championship.