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Uhaa Nation

Edit

Sesugh Uhaa[3][4] (born August 22, 1987)[5] is an American professional wrestler, better known by the ring name Apollo Crews. He is currently signed to WWE, where he performs on its Raw brand.

He started his career in 2009, originally working under the ring name Uhaa Nation,[6] and made his breakthrough in 2011, when he was signed by the Dragon Gate USA promotion, which also led to him making his first trip to Japan to work for Dragon Gate. In 2015, Uhaa signed with WWE and was assigned to its developmental brand NXT, where he was given the ring name Apollo Crews. He was promoted to WWE's main roster on April 4, 2016. Standing at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and weighing 240 lb (110 kg), Uhaa is known both as a high-flyer and a power wrestler.[7][8][9]

Early life[]

Born in Sacramento, California, Uhaa was raised in Atlanta, Georgia and early on fell in love with professional wrestling,[10] becoming a fan of performers such as Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock and especially Kurt Angle.[7][8] He went to a military high school and began practicing various sports, including amateur wrestling, soccer, football and track and field,[11][12] as both an outlet and a way to "get away from the military life".[7] While weight training in high school, he was given the nickname "Uhaa Nation", when his coach noted that he was "as strong as a single nation".[10]

Professional wrestling career[]

Early career[]

After finishing college, Uhaa quickly got a job in order to pay for his professional wrestling training.[8] He began training at the age of 21 under Curtis "Mr." Hughes at his World Wrestling Alliance 4 (WWA4) promotion's training school in Atlanta.[6][8] After making his wrestling debut under the ring name Uhaa Nation on August 17, 2009,[10] he spent over a year working mainly for small promotions on the Georgian independent circuit, but also made trips to Houston, Texas-based Pro Wrestling Alliance (PWA) and Phenix City, Alabama-based Great Championship Wrestling (GCW),[10][13] often working with fellow WWA4 trainee AR Fox.[14]

Dragon Gate and affiliates (2011–2015)[]

On September 9, 2011, Uhaa took part in a tryout seminar held by the Dragon Gate USA promotion.[6] He was immediately signed for appearances for not only Dragon Gate USA, but also its parent promotion, Dragon Gate, and close affiliates EVOLVE and Full Impact Pro (FIP).[6] He made his wrestling debut for Dragon Gate USA later that same day, defeating Aaron Draven in a squash match.[15] Uhaa made his pay-per-view debut the following day at Untouchable 2011, where he answered Brodie Lee's open challenge and dominated him, before Lee left the ringside area.[16][17] The following day at the Way of the Ronin 2011 pay-per-view, Uhaa defeated Facade, Flip Kendrick and Sugar Dunkerton in a four-way match.[18] On October 29, Uhaa made his first appearance for Full Impact Pro, when he defeated Jake Manning for FIP Florida Heritage Championship.[19] Uhaa then entered a storyline, where different Dragon Gate USA stables tried to recruit him to join them.[20] On November 30, Uhaa made his Japanese debut for Dragon Gate, during an event produced by the villainous Blood Warriors stable. Uhaa defeated Kotoka in a match that lasted 99 seconds, establishing himself as the newest member of Blood Warriors in the process.[21] For the rest of the tour, which lasted until December 25, Uhaa worked alongside the Blood Warriors stable, winning every one of his matches.[22][23] At the end of 2011, Dragon Gate USA named Uhaa the Best Newcomer of the year.[6] He also finished second behind Daichi Hashimoto in Wrestling Observer Newsletter's award category for Rookie of the Year.[24]

