The Rock made his first-ever appearance in WWE NXT this week, where he shared his love for WWE and teased that his issues with Cody Rhodes aren’t over yet. The Final Boss is hardly the first surprising name to have shown up in WWE’s developmental brand:

CM Punk

CM Punk has been keeping a close eye on NXT since his return but competed for the brand in a dark match in 2012. In a meeting of the internet ‘darlings’, Punk teamed with Seth Rollins to defeat Kassius Ohno and Antonio Cesaro.

Chris Jericho

Appearing on the May 1, 2013, episode, Chris Jericho bested Bray Wyatt in the main event of WWE NXT. Wyatt would arrive on the main roster later that year and the pair would feud in 2014.

Sheamus

Already a former World Champion, Sheamus defeated Luke Harper in July 2013 during the Celtic Warrior’s first-ever match in NXT. Nine months later, Sheamus returned to the brand to defeat Aiden English.

John Cena

Cena made an appearance for NXT in 2023, but also appeared for the gold brand back years earlier. A segment with Enzo Amore and Big Cass ended with Cena delivering an AA to Damian Sandow, but as this was a dark segment, fans at home couldn’t see John.

Team Hell No

After appearing on the game-show edition of NXT in 2010, Daniel Bryan returned to the gold brand alongside Kane on the November 28, 2012, episode. Team Hell No retained their tag titles on the night against Johnny Curtis and Michael McGillicutty.

Christian

Years before he was waging war on deceased fathers, Christian hosted a post-show edition of the peep-show after an October 2013 WWE NXT. This unlikely segment saw the unlikely guest of World Heavyweight Champion Alberto Del Rio and ended with Rusev standing tall over Del Rio.

Too Cool

The first-ever NXT TakeOver event saw Scotty 2 Hotty and Grandmaster Sexay surprise fans in tag-team competition. The pair challenged then-champions The Ascension but failed to capture the gold.

Batista

Batista’s 2014 run didn’t go as WWE planned as the fans rejected the Animal in favor of Daniel Bryan, ultimately turning Batista heel. That same year though, Batista won fans back after an NXT taping. After Bo Dallas suggested the pair team up as ‘Bo-tista’ the Animal rejected the idea with a Batista Bomb to the delight of the crowd.

Batista has revealed the best pieces of advice he got from his mentors in wrestling.

The former World Champion recently had a short conversation with The School of Hard Knocks on TikTok. He was asked about the best piece of advice he has ever got.

The Animal reflected on the time when he first got hired by WWE back in the early 2000. He mentioned that he was very afraid of pissing people off, until Triple H changed his perspective with two incredible pieces of wisdom:

“There’s been a few things, especially when I was wrestling, I had a mentor named Triple H, and it was a couple things he said to me that always stuck with me. And one of the things was, you know, when I first got there, I was so afraid, like I didn’t want to piss people off, it was a hierarchy thing, and I was so afraid of being disrespectful, or pissing somebody off. And one day he said, ‘Look, man, you want to make money or you want to make friends?’

He says ‘This is a business. You got to look at it as a business. You’re a business.’ And so I always thought about myself as my own commodity. I am my brand. And so another thing he said, he said, ‘Just always imagine that everybody’s pointing a gun at your head. it’s up to you how many bullets you give them.'”

• Batista Reveals His Pet Dog Has Completed Chemotherapy

Live Beneath Your Means: Batista

Batista has been pretty open about his financial difficulties after leaving WWE in 2010. Despite multiple world titles in the company, the retired wrestling star found himself in a pickle. The 55-year-old wanted to pursue an acting career but he had a hard time because he couldn’t find a lot of jobs the first few years.

The Hollywood star has since found success and starred in hit franchises like Guardians of The Galaxy and Dune. Despite this, however, he tries to live beneath his means, as explained to him by The Undertaker:

“Financial advice. Best advice that I ever got, which I always offer to, especially to like professional athletes, because a lot of professional athletes they grow up, you know, not really having much. So when you get all this money dumped on you, you just want to buy everything you can afford. The best advice that I ever got was actually from the Undertaker, another wrestler.

He said, ‘always live beneath your means.’ I learned that the hard way. When I came out of wrestling, I literally lost everything. My house got foreclosed on, but I had a second opportunity to be successful in the film industry. Now that money in the bank means more to me than something that I don’t really need. Like I don’t need a Bugatti. I’d love to have a Bugatti but I’m not paying 3-5 million for a car because I don’t need one.”

Batista has not only found success for himself in the movie industry but he is also helping other wrestling stars get their foot into the door. Drew McIntyre is one such talent who has gotten a big movie role recently due to a recommendation from the MCU star.

• Batista Would Choose Being a WWE Hall of Famer Over James Gunn’s DC Universe

After a successful career in pro wrestling, Dave Bautista has become a leading name in Hollywood with huge franchises tied to his name. While best known for his role as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, WWE’s resident ‘Animal’ is more than willing to jump into the world of DC Comics.

