Baron Corbin wants to keep climbing the ladder.
Corbin spoke with WrestleZone Managing Editor Bill Pritchard about his role in the WWE locker room. Corbin has been with WWE for 12 years, and is considered a veteran in some circles.
Carmelo Hayes credited Corbin for taking NXT wrestlers under his wing and mentoring them as they were called up to the WWE main roster. Corbin says it’s an interesting situation to be in because he feels like his career is still getting started.
Does Baron Corbin see himself as a veteran?
“Yeah. It’s a tough pill to swallow sometimes, because you don’t want to get older in the game. Like, it’s not something you want,” Corbin explained. “And sometimes people would be like, ‘Oh man! I grew up watching you.’ And you’re like, ‘You are like eighteen! What are you talking about?’ And then you realize, ‘they could have been watching me when they were eight, and yes they did grow up on me. Well… This is wild.’ But I do feel like I’m just getting started, too.
“I feel like, especially after that run in NXT, and rejuvenating myself, and my career for that matter. I think it’s day 1 for me back on the main roster,” he added. “At least that’s what it feels like.”
Corbin says he’s not necessarily trying to make people forget about his past gimmicks, like King Corbin and Sad/Happy Corbin. However, he feels like fans are finally getting a chance to see the real him, and he still looks forward to going to work and lining up what he can accomplish next.
“I think it’s really awesome that that’s happening and that’s the way it feels for me. It feels fresh every week to get on a plane and go. Where maybe a year ago before I went and did all the NXT stuff, it was kind of dragging. I didn’t want to get on a plane. When I want to go to work now, I’m excited for Thursday to roll around and get on a plane and go to SmackDown.”
Getting in the mix
Corbin says he started the year with a goal of reintroducing himself to the WWE Universe. Things have gone well so far, but he also has his eyes on winning WWE gold again. He’s a former United States Champion, but he also has his eyes on the tag team and world titles.
“They are cheering for me, for once. So, that’s kind of new and fresh, and feels weird. So I want to continue to amplify that,” Corbin said. “How much can I get the people behind me? Can I give them an authenticity? And then with the Apollo Crews stuff, it’s kind of thrown together. I don’t know if there was a plan. But it’s worked out well and it’s continuing to go. Obviously, I want to climb the ladder of the titles.”
He could see a day when he reunites with Bron Breakker, but things are going well with Apollo Crews now. Corbin would love another shot at being a tag team champion, but he also wants to add “world champion” to his resume (or Wikipedia page).
“I’ve been in the ring with every major Superstar there is, from Taker to Roman [Reigns], to [John Cena] to Seth [Rollins]. I have not been in the ring with Cody [Rhodes]. So getting in the mix with him is a goal for me. I have not been in the ring with [Damian] Priest. So, that’s a goal. Getting that World Title,” Corbin said. “I want that on my Wikipedia page, if you will. I want that on my list of accomplishments, that I was a World Champion.”
Baron Corbin on what’s next
Corbin knows getting on a WWE Premium Live Event card is tougher now because of limited spots, but he’s not deterred. Corbin says he’s got momentum and energy working for him, and wants to get on more PLEs, including the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania.
“I think it’s important to make that run. By the end of this year — I’m watching SummerSlam from the sidelines, so that’s one of those things that stings. But I know I just got back up here,” he pointed out. “With Triple H in control there’s smaller cards for the pay-per-views. So you are really fighting for those spots.
“I want to start by the end of the year by getting on a PLE and then rolling into the Rumble. And maybe mixing up [with John Cena] along the way. That’s a goal I have before he leaves. And then to be on that WrestleMania card. I think that right now is the short-term goal is to get on that WrestleMania card.”
Watch our full interview with Baron Corbin below:
