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Baron Corbin On His WWE Exit, New In-Ring Name, AEW, TNA, New Japan, What's Next

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January 23, 2025

TLDR: Professional wrestler Tom Pestock (Baron Corbin) discusses his WWE career, a match with Josh Barnett, and upcoming plans in wrestling, along with stories like meeting Taylor Swift at a Kansas City Chiefs game.

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In this episode of the podcast featuring Tom Pestock, formerly known as Baron Corbin in WWE, host Chris Van Vliet delves into Pestock's wrestling career, his recent transition from WWE, and what the future holds for him in the wrestling industry and beyond. Here are the highlights from their enlightening conversation.

Leaving WWE and Embracing Change

As of January 1st, Pestock is officially a free agent after WWE chose not to renew his contract, which led to an overwhelming fan response. He discusses his feelings upon hearing the news and reflects on his thirteen-year tenure with WWE. Some key insights include:

  • Fan Reception: Pestock shares how the wrestling community began to appreciate his skills, especially near the end of his WWE run. He credits his ability to elevate other talent as one of his strong suits.
  • Independent Wrestling Experience: He recently had his first independent wrestling match at GCW’s Bloodsport, which underscored the differences between indie and WWE wrestling, both in format and audience reactions.

His New In-Ring Name and Future Plans

Pestock is committed to reinventing himself in the wrestling world. He teases a new in-ring name, Bishop Dyer, explaining the inspiration behind the name change:

  • Bishop vs. Baron: The significance of the new name represents his growth and aspiration to elevate himself higher than before, akin to moving up in the wrestling hierarchy.
  • Future Goals: Pestock expresses excitement about exploring opportunities in wrestling, including a potential stint in New Japan Pro Wrestling, while also pursuing his interests in movies and cooking.

Reflections on WWE

Pestock shares several anecdotes from his time in WWE, including:

  • Memorable Matches: He provides a humorous account of a match involving John Cena that went hilariously awry. Pestock mistakenly poked Cena in the eye, which resulted in a memorable moment that highlighted the stress of wrestling in front of a live audience.
  • Mentorship and Relationships: Pestock emphasizes the importance of mentors in wrestling, notably his relationships with other wrestlers like Randy Orton and Triple H, and how they influenced his career.

The Wrestling Business Landscape

In their discussion, Pestock also talks about the wrestling business as a whole:

  • Industry Changes: With the rise of AEW and other wrestling promotions, he discusses the shift in approaching contracts and the perception of wrestlers moving between promotions.
  • Personal Growth: Pestock acknowledges how his time in WWE helped him build a personal brand, which he plans to leverage while continuing to grow as an athlete and performer.

Key Takeaways

  • Gratitude for Experiences: Pestock conveys a sincere appreciation for his WWE experience, how it shaped his career, and the opportunities afforded to him. He is excited about the future and particularly about wrestling in Japan and working in film.
  • Maintaining Passion: Even with the uncertainties of the wrestling industry, his passion for performing remains unwavering, highlighting the importance of finding joy in pursuing one’s goals.

Conclusion

Baron Corbin's exit from WWE could signal a new exciting chapter in Pestock's professional journey. With his eye on various opportunities in wrestling and beyond, including films and indie shows, it will be interesting to see where he lands. This podcast episode highlights not only his professional experiences but also his mindset as he prepares for this new era of his life.

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