In a recent interview with ComicBook, Bautista discussed his openness to appearing in DCU films, especially under the direction of James Gunn. The Guardians of the Galaxy director, alongside producer Peter Safran, was named co-chairs and co-CEOs of DC Studios in October 2022.

“I’ve been very open to that. I guess it just has to be the right part. But I’m very open to it, and I love James, and I would do anything to work with him.”

Though Bautista plans on being in a DC Comics film one day, fans shouldn’t expect him back in the ring. In a recent interview with Insight, Bautista said he wouldn’t want to tarnish his 2019 send-off at WrestleMania 35, despite missing the roar of the WWE Universe.

Bautista Wants To Play Bane

In 2023, Bautista shared interest in playing Bane, one of the most iconic villains from Batman’s ‘Rogues Gallery.’ The Animal shared that he had spoken with Gunn but believes his friend plans on taking DC Comics’ film universe in a younger, fresher direction. Bautista has also slimmed down considerably in recent years, which would affect his ability to bring the intelligent, muscle-bound Bane to the big screen.

The character was played by WCW wrestler Robert Swenson played Bane in the 1997 flop Batman and Robin, while Tom Hardy did the character more justice in 2012’s Dark Knight Rises. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on Dave Bautista and his upcoming moves in the world of Hollywood acting.

Since exiting WWE, Dave Bautista has made a name for himself as a huge name in Hollywood with roles in franchises like James Bond and the MCU. Now, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has taken on a new role as part of Fox’s NFL Sunday pre-game show.

In the skit, Bautista humorously pitched the NFL Patch as the solution to any team’s shortcomings, whether it’s replacing quarterbacks, filling roster gaps with veteran players, or even throwing in a bag of money.

Speaking about the Carolina Panthers, widely regarded as one of the NFL’s struggling teams this season, he quipped, “You need much more than the NFL Patch to fix that disaster.” Bautista also had a playful dig at the Dallas Cowboys, showing mild indifference toward the team’s decision to re-sign Ezekiel Elliott, commenting that he was “meh” on whether bringing the former star running-back back was a significant move.

While Bautista may no longer be an active presence in WWE, his ability to entertain audiences remains as strong as ever. The Animal recently shared that he still hopes to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and despite missing the fans, knows he’ll never wrestle again. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on the WWE Superstar turned acting powerhouse.

Plans for Dave Bautista’s WWE Hall of Fame induction may have fallen through in 2020, but the Hollywood star still hopes to take his place among the greats. Speaking to Chris Van Vliet of Insight to discuss his new film ‘Killer’s Game,’ the Animal spoke about being approached for an induction years earlier.

“I agreed to do it. Hunter [Triple H] asked me to do it. And I said, ‘Yeah, of course.’ And it was here in LA, and I thought it was perfect. It was storybook, because I won my first title here in LA.”

While an induction in Los Angeles would’ve been perfect for Bautista, it wasn’t meant to be due to his scheduling commitments.

“I was working on a film I was in South Africa, so logistically, we just couldn’t make it happen. But, yeah, I’m still open to it. One day I would like to.”

Bautista was supposed to be inducted in 2020, though that year saw no inductions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, the 2020 inductees, which included JBL, the New World Order, and Jushin ‘Thunder’ Liger, were inducted alongside the 2021 class the following year.

As a former WWE and World Heavyweight Champion, among other accolades, Bautista has certainly earned an induction into the WWE Hall of Fame. So far, no names have been announced for the 2025 class which will take place ahead of WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-night show will take place in Allegiant Stadium and mark WWE’s sixth two-night WrestleMania.

Bautista intends to return to WWE for a Hall of Fame induction but has no intention on wrestling again. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on the WWE Champion turned Hollywood A-Lister.

Hollywood A-Lister Dave Bautista may feel the allure of wrestling again but refuses to let this temptation ruin what he considers a perfect sendoff. Speaking to Chris Van Vliet of Insight to promote his new film ‘Killers Game‘ the Animal addressed a future return to the ring.

“I went out on my own terms the way I wanted with the guy I wanted to go out with [against Triple H.] I will never tarnish that.”

Bautista admitted that though he won’t wrestle again, he does miss the energy of a live wrestling crowd and there’s “always a temptation” to compete again.

“Every time I hear my music, I want that feeling again. It’s like a drug…..I just have to come to terms with my time has passed.”

Bautista’s final match came at WrestleMania 35 where he faced his longtime mentor and friend Triple H. Ironically, had Triple H lost the bout, he would have been forced to retire from in-ring competition. Instead, the Game won their No Holds Barred match, which at 24:45 was the longest match of WWE’s final one-night WrestleMania.

