Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista | |
---|---|
Born | David Michael Bautista Jr. January 18, 1969 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 1999–2019 (wrestling) 2006–present (acting) 2012 (MMA) |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouses | Glenda Bautista
(m. 1990; div. 1998)Angie Bautista
(m. 1998; div. 2006)Sarah Jade
(m. 2015; sep. 2019) |
Children | 3 |
Ring name(s) | Batista Dave Batista Deacon Batista Khan Leviathan |
Billed height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm)[1] |
Billed weight | 290 lb (132 kg)[1] |
Billed from | Washington, D.C. |
Trained by | Afa Anoaʻi Marrese Crump |
Debut | October 30, 1999 |
Retired | April 8, 2019 |
Martial arts career | |
Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
Weight | 265 lb (120 kg; 18 st 13 lb) |
Division | Heavyweight |
Team | Gracie Fighter Tampa Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu |
Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie |
Years active | 2012 |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 1 |
Wins | 1 |
By knockout | 1 |
Losses | 0 |
Other information | |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Signature | |
David Michael Bautista Jr. (born January 18, 1969) is an American actor and retired professional wrestler. Regarded as one of the most prolific professional wrestlers of his generation, he rose to fame for his multiple stints in WWE between 2002 and 2019.
Bautista began his wrestling career in 1999 and signed with WWE (then WWF) in 2000. From 2002 to 2010, he gained fame under the ring name Batista, initially as a member of Evolution. He would go on to win the WWE Championship twice, the World Heavyweight Championship four times (with his first reign remaining the longest in history at 282 days), the World Tag Team Championship three times (twice with Ric Flair and once with John Cena), and the WWE Tag Team Championship once (with Rey Mysterio). He also won the 2005 and 2014 Royal Rumble matches and subsequently headlined WrestleMania 21 and WrestleMania XXX, with the former being one of the top five highest-grossing PPV events in wrestling history. He retired from professional wrestling after WrestleMania 35 in 2019.
As an actor, Bautista has starred in the films The Man with the Iron Fists (2012), Riddick (2013), as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the James Bond film Spectre (2015), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), My Spy (2020), Army of the Dead (2021), as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen in Dune (2021) and its sequel (2024), Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022), Knock at the Cabin (2023), and The Last Showgirl (2024).
Early life
David Michael Bautista Jr. was born in Washington, D.C., on January 18, 1969,[2] 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.[3][4][5] His paternal grandfather served in the Philippine 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.[6] He has said that he lived in poverty and had a hard life which included exposure to violent crime at an early age.[7] Before reaching the age of nine, two bodies had been found on his front lawn and another one nearby.[8] As young as age 13, he had begun stealing cars.[9] By age 17, he was estranged from his parents and living on his own.[10] 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."[9]
Bautista worked as a nightclub bouncer until he was arrested after a fight that left two patrons injured, one of whom was knocked unconscious.[10] After a trial, he was sentenced to one year of probation.[10] He worked as a lifeguard[11] before deciding to pursue a career in bodybuilding,[10] which he credits with saving his life.[12] 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.[6]
Professional wrestling career
Training and early career (1999–2000)
Bautista tried out at the WCW's Power Plant, where notorious trainer DeWayne Bruce told him he would never make it in the wrestling business.[13] He then went to WWE (then WWF), who advised him to train with Afa Anoaʻi at the Wild Samoan Training Center,[14][15] where he trained and later competed in Anoaʻi's World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) promotion. He wrestled his debut match under the ring name Khan on October 30, 1999,[16] less than three months before his 31st birthday.[17] He also trained with Marrese Crump in Muay Thai and Eskrima.[16][18]
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE (2000–2010)
Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002)
Upon signing with the WWF in 2000, Bautista was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a WWF developmental territory. He made his OVW debut later that year under the ring name Leviathan,[16] where he immediately joined forces with Synn. As a member of the Disciples of Synn stable, he went undefeated until being beaten at Christmas Chaos by Kane with help from Stone Cold Steve Austin. He later won the OVW Heavyweight Championship from "The Machine" Doug Basham before losing the belt to The Prototype. A few months later, Bautista left OVW after he was promoted to WWE's main roster.[14]
Early storylines (2002–2003)
While still in OVW, Bautista began appearing on non-televised WWE events.[19] He began his televised WWE career on May 9, 2002, on an episode of SmackDown! as Deacon Batista, a heel enforcer for Reverend D-Von.[20] He made his WWE in-ring debut in a tag team match teaming with D-Von against Faarooq and Randy Orton, pinning Orton. Over several weeks, Orton tried to beat D-Von and Batista with different partners, but ultimately lost each time.[21] Batista suffered his first loss in a match against Rikishi after 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 of SmackDown!, Batista defeated D-Von to end their feud.[22] After splitting with D-Von, he was assigned to the Raw brand and was renamed Batista. He aligned himself with Ric Flair[23] and feuded with Kane, whom he defeated at Armageddon on December 15.[24]
Evolution (2003–2005)
In January 2003, Batista joined Triple H, Ric Flair and Randy Orton to form the heel stable Evolution.[25] Batista, however, was sidelined for much of 2003 after he tore his right triceps muscle at a Raw live event in a tag team match alongside Orton against The Dudley Boyz. While training after the injury, Batista re-tore his triceps, extending his stay on the sidelines.[26] Batista made his return on the October 20 episode of Raw, interfering in a match between Goldberg and Shawn Michaels.[27] At Armageddon on December 14, Batista and Ric Flair became the World Tag Team Champions after winning a Tag Team Turmoil match,[28] while Triple H won the World Heavyweight Championship and Randy Orton the Intercontinental Championship.[29] Batista and Flair held the titles until the February 16, 2004, episode of Raw, when they were defeated by Booker T and Rob Van Dam.[30] They later defeated Booker T and Van Dam on the March 22 episode of Raw to regain the titles before losing them to Chris Benoit and Edge on the April 19 episode of Raw.[31][32][33]
In late 2004, the relationship between Batista and Triple H began to deteriorate in kayfabe. After a loss to Chris 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.[34] Despite this ploy, Batista began behaving more like a face over 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 up Jim Ross, Danny Hodge, and Stacy 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 the Royal Rumble on January 30, 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 of WrestleMania 21 on April 3 against the World Champion of his choice.[35] On the February 14 episode of Raw, in an attempt to persuade Batista to challenge WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL) and challenger John Cena in a triple-threat match rather than him, Triple H concocted a scheme to have Batista run over in a limousine resembling 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.[36] 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 by powerbombing Triple H through the table used for the contract signing.[37]
World Heavyweight Champion (2005–2008)
Batista won the World Heavyweight Championship on April 3 by defeating Triple H in the main event of WrestleMania 21.[1][38] WrestleMania 21 received 1.09 million pay-per-view buys worldwide – the then-highest ever number of buys for any non-boxing pay-per-view. Batista's match with Triple H was described by sports journalist Dave Meltzer as "the peak of one of [WWE's] best storylines in years".[39] Batista won a rematch with Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash.[40] After Batista retained his title against Edge on the May 23 episode of Raw, he was betrayed by Ric Flair, who helped Triple H viciously attack Batista as Triple H challenged Batista to a Hell in a Cell match at Vengeance.[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 of SmackDown!, Batista was drafted to the SmackDown! brand as the last pick in the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery, making a surprise appearance to thwart John "Bradshaw" Layfield (JBL), who was celebrating his victory in a six-man elimination match to crown the inaugural "SmackDown! Champion".[43] JBL defeated Batista at The Great American Bash by disqualification after the referee saw Batista use a steel chair.[44] They had a rematch at SummerSlam in a No Holds Barred match in which Batista pinned JBL.[45] The feud culminated in a Texas Bull Rope match on the September 9 episode of SmackDown! with Batista retaining his championship.[46] Soon after retaining the title in a feud with Eddie Guerrero at No Mercy,[47] WWE.com reported that Batista suffered a muscle tear in his back at the taping for the November 11 episode of SmackDown! due to a double chokeslam from Big 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 of SmackDown!, 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 the Raw and SmackDown! tribute shows dedicated to Guerrero's memory.[49]
Batista led Team SmackDown! against Team Raw in an inter-brand feud before Survivor 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 saved Rey Mysterio from Big Show and Kane on the December 2 episode of SmackDown!,[52] leading to a match with Mysterio teaming with Batista to face Big Show and Kane at Armageddon.
