Dave Bautista
Un article de Vev.
David Michael Bautista, Jr.<ref>Batista Unleashed: pgs 6, </ref> (born January 18 1969),<ref name="official">About Batista at his official site</ref> better known as Dave Batista or by the ring name Batista, is an American professional wrestler. Batista is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), wrestling on its SmackDown! brand.
Batista is a three-time World Heavyweight Champion and the winner of the 2005 Royal Rumble match.
Sommaire |
Early life
Bautista is of Filipino and Greek heritage. His year of birth was disputed for several years. His website originally listed him as being born in 1969, while several contradictory news reports claimed that he was actually born in 1966. In March 2006, Batista stated in an interview that he was born in 1969.<ref name=Age1>Interview with WWE-Germany.net (in German)</ref> He confirms the same in his autobiography "Batista Unleashed".
Career
Batista tried out at the WCW Power Plant but was told he would never make it in the wrestling business by Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker.<ref name="aboutcom">About.com article on Batista</ref> He then went to the WWF who sent him to work with Afa Anoa'i. He wrestled in Anoa'i's WXW promotion under the name Kahn.<ref name="aboutcom" />
Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000-2002)
He made his Ohio Valley Wrestling debut in 2000, joining forces with Synn. During his tenure in OVW, he was called Leviathan. As a member of the Disciples of Synn stable he went undefeated until being beaten at an OVW supercard, Christmas Chaos by WWF's Kane (with help from Steve Austin). He later went on to win the OVW Heavyweight Championship from 'The Machine' Doug Basham. After losing the belt to The Prototype, Batista left OVW for WWE.
World Wrestling Entertainment
Debut (2002)
He began his WWE career on the May 9 2002 episode of SmackDown! as Deacon Bautista,<ref name="aboutcom" /> a heel enforcer for Reverend D-Von on the SmackDown! franchise.<ref>"
SmackDown - May 9, 2002 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Batista made his WWE in-ring debut in a tag match teaming with D-Von against Randy Orton and Faarooq with Batista pinning Orton after using his spinebuster.<ref>" SmackDown - June 27, 2002 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Over several weeks, Orton tried to beat D-Von and Bautista with different partners, but ultimately lost each time to Bautista's spinebuster. Bautista suffered his first loss in a match against Rikishi after D-Von accidentally struck him with a punch, allowing Rikishi to take advantage and pin Bautista for the win. Bautista and D-Von started to argue over the forthcoming weeks, with Bautista eventually turning on D-Von.<ref>" SmackDown - September 5, 2002 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> After splitting with D-Von, he signed with RAW and was re-branded as Dave Batista (or simply Batista). He aligned himself with Ric Flair<ref>" RAW - November 18, 2002 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> and feuded with Kane, whom he defeated in his pay-per-view debut at Armageddon 2002.<ref>" 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts " , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 112 . </ref>
Evolution (2003-2004)
In January 2003, Batista joined with Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton to form the stable Evolution.<ref>"
RAW - January 27, 2003 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Batista, however, was sidelined for much of 2003 after he tore his right triceps at a house show in a tag team match against the Dudley Boyz.<ref>" Live Event - March 1, 2003 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Batista re-tore his triceps while training and faced another setback when after his second surgery to reattach his triceps he suffered an infection that required a third surgery to clean out the infection. He made his return on the October 20 2003 episode of RAW, interfering in a match between Goldberg and Shawn Michaels and "shattering" Goldberg's ankle with a chair. After the interference, Evolution came out, and Triple H rewarded Batista with $100,000.<ref>" RAW - October 20, 2003 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> On the November 10 episode of RAW, Goldberg defeated Batista by disqualification when Triple H interfered.<ref>" RAW - November 10, 2003 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
At Armageddon 2003, Batista took part in two matches, losing to Shawn Michaels in a singles match but winning a tag team turmoil match along with Ric Flair, eliminating the Dudley Boyz to become one-half of the World Tag Team Champions. By the end of the PPV, all four members of Evolution held every male championship on RAW, with Triple H winning the World Heavyweight Championship and Randy Orton winning the WWE Intercontinental Championship.<ref> PWI Staff
. " Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts " , "Wrestling’s historical cards" , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 114 . (English) </ref> They held the titles until the February 16 2004, episode of RAW, when they were defeated by Booker T and Rob Van Dam.<ref>" RAW - February 16, 2004 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> They later regained the titles for a short period.<ref>" RAW - March 22, 2004 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> After SummerSlam 2004, Batista began a losing streak which lasted most of the year.