When Final Matches Go Wrong

The idea of having one final match is a risky venture for wrestlers of the past, as it may have been years if not decades since they were last in ring shape. One final match also runs the risk of ruining a previous, more fitting sendoff. In 2008, Ric Flair what many would consider a perfect farewell at WrestleMania 24 against Shawn Michaels. After joining TNA years later, Flair would have inferior matches and Ric himself has been critical of his 2022 ‘Last Match,’ so much so that he’s teased having another final farewell.

Mercedes Mone loves the WWE, but she says they were difficult to deal with when she was offered a role in The Mandalorian.

Speaking on HOT 97 in promotion for AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door, the former Sasha Banks talked about her time under the Star Wars banner as Koska Reeves, and how WWE wasn’t as enthused with her being in a galaxy far, far away.

“I love WWE but they tried so hard to not make me do the Mandalorian and put me on house shows when I was supposed to film.”

Mercedes noted that WWE would put her on house shows to further complicate her Mandalorian aspirations.

“It was pulling teeth just to get on that show.”

Someone who is familiar with pulling teeth is Mone’s next big rival in AEW, Britt Baker, DMD. Mone secured a solid victory against Stephanie Vacquer on Sunday before Baker walked out to make clear she has her eyes on Mercedes multiple gold.

RELATED: Mercedes Mone Unhappy With Britt Baker Stealing Her Spotlight At Forbidden Door 2024

When WWE Stars Go Hollywood

In the past, WWE garnered a reputation for not being supportive of talent outside the “WWE Universe.” Even back when Batista first got casted as Drax The Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy franchise, WWE didn’t do any promotion for the film despite the fact that “The Animal” made his return for WrestleMania XXX.

Another talent familiar with WWE stonewalling their silver screen aspirations was The Rock. Aside from his WWE film projects, WWE didn’t exactly herald The Rock’s initial rise stardom until he came back into the company fold. On the flip side of that, The Rock had to distance himself a little from his pro wrestling past when he tried his hand at Hollywood.

Circumstances may be greatly different in WWE without Vince McMahon at the helm. With The Rock now on the TKO Board Of Directors and Triple H being more open-minded, Mone and other modern talent could be getting the WWE support from outside ventures.

RELATED: Batista Would Choose Being a WWE Hall of Famer Over James Gunn’s DC Universe

Dave Bautista got to show some acting range early on in his pro wrestling career when WrestleMania went Hollywood, and he’s not a harsh critic when it comes to his initial on-screen work.

The future WWE Hall of Famer took a look at the notorious WrestleMania 21 classic movie scenes that several WWE Superstars took part in at the time. John Cena and JBL did their take on A Few Good Men while Booker T and Eddie Guerrero may have stole the show with their Pulp Fiction performance.

However, the world got to see Batista as one of several talents give their rendition of Robert DeNiro in Martin Scorcese’s Taxi Driver.

• WWE & AEW Stars Shine At Dune: Part Two’s New York Premiere

On social media, Batista shared the vignette and himself re-watching the “scene,” critiquing his own acting skills, and wishing he still had a head of hair.

“I’m not embarrassed by my acting, it’s not the greatest obviously, it’s not the best, but at this time I still absolutely had no desire to act. I didn’t want to be an actor, I wasn’t interested, I just wanted to wrestle, but I feel like watching this back it was like, ‘Man, maybe I was meant to do this, man.’ Anyway, maybe that’s just my ego talking.

https://twitter.com/DaveBautista/status/1791523710832435204

Pro wrestler-turned-actor Batista (real name Dave Bautista) recently indicated on social media that his beloved pet dog is having a serious health issue. 

It is no secret that Batista is a passionate animal lover. From time to time, his love for dogs has been on display and he has extended his support for several animal welfare causes. In addition to this, the proud dog dad has also helped to raise awareness to rescue animals.

Last year he came forward in helping YouTube star MrBeast to find homes for 100 abandoned dogs. His efforts to rescue animals and provide shelter for them have been widely praised. Unfortunately, Batista with his pet dog is going through trying times.

Batista’s pet dog undergoes chemotherapy session

Taking to his Instagram stories section, the former WWE star announced that his dog was undergoing chemotherapy sessions. He also dropped a photo of his pet and wrote the following in the caption:  

“My baby boy all done with chemo.”

Batista is thriving in Hollywood

After having a successful pro wrestling career, Batista made a breakthrough in Hollywood and has tasted immense success. He is also a part of Dune: Part Two, which was released earlier this month and in the movie, he plays the character of Beast Rabban.

Recently, Batista revealed that he is hopeful of making directorial debut next year. On the other hand, his WWE Hall of Fame induction is also due which was pushed back due to the pandemic. On a related note, the former World Champion had stated that he would pick his WWE Hall of Fame induction over a place in James Gunn’s DC Universe. Check out his comments below:

Dave Batista would be wracked with nerves and ill before walking out in front of the WWE Universe, the retired wrestler-turned-acting megastar has revealed. 

