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Dave Bautista

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"David Batista" redirects here. For the Brazilian footballer, seeDavid Batista (footballer).

Dave Bautista
Bautista in 2019
Born
David Michael Bautista Jr.

(1969-01-18)January 18, 1969(age 55)
Washington, D.C.,U.S.
Occupations
  • Actor
  • professional wrestler
  • mixed martial artist
Years active1999–2019 (wrestling)
2006–present (acting)
2012 (MMA)
Spouses
Glenda Bautista
​
​
(m.1990;div.1998)​
Angie Bautista
​
​
(m.1998;div.2006)​
Sarah Jade
​
​
(m.2015;sep.2019)​
Children3
Ring name(s)Batista
Dave Batista
Deacon Batista
Khan
Leviathan
Billed height6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Billed weight290 lb (132 kg)
Billed fromWashington, D.C.
Trained byAfa Anoaʻi
Marrese Crump
DebutOctober 30, 1999
RetiredApril 8, 2019
Martial arts career
Height6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight265 lb (120 kg; 18 st 13 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight
TeamGracie Fighter Tampa
Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
RankBrown belt inBrazilian Jiu-Jitsuunder Cesar Gracie
Years active2012
Mixed martial artsrecord
Total1
Wins1
By knockout1
Losses0
Other information
Mixed martial arts recordfromSherdog
Signature

David Michael Bautista Jr.(born January 18, 1969) is an American actor and retiredprofessional wrestlerandmixed martial artist.He rose to fame for his several stints inWWEbetween 2002 and 2019.

Bautista began his wrestling career in 1999 and signed withWWE(then WWF) in 2000. From 2002 to 2010, he gained fame under thering nameBatista,initially as a member ofEvolution.He would go on to win theWWE Championshiptwice, theWorld Heavyweight Championshipfour times (with his first reign remaining thelongest in historyat 282 days), theWorld Tag Team Championshipthree times (twice withRic Flairand once withJohn Cena), and theWWE Tag Team Championshiponce (withRey Mysterio). He also won the2005and2014Royal Rumble matches and subsequently headlinedWrestleMania 21andWrestleMania XXX,with the former being one of the top five highest-grossing PPV events in wrestling history. He retired from wrestling afterWrestleMania 35in 2019.

As an actor, Bautista has starred in the filmsThe Man with the Iron Fists(2012),Riddick(2013), asDrax the Destroyerin theMarvel Cinematic Universe,theJames BondfilmSpectre(2015),Blade Runner 2049(2017),My Spy(2020),Army of the Dead(2021), asGlossu Rabban HarkonneninDune(2021) andits sequel(2024),Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery(2022), andKnock at the Cabin(2023).

Early life

David Michael Bautista Jr. was born inWashington, D.C.,on January 18, 1969,[1]the son of Donna Raye (née Mullins) and hairdresser David Michael Bautista. His mother is of Greek descent, while his father was born to Filipino immigrants.[2][3][4]His paternal grandfather served in thePhilippine military,worked as a taxi driver and barber, and held other jobs to feed the family. Bautista's mother later came out as a lesbian.[5]He has said that he lived in poverty and had a hard life which included exposure to violent crime at an early age.[6]Before reaching the age of nine, two bodies had been found on his front lawn and another one nearby.[7]As young as age 13, he had begun stealing cars.[8]By age 17, he was estranged from his parents and living on his own.[9]However, he later said, "I am proud of my parents. They are good, honest, hard-working folks. They taught me the values of working hard."[8]

Bautista worked as a nightclub bouncer until he was arrested after a fight that left two patrons injured, one of whom was knocked unconscious.[9]After a trial, he was sentenced to one year ofprobation.[9]He worked as a lifeguard[10]before deciding to pursue a career in bodybuilding,[9]which he credits with saving his life.[11]At the age of 30, after having a breakdown from the shame he felt for having to ask a co-worker to lend him money so he could buy Christmas presents for his children, he saw how lucrative a career in professional wrestling could be and decided to pursue it.[5]

Professional wrestling career

Training and early career (1999–2000)

Bautista tried out at theWCW'sPower Plant,where notorious trainerDeWayne Brucetold him he would never make it in the wrestling business.[12]He then went toWWE(then WWF), who advised him to train withAfa Anoaʻiat the Wild Samoan Training Center,[13][14]where he trained and later competed in Anoaʻi'sWorld Xtreme Wrestling(WXW) promotion. He wrestled his debut match under thering nameKhanon October 30, 1999,[15]less than three months before his 31st birthday.[16]He also trained with Marrese Crump inMuay ThaiandEskrima.[15][17]

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

Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002)

Upon signing with the WWF in 2000, Bautista was sent toOhio Valley Wrestling(OVW), a WWFdevelopmental territory.He made his OVW debut later that year under the ring nameLeviathan,[15]where he immediately joined forces with Synn. As a member of the Disciples of Synnstable,he went undefeated until being beaten atChristmas ChaosbyKanewith help fromStone Cold Steve Austin.He later won theOVW Heavyweight Championshipfrom "The Machine"Doug Bashambefore losing the belt toThe Prototype.A few months later, Bautista left OVW after he was promoted to WWE's main roster.[13]

Early storylines (2002–2003)