In late 2004, after Randy Orton defeated Chris Benoit for the World Heavyweight Championship,<ref> PWI Staff
. " Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts " , "Wrestling’s historical cards" , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 116 . (English) </ref> Triple H evicted him from the group, claiming that the title which Orton held was rightfully his. It was Batista who delivered an electric chair to Orton after Triple H gave Orton a "thumbs up" before turning it into a "thumbs down."<ref>" RAW - August 16, 2004 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
At the 2004 Survivor Series, Triple H, Batista, Gene Snitsky, and Edge faced-off against Maven, Chris Jericho, Chris Benoit, and Randy Orton in an 8-Man Elimination Tag Match for control of RAW over the following month; the members of the winning team would each be the RAW general manager for a week. They lost,<ref>"
2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts " , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 116-117 . </ref> causing unrest within Evolution.<ref>" RAW - December 6, 2004 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
Throughout the next two months, the relationship between Batista and Triple H began to deteriorate. After a loss to Chris Jericho by disqualification, Triple H verbally insulted Batista. Batista teased leaving Evolution that night, but declared that he was still part of Evolution and that they tricked everyone.<ref>"
RAW - November 22, 2004 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Still, Dave began behaving more like a face in the next few weeks, despite Evolution's heelish tactics. One particular moment saw Batista express disgust as Triple H and Ric Flair boasted about how they had intimidated and/or beat up Jim Ross, Danny Hodge, and Stacy Keibler. He continued to show his loyalty to Triple H and Evolution by running down to the ring and assisting them in matches.
World Heavyweight Champion / Injury (2005)
As 2005 began, Triple H realized the possibility of Batista, much like Randy Orton the year before, becoming a threat to his World Heavyweight Championship. Triple H suggested that Dave not enter the Royal Rumble, claiming that it would be selfish of him to do so, and to simply focus on Triple H retaining the title. Dave entered anyway and went on to win the Royal Rumble, last eliminating John Cena, earning the right to participate in the main event of WrestleMania 21 against the World Champion of his choice.<ref name=pwi117>"
2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts
" , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing
, 2007
, pp. 117
. </ref>
In an attempt to persuade Batista to challenge WWE Champion John "Bradshaw" Layfield rather than him, Triple H concocted a scheme to have Batista run over in a limousine resembling the one used by Layfield. Initially, Dave did not want help from Evolution and wanted to confront JBL by himself. Triple H insisted that Evolution stick together and accompanied Dave anyway, saving him from the oncoming vehicle.<ref>"
RAW - February 14, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Batista became aware of the plot while sneakily eavesdropping on fellow Evolution members and signed a contract guaranteeing him a match with World Champion Triple H at WrestleMania 21, thus leaving Evolution and officially turning face for the first time in WWE. Batista initially pretended that he would sign with SmackDown!, giving Triple H and Flair the "thumbs up," but turned it into a "thumbs down" before attacking the pair. He emphasized his departure by powerbombing Triple H through the table used for the contract signing.<ref>" RAW - February 21, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
Batista went on to win the World Heavyweight Championship on April 3 at WrestleMania 21.<ref name=pwi117/> Since this event, he has used the infamous "thumbs up, thumbs down" gesture before he performs the Batista Bomb on his opponent. Batista once again faced Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. He retained the title but continued to feud with Triple H.<ref name="PS131">"
Power Slam Magazine, issue 131 " , "WrestleMania rerun" (Backlash 2005) , SW Publishing , 2005-05-21 , pp. 32-33 . (English) </ref> Along the way, he even helped commentator Jim Ross gain an upset victory over Triple H on RAW.<ref>" RAW - April 18, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> After Batista retained his title against Edge, he was betrayed by Ric Flair, who helped Triple H viciously attack the champion as Triple H challenged Batista to a Hell in a Cell match at Vengeance.<ref>" RAW - May 23, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Batista survived the pedigree and won the match at Vengeance, retaining his title yet again.<ref name=pwi118>" 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts " , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 118 . </ref> With this win, Batista became the first wrestler to pin Triple H in a Hell in a Cell match.<ref> Vengeance 2005 Main Event . WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-11-13. </ref>