On December 16 episode of SmackDown!, Batista and Mysterio defeated WWE Tag Team Champions[53] MNM to 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 on SmackDown!, MNM defeated Batista and Mysterio after help from the returning Mark Henry to regain the WWE Tag Team Championship. During the interference, Henry attacked Batista, and performed his World'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 the SmackDown! 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 made an appearance at No Way Out and told the crowd that once his arm had healed he would return to regain the World Heavyweight Championship.[59] At WrestleMania 22, he interrupted a Randy Orton interview, putting SmackDown! on notice that the World Heavyweight Championship would return to him by WrestleMania 23.[60]
Batista made his official return during the July 7 episode of SmackDown! immediately calling out and entering into a feud with Mark Henry.[61] At Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII, Batista won a six-man tag match with teammates Rey Mysterio and Bobby Lashley, defeating World Heavyweight Champion King Booker, Finlay, and Mark Henry.[62] Henry was legitimately injured and was ruled out of the scheduled match between the two at The 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 by Mr. 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 of SmackDown! before finally defeating Kennedy by pinfall on the August 4 episode of SmackDown!.[66][67]
Batista faced Big Show for the ECW World Championship on the August 1 episode of ECW, 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 at 2006 SummerSlam on August 20. However, Batista also won this match by disqualification.[69] During a commercial shoot for the SummerSlam pay-per-view, Booker T and Batista reportedly got into a legitimate fistfight, with Booker T accusing Batista of considering himself superior to the rest of the roster due to his quick climb to main-event status. It was also reported that some wrestlers on the SmackDown brand agreed with Booker T.[70][71][72] Batista continued his pursuit of the championship, failing to capture it once again in a fatal-four way at No Mercy in October also involving Finlay and Bobby Lashley,[73] before finally defeating King Booker to regain the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series on November 26.[1][74] The following month at Armageddon, Batista teamed with John Cena to defeat King Booker and Finlay, putting an end to the rivalry.[75]
Going into 2007, Batista began a short feud with Mr. Kennedy over the championship.[76] Batista retained the championship over Kennedy at the Royal Rumble on January 28.[77] Batista's next challenger was The Undertaker, the winner of the Royal Rumble match.[78] The two formed a reluctant alliance to face John Cena and Shawn Michaels at No Way Out in February, which they lost after Batista turned on Undertaker midway through the match.[79] At WrestleMania 23 on April 1, Batista lost the World Heavyweight Championship to The Undertaker.[80] They continued their feud with a Last Man Standing match at Backlash later that month, which ended in a draw.[81] The two wrestled again in a Steel Cage Match on the May 11 episode of SmackDown!, which also ended in a draw. Following the match, Edge took advantage and won the title from The Undertaker by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract.[82] Afterward, Batista challenged Edge unsuccessfully for the World Heavyweight Championship at Judgment Day, One Night Stand (in a Steel Cage Match), and Vengeance: Night of Champions (in a Last Chance match).[83][84] The loss at Vengeance stipulated that Batista could no longer get another chance at the World Heavyweight Championship while Edge remained champion.[85]
Batista accepted an open challenge from The Great Khali at The 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 a Battle Royal and eliminating Batista. Batista and Kane, Edge's title opponent, faced Khali at The Great American Bash in a Triple Threat match where Khali retained the title.[86] Batista received a disqualification victory against Khali at SummerSlam after Khali used a steel chair, thus Khali retained the title again.[87] Batista finally claimed his third World Heavyweight Championship after eight consecutive attempts, by defeating Khali in a triple threat match that included Rey Mysterio at Unforgiven.[1][88] His first challenge was from The Great Khali in a Punjabi Prison Match at No Mercy where 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.[89]
After the return of The Undertaker at Unforgiven, the duo reignited their feud at Cyber Sunday where the fans chose Stone Cold Steve Austin as the Special Guest Referee. Batista pinned The Undertaker after two Batista Bombs.[90] The feud continued with a Hell in a Cell match at Survivor Series. During the match, Edge returned and interfered by giving The Undertaker a con-chair-to. He then pulled an unconscious Batista on top of The Undertaker for the pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.[91] At Armageddon, Edge won a Triple Threat match, alongside The Undertaker for Batista's World Heavyweight Championship.[92]
Batista appeared in the Royal Rumble and made the final three before being eliminated by Triple H. At No Way Out, he was part of the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match and eliminated Big Daddy V, but was last eliminated by The Undertaker. At WrestleMania XXIV, he defeated Umaga in an interpromotional match. After Shawn Michaels defeated Ric Flair in a Career Threatening match (forcing Flair to retire) later that night,[93] Batista began a feud with Michaels, calling him selfish and egotistical. The two faced off at Backlash with Chris Jericho as the special guest referee. Michaels won after faking a knee injury and performing Sweet Chin Music.[94] Batista then defeated Michaels at One Night Stand in a stretcher match, thus ending their feud.[95]
On the June 23 episode of Raw, Batista was drafted from SmackDown to the Raw brand during the 2008 WWE Draft.[96] After failing to win the World Heavyweight Championship from Edge at Night of Champions, Batista attacked Edge the following night on Raw, allowing CM Punk to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on Edge. This set up a title match between Batista and Punk at The Great American Bash which ended in a double disqualification after Kane interfered and attacked both men. The following night on Raw, 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 to SummerSlam, for which a match was made official by Raw general manager Mike 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 of Raw, Batista and Cena won the World Tag Team Championship from Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase, making Batista a three-time World Tag Team Champion.[97][98] The next week on Raw, Batista and Cena lost the World Tag Team Championship back to Rhodes and DiBiase.[99] 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.[100] Batista then competed in the World Heavyweight Championship championship scramble match at Unforgiven and 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 at Cyber 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.[101] Batista's reign, however, only lasted eight days when Jericho won the title back in a Steel Cage match on the 800th episode of Raw on November 3.[102]
Batista then entered a feud with former Evolution partner, Randy Orton; at Survivor Series, Batista led a team of himself, CM Punk, Kofi Kingston, Matt Hardy, and R-Truth to 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 to Armageddon where Batista defeated Orton. On the December 15 episode of Raw, Batista was put into a handicap match against The Legacy with 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 a storyline head injury. WWE.com later reported that Batista elected to undergo surgery to repair a hamstring tear.[103] 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 the Raw after WrestleMania 25, to save Triple H, Shane McMahon, and Vince McMahon from The Legacy (Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr.). Vince McMahon then scheduled Batista to team up with WWE Champion Triple H and Shane McMahon to face The Legacy at Backlash. 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 on Raw, 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 at Judgment Day, which he won by disqualification.[104] Batista went on to defeat Orton in a rematch at Extreme Rules in a Steel Cage match to capture his first WWE Championship.[105] However, on the June 8 episode of Raw, 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.[106]
