Born on September 13, 1984, Thomas Pestock is a renowned American professional wrestler and ex-NFL player. Fans know him as Baron Corbin in WWE’s NXT brand. Pestock started as an offensive lineman for the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. He also competed in the 2008 Golden Gloves tournament.
In 2012, WWE signed Pestock, assigning him to NXT as Baron Corbin. He quickly made a name for himself as the “Lone Wolf,” a villainous character. His breakthrough came at WrestleMania 32, where he won the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. He continued to impress, winning the 2017 Money in the Bank men’s ladder match and the WWE United States Championship.
Corbin’s role evolved in 2018 as the Constable of Raw, leading to a feud with Kurt Angle. He triumphed in Angle’s retirement match at WrestleMania 35. In 2019, after winning the King of the Ring tournament, he became King Corbin. This title stayed with him until 2021. He then turned into Happy Corbin, a wealthy, joyous character, and briefly teamed up with Madcap Moss.
In 2022, Corbin returned to his Baron Corbin persona, with JBL as his manager. By 2023, he had made a significant return to NXT. This journey showcases his versatility and appeal in WWE.
Baron Corbin Bio/Wiki Table
Full Name | Thomas Pestock |
Ring Name | Baron Corbin |
Birth Date | September 13, 1984 |
Birth Place | Lenexa, Kansas, U.S. |
Occupation | Professional Wrestler, Former Professional Football Player |
Years Active | 2012–present (in wrestling) |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 8 in (203 cm) |
Weight | 285 lb (129 kg) |
Education | Northwest Missouri State University |
Trained by | WWE Performance Center |
Wrestling Debut | 2012 |
Wrestling Promotion | WWE |
Notable Achievements | WWE United States Champion, Money in the Bank winner (2017), Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal winner (2016), WWE King of the Ring (2019) |
Early Life
Thomas Pestock, born on September 13, 1984, hails from Lenexa, Kansas. During his formative years, Pestock displayed a passion for combat sports and dedicated himself to the art of boxing. His commitment and training led him to achieve remarkable success in the field.
By 2007, Pestock had already established himself as a force to be reckoned with, becoming a two-time regional amateur boxing champion in the prestigious Golden Gloves competition. His skill and determination propelled him to new heights in his boxing career.
In 2008, Pestock had the opportunity to showcase his abilities on a national stage, competing in the Golden Gloves National Tournament of Champions. He participated in the super heavyweight division, demonstrating his prowess against formidable opponents. Notably, he emerged victorious in the preliminary round, defeating Chaen Chess. Although Pestock faced a setback in the quarter-finals, losing to Andrae Cathron, his achievements in the tournament highlighted his talent and dedication to his craft.
Baron Corbin Height
Baron Corbin, known by his real name Tom Pestock, is a prominent figure in the world of professional wrestling. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 317 pounds, he brings a formidable presence to the ring.
Prior to his wrestling career, Corbin made a name for himself as an American football player. However, it’s worth noting that there have been some discrepancies regarding his height.
In 2016, he claimed to be 6’8 while competing as a wrestler, which was slightly higher than his measured height of 6 feet 6 1/2 inches at the NFL combine. Regardless of the slight variation, Baron Corbin’s towering stature remains a defining attribute that adds to his overall physical dominance in the world of professional wrestling.
Baron Corbin Age
Passions and job trajectories can change at any time, as exemplified by Thomas Pestock, better known as Baron Corbin. Once an NFL player, he transitioned into professional wrestling for SmackDown.
Feared by prestigious WWE Superstars, Corbin is also disliked by many, earning the PWI Most Hated Wrestler of the Year in 2019.
Born on September 13, 1984, Corbin is currently 39 years old as of 2023.
Baron Corbin Weight
Despite not achieving world title success, the King of the Ring champion boasts multiple accomplishments in WWE. These include the United States title, Andre the Giant Battle Royal victory, and the Money in the Bank contract.
Corbin carried a substantial amount of weight, which is understandable considering his background as an offensive lineman.
Since joining professional wrestling, Corbin has undergone significant changes and now maintains good health.
Previously weighing 317 pounds according to the NFL website, he has shed approximately 40 to 50 pounds since transitioning to wrestling.
