5 Times WWE Superstars apologized for hurting an opponent

#4 Batista apologized to Randy Orton in WWE

Dave Bautista (a.k.a. Batista) and Randy Orton worked together alongside Ric Flair and Triple H as part of the legendary Evolution faction in WWE.

Following the group’s separation, the two men often competed against each other between 2004 and 2010. They were also involved in the Triple Threat main event at WrestleMania 30 against Daniel Bryan in 2014.

Speaking on Michael Rosenbaum’s Inside of You podcast in 2020, Batista recalled how he once injured Orton during a match. The Animal repeatedly apologized to his former co-worker, but his attempt to make amends did not go according to plan.

“I hit him really hard and he sold it and I knew I hit him really hard. I was trying to get close to him to apologize to him so I kept punching him. Then I hit him hard again and I’m going, ‘Oh my God, I’m so sorry.’ The more I’m trying to apologize, the harder I’m hitting him. He finally smacks me and goes, ‘Just get the f*** away from me!’” Batista said. [H/T Cheat Sheet]

Batista also said in the interview that he was afraid of hurting opponents in the early stages of his wrestling career. As a result, he was accused of being “non-aggressive” for someone his size.