Batista returned on the September 14 episode of Raw with 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 to SmackDown instead. Later that night, he defeated Orton in a no-holds barred match which was to be his last match on Raw.[107]
Following his return to SmackDown, Batista defeated Unified WWE Tag Team Champions Jeri-Show (Chris Jericho and Big Show) in singles competition.[108][109] These two victories culminated in a tag team title match against Jeri-Show with his partner Rey Mysterio on October 4 at Hell in a Cell, which Jeri-Show won.[110] That same month at Bragging Rights, Batista was unsuccessful in winning the World Heavyweight Championship in a Fatal Four-Way match including CM Punk, Rey Mysterio, and champion The Undertaker. During the match, Mysterio broke up Batista's pin on The Undertaker costing him the match and the title. After the match (which The 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.[111] Batista faced Mysterio on November 22 at Survivor Series, where Batista won via referee stoppage after delivering three Batista Bombs to Mysterio.[112] Batista defeated Mysterio again in a street fight on the December 11 episode of SmackDown.[113] On December 13 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, Batista faced The Undertaker for the World Heavyweight Championship in a Chairs match. Batista initially won the match and the title, but SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long reversed 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.[114] Five days later, Batista lost to Mysterio in a number one contenders match for the World Heavyweight Championship;[115] Mysterio's title match against The Undertaker on the December 25 episode of SmackDown ended as a no-contest after interference from Batista.[116]
At the Royal Rumble in January 2010, Batista entered the Royal Rumble match at number 30, but failed to win as he was eliminated by John Cena.[117] Batista then became involved in WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and Bret Hart's rivalry by assisting McMahon in attacking Hart; John Cena attempted to save Hart, but was assaulted by Batista.[118] On February 21 at Elimination Chamber, as payment for Batista attacking Hart, McMahon allowed Batista to face Cena for the WWE Championship immediately after Cena won the title in an Elimination Chamber match. Batista won the match and thus his second WWE Championship, which resulted in Batista moving back to Raw.[119] On March 28 at WrestleMania XXVI, Batista lost the WWE Championship to John Cena in a rematch, ending his reign at 35 days.[120][121] Batista received his rematch for the title in a Last Man Standing match on April 25 at Extreme Rules, but was defeated by Cena after Cena duct-taped his legs around a ring post, preventing him from standing up.[122] Batista and Cena faced off once again for the WWE Championship on May 23 at Over the Limit, but he failed again to regain the title from Cena in an "I Quit" match, quitting as Cena threatened to give him the Attitude Adjustment off the roof of a car. Cena did so anyway, throwing Batista off of the car and through the stage below.[123]
The following night on Raw, 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).[124] 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 new Fatal 4-Way pay-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.[125] He later said in an interview that he left WWE because he "did not like the direction the company was going in".[126]
Return to WWE (2014)
Batista made his return to WWE on the January 20, 2014, episode of Raw. Despite returning as a face and winning the Royal Rumble,[127][128] the live crowd reacted negatively towards Batista's win, as Daniel Bryan did not take part in the match. Despite a positive reaction initially upon his return, the fans in attendance at the Royal Rumble rejected Batista in favor of Bryan and continued to boo him after Roman Reigns was last eliminated.[129] After the show went off the air, Batista mocked Bryan and gestured his middle finger at the crowd.[130] 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" storyline.[131] At the Elimination Chamber event and on the February 24 episode of Raw, Batista was heavily booed by the fans during matches against Alberto Del Rio,[132] thus resulting in Batista turning heel on the February 28 episode of SmackDown.[133] The main event of WrestleMania XXX, originally Batista versus Randy Orton for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship, was changed to a triple threat match after Bryan defeated Triple H at WrestleMania. At WrestleMania, Bryan forced Batista to submit to win the title.[134]
The next night on Raw, Batista and Orton teamed together to face The Usos for the WWE Tag Team Championship, but the match ended in a double count out.[135] Later that night, Batista and Orton, along with Kane, attacked Bryan before he was set to defend his title against Triple H. Before Triple H could defeat Bryan, The Shield interrupted by spearing Triple H and taking out Batista, Orton and Kane, causing the match to end in a no-contest.[136] On the April 14 episode of Raw, 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 of Evolution.[137] At both Extreme Rules and Payback, Evolution lost to The Shield.[138][139] On the June 2 episode of Raw, Batista quit WWE after Triple H denied him a shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.[140] Batista legitimately quit the WWE due to creative differences soon after.[141][142]
Second return to WWE (2018–2019)
On October 16, 2018, Batista reunited with the rest of Evolution for an appearance on SmackDown's 1000th episode, where Batista teased a match with Triple H, as Triple H had never beaten Batista in singles competition.[143] The storyline between them started on February 25, 2019, when Batista viciously attacked Ric Flair and repeatedly demanded "give me what I want" to Triple H, which became a popular phrase associated with Batista.[144] At WrestleMania 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 the WWE Hall of Fame as a part of the Class of 2020.[148] The event was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and 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] He tweeted to 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
Upon his return to WWE in 2014, Batista was heavily booed by the crowd after winning the Royal Rumble, despite playing a heroic character.[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 a villainous character.[133]
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 best World Heavyweight Champion of 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][1]
Mixed martial arts career
After leaving WWE, Bautista attended Strikeforce: Los Angeles on 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 a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Cesar Gracie.[158] Bautista and Strikeforce agreed on a price and were negotiating a contract. However, in April 2011, Bautista stated that negotiations fell through when the organization was bought by the Zuffa company.[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 by technical knockout (TKO) at 4:05 in the first round.[162]
Mixed martial arts record
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 of season 6 of Smallville as Aldar, an extraterrestrial who escaped from the Phantom Zone and who sucks the bones out of people for nourishment.[163] In June 2009, he made a cameo appearance as himself on the Australian soap opera Neighbours.[164] In 2010, he appeared in an episode of Chuck,[165] and also made a cameo appearance in Relative Strangers.[9] He starred in the 2010 action film Wrong Side of Town.[166]