While still in OVW, Bautista began appearing on non-televised WWE events.[18]He began his televised WWE career on May 9, 2002, on an episode ofSmackDown!as Deacon Batista, aheelenforcerforReverend D-Von.[19]He made his WWE in-ring debut in atag teammatch teaming with D-Von againstFaarooqandRandy Orton,pinningOrton. Over several weeks, Orton tried to beat D-Von and Batista with different partners, but ultimately lost each time.[20]Batista suffered his first loss in a match againstRikishiafter D-Von accidentally punched him, allowing Rikishi to take advantage and pin Batista. Batista and D-Von argued over the forthcoming weeks, with Batista eventually turning on D-Von. On the November 14 episode ofSmackDown!,Batista defeated D-Von to end their feud.[21]After splitting with D-Von, he was assigned to theRawbrand and was renamed Batista. He aligned himself withRic Flair[22]andfeudedwithKane,whom he defeated atArmageddon.[23]

Evolution (2003–2005)

Main article:Evolution

In January 2003, Batista joinedTriple H,Ric Flair and Randy Orton to form the heel stableEvolution.[24]Batista, however, was sidelined for much of 2003 after he tore his righttriceps muscleat aRawlive eventin a tag team match alongside Orton againstThe Dudley Boyz.While training after the injury, Batista re-tore his triceps, extending his stay on the sidelines.[25]Batista made his return on October 20 episode ofRaw,interfering in a match betweenGoldbergandShawn Michaels.[26]AtArmageddon,Batista and Ric Flair became theWorld Tag Team Champions.[27]while Triple H won theWorld Heavyweight Championshipand Randy Orton theIntercontinental Championship.[28]Batista and Flair held the title until February 16, 2004, episode ofRaw,when they were defeated byBooker TandRob Van Dam.[29]They later defeated Booker and Van Dam on the March 22 episode ofRawto regain the titles before losing them toChris BenoitandEdgeon the April 19 episode ofRaw.[30][31][32]

In late 2004, the relationship between Batista and Triple H began to deteriorate inkayfabe.After a loss toChris Jericho,Triple H verbally insulted Batista. Batista teased leaving Evolution that night, but declared that he was still part of Evolution and that they tricked everyone.[33]Despite this ploy, Batista began behaving more like afaceover the next few weeks in comparison to Evolution's heel tactics. One particular moment saw Batista express disgust as Triple H and Ric Flair boasted about how they had intimidated and/or beat upJim Ross,Danny Hodge,andStacy Keibler.Regardless, he continued to show his loyalty to Triple H and Evolution by running down to the ring and assisting them in matches.

As 2005 began, Triple H realized the possibility of Batista becoming a threat to his World Heavyweight Championship. Triple H suggested that he not enter theRoyal Rumble,claiming that it would be selfish of him to do so, and to simply focus on Triple H retaining the title. Batista entered anyway and went on to win the Rumble earning the right to participate in the main event ofWrestleMania 21against the World Champion of his choice.[34]In an attempt to persuade Batista to challengeWWE ChampionJohn "Bradshaw" Layfield(JBL) and challengerJohn Cenain a triple-threat match rather than him, Triple H concocted a scheme to have Batistarun overin alimousineresembling the one used by JBL. Initially, Batista did not want help from Evolution and wanted to confront JBL by himself. Triple H insisted that Evolution stick together and accompanied Batista anyway, saving him from the oncoming vehicle.[35]Batista became aware of the plot while sneakily eavesdropping on fellow Evolution members and signed a contract guaranteeing him a match with the World Heavyweight Champion Triple H at WrestleMania 21, thus leaving Evolution and officially turning face. Batista initially pretended that he would sign with SmackDown!, giving Triple H and Flair the "thumbs up", but turned it into a "thumbs down" before attacking the pair. He emphasized his departure bypowerbombingTriple H through the table used for the contract signing.[36]

World Heavyweight Champion (2005–2008)

Batista asWorld Heavyweight Championin September 2005

Batista won the World Heavyweight Championship on April 3 by defeating Triple H in the main event of WrestleMania 21.[37][38]WrestleMania 21 received 1.09 million pay-per-view buys worldwide – the then-highest ever number of buys for any non-boxingpay-per-view. Batista's match with Triple H was described bysports journalistDave Meltzeras "the peak of one of [WWE's] best storylines in years".[39]Batista won a rematch with Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship atBacklash.[40]After Batista retained his title against Edge on the May 23 episode ofRaw,he was betrayed by Ric Flair, who helped Triple H viciously attack Batista as Triple H challenged Batista to aHell in a Cellmatch atVengeance.[41]Batista won the match at Vengeance, retaining his title yet again. With this win, Batista became the first wrestler to pin Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match.[42]

On the June 30 episode ofSmackDown!,Batista was drafted to theSmackDown!brand as the last pick in the2005 WWE Draft Lottery,making a surprise appearance to thwartJohn "Bradshaw" Layfield(JBL), who was celebrating his victory in a six-man elimination match to crown the inaugural "SmackDown! Champion".[43]JBL defeated Batista atThe Great American Bashby disqualification after the referee saw Batista use a steel chair.[44]They had a rematch atSummerSlamin aNo Holds Barred matchin which Batista pinned JBL.[45]The feud culminated in aTexas Bull Rope matchon the September 9 episode ofSmackDown!with Batista retaining his championship.[46]Soon after retaining the title in a feud withEddie GuerreroatNo Mercy,[47]WWE.com reported that Batista suffered a muscle tear in his back at the taping for the November 11 episode ofSmackDown!due to a double chokeslam fromBig Show and Kane.[48]Plans had been made for Batista to defend the title in a Triple Threat match with Eddie Guerrero and Randy Orton on the November 18 episode ofSmackDown!,but the match did not take place due to the unexpected death of Guerrero on November 13, the date of the taping. Batista paid homage to Guerrero during theRawandSmackDown!tribute shows dedicated to Guerrero's memory.[49]