On June 30, Batista was revealed as the last pick in the 2005 WWE Draft Lottery; he made a surprise appearance while John "Bradshaw" Layfield was celebrating his victory in a six-man elimination match to win the new SmackDown! Championship.<ref>"
SmackDown - June 30, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> JBL and Batista faced off at the Great American Bash on July 24 where JBL defeated Batista by DQ after the referee saw Batista use a steel chair.<ref name=pwi118/> They had a rematch at SummerSlam on August 21 in a No-Holds-Barred match in which Batista pinned JBL following a powerbomb on the steel steps.<ref name=pwi118/> The feud culminated in a match between the two on the first episode of SmackDown! broadcast after the show moved to Friday nights, with Batista retaining the title in JBL's signature bull rope match.<ref>" SmackDown - September 9, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
Soon after retaining the title in a feud with Eddie Guerrero,<ref name=pwi118/> WWE.com reported that Batista suffered a muscle tear in his back at the taping for the November 11 edition of SmackDown! due to a double chokeslam from Big Show and Kane.<ref>"
SmackDown - November 11, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Plans had been made for Batista to defend the title in a triple threat match with Eddie Guerrero and Randy Orton on the November 18 episode, but the match did not take place due to the unexpected death of Eddie Guerrero on November 13, the date of the taping. Batista paid homage to Eddie Guerrero during the SmackDown! and RAW tribute shows dedicated to Guerrero's memory.<ref>" SmackDown - November 18, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
Batista led Team SmackDown! against Team RAW in an inter-brand feud before Survivor Series. The feud saw the Big Show and Kane chokeslamming Batista several more times in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series in an on-camera explanation for Batista's injury.<ref>"
SmackDown - November 25, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Batista ultimately helped his team win the Survivor Series main event.<ref name=pwi119>" 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts " , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 119 . </ref> After Batista saved Rey Mysterio from a double team attack by RAW's reigning World Tag Team Champions, Big Show and Kane,<ref>" SmackDown - December 2, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> it was announced that Mysterio would team with Batista to face the Big Show and Kane at Armageddon, a SmackDown! exclusive pay-per-view.
On the December 16 edition of SmackDown!, Batista and Mysterio defeated WWE Tag Team Champions MNM to become champions in a match they dedicated to Eddie Guerrero,<ref>"
SmackDown - December 16, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> and the clash with the Big Show and Kane at Armageddon turned into a Champions vs. Champions encounter. Batista and Mysterio lost to Kane and Big Show at Armageddon when Kane pinned Mysterio after a chokeslam,<ref name=pwi119/> and two weeks later on SmackDown!, MNM defeated Batista and Mysterio after help from the returning Mark Henry to regain the WWE Tag Team Championships. During the interference, Henry attacked Batista, and performed his World's Strongest Slam.<ref>" SmackDown - December 30, 2005 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>The teams met again in a cage match that Henry also became involved in, and Batista and Rey were defeated again.
Return from injury (2006)
On January 9, WWE.com announced that Batista tore his right triceps following a match with Mark Henry at a live event on January 8 in Verona, New York. The following day, WWE.com announced that, due to his injury, Batista was forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship at the SmackDown! tapings in Philadelphia on January 10 (aired on January 13), two days after surpassing Triple H's previous mark of 280 days for longest reigning champion. Later that night, Kurt Angle won a battle royal to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="Almanac"> Brady , Hicks
. " 2006: The year in wrestling " , 2007 Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts , Kappa Publications , p. 16 . 2007 Edition . Retrieved on 2007-07-11 . </ref><ref>" Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006 " , Arena Reports , Kappa Publishing , p. 130 . </ref> Dave went on to have successful surgery on his arm on January 12.
Batista made an appearance at No Way Out and told the crowd that once his arm had healed he would return to regain his World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=pwi119/> At WrestleMania 22, he interrupted a Randy Orton interview, putting SmackDown! on notice; the World Heavyweight Championship would return to him by WrestleMania 23.<ref name="PS142"> Hurley, Oliver
.
"
Power Slam Magazine, issue 142
" , "WrestleMania In Person” (WrestleMania 22) , SW Publishing.