Upon his return to the United States, Uhaa made his debut for Evolve on January 14, 2012, with a win over Pinkie Sanchez.[25][26] When the following March, Akira Tozawa took over the leadership of Blood Warriors from CIMA and renamed the group Mad Blankey, Uhaa Nation followed along to the renamed stable.[6] Uhaa made his first appearance representing Mad Blankey at a DGUSA event on March 29, when he and stablemates Akira Tozawa and BxB Hulk defeated Ronin (Chuck Taylor, Johnny Gargano and Rich Swann) and D.U.F. (Arik Cannon, Pinkie Sanchez and Sami Callihan) in a three-way trios match.[27] However, during the match Uhaa suffered a knee injury, which sidelined him for a year.[28][29] Uhaa returned to the ring on February 1, 2013, at Full Impact Pro's Everything Burns iPPV, where he successfully defended the FIP Florida Heritage Championship against Chasyn Rance.[30] On March 2, Uhaa returned to Japan and Dragon Gate, when he and BxB Hulk defeated Don Fujii and Masaaki Mochizuki for the Open The Twin Gate Championship.[31] They lost the title to Shingo Takagi and YAMATO on May 5.[32] On May 11, Uhaa was pinned for the first time in a Dragon Gate ring, when he was eliminated by Jimmy Susumu in the first round of the 2013 King of Gate tournament.[33] On July 28 at Enter the Dragon 2013, Dragon Gate USA's fourth anniversary event, Uhaa suffered his first pinfall loss in the promotion, when he was defeated by Anthony Nese.[34] On August 9, Uhaa lost the FIP Florida Heritage Championship to Gran Akuma.[35] Back in Dragon Gate, Mad Blankey turned on Uhaa Nation on August 30, after he refused to wrestle Akira Tozawa, who had recently been kicked out of the group. Uhaa then formed a new partnership with Tozawa and Shingo Takagi.[36][37] On September 12, the three were joined by Masato Yoshino, Ricochet and Shachihoko BOY to form a new stable,[38] which was on October 6 named Monster Express.[39] On January 12, 2014, Uhaa received his first shot at Dragon Gate USA's top title, the Open The Freedom Gate Championship, but was defeated by the defending champion, Johnny Gargano.[40] On March 6, Uhaa also received his first shot at Dragon Gate's top title, the Open The Dream Gate Championship, but was defeated by the defending champion, Monster Express stablemate Ricochet.[41] On May 23, it was reported that Uhaa had signed a new contract with Dragon Gate USA.[42]

On February 5, 2015, Uhaa made returned to Dragon Gate as Akira Tozawa's surprise partner in a tag team match, where they defeated Cyber Kong and Don Fujii.[43] At the end of the event, Uhaa confronted BxB Hulk, challenging him to a match for the Open The Dream Gate Championship.[44] On March 1, Uhaa failed in his title challenge against Hulk, after which he announced he had wrestled his final match for Dragon Gate.[45] Uhaa worked his final Evolve events later that month during WWNLive's WrestleMania week.[8][46]

Personal life[]

Uhaa is of Nigerian descent.[4] His father is originally from the Benue State in the mid-belt region of Nigeria.[47] Uhaa is close friends with fellow professional wrestlers Kevin Owens, Finn Bálor, Chris Masters and Ricochet.[7] Uhaa has a sister, who is in the United States Army and is stationed in San Antonio, Texas.[48] Uhaa lives in Orlando, Florida, where he is roommates with fellow professional wrestlers Ricochet and Tessa Blanchard.[49]

In wrestling[]

  • Finishing moves
    • Standing shooting star press[2][50][6]
    • Uhaa Combination[2][51] (Gorilla press drop followed by a standing moonsault followed by a standing shooting star press)[10][52]
  • Signature moves
    • All Out Assault[2] (Triple powerbomb)[6]
    • Over the top rope dive[6]
    • Standing moonsault[6]
    • Tombstone piledriver[6]
  • Nicknames
    • "One Man Nation"[20]
  • Entrance themes
    • "Dschinghis Khan" by Dschinghis Khan[51]

Championships and accomplishments[]

References[]

