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What’s the story?
In an edition of The Ross Report, Batista spoke to Jim Ross on several topics, including how he wasn’t really ready for his push.
Additionally, Batista revealed why he was upset with the WWE about his Wrestlemania 23 match against the Undertaker.
In case you didn’t know…
Batista and John Cena were the WWE’s top stars during the Ruthless Aggression era and most of the PG era.
However, The Animal got his start relatively late in the sport, and broke through in the big leagues of WWE as part of the ‘Evolution’ stable when he was in his mid-30s.
The heart of the matter
Batista said that when he first got his major push in WWE, he was still learning the ropes of the trade, and wasn’t quite ready yet. Besides, he was an introvert, which often gave people the wrong impression of him backstage.
Furthermore, Batista revealed that it was around the time of his Wrestlemania 23 match against The Undertaker that he truly came into his own and reached a professional maturity that made him capable of putting on decent performances and build new stars.
Pertaining to his disappointment with WWE over the aforementioned matchup, Batista emphasised that the match should’ve headlined ‘Mania instead of John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels closing out the show.
Batista spoke about it in detail and said (H/T EWrestlingNews), “So I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder. It was Cena/ Shawn, I believe, and I just didn’t... I felt like we got robbed of that top spot and we should’ve had it.”
“It was just a special night (and) it was the first time (Undertaker) held that particular title, and I still feel like we should’ve (closed the show). Again, I say our match speaks for itself (and) I believe personally that we stole the show that night; I’ll just kind of leave it at that.”
What’s next?
Batista presently pursues a career outside the WWE as a model, actor and producer. He consistently features in several blockbuster Hollywood productions.
Author’s take
Batista is one of the most underrated talents to have ever graced the squared circle.
His match against The Deadman at ‘Mania 23 is a great one, and did, in fact, deserve to close out the show over Cena vs HBK!