, 2006-04-20
, pp. 16 – 19
. </ref>
Batista made his official return during the July 7 edition of SmackDown! in Philadelphia immediately calling out and entering into a feud with the man who put him out with the arm injury, Mark Henry.<ref>"
SmackDown - July 7, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> At Saturday Night's Main Event, Batista won his first televised match since his return, a six man tag match with Rey Mysterio and Lashley taking on King Booker, Finlay, and Mark Henry. In a bizarre twist of fate, Mark Henry was legitimately injured and was ruled out of the scheduled match between the two at The Great American Bash, thus further delaying a potential feud between the two after being delayed by Batista's initial injury.<ref>" Saturday Night's Main Event - July 15, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
Batista put out an open challenge to replace the injured Henry, which was answered by Mr. Kennedy.<ref>"
SmackDown - July 21, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Batista lost this match via DQ for failing to stop choking Mr. Kennedy into the turnbuckle with his boot, but continued to attack Kennedy resulting in a laceration on his forehead so severe that it exposed his cranium and required 20 stitches to close.<ref>" 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts " , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 121 . </ref> Batista lost another match with Kennedy via count out in a rematch on SmackDown!<ref>" SmackDown - July 28, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> before finally defeating Kennedy by pinfall on the August 4 edition of SmackDown!.<ref>" SmackDown - August 4, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
During this time Batista tried to regain a world title, facing both the Big Show for his ECW Championship during an ECW show,<ref>"
ECW on SciFi - August 1, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> and King Booker for his World Heavyweight Championship during SummerSlam and SmackDown!. Batista won these matches but not the title as the contests ended via disqualification.<ref>" 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts " , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 121-122 . </ref><ref>" SmackDown - September 8, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
World Champion again (2006-2007)
Batista remained a top contender to the World Title, competing against King Booker on several occasions while feuding with Finlay,<ref>"
SmackDown - November 10, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> before finally defeating King Booker to regain the World Heavyweight Championship at Survivor Series at Philadelphia's Wachovia Center. Ironically, the win occurred at the same arena where he surrendered the title in January.<ref>" 2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts " , Wrestling’s Historical Cards , Kappa Publishing , 2007 , pp. 122 . </ref>
At the beginning of the new year, Batista successfully retained the World Heavyweight Championship against Mr. Kennedy at the Royal Rumble.<ref>"
Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007 " , "Arena reports" , Kappa Publishing , pp. 130 . </ref> Two months later at WrestleMania 23, Batista lost the championship to the winner of the Royal Rumble match, The Undertaker.<ref> McElvaney, Kevin . " Pro Wrestling Illustrated, July 2007 " , WrestleMania 23 , Kappa Publishing , pp. 74-101 . </ref> They continued to battle over the title to a stalemate in a subsequent Last Man Standing match at Backlash<ref>" Backlash 2007 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> and a Steel Cage Match on the May 11 episode of SmackDown!. Following the latter, Edge took advantage and won the title from the Undertaker by using his Money in the Bank title opportunity.<ref>" SmackDown - May 11, 2006 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> Afterwards, Batista challenged Edge unsuccessfully for the World Heavyweight Championship at Judgment Day,<ref>" Judgment Day 2007 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> One Night Stand in a Steel Cage Match,<ref>" One Night Stand 2007 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref> and Vengeance. The loss at Vengeance stipulated that Batista could no longer get another chance at the World Heavyweight Championship while Edge remained champion.<ref>" Vengeance 2007 Results " , Online World of Wrestling . Retrieved on 2007-07-08 . </ref>