Batista led Team SmackDown! against Team Raw in an inter-brand feud beforeSurvivor Series.The feud saw Big Show and Kane chokeslamming Batista several more times in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series in an on-camera explanation for Batista's injury.[50]Batista ultimately helped his team win the match at Survivor Series.[51]After Batista savedRey Mysteriofrom Big Show and Kane on the December 2 episode ofSmackDown!,[52]leading to a match with Mysterio teaming with Batista to face Big Show and Kane atArmageddon.

On December 16 episode ofSmackDown!,Batista and Mysterio defeatedWWE Tag Team Champions[53]MNMto win the titles in a match they dedicated to Eddie Guerrero, and thus Batista became a double champion.[54]After this, the clash with Big Show and Kane at Armageddon turned into a Champions vs. Champions encounter. Batista and Mysterio lost to Big Show and Kane at Armageddon.[55]Two weeks later onSmackDown!,MNM defeated Batista and Mysterio after help from the returningMark Henryto regain the WWE Tag Team Championship. During the interference, Henry attacked Batista, and performed hisWorld's Strongest Slam.[56]The teams met again in a steel cage match the following week that Henry also became involved in, and Batista and Mysterio were defeated again.[57]Batista tore his right triceps during a match with Mark Henry at a house show on January 6, forcing him to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship at theSmackDown!tapings on January 13, two days after surpassing Triple H's previous mark of 280 days for longest reigning champion. In his book,Batista Unleashed,Batista said that he believed that Henry was "careless" during their match as he never gave Batista any warning that the move was coming. Batista went on to have successful surgery on his arm on January 12.[58]

Batista in 2006

Batista made an appearance atNo Way Outand told the crowd that once his arm had healed he would return to regain the World Heavyweight Championship.[59]AtWrestleMania 22,he interrupted a Randy Orton interview, putting SmackDown! on notice that the World Heavyweight Championship would return to him byWrestleMania 23.[60]

Batista made his official return during the July 7 episode ofSmackDown!immediately calling out and entering into a feud withMark Henry.[61]AtSaturday Night's Main Event XXXIII,Batista won a six-man tag match with teammates Rey Mysterio andBobby Lashley,defeating World Heavyweight ChampionKing Booker,Finlay,and Mark Henry.[62]Henry was legitimately injured and was ruled out of the scheduled match between the two atThe Great American Bash,thus further delaying a potential feud between the two after being delayed by Batista's initial injury.[61]

Batista put out an open challenge to replace the injured Henry, which was answered byMr. Kennedy.[63]At The Great American Bash, Batista lost this match via disqualification for failing to stop choking Mr. Kennedy into the turnbuckle with his boot, but continued to attack Kennedy resulting in a laceration on his forehead so severe that it exposed his cranium and required more than 20 stitches to close.[64][65]Batista lost another match with Kennedy via count out in a rematch on the July 28 episode ofSmackDown!before finally defeating Kennedy by pinfall on the August 4 episode ofSmackDown!.[66][67]

Batista faced Big Show for theECW World Championshipon the August 1 episode ofECW,winning the match by disqualification but failing to win the championship as titles cannot change hands by disqualification.[68]He then set his sights on King Booker's World Heavyweight Championship, with the two facing in a match for the title atSummerSlamon August 20. However, Batista also won this match by disqualification.[69]Batista continued his pursuit of the championship, failing to capture it once again in a fatal-four way atNo Mercyin October also involvingFinlayand Bobby Lashley,[70]before finally defeating Booker to regain the World Heavyweight Championship atSurvivor Serieson November 26.[37][71]The following month atArmageddon,Batista teamed with John Cena to defeat King Booker and Finlay, putting an end to the rivalry.[72]

Batista holding the World Heavyweight Championship and a flag ofPuerto Ricoin 2006

Going into 2007, Batista began a short feud with Mr. Kennedy over the championship.[73]Batista retained the championship over Kennedy at theRoyal Rumbleon January 28.[74]Batista's next challenger wasThe Undertaker,the winner of the Royal Rumble match.[75]The two formed a reluctant alliance to face John Cena andShawn MichaelsatNo Way Outin February, which they lost after Batista turned on Undertaker midway through the match.[76]At WrestleMania 23 on April 1, Batista lost the World Heavyweight Championship to The Undertaker.[77]They continued their feud with aLast Man Standing matchatBacklashlater that month, which ended in a draw.[78]The two wrestled again in aSteel Cage Matchon the May 11 episode ofSmackDown!,which also ended in a draw. Following the match,Edgetook advantage and won the title from The Undertaker by cashing in hisMoney in the Bankcontract.[79]Afterward, Batista challenged Edge unsuccessfully for the World Heavyweight Championship atJudgment Day,One Night Stand(in a Steel Cage Match), andVengeance: Night of Champions(in aLast Chance match).[80][81]The loss at Vengeance stipulated that Batista could no longer get another chance at the World Heavyweight Championship while Edge remained champion.[82]

