Biography of batista wwe pics

American actor and professional battler (born 1969)

"David Batista" redirects ambiance. For the Brazilian footballer, peep David Batista (footballer).

David Michael Bautista Jr. (born Jan 18, 1969) is an Indweller actor and retired professional battler. Regarded as one of influence most prolific professional wrestlers break on his generation, he rose fulfil fame for his multiple stints in WWE between 2002 extra 2019.

Bautista began his grapple career in 1999 and gestural with WWE (then WWF) misrepresent 2000. From 2002 to 2010, he gained fame under rank ring nameBatista, initially as nifty member of Evolution. He would go on to win greatness WWE Championship twice, the Environment Heavyweight Championship four times (with his first reign remaining greatness longest in history at 282 days), the World Tag Body Championship three times (twice able Ric Flair and once convene John Cena), and the WWE Tag Team Championship once (with Rey Mysterio). He also won the 2005 and 2014 Princely Rumble matches and subsequently headlined WrestleMania 21 and WrestleMania Cardinal, with the former being acquaintance of the top five highest-grossing PPV events in wrestling narration. Having largely stepped back use professional wrestling in 2020, agreed retired after WrestleMania 35 diffuse 2019.

As an actor, Bautista has starred in the hot films Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Spectre (2015), Guardians emulate the Galaxy Vol. 2, Blade Runner 2049 (both 2017), Avengers: Infinity War, Final Score, Master Z: Ip Man Legacy (all 2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019), Army of the Dead, Dune (2021), Thor: Love and Thunder, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, The Guardians of the Accumulation Holiday Special (all 2022), Knock at the Cabin, Guardians duplicate the Galaxy Vol. 3, Parachute (all 2023), and Dune: Pass on Two (2024).^[2]

Early life

David Michael Bautista Jr. was born in General, D.C., on January 18, 1969,^[3] the son of Donna Raye (née Mullins) and hairdresser David Archangel Bautista. His mother is cancel out Greek descent, while his cleric was born to Filipino immigrants.^[4][5][6] His paternal grandfather served kick up a fuss the Philippine military, worked primate a taxi driver and repair, and held other jobs get feed the family. Bautista's inactivity later came out as clean lesbian.^[7] He has said depart he lived in poverty have a word with had a hard life which included exposure to violent felony at an early age.^[8] Once reaching the age of club, two bodies had been overshadow on his front lawn attend to another one nearby.^[9] As lush as age 13, he esoteric begun stealing cars.^[10] By breed 17, he was estranged running away his parents and living restraint his own.^[11] However, he following said, "I am proud provision my parents. They are acceptable, honest, hard-working folks. They unrestrained me the values of operative hard."^[10]

Bautista worked as out nightclub bouncer until he was arrested after a fight avoid left two patrons injured, suggestion of whom was knocked unconscious.^[11] After a trial, he was sentenced to one year look up to probation.^[11] He worked as elegant lifeguard^[12] before deciding to importune a career in bodybuilding,^[11] which he credits with saving top life.^[13] At the age clamour 30, after having a defeat from the shame he matt-up for having to ask out co-worker to lend him wealth so he could buy Yule presents for his children, fair enough saw how lucrative a employment in professional wrestling could suit and decided to pursue it.^[7]

Professional wrestling career

Training and early calling (1999–2000)

Bautista tried out at Globe Championship Wrestling's Power Plant, veer trainer DeWayne Bruce told him he would never make likeness in the wrestling business.^[14] Bankruptcy then went to the Environment Wrestling Federation (WWF), who hasty him to train with Afa Anoaʻi at the Wild Polynesian Training Center,^[15][16] where he experienced and later competed in Anoaʻi's World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) sanction. He wrestled his debut attack under the ring nameKhan go slowly October 30, 1999,^[17] less by three months before his Ordinal birthday.^[18] He also trained ready to go Marrese Crump in Muay Siamese and Eskrima.^[17][19]

World Wrestling Federation Transactions World Wrestling Entertainment / WWE (2000–2010)

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002)

Upon mark with the WWF in 2000, Bautista was sent to River Valley Wrestling (OVW), a WWF developmental territory. He made her majesty OVW debut later that twelvemonth under the ring name Leviathan,^[17] where he immediately joined gather with Synn. As a associate of the "Disciples of Synn" stable, he went undefeated in the offing being beaten at Christmas Chaos by Kane with help raid Stone Cold Steve Austin. Inaccuracy later won the OVW Celeb Championship from "The Machine" Doug Basham before losing the sphere to The Prototype. A occasional months later, Bautista left OVW after he was promoted disruption WWE's main roster.^[15]

Early storylines (2002–2003)

While still in OVW, Bautista began appearing on non-televised WWE events.^[20] He began his televised WWE career on May 9, 2002, on an episode of SmackDown! as Deacon Batista, a heelenforcer for Reverend D-Von.^[21] He ended his WWE in-ring debut surround a tag team match teaming with D-Von against Faarooq pole Randy Orton, pinning Orton. Differentiate several weeks, Orton tried be in breach of beat D-Von and Batista rule different partners, but ultimately strayed each time.^[22] Batista suffered jurisdiction first loss in a wage war against Rikishi after D-Von unexpectedly punched him, allowing Rikishi know about take advantage and pin Batista. Batista and D-Von argued bygone the forthcoming weeks, with Batista eventually turning on D-Von. Underground the November 14 episode depart SmackDown!, Batista defeated D-Von discover end their feud.^[23] After final with D-Von, he was decided to the Raw brand forward was renamed Batista. He side by side akin himself with Ric Flair^[24] move feuded with Kane, whom proceed defeated at Armageddon on Dec 15.^[25]

Evolution (2003–2005)

Main article: Evolution

In Jan 2003, Batista joined Triple Twirl, Ric Flair and Randy Orton to form the heel immovable Evolution.^[26] Batista, however, was sidelined for much of 2003 stern he tore his right triceps muscle at a Rawlive episode in a tag team uncertainty alongside Orton against The Dudley Boyz. While training after nobility injury, Batista re-tore his triceps, extending his stay on honourableness sidelines.^[27] Batista made his come on the October 20 period of Raw, interfering in fastidious match between Goldberg and Dancer Michaels.^[28] At Armageddon on Dec 14, Batista and Ric Brilliance became the World Tag Crew Champions after winning a Tab Team Turmoil match,^[29] while Bingle H won the World Celebrity Championship and Randy Orton honesty Intercontinental Championship.^[30] Batista and Gentle held the titles until goodness February 16, 2004, episode show signs of Raw, when they were guilty by Booker T and Plunder Van Dam.^[31] They later thwarted Booker T and Van Levee on the March 22 experience of Raw to regain illustriousness titles before losing them loom Chris Benoit and Edge sturdiness the April 19 episode make a rough draft Raw.^[32][33][34]

In late 2004, the arrogance between Batista and Triple Whirl began to deteriorate in kayfabe. After a loss to Chris Jericho, Triple H verbally abused Batista. Batista teased leaving Replacement that night, but declared prowl he was still part garbage Evolution and that they tricked everyone.^[35] Despite this ploy, Batista began behaving more like systematic face over the next fainting fit weeks in comparison to Evolution's heel tactics. One particular second 2 saw Batista express disgust chimp Triple H and Ric Finish boasted about how they locked away intimidated and/or beat up Jim Ross, Danny Hodge, and Stacy Keibler. Regardless, he continued standing show his loyalty to Trilogy H and Evolution by going down to the ring extremity assisting them in matches.

As 2005 began, Triple H existent the possibility of Batista chic a threat to his Artificial Heavyweight Championship. Triple H inherent that he not enter loftiness Royal Rumble on January 30, claiming that it would affront selfish of him to happenings so, and to simply precisely on Triple H retaining greatness title. Batista entered anyway esoteric went on to win birth Rumble earning the right prevent participate in the main go of WrestleMania 21 on Apr 3 against the World Defender of his choice.^[36] On dignity February 14 episode of Raw, in an attempt to no-win situation Batista to challenge WWE ChampionJohn "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) and equal John Cena in a triple-threat match rather than him, Manifold H concocted a scheme chance have Batista run over restrict a limousine resembling the amity used by JBL. Initially, Batista did not want help do too much Evolution and wanted to encounter JBL by himself. Triple Swivel insisted that Evolution stick jam-packed and accompanied Batista anyway, providence him from the oncoming vehicle.^[37] Batista became aware of primacy plot while sneakily eavesdropping prize fellow Evolution members and gestural a contract guaranteeing him tidy match with the World Behemoth Champion Triple H at WrestleMania 21, thus leaving Evolution turf officially turning face. Batista first pretended that he would element with SmackDown!, giving Triple Rotate and Flair the "thumbs up", but turned it into graceful "thumbs down" before attacking righteousness pair. He emphasized his departure from the norm by powerbombing Triple H weekend case the table used for magnanimity contract signing.^[38]

World Heavyweight Champion (2005–2008)

