Batista hints at a potential WWE return despite ‘perfect’ retirement – claiming his ‘schedule is open’ due to American actors’ union strike in Hollywood
- Batista has suggested that a return to the ring could be possible in the near future
- The 52-year-old says his “schedule is open” during the SAG-AFTRA strike in Hollywood
- The WWE legend retired for the third time in 2019 to pursue his acting career
Batista has suggested he could return to WWE after declaring his ‘schedule is open’ amid the American Actors’ Union strike in Hollywood.
The 52-year-old retired from the ring for a third time in 2019 after a No Holds Barred match against Triple H at Wrestlemania 35.
He hasn’t fought since, but the six-time world champion has hinted that a comeback could be on the cards.
He told ET Canada: ‘I was retired, yes. I had my retirement match against my mentor, my friend, Triple H – it was perfect.
“But right now my schedule is open and if they (WWE) call me and have something in mind, a segment, a moment… definitely we can do something.”
Batista has hinted that he could return to WWE for a fourth stint in the near future
The 42-year-old last retired in 2019 after a loss to Triple H at Wrestlemania 35
Batista is a six-time world champion and has claimed he could return to the ring because his ‘schedule is open’ due to the SAG-AFTRA attack
Batista originally retired from WWE in 2010, not long after surrendering the WWE Championship to John Cena.
He claimed he “didn’t like the direction of the company” after suffering a spinal cord injury during an “I Quit” match against Cena.
The Washington-born wrestler first returned in 2014 and won a Royal Rumble on RAW.
However, he was greeted with boos from the crowd after the popular Daniel Bryan was not featured.
The response surprised Batista, saying at the time, “It was weird. It wasn’t a normal reaction. It almost seemed like a personal attack. It had to do with factors outside of my control, factors and things going on in the company with other people, things that really had nothing to do with me.
“For me, it was a little frustrating, a little confusing, and you know, I don’t want to say I took it completely personally, but I did somewhat.”
Batista was defeated by Bryan at Wrestlemania XXX and subsequently decided to retire for a second time in May 2014 due to creative differences with WWE.
Batista enjoyed memorable feuds against the likes of John Cena, Randy Orton and The Undertaker
He has appeared as an actor in a number of blockbusters, including Guardians of the Galaxy (above), Dune and Specter
However, he returned again in 2018 for one final storyline pitting him against his former Evolution teammate Triple H.
Batista was defeated at Wrestlemania 35 and retired the next day.
After having memorable feuds with the likes of Randy Orton and The Undertaker, Dave Bautista turned to acting midway through his wrestling career, going on to star in blockbusters like Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune and the James Bond film Spectre. .
Despite having a total of eleven championships to his name during his wrestling career, it remains to be seen if Batista would be welcomed into the WWE with open arms.