Bautista appeared as the villainous Brass Body in the Universal Studios film The Man with the Iron Fists.[167] He played Drax the Destroyer in the 2014 Marvel Studios film Guardians of the Galaxy, which was a critical and commercial success.[168] He played Mr. Hinx in the James Bond film Spectre (2015),[169] and starred as the villain Tong Po in the reboot of the martial arts film Kickboxer.[170] He was widely praised for his supporting role in Blade Runner 2049 (2017).[171][172] He reprised his role as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017),[173] Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).[174]
In 2018, Bautista joined his castmates in support of Guardians of the Galaxy director James Gunn after Gunn's firing over old tweets joking about pedophilia and rape.[175] He called Gunn's firing "nauseating" and declared that he would ask to be recast if Disney, the parent company of Marvel Studios, did not use Gunn's script for Guardians 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 upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would be his final appearance as Drax.[178]
Bautista starred in Army of the Dead (2021).[179] He had a villainous role in Dune, a film adaptation of the novel of the same name by Frank Herbert,[180] which was released to critical and commercial success.[181][182] He starred in M. Night Shyamalan's horror film Knock at the Cabin (2023).[183] He appeared in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery as Duke.[184] He is set to star in the fantasy-adventure film In the Lost Lands with Milla Jovovich, directed by Paul W. S. Anderson.[185]
Other media
Bautista appeared on the covers of the April 2005 Flex,[186] and Muscle & Fitness for September 2008.[187] Along with John Cena and Ashley Massaro, he appeared representing WWE on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in January 2007, giving the kids of the family whose house was renovated WWE merchandise and eight tickets to WrestleMania 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 by Jakks Pacific.[189] He remarked on his 2007 appearance on MTV 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.[14] 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 of Chris Benoit, a wrestler who killed 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 for Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance in 2010 because of Angie's ovarian cancer battle.[192][better source needed]
During the week of November 5, 2007, Bautista appeared on Family Feud with several other WWE wrestlers.[193]
On September 7, 2008, he was a judge on an episode of Iron Chef America, with snails as the theme ingredient.[194] Along with Candice Michelle, Shelton Benjamin, and Josh Mathews, he represented the WWE at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in an effort to persuade fans to register to vote in the 2008 presidential election.[195] He has also appeared on MTV Cribs showing 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 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]
Bautista is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) tall and weighed around 275 pounds (125 kg) as of August 2020, later slimming down to around 240 pounds (110 kg) by September 2024.[204] He has numerous tattoos, including a large dragon on his back, red kanji lettering 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.[205] He also has a tattoo on his arm of the flags of Greece and the Philippines. 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.[206] He once had a tattoo of a meteor on his arm, a logo associated with former friend Manny Pacquiao, but had it covered up with a sugar skull design after Pacquiao made homophobic remarks.[207] Beginning in 2010, Bautista began eating a mostly plant-based, pescetarian diet, and plans to go completely vegan in the near future.[208]
A baseball fan, Bautista grew up following the New York Yankees, although he has since embraced the Washington Nationals, who play at Nationals Park blocks from Bautista's childhood home.[209]
Bautista supported Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries.[210] He endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 United States presidential election and appeared in an ad for his presidential campaign.[211][212] In 2024, Bautista, who supported U.S. vice president and presidential candidate Kamala Harris, filmed a "hilarious video" takedown of her opponent, Donald Trump, for Jimmy Kimmel Live![213][214][215]
Filmography
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 |
2023 | Marvel Studios: Assembled | Himself | Episode: "The Making of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 " |
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
Professional wrestling
- The Baltimore Sun
- Feud of the Year (2007) vs. The Undertaker[219]
- Ohio Valley Wrestling
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- Most Improved Wrestler of the Year (2005)[221]
- Wrestler of the Year (2005)[221]
- Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2005[222]
- Power Pro Wrestling
- World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
- World Xtreme Wrestling
- Hall of Fame (2013)[231]
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Feud of the Year (2005) vs. Triple H[232]
- Feud of the Year (2007) vs. The Undertaker[232]
- Most Overrated (2006)[232]
See also
Notes
- ^ Shared with Kiernan Shipka, Pamela Anderson, Brenda Song, Billie Lourd and Jamie Lee Curtis[217]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g "Batista bio". WWE. Retrieved April 3, 2011.
- ^ Rose, Mike (January 18, 2023). "Today's famous birthdays list for January 18, 2023 includes celebrities Kevin Costner, Dave Bautista". The Plain Dealer. Retrieved January 18, 2023.
- ^ "Actor David Bautista hits a Nats game, recalls poor childhood in DC". The Washington Post. May 15, 2017. Retrieved May 12, 2021.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. p. 6. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Batista, Dave (October 16, 2007). Batista Unleashed – Dave Batista – Google Books. Simon and Schuster. ISBN 9781416554202. Retrieved August 4, 2014 – via Google Books.
- ^ a b "Give Me What I Want with Dave Bautista". The Darkest Timeline. Episode 15. May 30, 2020. YouTube. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2020.
- ^ Richelle, Ed (September 16, 2006). "Pinoy hospitality tames 'The Animal'". The Manila Times. Manila Times Publishing Corporation (via Web Archive). Archived from the original on October 21, 2007. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 16–17. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ a b c Ramos, NRJ (September 23, 2006). "Who's afraid of Batista?". Manila Standard Today. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. Archived from the original on October 4, 2017. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
- ^ a b c d Agostino, David (August 17, 2005). "Batista's SummerSlam homecoming". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved June 4, 2008.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 50–51. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. p. 42. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 61–62. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ a b c Milner, John; Kamchen, Richard. "Dave Bautista – Slam! Sports profile". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on June 17, 2015. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 72–93. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ a b c "The Demon FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)". Demon Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
- ^ Kreikenbohm, Philip. "Batista: Matches (archived)". Cagematch.net. Archived from the original on July 25, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2018.
