5 Indications that Triple H has given up on Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin has been on the WWE main roster since 2016. His first few years were perhaps his best, as he won both the United States Championship and Money in the Bank.

His cash-in was unsuccessful, but Corbin always remained a viable heel in the earlier days of his main-roster run. However, after a series of big chances over the last two years, the former Lone Wolf hasn't had nearly as much success.

He moved back to SmackDown in the 2024 WWE Draft but has been used sporadically. Triple H could have given up on Baron Corbin for any of the next five reasons.

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#5. The Creative team hasn’t been as keen on booking him and Apollo Crews

Despite not appearing on several recent episodes of SmackDown, a recent report states that Corbin was still present backstage. He worked dark matches but wasn't used or factored into recent storylines.

Placement in dark matches isn't a bad sign since a star is still being used in some capacity. He may not factor into TV plans, but he is still used in the ring in front of live crowds.

Not being used at all would be much worse for Corbin, but he knows how the business works.

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#4. His absence suggests no plans as a singles star

The fact Baron Corbin is present for tapings but isn't used is something that happens to many stars. With over 140 performers, some will miss out on TV time.

Since the Bloodline angle takes up at least a quarter or more of every SmackDown, non-champions must also scramble to get time. Bookers must factor in the WWE Women's, United States, and Tag Team Champions. Getting on screen is even more difficult when the Women's Tag Champs are featured weekly.

Since Baron Corbin doesn't fit into the New Era or hasn't found his place in it yet, Triple H may not see him as a priority for bookers.

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#3. Baron Corbin usually loses against most opponents

Corbin's last feud on SmackDown pitted him and Apollo Crews against Legado Del Fantasma. Legado has tried to move the ladder with little success. If the Bloodline rules over SmackDown, every other heel may have trouble advancing.

Even in NXT, Corbin endured a 50/50 booking. He won the NXT Tag Team Championship with Bron Breakker but had a forgettable run. He did the job for the younger star in most of his singles matches.

Corbin even put Carmelo Hayes over in the King of the Ring tournament. The former US Champion has fallen into the role that Natalya, The Miz, and even the former Dolph Ziggler had of putting over up-and-coming performers.

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#2. Currently stuck in the tag team division

Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews briefly joined forces on SmackDown. (Image Credit: WWE.com)

When bookers have no clear plans for two singles stars, they often pair them to give them something to do. This happened with Cesaro and Sheamus, eventually leading to a Best-of-Seven series and multiple tag team titles.

Crews also returned from a sojourn to NXT with similar success as Corbin. He didn't win any gold and primarily put over the younger talent. SmackDown has several former champions and teams that could hold gold in the future.

While putting Crews with Corbin was a way to give them something to do, it was doomed from the start due to the state of the tag division.

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#1. Too many failed gimmicks and alliances without proper payoff

Baron Corbin's first gimmick, The Lone Wolf, was his most successful. He won a battle royal, a midcard title, and Money in the Bank.

His spot was similar to that of Shinsuke Nakamura - a viable opponent for a major Champion but never considered to hold that belt. Nakamura may have won a Royal Rumble, but he's been a mid-card staple for most of his WWE career.

Corbin also endured grating gimmicks like the Constable of RAW, Happy Corbin, Bum Corbin, and his most recent "Burn the Ships" character. None of those gimmicks pushed Corbin up the card. His brief alliance with JBL didn't help him either.