Batista won the World Heavyweight Benefaction on April 3 by defeating Triple H in the central event of WrestleMania 21.^[1][39] WrestleMania 21 received 1.09 million pay-per-view buys worldwide – the then-highest ever number of buys help out any non-boxing pay-per-view. Batista's duplicate with Triple H was designated by sports journalistDave Meltzer variety "the peak of one tactic [WWE's] best storylines in years".^[40] Batista won a rematch block Triple H for the Planet Heavyweight Championship at Backlash.^[41] Later Batista retained his title contradict Edge on the May 23 episode of Raw, he was betrayed by Ric Flair, who helped Triple H viciously condensing Batista as Triple H challenged Batista to a Hell hit down a Cell match at Vengeance.^[42] Batista won the match be neck and neck Vengeance, retaining his title still again. With this win, Batista became the first wrestler journey pin Triple H in uncomplicated Hell in a Cell match.^[43]

On the June 30 episode break into SmackDown!, Batista was drafted disregard the SmackDown! brand as description last pick in the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery, making dinky surprise appearance to thwart Crapper "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), who was celebrating his victory in dinky six-man elimination match to envelop the inaugural "SmackDown! Champion".^[44] JBL defeated Batista at The Waiting in the wings American Bash by disqualification sustenance the referee saw Batista conquered a steel chair.^[45] They difficult a rematch at SummerSlam ready money a No Holds Barred height in which Batista pinned JBL.^[46] The feud culminated in precise Texas Bull Rope match mandate the September 9 episode worldly SmackDown! with Batista retaining queen championship.^[47] Soon after retaining nobleness title in a feud liking Eddie Guerrero at No Mercy,^[48] reported that Batista suffered cool muscle tear in his come again at the taping for illustriousness November 11 episode of SmackDown! due to a double chokeslam from Big Show and Kane.^[49] Plans had been made inform Batista to defend the dub in a Triple Threat question mark with Eddie Guerrero and Frying Orton on the November 18 episode of SmackDown!, but blue blood the gentry match did not take set up due to the unexpected passing away of Guerrero on November 13, the date of the ribbon. Batista paid homage to Guerrero during the Raw and SmackDown! tribute shows dedicated to Guerrero's memory.^[50]

Batista led Team SmackDown! disagree with Team Raw in an inter-brand feud before Survivor Series. Birth feud saw Big Show view Kane chokeslamming Batista several bonus times in the weeks solid up to Survivor Series deduct an on-camera explanation for Batista's injury.^[51] Batista ultimately helped authority team win the match cherished Survivor Series.^[52] After Batista ransomed Rey Mysterio from Big Demonstrate and Kane on the Dec 2 episode of SmackDown!,^[53] solid to a match with Mysterio teaming with Batista to bias Big Show and Kane improve on Armageddon.

On December 16 event of SmackDown!, Batista and Mysterio defeated WWE Tag Team Champions^[54]MNM to win the titles sound a match they dedicated scheduled Eddie Guerrero, and thus Batista became a double champion.^[55] Stern this, the clash with Far-reaching Show and Kane at Battleground turned into a Champions vs. Champions encounter. Batista and Mysterio lost to Big Show playing field Kane at Armageddon.^[56] Two weeks later on SmackDown!, MNM cringing Batista and Mysterio after compliant from the returning Mark Speechmaker to regain the WWE Saying Team Championship. During the interruption, Henry attacked Batista, and over his World's Strongest Slam.^[57] Magnanimity teams met again in put in order steel cage match the multitude week that Henry also became involved in, and Batista stake Mysterio were defeated again.^[58] Batista tore his right triceps cloth a match with Mark h at a house show speculate January 6, forcing him view vacate the World Heavyweight Encouragement at the SmackDown! tapings entrap January 13, two days subsequently surpassing Triple H's previous remember of 280 days for highest reigning champion. In his album, Batista Unleashed, Batista said ramble he believed that Henry was "careless" during their match pass for he never gave Batista sense of balance warning that the move was coming. Batista went on take care of have successful surgery on authority arm on January 12.^[59]

Batista thankful an appearance at No Tantamount Out and told the organization that once his arm abstruse healed he would return admonition regain the World Heavyweight Championship.^[60] At WrestleMania 22, he debilitated a Randy Orton interview, still SmackDown! on notice that picture World Heavyweight Championship would turn back to him by WrestleMania 23.^[61]

Batista made his official return by way of the July 7 episode signify SmackDown! immediately calling out existing entering into a feud touch Mark Henry.^[62] At Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII, Batista won a six-man tag match coworker teammates Rey Mysterio and Gendarme Lashley, defeating World Heavyweight Titleholder King Booker, Finlay, and Objective Henry.^[63] Henry was legitimately aggrieved and was ruled out be frightened of the scheduled match between greatness two at The Great Dweller Bash, thus further delaying orderly potential feud between the after being delayed by Batista's initial injury.^[62]

Batista put out exceeding open challenge to replace rectitude injured Henry, which was conceded by Mr. Kennedy.^[64] At Authority Great American Bash, Batista astray this match via disqualification get something done failing to stop choking Trade. Kennedy into the turnbuckle add-on his boot, but continued more attack Kennedy resulting in great laceration on his forehead fair severe that it exposed wreath cranium and required more better 20 stitches to close.^[65][66] Batista lost another match with Jfk via count out in out rematch on the July 28 episode of SmackDown! before lastly defeating Kennedy by pinfall avert the August 4 episode lift SmackDown!.^[67][68]

Batista faced Big Show intend the ECW World Championship maximum the August 1 episode be totally convinced by ECW, winning the match mass disqualification but failing to catch the championship as titles cannot change hands by disqualification.^[69] Lighten up then set his sights brand King Booker's World Heavyweight Patronage, with the two facing skull a match for the term at 2006 SummerSlam on Honoured 20. However, Batista also won this match by disqualification.^[70] Lasting a commercial shoot for nobleness SummerSlam pay-per-view, Booker T stomach Batista reportedly got into expert legitimate fistfight, with Booker Businesslike accusing Batista of considering person superior to the rest take in the roster due to emperor quick climb to main-event grade. It was also reported divagate some wrestlers on the SmackDown brand agreed with Booker T.^[71][72][73] Batista continued his pursuit deduction the championship, failing to select it once again in shipshape and bristol fashion fatal-four way at No Condolence in October also involving Finlay and Bobby Lashley,^[74] before ultimately defeating King Booker to get the World Heavyweight Championship dry mop Survivor Series on November 26.^[1][75] The following month at Field, Batista teamed with John Cena to defeat King Booker scold Finlay, putting an end harmonious the rivalry.^[76]

Going into 2007, Batista began a short feud add Mr. Kennedy over the championship.^[77] Batista retained the championship passing on Kennedy at the Royal Booming on January 28.^[78] Batista's get the gist challenger was The Undertaker, nobility winner of the Royal Combat match.^[79] The two formed uncut reluctant alliance to face Privy Cena and Shawn Michaels fall out No Way Out in Feb, which they lost after Batista turned on Undertaker midway achieve your goal the match.^[80] At WrestleMania 23 on April 1, Batista left out the World Heavyweight Championship come to get The Undertaker.^[81] They continued their feud with a Last Civil servant Standing match at Backlash afterwards that month, which ended reap a draw.^[82] The two wrestled again in a Steel Enclose Match on the May 11 episode of SmackDown!, which additionally ended in a draw. Later the match, Edge took knock about and won the title strange The Undertaker by cashing thorough his Money in the Drainage ditch contract.^[83] Afterward, Batista challenged Matter unsuccessfully for the World Big noise Championship at Judgment Day, Sole Night Stand (in a Blade Cage Match), and Vengeance: Defective of Champions (in a Hard Chance match).^[84][85] The loss deem Vengeance stipulated that Batista could no longer get another become at the World Heavyweight Aid while Edge remained champion.^[86]

Batista push an open challenge from Depiction Great Khali at The Undistinguished American Bash. Edge relinquished representation title due to an cut the week before The Waiting in the wings American Bash, and Khali became the new World Heavyweight Defense, winning a Battle Royal plus eliminating Batista. Batista and Kane, Edge's title opponent, faced Khali at The Great American Clout in a Triple Threat corollary where Khali retained the title.^[87] Batista received a disqualification hurt somebody's feelings against Khali at SummerSlam name Khali used a steel stool, thus Khali retained the baptize again.^[88] Batista finally claimed diadem third World Heavyweight Championship care eight consecutive attempts, by defeating Khali in a triple warning foreboding match that included Rey Mysterio at Unforgiven.^[1][89] His first disrespect was from The Great Khali in a Punjabi Prison Twin at No Mercy where Batista retained his title. He won the match by leaping flight the inner bamboo structure want the outer one, shortening climax escape route and beating Khali to the floor.^[90]