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named ApolloCrews
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Uhaa Nation . Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2015-08-08.
  3. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (December 31, 2014). "Jan. 5, 2015 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2014 business year in review, Daniel Bryan return, Wrestle Kingdom preview, death of Al Greene, and much more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 51. ISSN 1083-9593. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 WWE Performance Center welcomes new class of recruits . WWE (2015-04-13). Retrieved on 2016-04-10.
  5. ↑ Apollo Crews reflects on his NXT debut: WWE.com Exclusive, August 22, 2015 (0:58) . WWE (2015-08-22). Retrieved on 2015-08-23. “Apollo Crews comments on what it was like debuting in NXT, before more than 15,000 NXT fans, on his 28th birthday.”
  6. ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 6.12 6.13 Uhaa Nation . Dragon Gate USA. Archived from the original on 2015-01-02. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Fishman, Scott 2015-04-13. WWE welcomes new NXT recruits: Introducing Sesugh Uhaa . Miami Herald. Retrieved on 2015-04-13.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 Clapp, John 2015-04-16. Exclusive Q&A with Sesugh 'Uhaa Nation' Uhaa: Why he's 'here for the long run' . WWE. Retrieved on 2016-06-17.
  9. ↑ Counihan, Alan 2012-06-12. June 12 – Dr. Keith Presents: One Nation Under Uhaa!!! . Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on 2012-06-19. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 Dobson, Jamie 2012-07-16. My Interview with the One Man Nation – Uhaa Nation! . 911 Wrestling. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.[ dead link ]
  11. ↑ Hudson, Phil W. 2015-04-13. Atlantan joins WWE training division . Atlanta Business Chronicle. Retrieved on 2015-04-13.
  12. ↑ Piscia, Jason 2016-05-25. 6 questions with WWE's Apollo Crews, appearing Friday at PCCC . The State Journal-Register. Retrieved on 2016-05-26.
  13. ↑ Uhaa Nation . World Wrestling Alliance 4. Archived from the original on 2014-10-20. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  14. ↑ Hawke, TJ 2012-01-14. 411 Interviews: Uhaa Nation of Dragon Gate and Evolve Wrestling . 411Mania. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  15. ↑ Radican, Sean 2012-03-26. Radican's DGUSA DVD Review Series: "Chasing the Dragon 2011" – PAC vs. Ricochet Captain's Six Man Tag, Doi-Callihan, Taylor & Gargano vs. Yamato & Yoshio . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  16. ↑ Radican, Sean 2012-05-09. Radican's DGUSA DVD Review Series – "Untouchable 2011" 9/11: Yamato vs. Cima, Gargano-Tozawa . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  17. ↑ Babinsack, Joe. Joe Babinsack reviews Dragon Gate Untouchable . Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Archived from the original on 2015-04-16. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  18. ↑ Radican, Sean 2011-09-11. Radican's DGUSA internet PPV report 9/11: Ongoing coverage of DGUSA show from Milwaukee . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  19. ↑ Trionfo, Richard 2011-10-31. 2011 Jeff Peterson Memorial Cup report: Sixteen of the top wrestlers battle for the trophy and two FIP titles are on the line . Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Radican, Sean 2012-09-10. Radican's DGUSA DVD Review Series – "Revolt!" 11/11: Ronin vs. Blood Warriors, Tozawa sings, Yamato-Hulk No Rope match . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  21. ↑ 11/30 Blood Warriors Independent Performance – 1st Blood. – 30 Nov 2011 . iHeartDG (2011-11-30). Archived from the original on 2011-12-27. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  22. ↑ Fantastic Gate 開幕戦 (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  23. ↑ The Final Gate 2011 (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  24. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 30, 2012). "Jan 30 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Gigantic year-end awards issue, best and worst in all categories plus UFC on FX 1, death of Savannah Jack, ratings, tons and tons of news". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 18. ISSN 1083-9593. 
