Baron Corbin’s NXT Stay Extended Longer Than Initially Expected

Baron Corbin has revealed that his second stint in WWE NXT was originally planned to be a short-term run, lasting just a month.

Corbin made his return to NXT on the May 30th, 2023 episode, where he attacked then-NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes, setting the stage for a title match and what would turn into a much longer run on the brand. During his time in NXT, Corbin teamed up with Bron Breakker as part of The Wolf Dogs, eventually winning the NXT Tag Team Championships before being drafted back to the main roster in the 2024 WWE Draft.

While speaking with WrestleManiacs UK during Bash In Berlin week, Corbin opened up about how his brief NXT return evolved into something more significant. He shared how working closely with legends like Shawn Michaels, Norman Smiley, and others reignited his passion for wrestling.

“It brought everything out of me. It was such an amazing experience… it was just supposed to be like a month thing, to beat up Carmelo Hayes a few times, and they said, ‘Are you into doing more?’ I told Shawn [Michaels], ‘Let’s call Hunter [Triple H] and let’s not leave me alone. Let me be here. Let’s reset this.'”

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Corbin explained how he embraced the opportunity and pushed to stay longer, which Michaels fully supported.

Corbin also spoke about how this second NXT run allowed him to take ownership of his character, which led to a renewed appreciation from the fans. After feeling burnt out and stuck on the main roster, particularly following his unsuccessful pairing with JBL, Corbin found the NXT environment revitalizing.

“I was stuck, man. Mentally, I was burnt out… The stuff with JBL just didn’t work… it really put me in a dark place. So getting to go down [to NXT] and going, wait, I get to tell my story now. Let’s give these people the real Baron Corbin… I think that’s what translated across the screen.”

The experience gave Corbin a fresh start and allowed him to showcase a new side of himself, one that connected with both fans and fellow wrestlers alike. He mentioned receiving praise from Big E and Corey Graves, who noticed the genuine enjoyment he was experiencing in NXT.

Reflecting on his time in NXT, Corbin said the run not only rejuvenated his career but also gave him a renewed connection with the fans. “

That’s why I got that new lease on life and the new appreciation from the fans… they were like, ‘Oh man, he can go.’ To get down there and compete with those guys who are hungry, it was really a truly special experience.”

Baron Corbin’s second stint in NXT might have started as a short-term detour, but it ended up giving him a renewed sense of purpose and energy as a WWE superstar.

How do you think Baron Corbin’s renewed energy and connection with fans during his second NXT stint will impact his future on the WWE main roster? Share your thoughts in the comments below!