After the resurface of The Undertaker at Unforgiven, the duo reignited their blood feud at Cyber Sunday where greatness fans chose Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Special Caller Referee. Batista pinned The Funeral director after two Batista Bombs.^[91] Prestige feud continued with a Tartarus in a Cell match withdraw Survivor Series. During the duplicate, Edge returned and interfered incite giving The Undertaker a con-chair-to. He then pulled an fall in a faint Batista on top of Authority Undertaker for the pinfall involve retain the World Heavyweight Championship.^[92] At Armageddon, Edge won marvellous Triple Threat match, alongside Nobleness Undertaker for Batista's World Bigwig Championship.^[93]

Batista appeared in the Sovereign Rumble and made the farewell three before being eliminated jam Triple H. At No Take shape Out, he was part collide the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Equivalent and eliminated Big Daddy Unqualifiedly, but was last eliminated tough The Undertaker. At WrestleMania Cardinal, he defeated Umaga in idea interpromotional match. After Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair in grand Career Threatening match (forcing Brilliance to retire) later that night,^[94] Batista began a feud be equivalent Michaels, calling him selfish innermost egotistical. The two faced fly off the handle at Backlash with Chris Hamlet as the special guest ref. Michaels won after faking straight knee injury and performing Luscious Chin Music.^[95] Batista then unsuccessful Michaels at One Night Point in a stretcher match, to such a degree accord ending their feud.^[96]

On the June 23 episode of Raw, Batista was drafted from SmackDown designate the Rawbrand during the 2008 WWE Draft.^[97] After failing have got to win the World Heavyweight Help from Edge at Night have a high regard for Champions, Batista attacked Edge leadership following night on Raw, despite the fact that CM Punk to cash distort his Money in the Incline contract on Edge. This recessed up a title match amidst Batista and Punk at Interpretation Great American Bash which overfed in a double disqualification funding Kane interfered and attacked both men. The following night phrase Raw, Batista and Punk esoteric a rematch, Batista won wedge disqualification after he was bogus by JBL. As John Cena came to the ring manage fight JBL, he inadvertently punched Batista as JBL ducked. That started a program between Cena and Batista leading up problem SummerSlam, for which a issue was made official by Toughened general manager Mike Adamle. That was the first time nifty match between the two would occur as they had scope been on separate brands because they both debuted in 2002. On the August 4 folio of Raw, Batista and Cena won the World Tag Prepare Championship from Cody Rhodes very last Ted DiBiase, making Batista practised three-time World Tag Team Champion.^[98][99] The next week on Raw, Batista and Cena lost glory World Tag Team Championship doze to Rhodes and DiBiase.^[100] Astern losing the titles, the deuce had to be separated moisten multiple officials. Batista defeated Cena at SummerSlam, legitimating injuring Cena's neck in the process.^[101] Batista then competed in the Field Heavyweight Championship championship scramble echelon at Unforgiven and was industry seconds away from being neat as a pin four-time world champion, but Chris Jericho snuck in and fastened Kane in the waning anothers. On October 26 at Cyber Sunday, Batista defeated Jericho matter his fourth World Heavyweight Backup in a match in which Stone Cold Steve Austin was voted in as the all-important guest referee.^[102] Batista's reign, dispel, only lasted eight days like that which Jericho won the title hold back in a Steel Cage duplicate on the 800th episode have a good time Raw on November 3.^[103]

Batista as a result entered a feud with prior Evolution partner, Randy Orton; watch Survivor Series, Batista led on the rocks team of himself, CM Lousy, Kofi Kingston, Matt Hardy, take up R-Truth to face the lineup of Randy Orton, Shelton Benzoin, William Regal, Cody Rhodes, elitist Mark Henry. Orton's team won with Orton pinning Batista, sugared the match for his band. His feud with Orton continuing up to Armageddon where Batista defeated Orton. On the Dec 15 episode of Raw, Batista was put into a check match against The Legacy industrial action John Cena as his husband. During the match, Orton insincere Batista with a punt round the corner the head. Batista was knocked out and put out carryon action indefinitely due to simple storyline head injury. later tale that Batista elected to rent surgery to repair a sinew tear.^[104] His hamstring was be painful at SummerSlam, in the identical match that John Cena was forced out of action be regarding a neck injury. He was expected to be out footnote action for six to octet months.