  25. ↑ Radican, Sean 2012-01-25. Radican's Evolve 10 iPPV report 1/14: Complete review of final show from ECW Arena . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  26. ↑ Magee, Bob 2012-01-15. Evolve 1/14 ECW Arena results: final event . Wrestleview. Archived from the original on 2012-01-18. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  27. ↑ Boutwell, Josh 2012-04-01. Viva La Raza! Lucha Weekly . Wrestleview. Archived from the original on 2012-04-02. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  28. ↑ Uhaa Nation Out of Best of the Best . Combat Zone Wrestling (2012-04-03). Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  29. ↑ Magee, Bob 2012-04-09. As I See It 4/9 . Wrestleview. Archived from the original on 2012-04-11. Retrieved on 2012-11-25.
  30. ↑ Trinfo, Richard 2013-02-01. Complete FIP Everything Burns report: New FIP World Champion crowned; tag titles and Florida Heritage title defended; and more . Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved on 2013-02-02.
  31. ↑ Champion Gate in Osaka (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora (2013-03-02). Retrieved on 2013-03-02.
  32. ↑ Dead or Alive 2013 (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora (2013-05-05). Retrieved on 2013-05-05.
  33. ↑ King of Gate2013 (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora (2013-05-11). Retrieved on 2013-05-12.
  34. ↑ Radican, Sean 2013-07-28. Radican's DGUSA "Enter the Dragon 2013" iPPV Blog 7/28 – Complete live coverage of DGUSA in NYC, plus Top News from the show featuring three title matches . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2013-07-28.
  35. ↑ Gee Schoon Tong, Chris 2013-08-10. Show results – 8/9 FIP Heatstroke iPPV: Baretta wins FIP Title, mixed tag TLC match, more . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2013-08-10.
  36. ↑ The Gate of Generation (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Retrieved on 2013-09-02.
  37. ↑ 8/30 Gate of Generation . iHeartDG (2013-08-30). Retrieved on 2013-09-02.
  38. ↑ 意地を見せた斎了を下したYamatoに、土井から裏切られた吉野が挑戦表明！ジミーズを下したミレニアルズはベテラン軍を指名！ (in Japanese). Battle News (2013-09-13). Retrieved on 2013-09-13.
  39. ↑ ja:吉野、鷹木、戸澤らの新ユニット本格始動 トライアングルゲート戦はＭＢに苦杯 (in Japanese). Sports Navi. Yahoo! (2013-10-07). Retrieved on 2013-10-07.
  40. ↑ Gee Schoon Tong, Chris 2014-01-13. Show results – 1/12 Evolve 27 in Jacksonville, Fla.: Gargano defends DGUSA Title, Young Bucks take out Bravados, two big title matches set for next set of shows, more . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2014-01-13.
  41. ↑ Glorious Gate 2014 (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora. Retrieved on 2014-03-07.
  42. ↑ Johnson, Mike 2014-05-23. DGUSA star signs new deal and more news . Pro Wrestling Insider. Retrieved on 2014-05-24.
  43. ↑ Truth Gate 2015 (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora. Retrieved on 2015-02-12.
  44. ↑ ドラゴンゲート2.5後楽園大会　ハルクvs.ススムのドリームゲート戦、MBvs.ミレニアルズvs.Heartsの6人タッグ3Way (in Japanese). Battle News (2015-02-06). Retrieved on 2015-02-12.
  45. ↑ 03/01 Champion Gate in Osaka . iHeartDG (2015-03-01). Retrieved on 2015-03-01.
  46. ↑ Caldwell, James 2015-02-03. WWNLive news: Three big matches set for Mania Weekend – GenNext's opponents, former WWE stars clash, more . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2015-04-07.
  47. ↑ Meet Nigerian WWE wrestler Apollo Crews . Nigerian Scoop (2016-05-09). Retrieved on 2016-05-09.
  48. ↑ Leighty, Robert Jr. 2015-11-10. 411's Breaking Ground Report 11.09.15 – Episode 3 . 411Mania. Retrieved on 2015-11-10.
  49. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (April 11, 2016). "April 11, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: A look at a historic Wrestlemania weekend, NXT Takeover". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 74. ISSN 1083-9593. 
  50. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named WWE
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 ja:ウーハー・ネイション (in Japanese). Dragon Gate. Gaora. Archived from the original on 2014-10-16. Retrieved on 2013-05-05.
  52. ↑ Drinkwater, Jamie 2015-04-05. Blog: Top 5 PCW Finishing Moves . Preston City Wrestling. Retrieved on 2015-09-18.
  53. ↑ PCW Heavyweight Championship History . Preston City Wrestling. Retrieved on 2014-11-30.
  54. ↑ Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2016 . The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved on 2016-09-01.
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