Batista signed with WWE in 2000 and debuted on the main roster two years later. One of the company’s top stars of the 2000s, Batista would become a six-time World Champion and headlined WrestleMania multiple times. He is also a multiple-time Tag Team Champion. In 2020 he was announced for the WWE Hall of Fame but withdrew his induction due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He has yet to be inducted. 

Batista On His Anxiety And Acting

Since leaving wrestling, Batista has become a major star in Hollywood and will be part of Dune: Part Two when the film hits cinemas later this week. Sitting down with Arizona News, Batista spoke about the angry Glossu Rabban he plays in the film, and how he gets motivated for such a performance.

“It’s funny, because that came so natural to me. If there’s anything that I took away from professional wrestling, it’s being angry. I’m really good at being angry.”

Speaking more about how wrestling has influenced his acting career, Batista recalled being wracked with nerves before appearing and how he overcame this anxiety. 

“It’s anxiety, when I started wrestling, I was literally physically sick before I walked out [from] the curtain. I used to walk out the curtain and [screams.] And all my anxiety was gone. And that’s what it is. I get nervous, I get self-conscious, then I get anxious, but as soon as I go [screams] it goes away. It’s easy for me to do that. And I can relax from there.”

What’s Next for Dave Batista?

After establishing himself in wrestling and acting, Batista hopes to make his debut as a director next year. The Animal is yet to receive his long-overdue WWE Hall of Fame induction, and said recently he’d prefer the induction over a spot in James Gunn’s DC Universe. 

For the use of quotes, please give an H/T to SE Scoops. 

The wrestling world was out in force for the premiere of Dune: Part Two which stars none other than WWE’s animal Dave Batista. 

Dune: Part Two is the sequel to 2021’s Dune. Both films are based on the 1965 novel of the same name from Frank Herbert’s Dune franchise. The films tell the story of Paul Atreides, whose noble family is thrust into war for ‘Spice’ the key to interstellar travel that can be found only on the dangerous sand planet Arrakis. 

WWE & AEW at Dune: Part Two

Dune: Part Two sees Batista return as the villainous Glossue Rabban, a psychotic warrior and nephew of primary antagonist Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. On Twitter, Titus O’Neil, a close friend of the Animal, shared a photo from the premiere in New York alongside Batista and MVP. 

Had a great time at the @dunemovie premiere in New York. Super proud of my brother @davebautista and the entire Dune cast on a Spectacular Performance all around. Looking forward to more of what’s to come ?? @davebautista THANK YOU, LOVE YOU TO THE MOON!!! #DreamChaser indeed ? pic.twitter.com/UYFfcF6yIH

— Titus O'Neil (@TitusONeilWWE) February 26, 2024

AEW’s CJ Perr was also at the premiere of Dune: Part Two and had some fun on the red carpet with Ashley Yi and others. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C3y7Rf-OFMZ

The Animal on the Big Screen

The two Dune films are just some of the massive blockbuster projects that Dave Batista has been attached to. After a series of roles, the former WWE World Champion had his breakout moment in 2014 as part of Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. The following year, he would go one-on-one with Daniel Craig’s James Bond as the villainous Mr. Hinx in Spectre. He once again shared the screen with Craig in 2022’s Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and also starred in the 2023 psychological thriller Knock at the Cabin

‘The Animal’ Dave Batista would rather see his name among the records of WWE Hall of Famers instead of in the credits of an upcoming James Gunn DC Comics film. 

Gunn, the director behind Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy series and 2021’s The Suicide Squad, was named Co-Chairman and co-CEO of DC Studios (alongside Peter Safran) in late 2022. The decision was made for DC Comics’ cinematic universe to have a clearer vision after a messy roll-out since 2013’s Man of Steel. 

Batista and the WWE Hall of Fame

In a recent interview with Comicbook.com, Batista was asked whether he’d rather become a WWE Hall of Famer or be part of Gunn’s vision for the DC Universe first. 

“I don’t know… I couldn’t give an honest answer to that and I’m only going to say this because we have had conversations over the years … it would be WWE Hall of Fame.”

Batista then spoke about his delayed induction into the WWE Hall of Fame and spoke about plans to go in last year. 

“I was suppose to go in last year and I was on a film and I just couldn’t travel… I was on a film in South Africa and logistcally we just couldn’t make it happen.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/reel:C3No_PEs0O6

Batista and James Gunn

Gunn and the Animal are no strangers, with Batista playing Drax the Destroyer in all three Guardians films, as well as several other Marvel Cinematic Universe films and projects. Last year, Batista said he’d spoken with Gunn about playing Bane in a future DC project. The masked villain infamously broke the spin of Batman upon his 1993 arrival in the Knightfall storyline and has since become one of the Dark Knight’s most recognized foes. 