Batista accepted an open challenge fromThe Great KhaliatThe Great American Bash.Edge relinquished the title due to an injury the week before The Great American Bash, and Khali became the new World Heavyweight Champion, winning aBattle Royaland eliminating Batista. Batista andKane,Edge's title opponent, faced Khali at The Great American Bash in aTriple Threat matchwhere Khali retained the title.[83]Batista received a disqualification victory against Khali atSummerSlamafter Khali used a steel chair, thus Khali retained the title again.[84]Batista finally claimed his third World Heavyweight Championship after eight consecutive attempts, by defeating Khali in a triple threat match that included Rey Mysterio atUnforgiven.[37][85]His first challenge was from The Great Khali in aPunjabi Prison MatchatNo Mercywhere Batista retained his title. He won the match by leaping from the inner bamboo structure to the outer one, shortening his escape route and beating Khali to the floor.[86]

After the return of The Undertaker atUnforgiven,the duo reignited their feud atCyber Sundaywhere the fans choseStone Cold Steve Austinas theSpecial Guest Referee.Batista pinned The Undertaker after two Batista Bombs.[87]The feud continued with a Hell in a Cell match atSurvivor Series.During the match, Edge returned and interfered by giving The Undertaker acon-chair-to.He then pulled an unconscious Batista on top of The Undertaker for the pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.[88]AtArmageddon,Edge won a Triple Threat match, alongside The Undertaker for Batista's World Heavyweight Championship.[89]

Batista in June 2008

Batista appeared in theRoyal Rumbleand made the final three before being eliminated by Triple H. AtNo Way Out,he was part of the SmackDownElimination ChamberMatch and eliminatedBig Daddy V,but was last eliminated by The Undertaker. AtWrestleMania XXIV,he defeatedUmagain an interpromotional match. AfterShawn Michaelsdefeated Ric Flair in a Career Threatening match (forcing Flair to retire) later that night,[90]Batista began a feud with Michaels, calling him selfish and egotistical. The two faced off atBacklashwithChris Jerichoas the special guest referee. Michaels won after faking a knee injury and performingSweet Chin Music.[91]Batista then defeated Michaels atOne Night Standin astretcher match,thus ending their feud.[92]

On the June 23 episode ofRaw,Batista was drafted fromSmackDownto theRawbrandduring the2008 WWE Draft.[93]After failing to win the World Heavyweight Championship from Edge atNight of Champions,Batista attacked Edge the following night onRaw,allowingCM Punkto cash in hisMoney in the Bank contracton Edge. This set up a title match between Batista and Punk atThe Great American Bashwhich ended in a double disqualification after Kane interfered and attacked both men. The following night onRaw,Batista and Punk had a rematch, Batista won by disqualification after he was attacked by JBL. As John Cena came to the ring to fight JBL, he inadvertently punched Batista as JBL ducked. This started a program between Cena and Batista leading up toSummerSlam,for which a match was made official by Raw general managerMike Adamle.This was the first time a match between the two would occur as they had each been on separate brands since they both debuted in 2002. On the August 4 episode ofRaw,Batista and Cena won theWorld Tag Team ChampionshipfromCody RhodesandTed DiBiase,making Batista a three-time World Tag Team Champion.[94][95]The next week onRaw,Batista and Cena lost the World Tag Team Championship back to Rhodes and DiBiase.[96]After losing the titles, the two had to be separated by multiple officials. Batista defeated Cena at SummerSlam, legitimating injuring Cena's neck in the process.[97]Batista then competed in the World Heavyweight Championship championship scramble match atUnforgivenand was eight seconds away from being a four-time world champion, but Chris Jericho snuck in and pinned Kane in the waning seconds. On October 26 atCyber Sunday,Batista defeated Jericho for his fourth World Heavyweight Championship in a match in which Stone Cold Steve Austin was voted in as the special guest referee.[98]Batista's reign, however, only lasted eight days when Jericho won the title back in a Steel Cage match on the800th episodeofRawon November 3.[99]

Batista then entered a feud with former Evolution partner, Randy Orton; atSurvivor Series,Batista led a team of himself,CM Punk,Kofi Kingston,Matt Hardy,andR-Truthto face the team of Randy Orton,Shelton Benjamin,William Regal,Cody Rhodes, and Mark Henry. Orton's team won with Orton pinning Batista, winning the match for his team. His feud with Orton continued up toArmageddonwhere Batista defeated Orton. On the December 15 episode ofRaw,Batista was put into a handicap match againstThe Legacywith John Cena as his partner. During the match, Orton struck Batista with a punt to the head. Batista was knocked out and put out of action indefinitely due to astorylinehead injury. WWE.com later reported that Batista elected to undergo surgery to repair ahamstringtear.[100]His hamstring was injured at SummerSlam, in the same match that John Cena was forced out of action with a neck injury. He was expected to be out of action for six to eight months.

