Dave Bautista (Batista) was apparently on the short list of talents WWE had in mind to bring in to team with Ronda Rousey for her in-ring debut at WrestleMania 34.
As we previously reported, WWE originally had four male Superstars in mind for the spot. Originally they wanted to see if The Rock was available to take the gig, as it would play into Rousey’s last WrestleMania segment, which of course also included Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.
Once The Rock was not an option, WWE then was looking at the guy they ended up settling on, WWE Hall Of Famer and RAW General Manager Kurt Angle. In addition to those two WWE legends, the company also considered Shane McMahon and Seth Rollins for the spot before ultimately settling with the former Olympic gold medalist.
Apparently, there was a fifth big name that the promotion was looking into.
Batista appeared at a convention last weekend and reportedly told people in attendance that WWE had spoken with him about teaming with Rousey, according to a report by Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com.
While he didn’t return for the Rousey gig, the former WWE Superstar turned Hollywood actor recently spoke with Grplgme and indicated that another run in WWE could be in the cards for the former Evolution member.
Batista told the online clothing store brand that he specifically has not accepted an induction into the WWE Hall Of Fame because he feels his wrestling career might not be over yet.
“I haven’t accepted a nomination into the WWE Hall of Fame because I just don’t feel like my career is over,” said The Animal. “I still feel like I have plenty to offer, but now it’s a scheduling issue and it’s also a creative issue.”
Batista concluded, “You never say never, but I’d love to go back.”
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