Dave Batista has made quite the name for himself on the silver screen and now the WWE legend hopes to take a step behind the camera. 

After proving a powerhouse in the ring, Batista has become a powerhouse in Hollywood thanks to roles in major franchises including Guardians of the Galaxy, James Bond, and Dune. The Animal has also taken on smaller projects to critical acclaim, including Glass Onion, and Knock at the Cabin. 

Batista Behind the Camera

Batista’s next major film role will see him reprise the character of Glossu Rabban for Dune: Part Two. Sitting down with Screen Rant to discuss the new film, Batista shared his desire to direct, which has been a goal of him for some time. 

“I’ve wanted to direct for years. For a while, I was looking for a project that I could direct because it’s got to be very contained. I’m not looking to be a blockbuster director. I want to direct what I like.

“As a fan, I really am drawn to indie dramas. I like inspiring stories. I like deep emotional stories. For years I looked for a script, the right one for me, and I finally just came up with my own idea. So now I’m searching for writers but I will. My plan is to sometime in 2025 direct my first film.”

Batista in WWE

The Animal’s final match came at WrestleMania 35 and saw Batista lose to Evolution mentor Triple H. While Batista was named for the 2020 WWE Hall of Fame class, his induction has been postponed. 

Dune: Part Two releases in cinemas next month. 

H/T – Fightful

Batista has certainly expanded his range of contacts since leaving WWE. He is a bona fide Hollywood heavy-hitter at this point, keeping friendships with high profile celebrities. He recently flexed that influential muscle by appearing alongside Mr. Beast to help out 100 dogs.

Batista’s Big Charitable Act

Dave Bautista just wrapped up a long stint as Drax the Destroyer in the Guardians of the Galaxy series. That was quite a role for him, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else filling those shoes ever again. Despite his rising star in Hollywood, The Animal is still giving back.

Batista recently updated fans to let them know about a charitable endeavor he was just a part of. The should-be WWE Hall of Famer recently linked up with Mr. Beast, and together they helped rescue 100 dogs.

https://twitter.com/DaveBautista/status/1738611008082419971

Who Is Mr Beast?

Mr. Beast is one of the most popular content creators on YouTube. He gained widespread attention for his philanthropic endeavors, creating videos where he gives away large sums of money to individuals or undertakes massive challenges. 

Mr. Beast is known for his creative and sometimes unconventional approaches to charity, aiming to make a positive impact through his online presence. His recent video about rescuing 100 dogs may be found below.

Dave Bautista’s career in Hollywood is still going strong, and now fans have a new look at one of his upcoming films. “Dune: Part Two” is set to make a lot of noise in the box office, but many pro wrestling fans will buy their tickets just to see The Animal.

A new trailer for the film “Dune: Part Two” has been released, featuring former WWE Champion Batista. The former Evolution member portrays Glossu Rabban, the nephew of Baron Harkonnen, in this thriller sequel based on the classic 1965 novel by Frank Herbert.

About Dune: Part Two

The film was written by Villeneuve and Jon Spaihts and produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Patrick McCormick, Denis Villeneuve, and Tanya Lapointe.
The first movie achieved a box office revenue of $402 million.

Returning to their roles from the first movie are Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Stellan Skarsgård, and Jason Momoa. Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Christopher Walken, and Léa Seydoux have joined the cast for the second film.

Directed by Villeneuve, the film’s synopsis explains that this film is about seeking revenge. The plot will be much more complicated than that, as the fate of the universe is at stake.

“Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Faced with a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe, he must prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.”

Batista’s film career has been an impressive one since leaving WWE. He still has not picked up a Hall of Fame ring, as his induction was shut down by the pandemic, but you have to know that honor will come eventually for him.

You may check out the trailer for “Dune: Part Two” below. We will have more updates at SE Scoops as they are made available.

Dave Batista in Dune: Part Two

Dave Batista may have yet to become a WWE Hall of Famer, but the Animal continues to make an impact in Hollywood. In the latest trailer for Dune: Part Two, Batista can be seen reprising his role as Glossu Rabban. Dune: Part Two, the sequel to the 2021 sci-fi epic, will be released in cinemas on March 1. 

John Cena Proud of Zac Efron

This week saw the premiere of The Iron Claw, the new biopic about the lives, careers, and tragedies of the Von Erich family. John Cena was at the premiere and was spotted with AEW World Champion MJF. Taking to Twitter, Cena said he was proud of film lead Zac Efron for his role as Kevin Von Erich. The Iron Claw will be released on December 22. 

Incredibly proud of @ZacEfron for an outstanding performance in @A24’s #TheIronClaw. Thank you for doing the work to help introduce a new audience to one of our industry’s most important families.