- ^ "Marrese Crump". Martial Arts Entertainment. November 15, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ "WWF matches wrestled by Batista". Internet Wrestling Database. Archived from the original on May 15, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. p. 95. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ McAvennie, Michael (April 2003) [2003]. WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition. Simon & Schuster. p. 170. ISBN 0-7434-6373-0.
- ^ McAvennie, Michael (April 2003) [2003]. WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition. Simon & Schuster. p. 203. ISBN 0-7434-6373-0.
- ^ McAvennie, Michael (April 2003) [2003]. WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition. Simon & Schuster. p. 334. ISBN 0-7434-6373-0.
- ^ McAvennie, Michael (April 2003) [2003]. WWE The Yearbook: 2003 Edition. Simon & Schuster. pp. 328–330. ISBN 0-7434-6373-0.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. p. 138. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 140–142. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 143–144. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ a b "Batista and Ric Flair's first World Tag Team Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 15, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 139–140. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ "Triple Threat at WrestleMania XX ... 'cause Stone Cold said so". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment (via Web Archive). February 16, 2004. Archived from the original on June 10, 2004. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ a b "Batista and Ric Flair's second World Tag Team Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 3, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ Tylwalk, Nick (March 23, 2004). "Raw: Draft day an unpredictable night". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "WWE RAW Results (April 19, 2004)". Online World of Wrestling.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. p. 156. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ "Royal Rumble 2005 Main Event". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Tylwalk, Nick (February 15, 2005). "Raw: Love is in the air". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Tylwalk, Nick (February 22, 2005). "Raw: Batista makes his choice". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Batista vs. Triple H – World Heavyweight Championship". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on December 26, 2007. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Meltzer, Dave (September 2012). "Big question remains before Dave Bautista's MMA debut". mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
- ^ "World Heavyweight Champion Batista def. Triple H to retain". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 29, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ "Tainted victory". World Wrestling Entertainment. May 23, 2005. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ "World Heavyweight Champion Batista def. Triple H in a Hell in a Cell Match to retain". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 20, 2007. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
- ^ "Jackpot!". World Wrestling Entertainment. June 30, 2005. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ "Batista vs. JBL for the World Heavyweight Championship". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 27, 2007. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
- ^ Tylwalk, Nick; Plummer, Dale (August 22, 2005). "Hogan-HBK steal SummerSlam". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ "Changing Friday nights". World Wrestling Entertainment. September 9, 2005. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ "Batista vs. Eddie Guerrero for the World Heavyweight Championship". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 14, 2007. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
- ^ "Batista injury update". World Wrestling Entertainment (via Web Archive). November 9, 2005. Archived from the original on November 24, 2005. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 215–219. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Oliver, Greg (November 24, 2005). "Smackdown: Fighting back the Raw invasion". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick (November 28, 2005). "Smackdown wins, but Undertaker the real survivor". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on June 30, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Waldman, Jon (December 3, 2005). "Smackdown: Hey babe, you wanna boogey?". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b "Batista and Rey Mysterio's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ McNamara, Andy (December 16, 2005). "Smackdown: Can Batista capture double gold?". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Sokol, Chris (December 19, 2005). "Taker-Orton rises above Armageddon". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "A shocking return leads to new Champs". World Wrestling Entertainment. December 30, 2005. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ "Making statements". World Wrestling Entertainment. January 6, 2006. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 224–228. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Sokol, Chris (February 20, 2006). "Main events salvage No Way Out". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick (February 20, 2006). "WrestleMania delivers big time on PPV". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 3, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ a b Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 246–248. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Hoffman, Brett (July 15, 2006). "Animal unleashed on NBC". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ McNamara, Andy (July 20, 2006). "Smackdown: Rey drops the dime on the King". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Elliot, Brian (July 23, 2006). "Booker reigns after the Bash". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Martin, Adam (July 24, 2006). "Mr. Kennedy gets stitches, Chavo turns on Mysterio, King Booker video". WrestleView.com. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Tello, Craig (July 28, 2006). "Coronations and carnage". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Hoffman, Brett (August 4, 2006). "Challenge from the grave". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Martin, Adam (August 1, 2006). "ECW on Sci Fi Results – 8/1/06 – New York City, NY (Big Show/Batista)". WrestleView.com. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Lawson, Amy (August 21, 2006). "Boston crowd basks in SummerSlam". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on October 4, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Martin, Adam (May 10, 2006). "Huge correction on Booker T/Batista – WWE sources say fight was legit". WrestleView.com. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Martin, Adam (May 10, 2006). "Batista comments on Booker T: "It had been brewing for a long time ..."". WrestleView.com. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. p. 249. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Elliott, Brian (October 8, 2006). "Booker still reigns after No Mercy". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on January 12, 2016. Retrieved January 5, 2008.
- ^ Dee, Louie (November 26, 2006). "Kingdom conquered". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ Elliott, Brian (December 17, 2006). "Unexpected ladder contest steals Armageddon". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on May 19, 2015. Retrieved March 29, 2008.
- ^ DiFino, Lennie (January 5, 2007). "Race against time". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
- ^ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick. "Old guard dominates Rumble". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 15, 2015. Retrieved December 31, 2007.
- ^ Plummer, Dave (February 5, 2007). "Raw: Mania main events all set". SLAM! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on March 10, 2016. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
- ^ Hoffman, Brett (February 18, 2007). "Payback". WWE. Archived from the original on January 21, 2008. Retrieved March 5, 2008.
- ^ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick (April 1, 2007). "Undertaker the champ, McMahon bald". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 19, 2022. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ DiFino, Lennie (April 29, 2007). "Stalemate". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Starr, Noah (May 11, 2007). "In with the new". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ DiFino, Lennie (May 20, 2007). "The gold standard". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (June 3, 2007). "Edge wins by two feet". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (June 24, 2007). "Batista's last stand falls". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 29, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (July 22, 2007). "The Great Khali wins the big one". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on July 31, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Dee, Louie (August 26, 2007). "Punjabi robbery". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ Schwimmer, Ryan J. (September 17, 2007). "9/16 WWE Unforgiven PPV Review: Schwimmer's "alt perspective" report on event". PWTorch. Retrieved October 25, 2009.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (October 7, 2007). "Batista's Punjabi Prison break". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (October 28, 2007). "Batista conquers his Phenom-enal demons". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
- ^ Dee, Louie (November 18, 2007). "On the Edge of Hell". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 20, 2007. Retrieved November 19, 2007.