Batista accepted an open challenge from The Great Khali for The Great American Bash. Edge relinquished the title due to an injury the week before the PPV, and Khali became the new World Heavyweight Champion, winning a Battle Royal and eliminating Batista. Batista and Kane, Edge's title opponent, faced Khali at The Great American Bash in a triple threat match where Khali retained the title.<ref> The Great American Bash 2007 Results
. PWWEW.net
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref> Batista received a disqualification victory against Khali at Summerslam after Khali used a steel chair, thus retaining the title again.<ref> Louie Dee
(2007-08-26) . Punjabi robbery . WWE.com
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref> Batista finally claimed his third World Heavyweight Championship after eight consecutive attempts, by defeating Khali in a match that included Rey Mysterio at Unforgiven.<ref> Unforgiven 2007 Results
. World Wrestling Entertainment
. Retrieved on 2007-09-16. </ref> His first challenge was from the Great Khali in a Punjabi Prison Match at No Mercy where Batista retained his title despite Khali having the majority of the offense. He won the match by leaping from the inner bamboo structure to the outer one, shortening his escape route and beating Khali to the floor.<ref>http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/52672881/results/</ref>
After the return of the The Undertaker at Unforgiven, the duo re-ignited their feud at Cyber Sunday where the fans chose Guest Referee Stone Cold Steve Austin. Batista won via two Batista Bombs.<ref> Cyber Sunday 2007 Results
. World Wrestling Entertainment
. Retrieved on 2007-12-01. </ref> The feud continued with a Hell in a Cell match at Survivor Series. During the match, Edge returned and interfered by giving Undertaker a con-chair-to. He then pulled an unconscious Batista on top of Undertaker for the pinfall to retain the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref> Dee , Louie
(November 18, 2007) . On the Edge of Hell . WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-11-19. </ref>
Unfortunately for Batista, this was a sign of things to come. At Armageddon, Edge would be entered into a Triple Threat Match, alongside The Undertaker, to challenge for Batista's World Heavyweight title. This event would lead to the end of Batista's third reign as champion, after Edge managed to score the pinfall and claim the World Championship.<ref> Edge's "three-meditated" attack to perfection
. WWE
.</ref> On the December 18 edition of SmackDown! (aired Dec 21), he received his World Title re-match against Edge. Right before the start of the match, Vickie Guerrero changed the match to a 3-on-1 handicap match, putting Batista against Edge, Kurt Hawkins and Zach Ryder (formerly The Major Brothers). Batista won the match, pinning one of the Major Brothers, thus winning his 4th World Title. Then, Vickie Guerrero stated that Batista could only win the match via pinning Edge, so the match was restarted, thus cancelling out Batista's 4th title reign. Batista went on to win the second match, but by disqualification as one of the Major Brothers hit him in the back of the leg with a chair. Edge then proceeded to Con-Chair-To Batista, ending SmackDown.
In wrestling
- Finishing and signature moves
- Batista Bomb / Demon Bomb (Sitout powerbomb)
- Spinebuster
- Spear
- Repeated turnbuckle thrusts
- Running front powerslam
- Running clothesline
- Suplex powerslam
- Spinning side slam
- Diving shoulder block
- Managers
- Nicknames
- "The Demon" - as Leviathan
- "The Demon of the Deep" - as Leviathan
- "Guardian of The Gates of Hell" - as Leviathan
- "Big Dave"
- "The Animal"/"Evolution's Animal"
- Signature Taunts
- Batista enters and crouches slightly as if he was seated and holds his hands out like he is holding a large, mounted gatling gun. He then pretends to fire the pantomimed weapon as his pyro goes off to follow suit.
- Batista has used a "thumbs up, thumbs down" gesture before delivering the Batista Bomb ever since his WrestleMania 21 match against Triple H. This is a reference to the gesture Triple H used against Randy Orton when he kicked Orton out of Evolution (leading to a brutal assault). Batista took this gesture from Triple H when he feigned signing to SmackDown!.<ref name=thumbsup>Batista WrestleMania 21</ref> Before doing his "thumbs up, thumbs down", he often shakes the ring ropes violently which he has acknowledged he took from the Ultimate Warrior.<ref name=ropeshake>Batista: Animal Unleashed</ref>
- Batista frequently bangs his head or chest with his open hand, usually his left. Frequently this is used to illustrate his animosity, thus earning him the nickname The Animal.