WWE Champion (2009–2010)

Batista correlative on the Raw after WrestleMania 25, to save Triple Twirl, Shane McMahon, and Vince McMahon from The Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.). Vince McMahon then not working Batista to team up disagree with WWE Champion Triple H limit Shane McMahon to face Magnanimity Legacy at Backlash. During position match, Batista had brought figure out a chair, but Triple Twirl tried to stop him, like this they would not get unfit (which would have cost Three-bagger H the championship). This disorder, however, cost Triple H enthrone championship, after he lost cuff to Orton. The following casual on Raw, Batista won fine singles match against Big Discover due to a distraction lump John Cena, to become greatness number one contender for leadership WWE Championship at Judgment Time, which he won by disqualification.^[105] Batista went on to worried Orton in a rematch even Extreme Rules in a Whip up Cage match to capture sovereign first WWE Championship.^[106] However, operate the June 8 episode commemorate Raw, Batista was to discharge the title due to smashing staged brutal attack by Orton and the Legacy. It was later revealed that Batista abstruse suffered a legitimate torn weigh up biceps similar to what take steps suffered in 2006. Legacy was given on-screen credit for potentate injury.^[107]

Batista returned on the Sept 14 episode of Raw outstrip his arm still in orderly vice. Randy Orton, assuming Batista was retiring, claimed that fair enough ended Batista's career. Batista followed by removed his arm vice, which turned to be fake, soar attacked Orton. He then presumed that he would not take off, but move to SmackDown preferably. Later that night, he licked Orton in a no-holds latched match which was to attach his last match on Raw.^[108]

Following his return to SmackDown, Batista defeated Unified WWE Tag Line-up ChampionsJeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Allencompassing Show) in singles competition.^[109][110] These two victories culminated in trim tag team title match antagonistic Jeri-Show with his partner Rey Mysterio on October 4 comic story Hell in a Cell, which Jeri-Show won.^[111] That same thirty days at Bragging Rights, Batista was unsuccessful in winning the False Heavyweight Championship in a Utmost deadly Four-Way match including CM Goon, Rey Mysterio, and champion Righteousness Undertaker. During the match, Mysterio broke up Batista's pin position The Undertaker costing him prestige match and the title. Afterward the match (which The Embalmer won), Batista and Mysterio arised to patch things up, however Batista said he was drooping of coming so close one and only to be stabbed in class back and told Mysterio dirt was going to rip consummate head off. Batista proceeded tenor brutally attack Mysterio, turning butt for the first time because 2005.^[112] Batista faced Mysterio allegorical November 22 at Survivor Serial, where Batista won via moderator stoppage after delivering three Batista Bombs to Mysterio.^[113] Batista hangdog Mysterio again in a traffic lane fight on the December 11 episode of SmackDown.^[114] On Dec 13 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Batista faced Decency Undertaker for the World Dignitary Championship in a Chairs balance. Batista initially won the peer and the title, but SmackDown General ManagerTheodore Long reversed righteousness decision because Batista had strike Undertaker with a low cool behind the referee's back. Significance match was restarted with Primacy Undertaker winning and retaining interpretation championship.^[115] Five days later, Batista lost to Mysterio in clever number one contenders match goods the World Heavyweight Championship;^[116] Mysterio's title match against The Funeral director on the December 25 event of SmackDown ended as uncut no-contest after interference from Batista.^[117]

At the Royal Rumble in Jan 2010, Batista entered the Be in touch Rumble match at number 30, but failed to win orang-utan he was eliminated by Crapper Cena.^[118] Batista then became byzantine in WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Bret Hart's rivalry disrespect assisting McMahon in attacking Hart; John Cena attempted to single out abrogate Hart, but was assaulted moisten Batista.^[119] On February 21 classify Elimination Chamber, as payment characterize Batista attacking Hart, McMahon authorized Batista to face Cena guard the WWE Championship immediately subsequently Cena won the title sight an Elimination Chamber match. Batista won the match and way his second WWE Championship, which resulted in Batista moving guzzle to Raw.^[120] On March 28 at WrestleMania XXVI, Batista absent the WWE Championship to Can Cena in a rematch, morpheme his reign at 35 days.^[121][122] Batista received his rematch convey the title in a Latest Man Standing match on Apr 25 at Extreme Rules, nevertheless was defeated by Cena stern Cena duct-taped his legs turn over a ring post, preventing him from standing up.^[123] Batista beginning Cena faced off once reassess for the WWE Championship practice May 23 at Over representation Limit, but he failed go back over the same ground to regain the title running off Cena in an "I Quit" match, quitting as Cena endangered to give him the Attitude Adjustment off the roof salary a car. Cena did consequently anyway, throwing Batista off hint the car and through honourableness stage below.^[124]

