Baron Corbin returned to WWE on the July 10, 2026 episode of SmackDown at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. As Carmelo Hayes was closing in on a win over Trick Williams in a non-title match, Corbin decked Hayes while Hayes went for Nothing But Net and then hit Williams with his End of Days. Corbin had been released by WWE in November 2024, wrestled on the independent scene as Bishop Dyer, and won the MLW World Tag Team Championship with Dominic Dijak. WWE had recently filed a trademark for "The Nomad," fueling speculation about Corbin's comeback. Corbin announced no promo on air; the attack framed him as immediately pursuing the United States Championship and set up a SummerSlam-era storyline heading into WWE's big July events.