Standing at an imposing 6-foot-7 (although WWE tends to exaggerate, listing him as 6-foot-6), Corbin displays both his remarkable athleticism and impressive stature.
Baron Corbin Football Career
College
During his college years, Pestock attended Northwest Missouri State University, renowned for its NCAA Division II athletics. There, he pursued a football-focused education.
At the university, Pestock stood out as an offensive guard on the football field. His dedication and effort led him to become a starter in his junior year, a significant achievement in his football career.
In 2007, Pestock’s impressive performance earned him an honorable mention in the all-MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) awards. He continued to excel in 2008, receiving first-team all-MIAA honors and establishing himself as a top conference player.
Pestock’s tenure at Northwest Missouri State coincided with the football team’s success. They reached the Division II National Championships for four consecutive years. Pestock played a key role in these achievements, significantly impacting the university’s football legacy.
Professional
Pestock’s talents caught NFL teams’ attention after his college career. Despite not being drafted in 2009, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts on April 27, 2009, starting his professional football journey.
With the Colts, Pestock honed his skills, notably alongside future All-Pro punter and wrestler Pat McAfee. Their time as roommates later sparked a WWE feud 13 years on.
The Colts released Pestock on August 13, only to re-sign him six days later. However, his stint ended on September 5, 2009.
Pestock then joined the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad on December 24, 2009. On January 18, 2010, he signed a futures contract with them. His training camp featured a notable scuffle, showcasing his boxing skills.
Yet, Pestock faced more roster shifts with the Cardinals. They released him on September 3, 2010, but re-signed him to the practice squad three days later. The Cardinals offered him another futures contract on January 4, 2011. However, his time with them ended on September 2, 2011.
Baron Corbin WWE Career
NXT (2012–2016)
Thomas Pestock, known as Baron Corbin in wrestling, joined WWE’s NXT in August 2012. Initially an enhancement talent, he quickly began making an impact.
At NXT TakeOver: Fatal 4-Way in September 2014, Corbin debuted a new persona and defeated CJ Parker. This victory started a streak against many opponents. He then sparked a rivalry with Bull Dempsey, eventually breaking Dempsey’s undefeated streak in January 2015.
Adrian Neville ended Corbin’s winning streak in a semi-final NXT Championship match. Corbin’s rivalry with Dempsey climaxed at NXT TakeOver: Rival in February, where he won a No Disqualification match.
By May 2015, Corbin had adopted a villainous persona, leading to a feud with Rhyno. He defeated Rhyno at NXT TakeOver: Unstoppable. Despite losing to Samoa Joe at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn, Corbin later teamed up with Rhyno for the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic tournament. Finn Bálor and Samoa Joe defeated them in the finals.
After the tournament, Corbin beat Apollo Crews at NXT TakeOver: London. However, he lost a triple threat match against Sami Zayn and Samoa Joe in January 2016, with NXT General Manager William Regal denying him another title shot. This sparked a feud with Austin Aries, culminating in a match at NXT TakeOver: Dallas. Corbin’s final NXT match was a victory against Tucker Knight in April 2016.
Main roster beginnings (2016–2017)
Baron Corbin, whose real name is Thomas Pestock, debuted impressively at WrestleMania 32 by winning the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, eliminating Kane last. The following day on Raw, he began a feud with Dolph Ziggler, culminating in a victory at June’s Money in the Bank.
In the 2016 WWE draft, Corbin moved to the SmackDown brand. He quickly started feuds with Apollo Crews and Kalisto, assaulting Kalisto several times. Corbin defeated Crews at the Backlash pre-show and Jack Swagger at No Mercy. His rivalry with Kalisto peaked at TLC in December, where Corbin won a chairs match.
That month, Corbin challenged Dolph Ziggler, who had earned a WWE Championship match against AJ Styles. This led to Corbin’s first world title shot, although he did not win the title. He showed resilience in the Royal Rumble, eliminating Braun Strowman and lasting over 32 minutes.
In February, Corbin targeted Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose at the Elimination Chamber, leading to several confrontations. He lost to Ambrose at the WrestleMania 33 pre-show but won a non-title Street Fight on SmackDown. His bid for the United States Championship in a triple threat match with AJ Styles and Sami Zayn was unsuccessful. After attacking Zayn and a referee, SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon suspended and fined Corbin. This led to a loss against Zayn at Backlash.