WWE Champion (2009–2010)

Batista returned on theRawafterWrestleMania 25,to saveTriple H,Shane McMahon,andVince McMahonfromThe Legacy(Randy Orton,Cody RhodesandTed DiBiase Jr.). Vince McMahon then scheduled Batista to team up with WWE Champion Triple H and Shane McMahon to face The Legacy atBacklash.During the match, Batista had brought out a chair, but Triple H tried to stop him, so they would not get disqualified (which would have cost Triple H the championship). This distraction, however, cost Triple H his championship, after he lost it to Orton. The following night onRaw,Batista won a singles match against Big Show due to a distraction by John Cena, to become the number one contender for the WWE Championship atJudgment Day,which he won by disqualification.[101]Batista went on to defeat Orton in a rematch atExtreme Rulesin a Steel Cage match to capture his firstWWE Championship.[102]However, on the June 8 episode ofRaw,Batista was to vacate the title due to a staged brutal attack by Orton and the Legacy. It was later revealed that Batista had suffered a legitimate torn left biceps similar to what he suffered in 2006. Legacy was given on-screen credit for his injury.[103]

Batista returned on the September 14 episode ofRawwith his arm still in a vice.Randy Orton,assuming Batista was retiring, claimed that he ended Batista's career. Batista then removed his arm vice, which turned to be fake, and attacked Orton. He then stated that he would not retire, but move toSmackDowninstead. Later that night, he defeated Orton in a no-holds barred match which was to be his last match onRaw.[104]

Following his return to SmackDown, Batista defeatedUnified WWE Tag Team ChampionsJeri-Show(Chris Jericho and Big Show) in singles competition.[105][106]These two victories culminated in a tag team title match against Jeri-Show with his partnerRey Mysterioon October 4 atHell in a Cell,which Jeri-Show won.[107]That same month atBragging Rights,Batista was unsuccessful in winning the World Heavyweight Championship in aFatal Four-Way matchincluding CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, and champion The Undertaker. During the match, Mysterio broke up Batista'spinon Undertaker costing him the match and the title. After the match (which Undertaker won), Batista and Mysterio appeared to patch things up, but Batista said he was tired of coming so close only to be stabbed in the back and told Mysterio he was going to rip his head off. Batista proceeded to brutally attack Mysterio, turning heel for the first time since 2005.[108]Batista faced Mysterio on November 22 atSurvivor Series,where Batista won via referee stoppage after delivering threeBatista Bombs to Mysterio.[109]Batista defeated Mysterio again in a street fight on the December 11 episode ofSmackDown.[110]On December 13 atTLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs,Batista faced Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship in aChairs match.Batista initially won the match and the title, butSmackDown General ManagerTheodore Longreversed the decision because Batista had hit Undertaker with a low blow behind the referee's back. The match was restarted with The Undertaker winning and retaining the championship.[111]Five days later, Batista lost to Mysterio in a number one contenders match for the World Heavyweight Championship;[112]Mysterio's title match against The Undertaker on the December 25 episode ofSmackDownended as a no-contest after interference from Batista.[113]

At theRoyal Rumblein January 2010, Batista entered the Royal Rumble match at number 30, but failed to win as he was eliminated by John Cena.[114]Batista then became involved in WWE ChairmanVince McMahonandBret Hart's rivalry by assisting McMahon in attacking Hart; John Cena attempted to save Hart, but was assaulted by Batista.[115]On February 21 atElimination Chamber,as payment for Batista attacking Hart, McMahon allowed Batista to face Cena for the WWE Championship immediately after Cena won the title in anElimination Chambermatch. Batista won the match and thus his second WWE Championship, which resulted in Batista moving back to Raw.[116]On March 28 atWrestleMania XXVI,Batista lost the WWE Championship to John Cena in a rematch, ending his reign at 35 days.[117][118]Batista received his rematch for the title in aLast Man Standing matchon April 25 atExtreme Rules,but was defeated by Cena after Cena duct-taped his legs around a ring post, preventing him from standing up.[119]Batista and Cena faced off once again for the WWE Championship on May 23 atOver the Limit,but he failed again to regain the title from Cena in an"I Quit" match,quitting as Cena threatened to give him theAttitude Adjustmentoff the roof of a car. Cena did so anyway, throwing Batista off of the car and through the stage below.[120]

The following night onRaw,Batista opened the show in a wheelchair and claimed that he would be pursuing legal action against Cena and WWE for his injuries (which he revealed in 2014 to be a legitimate compression fracture of his L1 spine).[121]His promo was interrupted by new Raw General Manager Bret Hart, who ordered he face an injured Randy Orton to qualify for a shot at WWE Championship against Cena again at the newFatal 4-Waypay-per-view. Batista refused and quit the company after Hart named Orton winner by forfeit. His profile was subsequently moved to the alumni page on WWE's website.[122]He later said in an interview that he left WWE because he "did not like the direction the company was going in".[123]

Return to WWE (2014)

Upon his return, Batista won the2014 Royal Rumblematch and would go onto main eventWrestleMania XXX.

Batista made his return to WWE on the January 20, 2014, episode ofRaw.Despite returning as a face and winning theRoyal Rumble,[124][125]the live crowd reacted negatively towards Batista's win, asDaniel Bryandid not take part in the match. Despite a positive reaction originally, the crowd began to boo Batista afterRoman Reignswas eliminated.[126]After the show went off the air, Batista mocked Bryan and gestured hismiddle fingerat the crowd.[127]According to Batista, he thought a return as a face was a bad idea because of the fans being so invested in Daniel Bryan's "Yes Movement".[128]At theElimination Chamberevent and on the February 24 episode ofRaw,Batista was heavily booed by the fans during matches againstAlberto Del Rio[129]thus resulting in Batista turningheelon the February 28 episode ofSmackDown.[130]The main event ofWrestleMania XXX,originally Batista versus Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, was changed to atriple threat matchafter Bryan defeated Triple H at WrestleMania. At WrestleMania, Bryan forced Batista to submit to win the title.[131]

Orton and Batista would later reunite withTriple Hto reformEvolutionto feud withThe Shield.