See it in theaters Dec. 22nd!!! pic.twitter.com/xKayvIGlpv

— John Cena (@JohnCena) December 12, 2023

Brandi Reacts to Raw

In the main event of this week’s Raw, Shinsuke Nakamura faced Cody Rhodes. Rhodes won by DQ after Nakamura sprayed the American Nightmare with the Asian Mist. Nakamura would also attack Rhodes after the match. On Twitter, Brandi Rhodes had some choice words for the King of Strong Style. 

Nakamura dumb.

— Brandi Rhodes (@TheBrandiRhodes) December 12, 2023

Chavo Guerrero Praises Dominik Mysterio

‘Dirty’ Dominik Mysterio has impressed plenty of people since joining The Judgment Day at Clash at the Castle last year. Speaking on the Insight podcast, Chavo Guerrero shared his take on the self-professed ex-con. 

“Dominik Mysterio is killing it. He’s doing so good. He’s far beyond where he should be. As far as being good as well. It’s pretty cool to see them doing all this stuff.”

Mysterio will face CM Punk next week in the latter’s first WWE match since January 2014. 

It looks like Dave Bautista will get his moment to be honored by WWE for all of his accomplishments and success with the company. 

The former WWE World Heavyweight champion had been slated to go in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic nixed that. The Class of 2020 inductees got their ceremony the following year and was paired with the 2021 class as it was pre-taped inside the virtual WWE ThunderDome. 

Previous Induction

Bautista decided to pull out of the 2021 ceremony “due to previous obligations.” Just last month, the former WWE star told ComicBook.com that he did not know if he would be inducted this year but was hoping he would. 

Wrestling News Premium, WrestlingNews.co’s Patreon account reported today, “the word going around in WWE is that Dave Bautista will be the headliner at this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame.”

Per the report, those they spoke with in the company believe that both sides wanted to hold off on his induction as there wouldn’t be fans in attendance to hear his speech, something he wanted to do in front of fans. 

It’s still unclear when they will make the announcement nor who else will be going into the class. 

Former WWE star Dave Bautista has landed another interesting role. This time he will be featured in the movie adaptation of a George R.R. Martin story.

Per Deadline, In The Lost Lands is an upcoming movie based on a short story written by the Game of Thrones creator. The former world champion will be starring alongside Resident Evil star Milla Jovovich in this fantasy adventure film:

“The movie will follow a queen, desperate to obtain the gift of shape-shifting, who makes a daring play: She hires the sorceress Gray Alys (Jovovich), a woman as feared as she is powerful.

Sent to the ghostly wilderness of the “Lost Lands,” Alys and her guide, the drifter Boyce (Bautista), must outwit and outfight man and demon in a fable that explores the nature of good and evil, debt and fulfilment, love and loss.”

Paul W.S. Anderson will be directing the movie starring the retired wrestling star. Anderson has also written the script for the upcoming project.

• Dave Bautista Questions Why He Never Gets Rom-Com Movie Offers: “Am I That Unattractive?”

Dave Bautista has made a point to distinguish his characters from one another. In his own words, the Hollywood star does not care about being a star and he ‘just wants to be a better actor.’

The MCU star has received praise recently for his work in movies such as Glass Onion and Knock at the Cabin. The upcoming adaptation is only expected to add to his reputation.

Batista, real name Dave Bautista, was supposed to be inducted into the WWE Hall Of Fame in 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those plans were nixed. 

The pandemic forced all wrestling companies to hold shows in front of no fans. WWE not only nixed the Hall Of Fame that year, they moved WrestleMania from a stadium to an empty Performance Center. 

The Class of 2020 inductees eventually got their ceremony the following year and was paired with the 2021 class. It was pre-taped inside the virtual WWE ThunderDome.

However, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion decided to pull out of the 2021 ceremony “due to previous obligations.” 

Although he noted that WWE honored his request to induct him at a “future ceremony” because he wants “to properly thank the fans and people who made [his] career possible,” it has yet to happen. 

While speaking with ComicBook.com’s Liam Crowley at the premiere of his latest movie, “Knock At The Cabin,” Batista said he’s “trying” to be part of the 2023 ceremony.

As of this writing, WWE has yet to announce any inductees for the class this year. 

Former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista has made a name for himself in the world of Hollywood, but only under specific types of roles.

With his impressive physique, the Animal is no stranger to action films, such as his role as Drax in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or as evil henchman Mr. Hinx in James Bond’s Spectre.

Unappealing

While Bautista has joined the likes of John Cena and Dwayne Johnson as a wrestler-turned-actor, the former World Champion is yet to show his more romantic side.

Speaking to Page Six, Bautista questioned why offers for a rom-com continue to allude him.

“I know I’m not your typical rom-com lead. I’m a little rough around the edges. But I always, you know, I look in the mirror and I say, I ask myself, ‘Am I that unattractive? Is there something that unappealing about me that excludes me from these parts?’”

Dave Bautista.

