Baron Corbin has officially returned to the WWE roster, making a statement on the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown by attacking Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams. This aggressive return clearly signals that Corbin has set his sights on the United States Championship.
The big question now is: How should WWE book Baron Corbin moving forward?
Reflecting on his career, Corbin has always been a compelling performer. From his early NXT days—where the audience would count down the seconds of his rapid-fire victories—to his main roster tenure, he has consistently worked hard to make the most of every creative direction he was given, even during his more challenging periods.
In my view, Corbin possesses the presence and skill set that could have easily seen him hold a world title. His return is a welcome addition to the product, and while some fans may hold a negative view of his previous runs, there is significant potential for his current trajectory.
While it may be too early to push him into the absolute top tier of the company, Corbin is a perfect fit for the upper-midcard. Pursuing the United States Championship is a strategic move; as an established veteran who is fresh in the eyes of the current roster, he provides a new dynamic for several potential rivalries.
There are numerous intriguing matchups on the horizon. Whether he feuds with Royce Keys, Ricky Starks, CM Punk, or Cody Rhodes, Corbin has the versatility to handle it. A clash with Bron Breakker would be particularly compelling given their shared history as “The Wolf Dogs,” and a pairing with Joe Hendry could showcase his comedic timing. A powerhouse match against Oba Femi would also be a spectacle.
Looking further ahead, after a series of singles programs, transitioning him into a tag team could be a great way to revitalize his momentum. While a pairing with Grayson Waller is an option, a more ideal match would be Josh Briggs. As fellow “skyscrapers” with matching aesthetics, Briggs would benefit immensely from Corbin’s veteran experience in character development and ring psychology.