5 Reasons why Batista will probably be inducted into the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame

On SmackDown in 2002, the WWE Universe bore witness to a new monster.

Named Batista, this new Superstar destroyed everyone in his path, joining Evolution in 2003, before stepping out of the group's shadow two years later.

Capturing his first of many World titles at WrestleMania 21, the Animal would feud with some of wrestling's biggest stars, including Triple H, The Undertaker, and John Cena.

Returning in 2014, Batista would win his second Royal Rumble and recently returned to face off against his old mentor Triple H at this year's WrestleMania 35.

But with Batista's in-ring career now over, it seems that a Hall of Fame induction isn't far away.

Here are 5 reasons Batista will be inducted into the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame

5: He's predicted it

The Animal has said he didn't want to be inducted until he retired from in-ring competition.

Batista has practically done it all in wrestling, something that has left many fans wondering why he hasn't already been inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

It turns out the reason for this is that The Animal thought he wasn't ready for the honor, as he hadn't wrapped up his career.

Speaking to UK newspaper the Daily Express Batista made it clear he didn't want to go in just yet.

"This is why I haven’t accepted a nomination into the WWE Hall of Fame because I just don’t feel like my career is over."

After his WrestleMania 35 loss to Triple H though, Batista has said he is officially retired from in-ring competition.

With his time as a wrestler now at an end, it makes sense for the former World Champion to take his rightful spot into the Hall of Fame.

4: He's loyal

The Animal has been one of WWE's most loyal representatives, recently returning for WrestleMania 35.

The WWE Hall of Fame ceremony is always a special night for everyone involved, but usually, there's one star that stands head and shoulders above the rest.

From Hulk Hogan in 2005 to Shawn Michaels in 2011, there is often one star who headlines the show, who has done more in the industry than their fellow inductees.

If the WWE is looking for their next Hall of Fame main eventer, they don't need to look much further than Batista.

After all, Batista has done it all in WWE and has easily had a Hall of Fame-worthy career.

Though the WWE will have many inductees enter the elite group the night before WrestleMania 36 next year, it's unlikely many, if any will have had such an epic, successful career than Evolution's very own Animal.

3: It's in his hometown

When not away shooting movies, the Animal can be found in his Tampa home.

Batista was always billed from Washington, D.C, but since then, The Animal has made a big change.

Now residing in Tampa, Florida, the city is host to several WWE stars, partly due to the WWE Performance Center being nearby in Orlando.

Tampa will also be the home for WrestleMania 36, and presumably the Hall of Fame ceremony.

With the prestigious night taking place in his backyard, it makes perfect sense for the Animal to take this opportunity to be inducted.

It certainly would give the two-time Royal Rumble winner ease of mind as it would mean he wouldn't have to fly across the country for it.

Also, being inducted in Tampa would allow many of The Animal's friends that he had made whilst living in the Big Guava to see his induction live in person.

2: He'd bring mainstream exposure

Batista as Drax the Destroyer, part of Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy.

Batista is known by wrestling fans as one of the biggest stars of the 21st Century, but he is well known to non-fans as well.

After leaving the WWE in 2010, The Animal tried his hand in acting and has become a huge success.

Having big roles in Blade Runner 2049 and James Bond hit Spectre, Batista's biggest film role to date has been as Drax the Destroyer, part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Guardians of the Galaxy.

Having Batista be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame would definitely bring mainstream exposure to the company, just in time for WrestleMania 36 the next night.

In a time when the WWE is constantly making a name for itself in the mainstream media (for both good and bad reasons), this would definitely be a plus.

1: He deserves it

Batista won the World Heavyweight Championship from Triple H at WrestleMania 21 and had a Hall of Fame-worthy career.

I know there are some people who say The Animal was a bad wrestler or whatever, but however you feel about Batista, it's hard to argue that he deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Winning his first World Championship in 2005, the Animal was thrust into the limelight, and after being drafted to SmackDown that same year, was forced to carry the blue brand.

Working effectively as a heel and as a face, Batista has rocked up several World Championship and Tag title wins, as well as two Royal Rumble victories and multiple WrestleMania main events.

Regardless of what some fans may feel about his in-ring ability, Batista has done more than enough to earn a prestigious spot in the WWE Hall of Fame next year.