The next night onRaw,Batista and Orton teamed together to faceThe Usosfor theWWE Tag Team Championship,but the match ended in a double count out.[132]Later that night, Batista and Orton, along withKane,attacked Bryan before he was set to defend his title against Triple H. Before Triple H could defeat Bryan,The Shieldinterrupted by spearing Triple H and taking out Batista, Orton and Kane, causing the match to end in a no-contest.[133]On the April 14 episode ofRaw,Batista, Triple H and Randy Orton came down to the ring to attack The Shield after their 11-on-3 handicap match, using the name and the theme ofEvolution.[134]At bothExtreme RulesandPayback,Evolution lost to The Shield.[135][136]On the June 2 episode ofRaw,Batista quit WWE after Triple H denied him a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.[137]Batista legitimately quit the WWE due to creative differences soon after.[138][139]

In April 2015, Batista said that he would be interested in returning to WWE, but only atnon-televised events.[140]He was contacted to appear atWrestleMania 32in 2016, but turned down the offer.[141]Regarding his brief tenure in professional wrestling, he said that his greatest achievement was "putting guys over" and "repaying favors".[142][better source needed]

Second return to WWE (2018–2019)

On October 16, 2018, Batista reunited with the rest of Evolution for an appearance onSmackDown's 1000th episode,where Batista teased a match withTriple H,as Triple H had never beaten Batista in singles competition.[143]The storyline between them started on February 25, 2019, when Batista viciously attackedRic Flairand repeatedly demanded "give me what I want" to Triple H, which became a popular phrase associated with Batista.[144]AtWrestleMania 35,Batista and Triple H would face each other in a No Holds Barred with their careers on the line, where Batista lost after interference from Ric Flair.[145]The next day, Batista announced his retirement from professional wrestling.[146][147]

On December 9, 2019, WWE officially announced that Batista would be inducted into theWWE Hall of Fameas a part of the Class of 2020.[148]The event was postponed due to theCOVID-19 pandemicand it was announced that the class of 2020 would be inducted alongside the class of 2021 at the 2021 event. Prior to the event, however, he was removed from the list.[149]Hetweetedto confirm his removal, citing previous obligations as the reason why he could not attend the 2021 event. He also said that WWE honored his request to induct him at a future ceremony.[150]

Professional wrestling style and persona

Batista performing his finishing move, theBatista Bomb,onFinlayat a WWEhouse showin 2006

Upon his return to WWE in 2014, Batista was heavily booed by the crowd after winning theRoyal Rumble,despite playing aheroiccharacter.[151]In an interview with WWE.com, he said of the crowd reaction, "It was weird. It wasn't like a normal response. It was almost like a personal attack. It had to do with factors that were not in my control, factors and things that were going on in the company with other people, stuff that really had nothing to do with me. To me, it was a little frustrating, a little confusing, and, you know, I don't want to say I completely took it personal, but I did somewhat."[152]The fan reaction caused storyline changes, with Batista turning into avillainouscharacter.[130]

Batista was declared the 50th greatest wrestling villain of all time by a WWE article in 2012.[153]WWE has also ranked him as the second bestWorld Heavyweight Championof all time.[154]WWE advertised Batista as being 6 ft 6 in tall and weighing 290 pounds, both of which are different from his real height of 6 ft 4 in and unknown weight.[155][37]

Mixed martial arts career

The closing moments of Bautista's win against Vince Lucero in 2012

After leaving WWE, Bautista attendedStrikeforce: Los Angeleson June 16, 2010, having previously registered an interest in competing in MMA.[156]Five days later, he said that he would be embarking on an MMA career.[157]He became abrown beltinBrazilian jiu-jitsuunderCesar Gracie.[158]Bautista andStrikeforceagreed on a price and were negotiating a contract. However, in April 2011, Bautista stated that negotiations fell through when the organization was bought by theZuffacompany.[159]

Bautista was expected to make his MMA debut against Rashid Evans on October 6, 2012, at CES MMA: Real Pain in Providence, Rhode Island.[160][161]However, on October 1, 2012, Evans was forced out of the bout after 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 fight bytechnical knockout(TKO) at 4:05 in the first round.[162]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
1 match 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 1–0 Vince Lucero TKO (punches) CES MMA: Real Pain October 6, 2012 1 4:05 Providence, Rhode Island,United States

Acting career

Bautista has acted in several television shows as both himself and his wrestling character. He guest starred in the eighth episode ofseason 6ofSmallvilleas Aldar, an extraterrestrial who escaped from thePhantom Zoneand who sucks the bones out of people for nourishment.[163]In June 2009, he made a cameo appearance as himself on the Australian soap operaNeighbours.[164]In 2010, he appeared in an episode ofChuck,[165]and also made a cameo appearance inRelative Strangers.[8]He starred in the 2010 action filmWrong Side of Town.[166]

Bautista at the 2016 Comic-Con

Bautista appeared as the villainous Brass Body in theUniversal StudiosfilmThe Man with the Iron Fists.[167]He playedDrax the Destroyerin the 2014Marvel StudiosfilmGuardians of the Galaxy,which was a critical and commercial success.[168]He played Mr. Hinx in the James Bond filmSpectre(2015),[169]and starred as the villain Tong Po in the reboot of the martial arts filmKickboxer.[170]He was widely praised for his supporting role inBlade Runner 2049(2017).[171][172]He reprised his role as Drax inGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2(2017),[173]Avengers: Infinity War(2018), andAvengers: Endgame(2019).[174]

