Batista (real name: Dave Bautistamade his somewhat triumphant return to the WWE in 2014 and achieved a great deal of success including a Royal Rumble victory in January. 

The Animal eliminated the previous year's winner Roman Reigns but his win would ultimately set him down the path of disappointment as his victory was detested by fans.

The lack of Daniel Bryan inclusion within the match was a main instigator for the fan negativity and also the fact that a returning performer who had been absent for four years was given a huge platform without actually deserving it. 

The Animal on his return

Batista's victory was met with boos. Photo- WWE.com

The 47-year-old embarked on his return to WWE in 2013, one he described as 'disappointing' with The Animal openly disagreeing with creative's decision to have him as a babyface.

He said his return was "not good" from the "very beginning" with the company wanting him to work as a "babyface" when as he felt he would be better suited as a "heel."

Batista was set to work against heel Randy Orton in a history-symbolic match reminiscing the days of Evolution, Triple H was rumored to be involved in their match at WrestleMania 30 but fan reaction eventually changed the decision to not include Daniel Bryan

While he was performing he said he was nursing an "Achilles tendon injury" which stopped him being in "better shape" he said he was torn between his acting career and his wrestling career so he decided to "stay away from the weights" in order to "get away" from that "muscle bound look."

He has already achieved a degree of success in Hollywood following his appearance in The Guardians of the Galaxy as well as James Bond, Spectre

However, he reasserted his feelings of "being unsatisfied" on his return and said it "broke his heart" because he had been thinking about his return "for years."

He said that he pitched the idea of him returning at SummerSlam, during the time that GOTG would be released but he was turned away with the suggestion that Triple H and Stephanie "snickered" and said, "we do not even know if the movie is going to be any good."

On issues with backstage

It seems that despite the negativity that was aimed towards the veteran, he was not at fault for a large portion of that anger, with his bosses directing him during his return. 

He said they did not just halt his storyline as they also had an effect on other superstars including Daniel Bryan and The Shield (Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, and Roman Reigns). 

"Bryan was told not to sell all of his injuries at 'Mania" was an issue he took exception to as it would have told a better story if he was battling his injuries to then overcome them and win it against even greater odds. 

He also mentioned that "The Shield splitting up" was something that he "hated" as the timing was not right, as the night before, he made them look like "a million dollars", he felt the trio would have been better feuding with "The Wyatts" a lot longer.

On fan negativity

Batista opened up about his disappointment with the fans who he felt let themselves down by ignoring the talent in the ring as they preferred to direct their interest towards him or former superstars.

He said "Dolph Ziggler had kick a** matches" that the fans ultimately "missed out on" because they were "too busy" canting "CM PUNK!" or "BLUETISTA!" this was something that "p****d him off."

According to the father of two it was a "personal attack" from the fans because they had no reason to hate him because he did not "ask for a lot of money" or "refuse to put people over" which made him "confused" but felt that the fans were being negative because it was "trendy."

On struggle with promos and career restriction

Batista has achieved success in the film world, outside of the the squared circle (image:comicvine.gamespot.com)
Batista has achieved success in the film world, outside of the squared circle (image:comicvine.gamespot.com)

The former World Heavyweight Champion has been able to forge a career for himself in the film industry and appears as comfortable behind the camera as in the squared circle. 

However, he says he "struggled" early in his wrestling career because of people "writing" his promos for him instead of "bullet points" but he admitted that "public speaking" was something that "terrified him." He eventually confronted Vince McMahon to ask what "the point" of his promo was and then he "winged up" which was when his delivery "turned good."

He said that his development outside of the wrestling ring was halted by management, he saw John Cena receiving "movie roles" which prompted him to ask if there were "any roles" for himself, he said those in power "showed no interest." 

He admitted he "went outside of the company" to "audition" but the ultimate reply from the WWE was "you are our property, get dressed and go to work" something that he felt was "unfair" on his "career" and income, which hit him hard enough to prompt him to give the company his "years notice."

On his first departure from the company he said "everything was put into perspective" where "few people" said "goodbye" or "thank you" and then "security escorted" him from the arena and there was no "keep in touch" or "see you later" he just left the company with a "broken back" following a match with "John Cena."

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]