Why was Batista (aka Dave Bautista) convinced WWE would fire him? Know the tense story

Batista has reflected on his WWE career and recalled the incident in which he expected Vince McMahon to fire him. The Animal, now known in Hollywood as Dave Bautista, retired from pro wrestling in April 2019 at WrestleMania 35.

The 55-year-old had multiple runs in the WWE from 2002 to 2019 and was a massive success. His push started at the Royal Rumble in 2005, but the finish of the Rumble didn't go to plan, and he feared it could cost him his job.

Batista told Chris Van Vliet on his YouTube channel:

"There was the [Rumble] match, and it was botched and I totally take blame for it because I knew what the finish was and I just went over and thank God we landed when we did at the same time, it was a miracle."

The six-time world champion and John Cena were the final two, and they landed on the floor simultaneously. Former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon stormed to the ring in an uproar over a lack of a winner. He somehow tore both of his quadriceps on his way to the ring and was left sitting, trying to work the situation out:

"When I saw Vince coming down, I was like 'I’m getting fired.'"

Batista's fears were allayed when he met with Mr McMahon the following day. He claims his boss laughed at the situation and was happy because 'it was real.' The Rumble was restarted, and The Animal won, challenging and defeating his former Evolution ally Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 21.

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Batista felt Triple H taking over WWE Creative was best for business

Batista spoke glowingly of Triple H becoming head of creative (Image - Getty)

Batista has yet to appear in WWE in the Triple H era, which started after Vince McMahon was ousted by parent company TKO. The promotion's former chairman is under federal investigation amid allegations of sexual assault and sex trafficking.

Triple H replaced McMahon as head of creative, and his longtime friend spoke highly of his credentials to lead the company into a new era. He told ComicBook.com's Liam Crowley last year that The Game 'knows and loves the business' and that 'he's the smartest guy' he's ever met.

There has been speculation that the two-time Royal Rumble winner's long-overdue WWE Hall of Fame induction will go ahead next year. He was supposed to be inducted as part of the class of 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic postponed the ceremony.