In 2018, Bautista joined his castmates in support ofGuardians of the GalaxydirectorJames Gunnafter Gunn's firing over oldtweetsjoking about pedophilia and rape.[175]He called Gunn's firing "nauseating" and declared that he would ask to be recast ifDisney,the parent company ofMarvel Studios,did not use Gunn's script forGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.[176]Gunn was reinstated as the film's director in March 2019.[177]In May 2021, he confirmed that the upcomingGuardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3would be his final appearance as Drax.[178]

Bautista starred inArmy of the Dead(2021).[179]He had a villainous role inDune,a film adaptation of thenovel of the same namebyFrank Herbert,[180]which was released to critical and commercial success.[181][182]He appeared inGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mysteryas Duke.[183]He is to set to star in the fantasy-adventure filmIn the Lost LandswithMilla Jovovich,directed byPaul W.S. Anderson.[184]He starred inM. Night Shyamalan's horror filmKnock at the Cabin(2023).[185]

Other media

Batista at a WWE meet and greet in 2005

Bautista appeared on the covers of the April 2005Flex,[186]andMuscle & Fitnessfor September 2008.[187]Along withJohn CenaandAshley Massaro,he appeared representing WWE on an episode ofExtreme Makeover: Home Editionin January 2007, giving the kids of the family whose house was renovated WWE merchandise and eight tickets toWrestleMania 23.[188]

According to the Wrestling Figure Checklist, Bautista had 171 action figures released in the 2000s and 2010s; most were released in the mid-to-late 2000s byJakks Pacific.[189]He remarked on his 2007 appearance onMTV Cribs,"I was trying to collect my action figures, but I gave up, there became too many".[190][better source needed]

On October 16, 2007, his autobiography,Batista Unleashed,was released.[13]In an interview about it, he claimed, "I didn't want to tell my story unless it was honest... You have to go through three sets of lawyers: Simon & Schuster lawyers, WWE lawyers, my lawyers. Everything now being the way it is, you can be sued for the simplest thing."[191]There was controversy over the book's mention ofChris Benoit,a wrestler whokilled his wife and strangled his son in a murder-suicide,and about whom other details were removed from the book. Bautista said, "I loved the guy. I despise what he did, but that doesn't erase him from my life. I fought to keep him in there and am glad they did."[191]

When asked about his ex-wife, Angie, Bautista says, "[We] have really become close again, which we really haven't been in years. I really learned a lot about her, and she learned a lot about me from reading the book. She actually saw things from a different perspective from reading the book. So that was definitely therapeutic."[191]Bautista held a campaign to raise money forOvarian Cancer Research Alliancein 2010 because of Angie's ovarian cancer battle.[192][better source needed]

During the week of November 5, 2007, Bautista appeared onFamily Feudwith several other WWE wrestlers.[193]

On September 7, 2008, he was a judge on an episode ofIron Chef America,with snails as the theme ingredient.[194]Along withCandice Michelle,Shelton Benjamin,andJosh Mathews,he represented the WWE at the2008 Democratic National Conventionin an effort to persuade fans to register to vote in the2008 presidential election.[195]He has also appeared onMTV Cribsshowing his house and cars.[196]His first biographical DVD,Batista: I Walk Alone,was released through WWE Productions on October 20, 2009. A second DVD,WWE Batista: The Animal Unleashed(released June 2014) continued his life story, detailing his departure from WWE in 2010 and his return to it in 2014.[197]

Personal life

Bautista in July 2013

Bautista married his first wife, Glenda, in 1990. They had two daughters together, Keilani (b. 1990) and Athena (b. 1992), before they divorced in 1998.[198]Bautista married his second wife, Angie, on October 13, 1998. They have a son together, Oliver,[199]and divorced in 2006.[200]Before the age of 40, Bautista already had two grandsons through Keilani.[201][202]In October 2015, he married competitive pole dancer Sarah Jade.[203]They separated in early 2019.[199]

As of August 2020, Bautista is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall and weighs 275 pounds (125 kg).[155]He has numerous tattoos, including a large dragon on his back, redkanjilettering on his upper left biceps which says "Angel" (in tribute to Angie), a signature design on his upper right biceps, and a small sun on his abdomen which encircles his navel.[204]He also has a tattoo on his arm of the flags ofGreeceand thePhilippines.While taking time off due to injury in 2009, he had both upper arms covered in large, tribal style tattoos, and the phrase "DC soldier" added to his right biceps.[205]He once had a tattoo of ameteoron his arm, a logo associated with former friendManny Pacquiao,but had itcovered upwith asugar skulldesign after Pacquiao madehomophobicremarks.[206]Beginning in 2010, Bautista began eating a mostly plant-based,pescetariandiet, and plans to go completelyveganin the near future.[207]

A baseball fan, Bautista grew up following theNew York Yankees,although he has since embraced theWashington Nationals,who play atNationals Parkblocks from Bautista's childhood home.[208]

Bautista supportedBernie Sandersin the2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.[209]He endorsedJoe Bidenin the2020 United States presidential electionand appeared in an ad for hispresidential campaign.[210][211]