Mr. Money in the Bank and United States Champion (2017–2018)
In June at Money in the Bank, Baron Corbin won, earning a world title shot at his discretion. However, Shinsuke Nakamura defeated him at Battleground in July and again on the next SmackDown. After a clash with John Cena and Jinder Mahal, Corbin cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, only to lose to Mahal. He became the third wrestler to lose a title cash-in. Cena also defeated him at SummerSlam in August.
When Kevin Owens sought Corbin’s help against United States Champion AJ Styles, promising a future title shot, Corbin initially agreed. However, after Shane McMahon criticized him, Corbin left the match. This led to a rivalry with Tye Dillinger over Styles’ open challenge. Corbin defeated Dillinger and then challenged Styles at Hell in a Cell.
At Hell in a Cell, Corbin won the triple threat match, pinning Dillinger to become the champion. He retained the title against Styles and beat The Miz at Survivor Series in a Champion vs Champion match. However, Dolph Ziggler took his title in December at Clash of Champions.
In 2018, Corbin competed in the Royal Rumble but Finn Bálor eliminated him. He defeated Kevin Owens in February, earning a spot in the WWE Championship six-pack challenge at Fastlane. AJ Styles won this match. At WrestleMania 34, Corbin was the runner-up in the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal, losing to Matt Hardy.
Constable of Raw (2018–2019)
In April, Baron Corbin moved to Raw during the Superstar Shake-up. By June, he became Raw’s Constable, representing commissioner Stephanie McMahon. With a new shaved head and suit, Corbin started a feud with Finn Bálor, losing at both Extreme Rules in July and SummerSlam in August. He then became the acting general manager, replacing Kurt Angle.
Corbin began feuding with Braun Strowman in November after costing him the Universal Championship at Crown Jewel. Strowman, with help from Apollo Crews, Bobby Roode, Chad Gable, Finn Bálor, and Kurt Angle, defeated Corbin at December’s TLC event, ending his authority. Triple H then arranged a 4-on-1 handicap match, in which Corbin failed to regain his General Manager position.
Strowman defeated Corbin at January’s Royal Rumble, but Corbin won a no disqualification rematch at Elimination Chamber with help from Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre. Their feud ended when Strowman won a tables match against Corbin.
Corbin then rivaled Kurt Angle, winning in Angle’s farewell match at WrestleMania 35 in April. In May, he earned a Universal Championship title shot against Seth Rollins by winning a fatal four-way elimination match. However, Rollins defeated Corbin at both Super ShowDown and Stomping Grounds.
In June, Corbin and Lacey Evans challenged Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch to a match at Extreme Rules. Despite the high stakes, Corbin and Evans lost to Rollins and Lynch in July.
King Corbin (2019–2021)
In August 2019, Baron Corbin became a top contender in the King of the Ring tournament. After a break from Raw, he teamed up with McIntyre but lost to Ricochet and The Miz. Yet, Corbin won against The Miz, Cedric Alexander, Ricochet, Samoa Joe, and Chad Gable to claim the King of the Ring title, becoming King Corbin. However, Gable defeated him at October’s Hell in a Cell, after Corbin had mockingly called him “Shorty Gable”.
Corbin moved to SmackDown in the 2019 draft. His team, Team Flair, lost to Team Hogan at Crown Jewel in October. In November, Corbin started a feud with Roman Reigns and won with help from Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode. Despite causing discord in Team SmackDown at Survivor Series, they lost. At December’s TLC, Corbin beat Reigns with interference from Ziggler and The Revival.
In early 2020, Corbin’s rivalry with Reigns ended at Super ShowDown. He then lost to Elias at WrestleMania 36 and failed in the Money in the Bank ladder match. His feud with Matt Riddle had mixed results. Later, he feuded with Rey and Dominik Mysterio and Murphy, briefly teaming with Wesley Blake and Steve Cutler.
Corbin’s time as King ended in June 2021 on SmackDown, when Shinsuke Nakamura won the Battle for the Crown, reverting Corbin to Baron Corbin.