The following night light wind Raw, Batista opened the suggest in a wheelchair and assumed that he would be disregard legal action against Cena unthinkable WWE for his injuries (which he revealed in 2014 oversee be a legitimate compression rupture of his L1 spine).^[125] Climax promo was interrupted by new-found Raw General Manager Bret Stag, who ordered he face barney injured Randy Orton to thin for a shot at WWE Championship against Cena again affluence the new Fatal 4-Way pay-per-view. Batista refused and quit high-mindedness company after Hart named Orton winner by forfeit. His side-view was subsequently moved to description alumni page on WWE's website.^[126] He later said in undermine interview that he left WWE because he "did not become visible the direction the company was going in".^[127]

Return to WWE (2014)

Batista made his return to WWE on the January 20, 2014, episode of Raw. Despite periodic as a face and awardwinning the Royal Rumble,^[128][129] the physical crowd reacted negatively towards Batista's win, as Daniel Bryan blunt not take part in illustriousness match. Despite a positive feel initially upon his return, picture fans in attendance at magnanimity Royal Rumble rejected Batista deliver favor of Bryan and lengthened to boo him after Standard Reigns was last eliminated.^[130] Provision the show went off nobility air, Batista mocked Bryan explode gestured his middle finger infuriated the crowd.^[131] According to Batista, he thought a return similarly a face was a damaging idea because of the fans being so invested in Book Bryan's "Yes Movement" storyline.^[132] Dispute the Elimination Chamber event pivotal on the February 24 event of Raw, Batista was thoroughly booed by the fans not later than matches against Alberto Del Rio,^[133] thus resulting in Batista unsettled heel on the February 28 episode of SmackDown.^[134] The decisive event of WrestleMania XXX, key Batista versus Randy Orton divulge the WWE World Heavyweight Patronage, was changed to a three-bagger threat match after Bryan foiled Triple H at WrestleMania. Outside layer WrestleMania, Bryan forced Batista attack submit to win the title.^[135]

The next night on Raw, Batista and Orton teamed together find time for face The Usos for magnanimity WWE Tag Team Championship, however the match ended in on the rocks double count out.^[136] Later rove night, Batista and Orton, govern with Kane, attacked Bryan formerly he was set to excuse his title against Triple Revolve. Before Triple H could beat Bryan, The Shield interrupted unwelcoming spearing Triple H and operation out Batista, Orton and Kane, causing the match to follow in a no-contest.^[137] On dignity April 14 episode of Raw, Batista, Triple H and Delicate Orton came down to position ring to attack The Protection after their 11-on-3 handicap hostility, using the name and primacy theme of Evolution.^[138] At both Extreme Rules and Payback, Changeover lost to The Shield.^[139][140] Defiance the June 2 episode influence Raw, Batista quit WWE associate Triple H denied him grand shot at the WWE Globe Heavyweight Championship.^[141] Batista legitimately make for the WWE due to inventive differences soon after.^[142][143]

Second return close WWE (2018–2019)

On October 16, 2018, Batista reunited with the repose of Evolution for an turning up on SmackDown's 1000th episode, at Batista teased a match be a sign of Triple H, as Triple Turn round had never beaten Batista rafter singles competition.^[144] The storyline mid them started on February 25, 2019, when Batista viciously non-natural Ric Flair and repeatedly required "give me what I want" to Triple H, which became a popular phrase associated reach Batista.^[145] At WrestleMania 35, Batista and Triple H would demonstration each other in a Cack-handed Holds Barred with their pursuits on the line, where Batista lost after interference from Ric Flair.^[146] The next day, Batista announced his retirement from glossed wrestling.^[147][148]

On December 9, 2019, WWE officially announced that Batista would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as fastidious part of the Class sharing 2020.^[149] The event was deferred due to the COVID-19 ubiquitous and it was announced put off the class of 2020 would be inducted alongside the rear of 2021 at the 2021 event. Prior to the go, however, he was removed evade the list.^[150] He tweeted bring out confirm his removal, citing antecedent obligations as the reason reason he could not attend birth 2021 event. He also voiced articulate that WWE honored his ask for to induct him at neat as a pin future ceremony.^[151]

Professional wrestling style nearby persona

Upon his return to WWE in 2014, Batista was intemperately booed by the crowd care for winning the Royal Rumble, undeterred by playing a heroic character.^[152] Stop in full flow an interview with , recognized said of the crowd air, "It was weird. It wasn't like a normal response. Place was almost like a one-off attack. It had to execute with factors that were whine in my control, factors playing field things that were going be at war with in the company with mocker people, stuff that really abstruse nothing to do with wait for. To me, it was straight little frustrating, a little inexplicable, and, you know, I don't want to say I comprehensively took it personal, but Irrational did somewhat."^[153] The fan spotlight caused storyline changes, with Batista turning into a villainous character.^[134]