- ^ McAvennie, Mike (December 17, 2007). "Edge's "three-meditated" attack to perfection". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on March 31, 2008. Retrieved August 4, 2008.
- ^ Robinson, Bryan (March 30, 2008). "The End". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 5, 2008. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
- ^ Hillhouse, Dave (April 28, 2008). "HHH reigns again after Backlash". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ MacKinder, Matt (June 1, 2008). "One Night Stand WWE's best this year". Slam Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Sitterson, Aubrey (June 23, 2008). "A Draft Disaster". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved June 25, 2008.
- ^ Plummer, Dale (August 5, 2008). "Raw: Rivalry grows between new tag champs". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 16, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ Sitterson, Aubrey (August 5, 2008). "Championship scramble". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ Sitterson, Aubrey (August 11, 2008). "Bracing for a SummerSlam". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 14, 2008. Retrieved August 12, 2008.
- ^ Tello, Craig (August 17, 2008). "Batista's blockbuster triumph". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 22, 2008. Retrieved August 25, 2008.
- ^ Tello, Craig (October 26, 2008). ""Stunning" new champion". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
- ^ "Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes". World Wrestling Entertainment. November 4, 2008. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
- ^ "Batista undergoes hamstring surgery". World Wrestling Entertainment. December 27, 2008. Retrieved December 27, 2008.
- ^ Sitterson, Aubrey (April 6, 2009). "Raw Results, Bringing in the Big Guns". Wwe. World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved January 11, 2011.
- ^ Tello, Craig (June 7, 2009). "Steel of fortune". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved January 11, 2011.
- ^ "Raw Results, Wounded Animal". World Wrestling Entertainment. October 6, 2009. Retrieved October 7, 2009.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (September 14, 2009). "Results: Live Raw Results". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (September 14, 2009). "Skinning the snake". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved September 25, 2009.
- ^ Burdick, Michael (September 18, 2009). "Consumed in controversy". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved September 25, 2009.
- ^ Sokol, Brian. "Title changes highlight Hell in a Cell". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on July 14, 2012. Retrieved September 5, 2011.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "World Heavyweight Champion The Undertaker def. CM Punk, Batista & Rey Mysterio (Fatal Four Way Match)". WWE. October 25, 2009. Retrieved June 22, 2012.
- ^ "Batista def. Rey Mysterio". WWE. November 22, 2009. Retrieved June 22, 2012.
- ^ "Street Fight night". World Wrestling Entertainment. December 11, 2009. Retrieved December 11, 2009.
- ^ Passero, Mitch (December 13, 2009). "Results: Deadman lays Batista to rest". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved December 14, 2009.
- ^ "From here to Christmas". World Wrestling Entertainment. December 18, 2009. Retrieved December 18, 2009.
- ^ "DX-mas Night SmackDown". World Wrestling Entertainment. December 25, 2009. Retrieved December 25, 2009.
- ^ Plummer, Dale; Tylwalk, Nick (February 1, 2010). "The 2010 Royal Rumble is Rated R in Atlanta". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 7, 2015. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
- ^ Hunter Golden (February 1, 2010). "RAW RESULTS – 2/1/10".
- ^ Adkins, Greg (February 21, 2010). "Results:Intermittent reign". WWE.com. Archived from the original on July 30, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (February 22, 2010). "Taking the bull by the horns". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
- ^ Adkins, Greg (March 28, 2010). "Results:Cena uncorks the "Champ pain"". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on April 1, 2010. Retrieved March 29, 2010.
- ^ "WWE Champion John Cena def. Batista (Last Man Standing Match)". World Wrestling Entertainment. April 25, 2010. Retrieved June 5, 2012.
- ^ Bishop, Matt (May 23, 2010). "Batista quits to end disappointing Over The Limit". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on July 13, 2012. Retrieved May 26, 2010.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ WWE (January 22, 2014). "Batista reveals why he returned to WWE". YouTube. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021.
- ^ "Raw: Batista quits WWE after loss to John Cena at Over the Limit". WWE.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ WrestlingNewsWorld.com. "Batista Makes First Public Comments Since Leaving WWE". Wrestlingnewsworld.com. Archived from the original on October 19, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ^ "PWTorch.com - CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/20: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - Batista returns, Lesnar, final Rumble PPV hype, Bryan explains his plot, more". pwtorch.com. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- ^ "PWTorch.com - WWE ROYAL RUMBLE PPV RESULTS 1/26 (Hour 3): Royal Rumble vs. The Crowd main event match". pwtorch.com. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- ^ Caldwell, James. "WWE Royal Rumble PPV results 1/26 (Hour 3): Royal Rumble vs. The Crowd main event match". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
- ^ "WWE news: Live Rumble report on Batista flipping off fans after winning the Rumble, more in-person notes". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
- ^ "Talk Is Jericho Episode 69: Batista (Pt. 2)". PodcastOne.
- ^ "WWE Spoilers: Batista comments on fans' reaction to him, plus an update on John Cena's injury : TV". Mstarz. February 25, 2014. Archived from the original on July 5, 2014. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ^ a b Plummer, Dave. "Smackdown!: Batista claims he is The Man in Milwaukee". SLAM! Wrestling. Archived from the original on March 3, 2014. Retrieved March 1, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Daniel Bryan def. Randy Orton and Batista to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion". Retrieved April 12, 2014.
- ^ "Raw Results: WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos def. Randy Orton & Batista via Count-out". WWE. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
- ^ "Raw results: Triple H def WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan via Disqualification". WWE. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
- ^ "Raw results: Evolution reforms to break The Shield; The Shield vs. Alberto Del Rio, Jack Swagger, Bad News Barrett, Alexander Rusev, Fandango, Rybaxel, Titus O'Neil went to a No Contest". WWE. Retrieved April 15, 2014.
- ^ Clapp, John. "The Shield def. Evolution". Retrieved May 4, 2014.
- ^ Murphy, Ryann. "The Shield def. Evolution (No Holds Barred Elimination Match)". WWE. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
- ^ Caldwell, James. "Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 6/2: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – PPV fall-out, huge angle at the end of Raw, post-Raw coverage, MITB hype, more". PWTorch.com. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
- ^ "Batista Leaves WWE Before 'Payback 2014' PPV! 'The Animal' Quits Wrestling Again Due To Creative Differences And Payment Issues With The Company! CM Punk Scenario All Over Again?". K Drama Stars. May 12, 2014. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ Paglino, Nick (May 5, 2014). "Update: The Very Latest on Batista's WWE Status, Why He and Other WWE Talents Are Currently Upset". Wrestlezone. Retrieved April 11, 2015.
- ^ "Evolution reunites: Triple H, Batista, Randy Orton & Ric Flair to appear at SmackDown 1000". Retrieved September 29, 2018.
