Dave Batista is officially on his way back to WWE and I have only one question – why?
Now before you think that I am not a fan of The Animal then you are sorely mistaken. Here’s a quick history lesson for anyone that needs to catch up. Batista’s first run in WWE saw him teaming up with D-Von during his ill-fated run as a Reverend. It didn’t take long for his potential to be spotted and he was quickly put with Triple H, Ric Flair and Randy Orton as part of Evolution.
This was an interesting time for Batista because not only did his wrestling attire seem to be sewn to him but he also managed to get himself over big as the good but tough guy of Evolution. It wasn’t long before he was facing Triple H at WrestleMania for the big gold belt and the rest, as they say, is history.
The last we saw of Batista was in 2010. The fact that he has been away for three years boggles my mind. The landscape of WWE has completely changed since he left and I find myself wondering what he has to gain by returning at the age of 44.
Since leaving WWE he has tried his hand at MMA, admittedly with mixed results. He won his first fight against an opponent who took the fight on 5 days notice and wasn’t in what you’d call fight shape. More impressively is his attempt at becoming an actor. He most recently featured in Riddick alongside Vin Diesel and will star in Marvel’s Guardians of The Galaxy early next year.
I’m still baffled as to why he has decided to return so lets take a look at what WWE could possibly gain by bringing him back.
The simple answer is to hopefully improve the ratings for RAW which in turn will lead to a pop in the buy rate for WrestleMania. Obviously I haven’t mentioned the fact that he will probably be appearing and more than likely winning the Royal Rumble.
Read that back – Batista winning the Royal Rumble in 2014.
I can’t remember the last time that WWE made a more shortsighted decision if they decide that he is the right man for the job. I am happy for his return but I just can’t comprehend how he would agree to return without confirmation that he will 100% be the main event at WrestleMania XXX.
The buy rate for WrestleMania 29 was dramatically down on the event than the previous year. By how much you ask? Oh, only 205’000 (source: ir.corporate.wwe.com). The amount it was down by was more than most other PPV’s drew for the whole of this year or last. Now it is starting to become clearer why WWE is clamoring to get some big names back.
On the flip side you have to consider that WWE are finally making some new stars. Daniel Bryan is somehow still the most over guy in the company despite the WWE’s best efforts. Then consider that Batista will be making a hell of a lot more money than Bryan and it just becomes that much more obscene to not just continue to build Bryan as the next big thing. In what other profession would you bring back a 44 year old to do the job of a 32-year-old bearded man?
Forget all that though because WrestleMania calls and WWE is worried.
– By Michael Owen
Agree or Disagree? Have your say below!