Apollo Crews has been released from WWE after nearly 12 years with the company name among the victims of departurefollowing WrestleMania 42. To the surprise of many, he appeared under his former ring name, Uhaa Nation, shortly after, at TNA Slammiversary 2026, where he competed. Mustafa Ali and Rich Swann for the TNA International Championship in a failed effort.
It was surprising because Crews was still in his 90-day release period after leaving WWE. He explained how he was able to participate in the Slammiversary match “Insight with Chris Van Vleet“.
“TNA has contacted WWE,” he explained. “Moose was probably the first person to call me and tell me that TNA wanted to invite me to Slammiversary. My first thought was: “Man, I’m still 90 days in. There’s no way that’s going to happen.” So I’m kind of cleaning it up.”
He said Ali called him to pitch the idea, but asked if it would be okay to lose the match. Crews explained that it was about a month after the release that he wasn’t even sure he wanted to wrestle.
“My answer to him was as follows. “He respected my answer,” he says. “I totally respect that, I would say the same thing.”
Crews said TNA came up with the triple threat idea where he didn’t have to get the pin for Ali to retain the title. He said it’s nice to be back in the spotlight, but wrestling still isn’t his main goal in life after WWE.
If you use any quotes from this article, credit “Insight with Chris Van Vliet” and credit ah/t Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.