- ^ "WWE RAW REPORT: GOOD NEWS FROM ROMAN REIGNS, ARE BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS THE NEW CONTRACT SIGNINGS?, A REUNION?, AND MORE". PWInsider. Retrieved February 25, 2019.
- ^ Benigno, Anthony (April 7, 2019). "Triple H def. Batista (No Holds Barred Match)". WWE. Retrieved April 8, 2019.
- ^ Gartland, Dan (April 8, 2019). "Dave Bautista Retires From Wrestling After Loss to Triple H". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
- ^ Bautista, Dave (April 8, 2019). "Dave Bautista on Twitter: WWEUniverse Thank you for letting me entertain you. I love this business and whether you cheered me or jeered me, I'm grateful for being a small part of your life. I am officially retired from sports entertainment and I am grateful for every second of my amazing journey". Retrieved April 9, 2019 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Batista and The nWo to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame's Class of 2020". WWE. December 9, 2019. Archived from the original on April 15, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
- ^ "Major WWE Hall of Fame Inductee Removed From Class of 2020". comicbook.com. March 21, 2021. Retrieved March 21, 2021.
- ^ Dave Bautista [@DaveBautista] (March 23, 2021). "To the WWE Universe Unfortunately due to previous obligations I am unable to be a part of the WWE HOF this year. By my request they have agreed to induct me at a future ceremony where I'll be able to properly thank the fans and people who made my career" (Tweet). Retrieved March 23, 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Wrestling - PPVReports: Upset fans overshadow…". Slam! Wrestling. Archived from the original on December 3, 2014.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Exclusive interview: Batista tells all on his wild return". WWE. June 17, 2014. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- ^ "Top 50 villains in wrestling history". WWE. July 26, 2012. Retrieved August 20, 2018.
- ^ Laboon, Jeff (August 24, 2012). "WWE's 15 best World Heavyweight Champions". WWE. Retrieved January 13, 2019.
- ^ Barasso, Justin (August 10, 2020). "Dave Bautista's Role as Ex-Wrestler on HBO's 'Room 104' Goes to Unexpected Depths". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
- ^ "Dave Bautista". Sherdog.com. Retrieved October 21, 2016.
- ^ "Batista – I'm Fighting for REAL Now!". TMZ.com. June 21, 2010. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
- ^ de Souza, Diogo (June 17, 2023). "Actor And WWE Star Dave 'Batista' Bautista Promoted To BJJ Brown Belt". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved June 17, 2023.
- ^ "Batista: Strikeforce deal dead due to UFC buyout". mixedmartialarts.com. April 25, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
- ^ "Former WWE champ 'Batista' books pro MMA debut against Rashid Evans for October 6 in Providence". mmamania.com. July 13, 2012. Retrieved July 13, 2012.
- ^ "Former WWE Wrestler Bautista Inks MMA Deal". ResSports.com. August 13, 2012. Archived from the original on December 25, 2013. Retrieved August 13, 2012.
- ^ "Dave Bautista will face Vince Lucero in MMA debut". mmafighting.com. October 1, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
- ^ Medalis, Kara A. (October 25, 2006). "The Animal tames Smallville". WWE. Retrieved August 4, 2014.
- ^ "Batista Wrestles With Neighbours". Neighbours. March 11, 2009. Retrieved June 28, 2009.
- ^ WrestlingNewsWorld.com. "Dave Batista To Guest Star On Chuck This Fall". Wrestlingnewsworld.com. Archived from the original on January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
- ^ "Wrong Side of Town". MovieSet. Archived from the original on May 27, 2009.
- ^ "Dave Bautista". tapology.com. Retrieved January 18, 2017.
- ^ Kit, Borys (March 14, 2013). "Marvel Signs WWE's Dave Bautista for 'Guardians of the Galaxy' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on March 16, 2013. Retrieved March 14, 2013.
- ^ "Bautista will star in next James Bond movie". latino-review.com. October 13, 2014. Archived from the original on October 13, 2014. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
- ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (May 9, 2014). "Cannes Briefs: 'Kickboxer' Reboots With Georges St Pierre, Dave Bautista, Alain Moussi; Warner International Takes 'Relatos Salvajes' To France, Spain, Lat Am; More". Deadline. Retrieved May 9, 2014.
- ^ Sharf, Zack (May 13, 2021). "Dave Bautista: 'Blade Runner 2049' Opened a Lot of Doors That 'Guardians' Didn't". IndieWire. Archived from the original on May 13, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
- ^ Jang, Meena (September 29, 2017). "'Blade Runner 2049': What the Critics Are Saying". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 6, 2022. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
- ^ Siegel, Lucas (November 4, 2015). "Dave Bautista Says James Gunn Making Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Different". Comicbook.com. Archived from the original on November 6, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2015.
- ^ "Dave Bautista just revealed an Avengers 4 spoiler, is ready to reveal more". Hindustan Times. September 2, 2018.
- ^ Auty, Dan (July 30, 2018). "Guardians Of The Galaxy's Dave Bautista "Not OK" With James Gunn's Firing". GameSpot.com. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ Desta, Yohana (August 6, 2018). "Dave Bautista: What Disney Did to James Gunn Is "Nauseating"". VanityFair.com. Retrieved August 13, 2018.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr. (March 15, 2019). "Disney Reinstates Director James Gunn For 'Guardians Of The Galaxy 3'". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on March 15, 2019. Retrieved March 21, 2019.
- ^ "Dave Bautista won't star as Drax the Destroyer character after 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'". Fox News. May 24, 2021. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
- ^ "Dave Bautista To Star In Zack Snyder-Directed 'Army Of The Dead'". Deadline. April 5, 2019. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
- ^ Holub, Christian (October 19, 2021). "Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard discuss their roles as Harkonnens in Dune". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
- ^ Richwine, Lisa (September 3, 2021). "Critics say 'Dune' movie will thrill ardent fans, may mystify others". Reuters. Archived from the original on September 12, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
- ^ Childress, Erik (October 24, 2021). "Weekend Box Office Results: Dune Debuts at $40 Million, but Is It Enough to Secure Part Two?". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on November 5, 2021. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
- ^ Kroll, Justin (December 6, 2021). "Dave Bautista To Star In M. Night Shyamalan's Next Film 'Knock At The Cabin'". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ "Dave Bautista Joins Knives Out 2". Empire. May 10, 2021. Retrieved May 10, 2021.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (February 5, 2021). "'Resident Evil' Duo Paul W.S. Anderson & Milla Jovovich Team With Dave Bautista For George R.R. Martin Adaptation 'In The Lost Lands' — EFM". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ "Flex Magazine – April 2005". GetBig.com. Flex magazine. Retrieved August 6, 2008.