Happy Corbin and alliance with JBL (2021–2023)
On July 16’s SmackDown episode, Baron Corbin debuted a new, disheveled appearance. Sporting an unkempt beard and dirty clothes, he revealed significant personal losses: his crown, car, investments, savings, home, and family. Corbin introduced CorbinFund.com, a fundraising campaign seeking donations from fans and wrestlers.
By July 30, Corbin disrupted a contract signing between Roman Reigns and Finn Bálor for SummerSlam, attempting to sign the contract himself. However, John Cena thwarted Corbin’s plan, signing the contract instead. On August 13, Corbin’s antics continued as he stole Big E’s Money in the Bank briefcase, only to lose it back at the SummerSlam pre-show.
Becoming “Happy Corbin”
Corbin’s fortunes took a positive turn by August 27. Arriving in a Bentley, he announced himself as “filthy rich” and demanded to be called “Happy Corbin.”
September 24 saw Corbin ally with Madcap Moss, entering a feud with Drew McIntyre. Despite accompanying Moss in matches against McIntyre at Day 1 and Elimination Chamber, both attempts ended in defeat. Corbin also participated in the Royal Rumble, but Drew McIntyre eliminated him.
The alliance with Moss ended on April 8, following Corbin’s WrestleMania loss to McIntyre. After blaming Moss for the defeat, Corbin attacked him, sparking a new feud. This rivalry saw Moss triumph over Corbin at WrestleMania Backlash and Hell in a Cell.
Corbin’s feud with commentator Pat McAfee escalated following a Last Laugh match loss to Moss on June 17. After a verbal confrontation, they faced off at SummerSlam, where McAfee emerged victorious.
Corbin continued to compete for titles, participating in a fatal four-way Money in the Bank qualifier and a five-way match for the Intercontinental Championship #1 contender, but without success.
The Return of Baron Corbin
On October 17, Corbin returned to Raw as Baron Corbin, managed by JBL. Adopting the nickname “The Modern Day Wrestling God,” he enjoyed a winning streak until a November 21 loss to Drew McIntyre. However, his Royal Rumble appearance was short-lived, thanks to Brock Lesnar and Seth “Freakin” Rollins.
Corbin’s association with JBL ended after a February 6 loss to Dexter Lumis, leading to a losing streak. He finally broke this streak at a live event on April 29 by defeating Rick Boogs.
Free agency and return to NXT (2023–present)
In May 2023, during the WWE Draft, Baron Corbin stood out as a select superstar who signed a unique free agent contract. This contract granted him the flexibility to appear on Raw, SmackDown, and NXT as he wished. On May 30, Corbin made a notable appearance on NXT, targeting NXT Champion Carmelo Hayes. His aggressive move clearly signaled his ambition to vie for the NXT Championship at Gold Rush on June 27.
At Gold Rush, fans witnessed a nostalgic return to Corbin’s original “Lone Wolf” persona, complete with his former entrance music and attire, a first since 2018. Despite this revival, Hayes emerged victorious, retaining the NXT Championship. The week following Gold Rush, NXT aired a vignette of Corbin symbolically burning items linked to his past characters. This act included the destruction of his Lone Wolf leather vest, Constable of Raw attire, King of the Ring crown, and Happy Corbin fedora hat and shirt.
Corbin’s evolution continued at the Great American Bash, where he debuted a new look and entrance. In a memorable match, he faced off against Gable Steveson, resulting in a double countout. His momentum continued at NXT No Mercy on September 30, where he secured a victory over Bron Breakker.
The drama intensified at Night 2 of NXT Halloween Havoc. Corbin launched a backstage attack on NXT Champion Ilja Dragunov, issuing a bold threat. On the November 14 episode of NXT, after defeating Wes Lee, Corbin narrowly evaded an attack from Dragunov. Dragunov, undeterred, accepted Corbin’s challenge for an NXT Championship match at Deadline, setting the stage for another high-stakes showdown.
Baron Corbin Net Worth
For those who haven’t been keeping up with WWE lately, Baron Corbin became King Corbin in 2019. It was after winning the King of the Ring competition. In keeping with his hedonistic King act, Baron Corbin flexed on his pricey Rolex and high-end vehicles. He claimed that no fan could compare to the level of comfort he was living.
