cant close apple watch apps 9.5.2

I can’t close my Apple Watch Series 7 apps! I used to press the side button and it would display the open apps and then I’d slide right and close. Now when I press the side button it shows text that say “Your favorite apps appear here” and underneath it says “all apps”.

I googled around and can’t find any solution. does anyone else have this problem and a workable solution?

thank you.