WWE had been hyping that WWE United States Champion Apollo Crews would defend the title against MVP during Sunday’s Extreme Rules pay-per-view event. However, that didn’t happen.
Instead, WWE had Tom Phillips mention on commentary that Crews was at the building earlier in the day ready to compete, but did not pass his pre-match physical. It was also noted that Crews has a bulging disc in his back as a result of the reason attack by Bobby Lashley.
WWE had Lashley and MVP come to the ring for a segment where they joked about Crews being hurt before MVP declared that he is the new champion by forfeit. This led to him getting the title although WWE never made it official that MVP is the new champion.
Dave Meltzer noted on today’s episode of Wrestling Observer Radio that Crews missing the show was due to “COVID-19.” It was later added by Meltzer that he didn’t know when WWE found out that Crews wasn’t going to be able to work the match, but pointed out how Crews hasn’t been on television for a few weeks.
After the segment at Extreme Rules with MVP, Crews took to his official Twitter account where he wrote the following:
@The305MVP is trippin thinking he can claim himself the #USChampion. I was looking forward to shutting you BOTH up once and for all tonight at #ExtremeRules but once I’m cleared .. #ImComingforwhatsmine
— Apollo (@WWEApollo) July 20, 2020
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