Add as a preferred source on Google Baron Corbin has finally explained why he decided to return to WWE, making it clear that he isn’t just looking to settle old scores — he wants to be one of the top names on SmackDown.
The former United States Champion made his return on the July 10 show in Oklahoma City, during the non-title match between Trick Williams and Carmelo Hayes.
On this week’s episode of SmackDown, held in Albany, New York, Corbin appeared in a video and explained his reasons for the attack.
“I’ve been watching the shows and I see all these guys running around, thinking they’re legitimately tough. Think they can walk the walk and talk the talk. I am the real deal and the world knows it.
Trick, you’re the first name on a long list. And Melo, unfortunately for you, you were just collateral damage.”
The statement makes Williams, the current United States Champion, Corbin’s first major target. Trick responded shortly after, calling Corbin a “big bald-headed bitch” and joking that his new title has more hair than he does.
Before returning to WWE, Corbin competed as Bishop Dyer in MLW, where he won the MLW World Tag Team Championship alongside Donovan Dijak. His previous WWE contract had ended in November 2024.