Baron Corbin parted ways with WWE the previous week after the organization chose not to renew his contract, terminating a more than ten-year tenure with the company.
Carmelo Hayes, the former NXT Champion, confessed to feelings of “survivor’s guilt” in the wake of Corbin’s unexpected exit. Their paths had previously crossed when they collaborated in NXT the previous year.
Corbin made a comeback to NXT in May of the previous year, igniting a feud with Hayes and contesting for the NXT Championship title. In the celebrated 2024 King of the Ring tournament, they both competed on SmackDown.
In a recent discussion with Metro, Hayes shared that Corbin’s departure had a significant impact on him. He lauded Corbin’s mentorship in both professional wrestling and personal life.
Hayes expressed, “It’s kinda like a survivor’s guilt, you know what I mean? After a day or two, you’re like, “Man!” You just hate to see that for them. I’m forever indebted to Baron Corbin. Super talented, and I hate to see him go. That was one of those ones that really kinda hurt.”
Corbin currently has the freedom to affiliate with any professional wrestling promotion, as there is no non-compete clause in effect.