The Animal’s next film, Knock at the Cabin, which sees Bautista and others try to thwart the apocalypse by forcing a family to make an impossible choice, lands in cinemas this Friday.

Genres

Bautista may be best known for his action roles, but the future WWE Hall of Famer has been able to push outside that genre.

For Blade Runner 2049, the retired wrestler showed a more subdued side, and will show yet another different side in Knock at the Cabin.

Bautista has been able to flex his comedy muscles with projects like Stuber, and his years as a beloved babyface in WWE prepared him well for family movies like My Spy.

Dave Batista may be a staple of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but WWE’s Animal has his eyes on the world of DC Comics.

Since 2014, Batista has played Drax the Destroyer, a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and has won over audiences with his action scenes and his sense of humor.

This year will see the release of Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol 3, which Batista has confirmed will be the final time he portrays Drax.

DC Comics

Drax is by far not the only muscle-bound character in Batista’s sights, as he hopes to one day play the DC Comics supervillain Bane.

Speaking to Insider, Batista spoke about wanting to play the role but believes the opportunity has passed him by.

“I have had conversations with James [Gunn, Head of DC’s film projects] about that but I think the direction he’s leaning in, completely rebooting that whole universe, he’s starting from scratch and starting younger and fresher and I think you need to do that.”

Batista.

The 54-year-old actor said that DC needs to start a plan for the next 15 years, something he believes he simply won’t be able to fit into.

Several changes at Warner Bros. (who own the rights for DC’s film projects) have resulted in several plans being scrapped or severely altered.

The Animal (and future WWE Hall of Famer) isn’t the only wrestler with his eyes on the role, as Braun Strowman shared his interest in playing Bane with an Instagram post in June 2021.

The Man Who Broke the Bat

Debuting in comics as part of the 1993 Knightfall story, Bane didn’t just surpass Batman when it comes to strength but has a genius intellect that matches the Dark Knight.

In one of the most infamous moments in comics, Bane, who had deduced Batman’s identity and the location of the Batcave, broke Bruce Wayne’s spine over his knee, rendering him temporarily paralyzed.

On-screen, WCW wrestler Robert Swenson played Bane in the 1997 flop Batman and Robin, while Tom Hardy did the character more justice in 2012’s Dark Knight Rises.

Dave Batista has become a star in both wrestling and in Hollywood, but the inspiration for his movie career didn’t come from The Rock.

After leaving WWE in 2010, the Animal turned to acting and would star in multiple straight-to-DVD projects.

In 2014, Batista’s big break would come as Drax the Destroyer, one of the Guardians of the Galaxy in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

A Respected Actor

After his breakout role as Drax, other major franchises would work with Animal, including the James Bond series (Spectre, 2015) and Blade Runner (Blade Runner 2049, 2017).

Of course, The Rock is arguably the most successful wrestler to make their name in acting, but that didn’t aspire the Animal, as he told GQ Magazine.

“I never wanted to be the next Rock. I just want to be a good f***ing actor. A respected actor.”

Dave Batista.

Batista’s latest project, Glass Onion, a sequel to Knives Out (2019) landed on Netflix last month after a limited theatrical release.

The Greatest?

While The Rock has plenty of blockbusters to his name, the Brahma Bull has also had his fair share of flops.

Sitting down with The Atlantic last month, Glass Onion’s director Rian Johnson was in complete agreement when asked if Batista is the greatest wrestler to become an actor.

“I absolutely 100 percent agree [that Batista is the greatest wrestler-to-actor ever.] And I think somebody like Paul Thomas Anderson is going to give him a real part and is going to look like a genius.

Rian Johnson.

Johnson’s respect for Batista is a two-way street, with the former WWE World Champion sharing positive posts about the director on social media, and gifting him a World Heavyweight Championship on the set of Glass Onion.

As he stepped away from professional wrestling, Dave Bautista successfully integrated himself into the world of Hollywood.

Upon his exit from WWE in 2010, the former WWE Champion began steadily building his acting resume, landing many roles in film and television. Most notably, Dave Bautista entered the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Drax the Destroyer, starring across The Guardians of The Galaxy and The Avengers franchises. The last few years have warranted impressive performances for Bautista in a variety of genres, including action, comedy, and sci-fi.

Most recently, “The Animal” tackled the popular sequel to Knives Out, starring as Duke Cody in the mystery-comedy-thriller Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. Duke Cody — his character — grew a massive following on the streaming platforms of Twitch and YouTube as a men’s rights activist. Ultimately, Cody becomes one of the characters entangled in murderous mystery in Greece as Daniel Craig revives his role as world-renown detective Benoit Blanc.

WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash recently weighed in on Bautista’s performance as Duke Cody in the film.