Championships and accomplishments
. Wrestling-Title.com
. Retrieved on 2007-07-19. </ref>
. WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref>
. WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref><ref> Batista's second World Heavyweight Title reign
. WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref><ref> Batista's third World Heavyweight title reign
. WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref>
. WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref><ref> Batista and Ric Flair's 2nd World Tag Team title reign
. WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref>
. PWWEW.net
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref>
- Pro Wrestling Illustrated
- PWI ranked him # 1 of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2005.<ref> Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005
. Pro Wrestling Illustrated
. Retrieved on 2007-09-19. </ref>
. Pro Wrestling Illustrated
. Retrieved on 2007-07-19. </ref>
. Pro Wrestling Illustrated
. Retrieved on 2007-07-19. </ref>
- Wrestling Observer Newsletter
- Feud of the Year award in 2005 - vs. Triple H
Controversy
Criticism of WWE/TNA
In 2005, Batista gave two controversial interviews to the British tabloid newspaper The Sun. In the first interview, Batista, then wrestling on the RAW brand of WWE, criticized SmackDown!, stating, "I've watched their tapings live and it seems like a lot of the guys couldn't care less. There's a lack of passion and pride."<ref name=Sun1>Batista's bombshells</ref> In the second interview, Batista acknowledged that his statements had attracted considerable backstage heat from members of the SmackDown! brand. He then went on to claim, "there are guys on both shows who are lazy, couldn't care less and show no dedication." He then criticized rival wrestling promotion Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, claiming, "I've also seen clips of their car wreck matches with A.J. Styles doing his stunts. That's not wrestling. Wrestling is storytelling."<ref name=Sun2>Audience with The Animal</ref> In April 2006, Styles responded to Batista's comments, quipping, "I think it's funny that a guy who takes a bump and tears his back tells me that I don't know how to wrestle."<ref name=Styles>A.J. Styles Speaks Out: Batista...</ref>
Backstage problems
Batista's backstage problems continued at a 2006 SummerSlam pay-per-view commercial shoot. It was reported that Batista got into a real-life fistfight with Booker T. The incident was reported on WWE.com, with both men telling their sides of the story. The fight was believed to stem from the idea that Batista considered himself to be better than the rest of the roster due to his main event status and relatively quick climb to achieve it. It is believed that Batista provoked the fight, though Booker appeared to get the upper hand until they were pulled apart by JBL, Kurt Angle, Finlay, and various others at which time Batista landed a punch on Booker that caused considerable swelling. Booker swore revenge, but the two seemingly put it behind them.<ref>Booker and Batista fistfight</ref>
Steroid allegations
In August 2007, Batista was accused of anabolic steroid use after an ESPN article released the names of wrestlers that were clients of Signature Pharmacy of Orlando, one of many pharmacies under investigation for filling illegal prescriptions.<ref>Batista is one of the names released by ESPN as a client of Signature of Orlando.</ref> Batista released a statement denying ESPN's allegations and was reportedly furious over the report. He denied ever being a customer of Signature and stated that he has been "tested regularly by the WWE, and I am in full compliance with the WWE Wellness Program."<ref>Batista publicly denies steroid allegations.</ref> The WWE reportedly suspended ten wrestlers named in the controversy, though Batista was not one of them.<ref>WWE suspends 10 for 'wellness policy' violations - Original ESPN report</ref>
Personal life
Batista's father is Filipino and his mother, a lesbian,<ref name=BioPreview>Preview of "Batista Unleased"</ref> is Greek. His grandparents were also from the Philippines as his grandfather served in the military, worked as a taxi driver, barber, and other odd jobs to feed the family. Batista says he is not ashamed to admit he came from a poor family.<ref name=Manilla2>Pinoy hospitality tames the Animal</ref> He has publicly admitted to having a hard life where, as before he was age nine, three murders occurred at his front lawn.<ref name=BioPreview/> As young as age 13, he was stealing automobiles.<ref name=Manilla>Who's afraid of Batista?</ref> By age 17, Batista was considered estranged from his parents and on his own,<ref name=WWESS1>WWE Summerslam Interview</ref> despite admitting later that "I am proud of my parents. They are good, honest, hard-working folks. They taught me the values of working hard."<ref name=Manilla/> Batista became a regular bouncer for clubs until he was arrested after a fight that left two badly injured patrons, one of which could be found lying in the street.<ref name=WWESS1/> After a trial, Batista was sentenced to a years' probation.<ref name=WWESS1/> Batista was also a lifeguard<ref name=BioPreview/> before he had dreams of becoming a bodybuilder.<ref name=WWESS1/> He credits bodybuilding as possibly saving his life.<ref name=BioPreview/>
