Baron Corbin brings a whole new meaning to “making no apologies.” The abrasive and imposing NXT Superstar is on a collision course with NXT’s newest acquisition, Austin Aries, at NXT TakeOver: Dallas. This week, Corbin provides his thoughts on Aries, independent wrestling and his own cocky attitude as only he can — with no regard for being politically correct.
WWE.COM: Let’s begin with the elephant in the room. You recently attacked Austin Aries on his debut night with NXT. Why would you ruin such a big moment in his career?
BARON CORBIN: Why would I do that? Why would I not do that? Some kid walks in here thinking he deserves a warm welcome. He wants everyone to stop what they’re doing and celebrate. I don't have time for that. I am here chasing the NXT Championship. William Regal cost me my chance and then wants to throw Aries a big welcome. Not while I am around. Aries was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and he paid for it. If he wants to cry about it, tell him to cry to Regal, because I don't care about him or his welcoming party.
If you have a problem with who I am or what I do, beat my a** or shut up.
WWE.COM: Aries isn’t exactly just “some kid.” Perhaps the reason Mr. Regal was so happy was because Austin Aries joining the NXT roster is actually a pretty big deal for our industry. Are you familiar with his extensive background?
CORBIN: What do I think of his background? I can't answer that because I don't know what it is. I didn't know he existed before I ran him over on his big night. And whatever it is, I don't care, because his future will be seeing the End of Days.
Must-read interview with Austin Aries | Watch NXT on the award-winning WWE Network
WWE.COM: In other words, you don’t respect anyone, no matter who they are or what their background is?
CORBIN: It's true. I don't respect anyone who has a background on the independent circuit. NXT is the professional level, and it's the best of the best. If you played on an intramural l flag football team, it doesn't make you NFL material. I came from one professional sport to another, and it’s an entirely different level. I was in the top 1 percent of football players. Indie guys are in the bottom 95 percent of wrestlers. I don't care what they did or how many nobodies are sitting in their mom’s basement tweeting how good they are. If they were so good, it wouldn't take them 10 years to get here. When those guys walk in the door, I am happy to show them they don't belong.
WWE.COM: How did your football and boxing background prepare you for your NXT career?
CORBIN: Football and boxing helped me immensely. Those sports helped me become dangerous. I was a champion in both, I made money in both and it will be no different here. I have sacrificed a lot to get to the level I did in both, and it taught me to do what it takes to be at the top. I was a professional, and most people here have never experienced that level of competition or pressure.
Playing football in front of 80,000 people is very different than wrestling for 27 people in your local gym. I don't feel pressure, and I am confident in what I do. What I bring to the table can't be matched in NXT. I don't even need to bring up my size and athletic ability because that is obvious to anyone who watches for 30 seconds. I am used to competing with the best, and that will benefit me most and help me take things to the next level.
WWE.COM: Over the last year, you've develop a reputation for yourself amongst some who believe you are highly self-centered and egotistical. How do you respond to such judgment?
CORBIN: Thank you, I guess. I have a lot of pride in myself and believe I am better than a lot of people. Most people settle in life, and that's not me. I am going to be the best, make the most money and just do whatever I want, when I want. I don't live for anyone other than myself, and I don't have a problem showing people or telling them. The bottom line is the things I have done, the things I am doing, and the things I will do are better than anything you could ever dream of.
WWE.COM: Do you ever feel that you’ve gone overboard with your aggressive attitude?
CORBIN: What is overboard? Who decides what that is? I do what I need to do to get mine. I don't feel bad for what I do. I don't care who it upsets, because I will get mine. If you have a problem with who I am or what I do, beat my a**or shut up.
WWE.COM: Do you ever feel misunderstood?
CORBIN: I don’t care to be understood. I will steal a line from “The Equalizer”: “Who I am is difficult; what I am is easier. I am a threat, I alter outcomes. ” That is pretty fitting.
WWE.COM: Explain to the world why Baron Corbin deserves to be the feature attraction all the time?
CORBIN: I don't need to explain to anyone why I deserve to be a main attraction. Just sit there and watch, and you will see. You will understand very quickly. Some people have it and most don't. I have it.
Follow Baron Corbin on Twitter @BaronCorbinWWE.