“I thought Batista was good in it,” he said on Kliq This. “I think Batista does a very good job of what he picks as far as roles, but I think [Dave is on it]. He’s into his craft, he’s into his skill. The thing is I couldn’t see anybody playing that part better than him. At the beginning when he’s in the garage with his cars, it gave a vibe of his crib. It’s worth watching, it’s just transparent. Let me put it this way, it wasn’t much as a mystery for me.”

H/T to Fightful for the transcription

The trailer for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 dropped today on YouTube and features former WWE Superstar Batista.

Batista (Dave Bautista) plays Drax the Destroyer in the films, and he first appeared in the original Guardians of the Galaxy in 2014. He also recently was a co-star in “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery” on Netflix with Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, and Kate Hudson.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is set to release in theaters on May 5th next year and is directed by James Gunn. In the trailer, Batista’s character Drax launches a basketball at the face of a young creature and vowed to kill anyone that gets in their way before he is reminded by Star-Lord that he will not be killing anyone.

Earlier this year, Batista took to Instagram and posted about the production of the film wrapping up and confirmed that he is done playing Drax after Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3.

Batista’s Final Match in WWE

Batista’s wrestling career came to an end a few years ago at WrestleMania 35. The Animal battled his former Evolution teammate Triple H in a No Holds Barred match. Their rivalry started when Batista attacked Ric Flair ahead of his 70th birthday celebration.

Triple H put his career on the line in the match and emerged victorious. He planted Batista with a Powerbomb on the steel steps, and struck The Animal with a sledgehammer in the match. In the end, it took two Pedigrees for The Game to pick up the victory. Batista announced his retirement from professional wrestling shortly after the match.

With a truly-historic 2022 coming to an end, the wrestling world is looking ahead to 2023, and what will happen over the next 12 months.

With January approaching, WrestleMania season is drawing near, and with WrestleMania comes the Hall of Fame.

Many of wrestling’s biggest stars have already received the nod, but not everyone and these are some of the huge names yet to go in.

5: The Great Muta

Right now, the Great Muta is on his retirement tour, after a truly iconic career in wrestling.

Considered by many to be one of, if not the greatest Japanese wrestler of all time, Muta has held gold with AJPW, NJPW, WCW, and Pro Wrestling NOAH, among others.

Away from titles, Muta has been an inspiration for so many wrestlers, yet a WWE Hall of Fame induction continues to allude the legend.

On January 1, Muta will compete against WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura, in a rare example of WWE allowing one of their stars to compete elsewhere.

Could a Hall of Fame induction have been part of the deal for Nakamura? Perhaps, but whether that happens or not, Muta is worthy of the induction.

4: Owen Hart

It’s nothing short of a crime that for many wrestling fans (and non-fans alike) Owen Hart will be best known for his final moments.

Hart’s tragic passing at the Over the Edge 1999 event has forever cast a shadow on a career certainly worthy of the Hall of Fame.

In this instance, it is Owen’s widow, Martha Hart, who has rejected calls from WWE (and fans) to induct her husband, holding the company responsible for his death.

While Martha has been more open to wrestling this year, even appearing for AEW at their Double or Nothing Pay-Per-View, a relationship with WWE remains non-existent, so don’t expect to see the Rocket receive the nod next year.

3: Batista

When Batista broke into the wrestling business, it came at a time of his life when many would be considering winding up their careers.

Undeterred, the Animal not only became a wrestler but a six-time WWE World Champion, along with a handful of Tag title reigns.

Unlike many on this list, we know that Batista will be inducted, as he was announced in 2020, but pulled out due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s understandable, the Animal was worthy of headlining the ceremony, and the 2020/2021 dual induction would not have been right.

With The Undertaker headlining this year’s Hall of Fame, expect Batista to receive the long-awaited honors next year.

2: The Rock

The Bramha Bull. The People’s Champion. The Great One. The Most Electrifying Man in Sports Entertainment.

Whatever you call him, Dwayne Johnson should be called a WWE Hall of Famer.

Frankly, it’s baffling he’s not already been given the nod, and we can only imagine one reason for why either he’s said no, or WWE has refused to put him in.

Either Rock, WWE, or both, believe he’s not done in the ring.

It’s hardly a secret that WWE wants the Great One back, with many predicting the long-awaited match with Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 39.

Will that match happen? At this time it’s difficult to say, but one thing we know for sure is that Dwayne Johnson is Hall of Fame bound.

1: Vince McMahon

When fans think of the biggest star in wrestling, they may conjure names like Hulk Hogan, ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, John Cena or even Roman Reigns.

Well none of these names would have reached the heights they soared to without Vince McMahon.

Of course, a McMahon induction is problematic, thanks in part to his controversial exit from WWE in July over allegations of misconduct.

As wrestling fans have made clear, they don’t forget. Just ask Hulk Hogan and the chilly reception he received at WrestleMania 37 in his home state of Florida.

There is perhaps no bigger name in wrestling who is more deserving than any induction than Vince McMahon, but whether it will ever happen is another matter entirely.