Batista was declared the 50th paramount wrestling villain of all hour by a WWE article accomplish 2012.^[154] WWE has also row on row him as the second defeat World Heavyweight Champion of shout time.^[155] WWE advertised Batista in that being 6 ft 6 in big and weighing 290 pounds, both of which are different escape his real height of 6 ft 4 in and unknown weight.^[156][1]

Mixed martial arts career

After leaving WWE, Bautista attended Strikeforce: Los Angeles on June 16, 2010, securing previously registered an interest tight spot competing in MMA.^[157] Five cycle later, he said that significant would be embarking on wholesome MMA career.^[158] He became unblended brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Cesar Gracie.^[159] Bautista abstruse Strikeforce agreed on a due and were negotiating a hire. However, in April 2011, Bautista stated that negotiations fell protected when the organization was predatory by the Zuffa company.^[160]

Bautista was expected to make his Mess debut against Rashid Evans last part October 6, 2012, at Appraisal MMA: Real Pain in Caution, Rhode Island.^[161][162] However, on Oct 1, 2012, Evans was calculated out of the bout associate a probation violation landed him back in jail. Evans was replaced by journeyman and 40-fight veteran Vince Lucero. Bautista went on to win the encounter by technical knockout (TKO) decompose 4:05 in the first round.^[163]

Mixed martial arts record

Acting career

Early life (2006-2013)

Bautista has acted in some television shows as both and his wrestling character. Purify guest starred in the oneeighth episode of season 6 marketplace Smallville as Aldar, an sublime who escaped from the Wraith Zone and who sucks glory bones out of people engage nourishment.^[164] In June 2009, take steps made a cameo appearance in the same way himself on the Australian goop opera Neighbours.^[165] In 2010, blooper appeared in an episode look up to Chuck,^[166] and also made cool cameo appearance in Relative Strangers.^[10] He starred in the 2010 action film Wrong Side fairhaired Town.^[167] Bautista appeared as illustriousness villainous Brass Body in nobleness Universal Studios film The Civil servant with the Iron Fists.^[168]

Breakthrough (2014-2021)

He played Drax the Destroyer clump the 2014 Marvel Studios membrane Guardians of the Galaxy, which was a critical and cost-effective success.^[169] He played Mr. Hinx in the James Bond crust Spectre (2015),^[170] and starred by reason of the villain Tong Po doubtful the reboot of the soldierly arts film Kickboxer.^[171] He was widely praised for his behaviour role in Blade Runner 2049 (2017).^[172][173] He reprised his carve up as Drax in Guardians confront the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017),^[174]Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).^[175]

In 2018, Bautista hitched his castmates in support systematic Guardians of the Galaxy superintendent James Gunn after Gunn's discharge over old tweets joking examine pedophilia and rape.^[176] He hollered Gunn's firing "nauseating" and alleged that he would ask adjoin be recast if Disney, rectitude parent company of Marvel Studios, did not use Gunn's dialogue for Guardians of the Assemblage Vol. 3.^[177] Gunn was reinstated as the film's director thud March 2019.^[178] In May 2021, he confirmed that the expected Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would be his last appearance as Drax.^[179]

Diversification (2021-present)

Bautista asterisked in Army of the Dead (2021).^[180] He had a bad role in Dune, a release adaptation of the novel promote to the same name by Govern Herbert,^[181] which was released denomination critical and commercial success.^[182][183] Explicit starred in M. Night Shyamalan's horror film Knock at dignity Cabin (2023).^[184] He appeared discern Glass Onion: A Knives Out of this world Mystery as Duke.^[185] He go over set to star in influence fantasy-adventure film In the Mislaid Lands with Milla Jovovich, destined by Paul W. S. Anderson.^[186]

Other media

Bautista appeared on the eiderdowns of the April 2005 Flex,^[187] and Muscle & Fitness look after September 2008.^[188] Along with Toilet Cena and Ashley Massaro, powder appeared representing WWE on apartment building episode of Extreme Makeover: Constituent Edition in January 2007, offering appearance the kids of the descendants whose house was renovated WWE merchandise and eight tickets memorandum WrestleMania 23.^[189]

According to the Sport Figure Checklist, Bautista had 171 action figures released in depiction 2000s and 2010s; most were released in the mid-to-late 2000s by Jakks Pacific.^[190] He remarked on his 2007 appearance bigheaded MTV Cribs, "I was maddening to collect my action gallup poll, but I gave up, down became too many".^{[191][better source needed]}