Baron Corbin, the accomplished professional wrestler and former football player, has established a successful career in the world of sports entertainment. While his exact net worth remains a subject of speculation, it is rumored to be around 2 million USD. Although no official reports have confirmed this figure, it seems plausible considering his annual salary of 285,000 USD.
Assuming Baron Corbin has been earning this salary consistently over the course of five years, his earnings would amount to approximately 1.425 million USD. However, it is important to note that this calculation does not take into account other potential sources of income or his personal assets.
Baron Corbin Finisher
Baron Corbin’s finisher, known as “The End of Days,” is a move that has gained recognition in the world of professional wrestling. It is a maneuver that Corbin has utilized throughout his career to secure victories over his opponents. However, in recent times, there has been a growing sentiment among fans that finishers have lost their impact and significance.
In the ever-evolving landscape of WWE, long-term booking and the preservation of a wrestler’s finisher as a match-ending move have become less common. There are rumors that Vince McMahon, the chairman of WWE, often makes last-minute changes to the scripts, which can lead to unexpected outcomes and shifts in storyline direction. This can make it challenging for a wrestler like Corbin, who debuted on the main roster five years ago, to establish a new finisher that surprises fans and adds to the excitement of a match.
Baron Corbin Lone Wolf
Baron Corbin’s “lone wolf” persona defined his early WWE career on NXT and Smackdown. His physical prowess and character depiction suggested star potential.
WWE noted Corbin’s unique aspects, like his power moves and heavyweight status. Hence, they frequently featured him, emphasizing his might and presence.
Corbin gained achievements like the United States Championship and the Money in the Bank contract. Yet, his character’s unclear transformation left his future trajectory uncertain.
Baron Corbin Wife
Baron Corbin, born Thomas Pestock on September 13, 1984, in Lenexa, Kansas, is a retired professional football player and current WWE wrestler. Throughout his career, he played for notable NFL teams like the Indianapolis Colts and Arizona Cardinals. However, while Baron Corbin’s professional life is widely known, his personal life, particularly his wife Rochelle Roman, has also garnered attention.
Rochelle Roman, who shares her birthday with August 29, tied the knot with Baron Corbin in 2017. Although known for her reserved nature, her marriage to Corbin thrust her into the spotlight of the mainstream media. Rochelle was raised by her parents, Ivonne Roman and Carlos Roman, and she holds a registered nurse license in Florida. In addition to her nursing profession, she is also an accomplished designer.
With an estimated annual income of around $87,000 in 2021, Rochelle Roman primarily earns her livelihood through her nursing and design work. Furthermore, she is the proud owner of Ethereal Jewelry, a business venture that adds another dimension to her professional accomplishments.
Pat Mcafee
Jim Caldwell, ex-Colts coach, couldn’t foresee McAfee and Corbin’s WWE rivalry. McAfee built a successful Colts career after a 2009 seventh-round NFL draft. Corbin had a short stint with the Colts, coming from a Division II school, before moving to the Cardinals. Their Colts time was brief, but their friendship lasted past their respective retirements.
Baron Corbin FAQs
Baron Corbin played in the NFL?
A former professional football player and American professional wrestler, he is currently affiliated with WWE, competing on the Raw roster under the name Baron Corbin.
Has anybody ever been expelled from End of Days?
During their match, McIntyre accomplished the unprecedented feat of kicking out of Corbin’s “End of Days” finishing move. Additionally, while being interviewed on the Out of Character podcast by Ryan Satin, Corbin faced questions about this particular moment.
How much did Baron Corbin weigh during his NFL days?
During his time as an offensive lineman in the NFL, Baron Corbin’s weight was listed at 317 pounds.
Has Baron Corbin’s weight changed since transitioning to professional wrestling?
Yes, Baron Corbin has reportedly lost between 40 and 50 pounds since entering the professional wrestling industry.
How tall is Baron Corbin?
Baron Corbin is generally listed as 6-foot-7, although there have been variations in reported height, with the NFL website stating 6-foot-6.
What is Baron Corbin’s current age?
As of 2023, Baron Corbin is 39 years old, having been born on September 13, 1984.
What prestigious honor did Baron Corbin receive in 2019?
In 2019, Baron Corbin was awarded the PWI (Pro Wrestling Illustrated) Most Hated Wrestler of the Year honor.