Controversies

During a commercial shoot for the2006 SummerSlampay-per-view, Bautista got into alegitimatefistfight withBooker T.The incident was reported on WWE.com, with both men telling their sides of the story. Booker T believed that Bautista considered himself better than the rest of the roster due to his main-event status and relatively quick climb to achieve it. Wrestlers backstage praised Booker for speaking his mind to Bautista about his attitude.[212][213][214]

In August 2007,ESPNincluded Bautista on a list they claimed were clients of Signature Pharmacy ofOrlando, Florida,which was under investigation for illicitly sellinganabolic steroids.[215]Bautista denied the allegations, and said that he was "tested regularly by the WWE" and "in full compliance with theWWE Wellness Program".[216]

Filmography

Film
Year Title Role Director Notes
2006 Relative Strangers Wrestler Greg Glienna Uncredited cameo
2009 My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done Police officer Werner Herzog
2010 Wrong Side of Town Big Ronnie David DeFalco
2011 House of the Rising Sun Ray Brian A. Miller
The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption Argomael Roel Reiné
2012 The Man with the Iron Fists Brass Body RZA
2013 Riddick Diaz David Twohy
2014 Guardians of the Galaxy Drax the Destroyer James Gunn
2015 L.A. Slasher The Drug Dealer #1 Martin Owen
Spectre Mr. Hinx Sam Mendes
Heist Jason Cox Scott Mann
2016 The Boss Chad Ben Falcone Uncredited
Kickboxer: Vengeance Tong Po John Stockwell
Marauders Stockwell Steven C. Miller
The Warriors Gate Arun the Cruel Matthias Hoene
2017 Bushwick Stupe Jonathon Milott & Cary Murnion Also executive producer
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Drax the Destroyer James Gunn
2048: Nowhere to Run Sapper Morton Luke Scott Short film
Blade Runner 2049 Denis Villeneuve
2018 Avengers: Infinity War Drax the Destroyer Anthony Russo&Joe Russo
Hotel Artemis Everest Drew Pearce
Escape Plan 2: Hades Trent DeRosa Steven C. Miller
Final Score Michael Knox Scott Mann Also producer
Master Z: Ip Man Legacy Owen Davidson Yuen Woo-ping
2019 Avengers: Endgame Drax the Destroyer Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
Stuber Det. Victor "Vic" Manning Michael Dowse
Escape Plan: The Extractors Trent DeRosa John Herzfeld
2020 My Spy JJ Peter Segal Also producer
2021 Army of the Dead Scott Ward Zack Snyder
Dune Glossu Rabban Denis Villeneuve
2022 Thor: Love and Thunder Drax the Destroyer Taika Waititi Credited as David Bautista
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Duke Cody[217] Rian Johnson
2023 Knock at the Cabin Leonard M. Night Shyamalan
Parachute Bryce Brittany Snow Cameo
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 Drax the Destroyer James Gunn
The Boy and the Heron The Parakeet King (voice) Hayao Miyazaki English dub
2024 Dune: Part Two Glossu Rabban Denis Villeneuve
My Spy: The Eternal City J.J. Peter Segal Post-production
The Killer's Game Joe Flood J. J. Perry Post-production
2026 Aang: The Last Airbender TBA Lauren Montgomery In production
TBA The Last Showgirl TBA Gia Coppola Post-production
Trap House TBA Michael Dowse Post-production
Afterburn TBA J. J. Perry Post-production
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2006 Smallville Aldar Episode: "Static"
2007 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Himself Episode: The Noyola Family
2009 Head Case Episode: "All About Steve"
Neighbours Episode: "1.5719"
2010 Chuck T.I. Episode: "Chuck Versus the Couch Lock"
2015 TripTank Delivery Guy (voice) Episode: "Short Change"
2019 What We Do in the Shadows Garrett Episode: "The Trial"
Running Wild with Bear Grylls Himself Episode: "Dave Bautista"
2020 Undertaker: The Last Ride Documentary series
Home Movie: The Princess Bride[218] Fezzik
Room 104 Doug "Raw Dog Avalanche" Episode "Avalanche" (season 4, episode 3)
2021 See Edo Voss Main role, 8 episodes (season 2)
2022 The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special Drax the Destroyer Television special
TBA Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas Scott Ward Voice role

Video games

WWE Video Games
Year Title Role
2003 WWE WrestleMania XIX Video game debut
WWE Raw 2
WWE SmackDown! Here Comes the Pain
2004 WWE Day of Reckoning
WWE Survivor Series
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw
2005 WWE WrestleMania 21
WWE Aftershock
WWE Day of Reckoning 2
WWE SmackDown! vs. Raw 2006 Cover athlete
2006 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007 Cover athlete (NTSC version)
2007 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2008
2008 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2009
2009 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2010
2010 WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2011
2011 WWE '12 Downloadable content
2013 WWE 2K14
2014 WWE SuperCard
WWE 2K15
2015 WWE Immortals
WWE 2K16
2017 WWE 2K18 Downloadable content
2018 WWE 2K19
2019 WWE 2K20
2020 WWE 2K Battlegrounds
2022 WWE 2K22
2023 WWE 2K23
2024 WWE 2K24

Theme park attractions

Year Title Role Venue
2017 Guardians of the Galaxy– Mission Breakout! Drax the Destroyer Disney California Adventure
2022 Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Epcot

Championships and accomplishments

Batista during his first World Heavyweight Championship reign

Professional wrestling

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External links

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Achievements
Preceded by Royal Rumblewinner
2005
2014 		Succeeded by
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