Rumor: John Cena May Have Helped End Baron Corbin’s Push

There have been a lot of rumors about what’s been happening with Baron Corbin lately. A few months ago, it was rumored that Corbin was being groomed for a big push and possible WWE Championship run. However, it appears that WWE has suddenly soured on him, having him lose his Money in the Bank cash-in, then be treated as basically a joke against John Cena at SummerSlam.

Some people were speculating that Baron Corbin’s Twitter antics (“going at it” with fans and wrestlers on Twitter) may have had something to do with it, but that doesn’t sound right to me, since he’s supposed to be a heel.

Sports Illustrated’s Justin Barraso said on the Wrestling Inc. Podcast that he heard the reason for Corbin being seemingly “de-pushed” is because of John Cena. The rumor is that Cena may have told Vince McMahon that Corbin “wasn’t ready.” Cena has been known to have Vince McMahon’s ears and McMahon often solicits advice from Cena.

Barraso’s comments:

“I heard the kiss of death was Cena. [Cena said] that Corbin wasn’t ready. I can’t say anymore right now, that’s kind of what I’m trying to work on as we speak.

“I haven’t heard about the social media. I mean, he’s a heel right? So he should play one on social media. I don’t think that was the issue, but then again they kind of pick and choose who they defend in those cases.”

Dave Meltzer also reported in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Corbin has had some heat with wrestlers backstage, with some feeling that he’s been handed opportunities that he doesn’t deserve for his skill level both in the ring and on the mic.

Corbin seems like he’s out of the WWE Championship picture for now, but it doesn’t look like WWE is totally squashing him (yet). On SmackDown, it looked like they are setting up a feud between Corbin and AJ Styles for the US Championship. Meanwhile, Kevin Owens seems like he’ll be feuding with Shane McMahon and probably will be facing him in a Hell in a Cell match at Hell in a Cell, which is SmackDown’s next PPV.