WWE News: Batista on early storylines in WWE, transitioning to acting, & more

What’s the story?

Batista was recently part of an interview with Uproxx where he discussed various topics concerning pro wrestling and his growing film career.

In case you didn’t know...

Batista, real name David Bautista, signed with WWE in 2000 and was sent to Ohio Valley Wrestling to continue his training in the business.

He remained with the company until 2010, receiving multiple runs with the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships during his tenure.

He returned for a brief run in 2013/2014, winning the 2014 Royal Rumble (his second Rumble victory).

The Details

During the interview, Batista touched on how he received his ring name. He initially went by the Leviathan in OVW before being called up to the main roster as Deacon Batista. Initially, he was told by WWE official that the change in spelling of his last name was to make it easier for people to pronounce, but later found out that it was so WWE would be able to trademark and own the name

When asked if WWE helped prepare him for a career in acting, Batista explained that he was not sure it has played as big a part in his development as most would assume.

He puts more significance on his fandom of movies in general for helping to develop comedic timing and less on the “physical performance” that being on WWE television demanded. He went on to say that during his time in WWE one of the things he dreaded most when on television was getting on a microphone and talking. In his own words:

“The last thing I wanted to do was get on a microphone and actually speak because it would just terrify me.”

He also discussed his early storyline as “Deacon Batista” for Reverend D-Von. Batista when looking back on the character had this to say:

“I held this big, goofy box and I was a security guard of his money box. So ridiculous. It was horrible."

What’s next?

Batista is currently starring in the American action thriller film Bushwick and is playing the role of Sapper Morton in the upcoming Blade Runner sequel, which is being released October 6th, 2017.

Author’s take

It is nice to see another wrestler have success in the world of acting and Batista seems to be enjoying his time in Hollywood.

It is also interesting to understand the necessity of WWE to own on screen characters and the lengths they will go to gain a trademark.