Was Batista’s 2014 Return a Waste? He Certainly Doesn’t Think So

Former WWE Champion Batista returned in 2014, poised to win the Royal Rumble and set himself up as the top babyface to take on the heel Randy Orton in the main event of WrestleMania.

You might recall that things ended up a bit differently. Fans were hot for Daniel Bryan–or, really, anyone else besides this guy they saw as a “part-timer.” One of the more interesting notes of modern wrestling history is the tremendous pop Roman Reigns received when it seems he was about to eliminate Batista, the heroic champion nobody wanted.

The more things change the more they stay the same, right?

WWE was forced to turn Batista heel when the crowd revolted against him and the obvious plans for WrestleMania. One fan took to Twitter today to acknowledge Batista’s return–as a “complete waste.”

Batista disagrees.

httpss://twitter.com/DaveBautista/status/822530734225297408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Can’t argue there. Batista’s post-wrestling career certainly hasn’t suffered, as he’s earned roles in major films including the James Bond adventure, Spectre, and Blade Runner 2049. That’s in addition to his role as the fan-favorite Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, as well as its sequel.

Fans had started to warm to Batista by the end of his run, but it was certainly only in his role as a heel. Will we see another tragic Royal Rumble? I hope not, but hey–here’s the current card.

Were you a fan of Batista’s return? Let us know in the comments, or on Facebook!