Ex-WWE star reveals Batista's off-script reaction after worrying in-ring moment

Batista, real name Dave Bautista, was one of WWE's top stars in the 2000s. In a recent video, former WWE wrestler Maven disclosed details about a scary incident at the end of a match against The Animal.

On November 3, 2003, Batista defeated Maven after hitting him with a Powerbomb. The former Tough Enough winner landed heavily on the back of his neck, causing him to lose feeling in parts of his body.

Speaking on his Maven Huffman YouTube channel, the 47-year-old recalled how his opponent made sure he was okay while pretending to trash-talk him:

"It was the only time I ever landed a move and had my extremities immediately go numb, and Dave recognized this because, as he comes over to talk s**t in my face, he's actually asking me if I'm okay," Maven said. "At this point, I knew I was okay but I was still a little bit scared. I could feel everything but just not like I normally could at the end of a normal match." [14:10 – 14:44]

At the time, Batista was a member of the legendary Evolution faction alongside Randy Orton, Ric Flair, and Triple H. Maven, by contrast, was trying to work his way up the card after bursting onto the main roster scene in a memorable storyline with The Undertaker.

Batista helped Maven backstage after the match

Wrestlers often exchange words and shake hands behind the scenes after facing each other. On this occasion, Batista accompanied his former in-ring rival to see a trainer backstage.

Maven was glad to receive the wrestler-turned-actor's support after suffering the "scary" injury:

"As I got back through Gorilla [backstage area], Dave was the first one to greet me, make sure I was okay, and actually took me to the training room to get me checked out, and everything was fine by this time. There was a few seconds after landing and feeling my arms kinda tingle up, it was scary. It was not a fun feeling and it showed me the seriousness of the career I had chosen for myself." [14:44 – 15:14]

Maven worked for WWE between 2001 and 2005. Aside from his Tough Enough victory and rivalry with The Undertaker, he is also remembered for winning the Hardcore Championship three times.

Do you have a favorite Maven moment from his time in WWE? Hit the discuss button and let us know.

Please credit Maven Huffman's YouTube channel and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for the transcription if you use quotes from this article.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart