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Has Baron Corbin Ever Been a Face?

Published in Wrestling History 2 mins read

Yes, Baron Corbin has indeed portrayed a babyface (good guy) character during his career in professional wrestling. While he is predominantly known for his heel (villainous) persona throughout much of his WWE tenure, there was a specific period in NXT where he debuted as a fan favorite.

Baron Corbin's Early Face Run in NXT

Before establishing his presence on the main roster as a dominant antagonist, Baron Corbin, then wrestling under his real name and with a different on-screen character, briefly showcased a heroic side in WWE's developmental brand, NXT.

  • NXT Re-Debut: On September 11, 2014, at NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way, Corbin made a notable re-debut. He presented a new look and an adjusted ring character that positioned him as a face, receiving a positive reception from the audience.
  • Victorious Start: During this specific appearance as a good guy, he quickly defeated his opponent, CJ Parker, in a decisive match.

This early stint as a heroic figure provided a glimpse into a different facet of the performer before he fully embraced the role of an often arrogant and unlikable antagonist, which became his defining characteristic on the main WWE roster. His transition from this initial face presentation to his long-standing heel status highlights the versatility often required in professional wrestling character work.