Baron Corbin decided to get acclimated to Colorado before WWE SmackDown in a way most people probably wouldn’t recommend.
Corbin shared photos Thursday from a brutal hike through the Colorado mountains, revealing that he climbed two 14ers, covered more than six miles and spent six hours on the trail while dealing with snow and heavy winds.
“One of the hardest things I’ve ever done!” Corbin wrote on Instagram. “Two 14ers, 6+ miles, 6 hours, and over 14,300 feet. It was death! It was horrible! It was worth every second for those views!”
The feat caught the attention of “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, who liked Corbin’s post and also follows the WWE star on Instagram. Big Show was another wrestling legend who liked the photos.
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What Is a Colorado 14er?
A “14er” is a mountain with an elevation of at least 14,000 feet above sea level. Reaching the summit can present challenges beyond simply navigating a difficult trail. The thinner air at high elevation makes physical activity more demanding, while conditions in Colorado’s mountains can change quickly.
Corbin experienced some of that firsthand, encountering both snow and heavy wind during his six-hour excursion.
I’ve done some hiking in Colorado myself. While I’ve never tackled a 14er, I can attest to how intense the change in altitude and weather can be when you’re coming from much lower elevation.
It’s also absolutely worth it. The views are stunning, which Corbin clearly discovered for himself.
Austin taking notice is fitting considering his own well-documented love of the outdoors, including hunting, fishing and ranch life.
What’s Next for Baron Corbin in WWE?
Corbin’s adventure comes before Friday night’s SmackDown in Denver and at an interesting point in his second WWE run.
Last week, Corbin lost to United States Champion Trick Williams inside a steel cage, seemingly putting an end to their rivalry. WWE inserted Corbin directly into the U.S. title picture following his return in July, eventually leading to Corbin defeating Williams for the championship at SummerSlam before dropping the title back to him.
Recent Club WWE videos also offered some insight into WWE’s plans for Corbin upon his return. Triple H wanted him back as a “monster” heel, and WWE wasted little time presenting him as a legitimate threat.
So far, I’ve enjoyed this version of Corbin significantly more than his first WWE run. He looks credible in the role, and I think there is still plenty of upside if WWE continues to treat him that way.
The Williams feud gave Corbin a meaningful program immediately upon his return. With the steel cage match serving as a natural blowoff, I’m curious to see where WWE takes him next.