Batista married his second wife Angie on October 13, 1998 and has two daughters, Keilani & Athena, <ref>Batista Unleashed: pgs 43, 44</ref> and one step daughter from a prior marriage with a woman named Glenda. <ref>Batista Unleashed: pg 43</ref> Before the age of 40, Batista had already become a grandfather of two grandsons: Jacob & Aiden by Keilani, his first daughter. <ref> Batista Unleashed: pgs 212, 235, 238</ref><ref name=BioPreview/> During his marriage with Angie, Batista became an avid collector of vintage metal lunchboxes. He admits his favorite is the 1967 Green Hornet lunch box, as it has Bruce Lee on it.<ref>Interview at IGN.com</ref> This collection started when he bought Angie an ET lunchbox and she did not want to break it, so he bought a second one.<ref name=lunchbox>Batista: Animal Unleashed</ref> Batista revealed that he and Angie were separated in the August 2006 edition of WWE Magazine. <ref>"WWE Magazine", August 2006, "Animal's House" pp. 54-58. (English)</ref> He later revealed, in his autobiography, a relationship with WWE Diva Melina after the divorce from his wife in 2006, which led to a brief angle on SmackDown! during a feud with MNM.<ref>Modèle:Cite book</ref> Shortly after, he dated 2006 Diva Search contestant Rebecca DiPietro<ref>Batista and Rebecca DiPietro</ref> before resuming a relationship with Melina. <ref>Book chronicles Batistas highs and lows</ref>
On October 16, 2007 his autobiography "Batista Unleashed", a WWE Book, was released.<ref> Batista Unleashed Hardcover Book
. WWESHOP.COM
. Retrieved on 2007-10-16. </ref> In an interview about the book, Batista claims "I didn't want to tell my story unless it was honest," and that "you have to go through three sets of lawyers: Simon & Schuster lawyers, WWE lawyers, my lawyers. Everything now being the way it is, you can be sued for the simplest thing."<ref name=Bookinterview>Batista's Book Speaks Volumes 10/31/2007</ref> One source of controversy was the mentioning of Chris Benoit, who was almost completely removed due to controversy. Batista responded saying "I loved the guy. I despise what he did, but that doesn't erase him from my life. I fought to keep him in there and glad they did."<ref name=Bookinterview/> When asked about his ex-wife, Angie, he says "[we] have really become close again, which we really haven't been in years. I really learned a lot about her, and she learned a lot about me from reading the book. She actually saw things from a different perspective from reading the book. So that was definitely therapeutic."<ref name=Bookinterview/>
He has numerous tattoos, including a large Chinese dragon on his back, red Kanji lettering on his upper left biceps which says "Angel" in tribute to his former wife Angie, a signature design on his upper right biceps, and a small Sun on his stomach which encircles his belly button.<ref>Tattoos of Wrestlers (under Deacon Bautista)</ref> He recently added a tattoo on his arm of the flags of the Philippines and Greece merged into one.<ref name=Manilla/>
Other media
In addition to wrestling, Bautista has been in several commercials and on several magazine covers. He was shown breakdancing in a commercial promoting WWE SummerSlam 2004 where he did his take on a "floor routine", a routine that arguably mocked the floor routines shown at the Olympic Games.<ref> DVD - WWE Summerslam 2004 - Extras</ref> He was also on the cover of the April 2005 Flex Magazine.<ref>GetBig.com article about Flex Magazine April 2005</ref>
Moreover, Bautista has acted and has guest starred in several television shows as both himself and in-character as Batista. He guest starred in the eighth episode of Season 6 of the American drama, action/adventure television series Smallville; he plays an extraterrestrial alien named Aldar that escaped from the Phantom Zone, who sucks the bones out of people for nourishment.<ref name=Smallville1>The Animal tames Smallville</ref><ref name=Smallville2>More detail on Batista's role in Smallville</ref> Along with John Cena and Ashley Massaro, Bautista appeared representing WWE on an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in January 2007, giving the kids of the family whose house was renovated WWE merchandise and eight tickets to WrestleMania 23.<ref> Hunt , Jen
; Mike McAvennie
. WWE Superstars aid family’s “Extreme Makeover” . WWE.com
. Retrieved on 2007-08-02. </ref><ref>Modèle:Cite video</ref>
On November 5, 2007, he appeared on an episode of Family Feud with Ric Flair, Jonathan Coachman, Mr. Kennedy, King Booker, Queen Sharmell, Layla, Candice Michelle, Maria, and Michelle McCool.<ref> Medalis , Kara A.
(October 30 2007) . Tune in to WWE week on 'Family Feud' . WWE
. Retrieved on 2007-11-04. </ref>
References
External links
- Official Website
- Official Myspace Site
- WWE.com Profile
- Batista/Leviathan Interview on Genickbruch.com
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