- ^ "WWE News: Batista on the Cover of Muscle & Fitness, WWE Launches New Clothing Line". Archived from the original on June 27, 2008. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- ^ John Cena, Batista, and Ashley on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (WMV). World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 26, 2007. Retrieved August 1, 2007.
- ^ Wrestling Figure Checklist
- ^ "Batista Shows Off An Odd Collection On MTV Cribs UK". Wrestling Inc. May 18, 2008. Retrieved November 16, 2020.
- ^ a b c "Batista's Book Speaks Volumes 10/31/2007". Miami Herald.[dead link ]
- ^ Giri, Raj (August 4, 2010). "Batista Talks About Fighting Cancer And How He Got Started With The Project". Wrestling Inc. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ Medalis, Kara A. (October 30, 2007). "Tune in to WWE week on 'Family Feud'". World Wrestling Entertainment. Retrieved November 4, 2007.
- ^ "Batista on Food Network's "Iron Chef America," September 2008". World Wrestling Entertainment.
- ^ "WWE at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions". World Wrestling Entertainment.com. August 22, 2008. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
- ^ "Cribs UK S1 E4 WWE superstar wrestler Batista". Apple TV. May 18, 2008. Archived from the original on February 23, 2023. Retrieved February 23, 2023.
- ^ "WWE Wrestling Superstar Merchandise, WWE Clothes, Action Figures & More". WWEShop. January 1, 1970. Retrieved January 8, 2014.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 43–44. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ a b Spata, Christopher (February 26, 2019). "Dave Bautista does not want to be a movie star". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
- ^ "Animal's House". WWE Magazine. World Wrestling Entertainment: 54–58. August 2006.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. p. 212. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Batista, Dave; Roberts, Jeremy (October 2007). Batista Unleashed. Simon & Schuster. pp. 235–238. ISBN 978-1-4165-4410-4.
- ^ Lee, Ben (October 10, 2015). "Guardians of the Galaxy star Dave Bautista gets married". Digital Spy. Retrieved March 22, 2019.
- ^ "Dave Bautista reveals he lost 75 pounds. These are his go-to workouts and diet tips". TODAY.com. September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
- ^ "Tattoos". Angelfire.
- ^ "Batista – Big Arms, Big Tattoos". Celebrity Tattoo Design. Retrieved February 16, 2015.
- ^ Ellis, Jordan (January 8, 2023). "WWE legend and actor Dave Bautista got rid of Manny Pacquiao tattoo when he found out boxing legend was 'extreme homophobe'". Talksport. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
- ^ Rajneesh (October 14, 2021). "David Bautista Shares His Diet and Training Routine, Plans To Go Vegan". Fitness Volt. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
- ^ Steinberg, Dan (May 15, 2017). "'Guardians of the Galaxy' star guarantees the Nationals will never have a giant racing Trump". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
- ^ @DaveBautista (March 17, 2020). "For what it's worth I am in complete support of @SenSanders. I have been for a long time. I believe he is the only candidate that can get us back on track. I think he is the most honest Candidate. I think his biggest concern is the well-being of all Americans. My 2 cents" (Tweet). Retrieved March 26, 2020 – via Twitter.
- ^ Mazza, Ed (October 26, 2020). "'Guardians Of The Galaxy' Star Dave Bautista Gives Biden A Ringing Endorsement". HuffPost. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ Lambert, Jeremy (October 25, 2020). "Batista Appears In Political Ad Endorsing Joe Biden For President". Fightful. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ Ucchino, Rick (October 17, 2024). "Dave Bautista Eviscerates Donald Trump In Hilarious Video Appearance On Jimmy Kimmel". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ "Trump Gets His Masculinity Checked by the Manliest Avenger of All!". Jimmy Kimmel Live!. October 16, 2024. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ Bendix, Trish (October 16, 2024). "Jimmy Kimmel Bashes Trump's Bizarre Town Hall". The New York Times. Retrieved October 17, 2024.
- ^ Travis, Ben (August 29, 2022). "Glass Onion: Meet The Characters Of Benoit Blanc's Next Case In Knives Out Sequel – Exclusive Images". Empire. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
- ^ "'Tardes de soledad' carries off the Golden Shell at the San Sebastian Festival's 72nd edition". San Sebastián International Film Festival. September 28, 2024. Archived from the original on September 29, 2024.
- ^ Breznican, Anthony (June 26, 2020). "Watch the Celebrity-Filled Fan-Film Version of The Princess Bride". Vanity Fair. Retrieved June 26, 2020.
- ^ Eck, Kevin (December 30, 2007). "2007 Awards". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved September 25, 2020.
- ^ "O.V.W. Heavyweight Title". Wrestling-Titles.com. Retrieved July 19, 2007.
- ^ a b "PWI Awards". Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Kappa Publishing Group. Archived from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2017.
- ^ "Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2005". The Internet Wrestling Database. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
- ^ "PPW Television Championship History".
- ^ "Batista's first WWE Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on June 11, 2009. Retrieved January 26, 2009.
- ^ "Batista's second WWE Championship reign". Archived from the original on February 25, 2010.
- ^ "Batista's first World Heavyweight Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ "Batista's second World Heavyweight Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 11, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ "Batista's third World Heavyweight Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on November 23, 2007. Retrieved September 19, 2007.
- ^ "Batista's fourth World Heavyweight Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on October 30, 2008. Retrieved October 28, 2008.
- ^ "Batista and John Cena's first World Tag Team Championship reign". World Wrestling Entertainment. Archived from the original on August 8, 2008. Retrieved August 5, 2008.
- ^ "SUPERSTARS". World Xtreme Wrestling. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
- ^ a b c Meltzer, Dave (January 26, 2011). "Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, CA. pp. 1–40. ISSN 1083-9593.
External links
- Batista on WWE.com
- Dave Bautista at IMDb
- Dave Bautista's profile at Cagematch.net , Wrestlingdata.com , Internet Wrestling Database
- 1969 births
- 21st-century American male actors
- 21st-century male professional wrestlers
- 21st-century American professional wrestlers
- Living people
- American collectors
- American male actors of Filipino descent
- American male film actors
- American male mixed martial artists
- American male television actors
- American male video game actors
- Mixed martial artists utilizing wrestling
- Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- American male professional wrestlers
- American people of Greek descent
- American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
- American professional wrestlers of Filipino descent
- Male actors from Tampa, Florida
- Male actors from Washington, D.C.
- People from Arlington County, Virginia
- Professional wrestlers from Washington, D.C.
- Professional wrestlers who competed in MMA
- The Authority (professional wrestling) members
- World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)
- WWE Champions
- OVW Heavyweight Champions
- Royal Rumble match winners
- World Tag Team Champions (WWE, 1971–2010)
- World Tag Team Champions (WWE)
- 20th-century American sportsmen