— Batista will be a playable character in THQ’s WWE ’12 video game, set for release on November 22, 2011 in North America and on November 25 in the United Kingdom.
THQ posted a screenshot on their official website denoting Batista as a character in the game.
— The Scripps Howard News Service has an article on former WWE star Bull Buchanan, who now works as supervisor at a SONY distribution and packaging center in Carrollton, Georgia. He believes his transformation from a serious enforcer to the more light-hearted B2 character who briefly seconded John Cena turned off Vince McMahon, leading to his departure from WWE in 2003.
“The fun part of it probably boomeranged on me,” Buchanan said. “Everything I had done to that point in my career had been so serious. I took this as something where I could be a little more tongue-in-cheek. Vince, though, had always seen me as a killer brutalizing people in the ring and throwing them around. This was different.”
— Characters are still being finalized for THQ’s WWE ’12 video game (scheduled for released on November 22 in North America and on November 25 in the United Kingdom) and Batista may be included.
A THQ representative stated on Twitter this week that there’s “still a chance” the former WWE Champion will be in the game.
— As seen on Monday’s Raw SuperShow, Alicia Fox withdrew her “Hot in Herre” inspired entrance theme in favor of a new entrance theme. WWE released her new theme on iTunes today and it is titled “Pa-Pa-Pa-Pa-Party.” Former WWE Diva Maria used the theme in 2005 and 2006 before being given “With Legs Like That.”
— The October 23 episode of A.M. Raw scored a 0.41 cable rating, with 417,000 viewers.
– Jim Ross wrote on Twitter today he will not be at tonight’s Raw Supershow from Austin, Texas – but he will take part in a WWE.com live chat at 8:30 PM EDT.
Ross also noted he has finalized a deal to work on a WWE/Mattel project that collectors are going to love.
– Batista’s MMA manager Cesar Gracie appeared on the MMA HOUR radio show on Monday afternoon and spoke about Batista’s hopes of becoming a professional MMA fighter. Gracie said the ProElite promotion is interested in using Batista, but for now – the former WWE superstar’s movie career is keeping him busy.
– Roddy Piper and Bob Orton will reunite at the 12/2 K&S Wrestlefest, taking photos on a Piper’s Pit set and more. For details, visit Kandswrestlefest.com.
– CM Punk did an interview today with myFOXaustin to promote tonight’s Raw Supershow in Austin, Texas. Punk briefly discusses the Be A Star campaign and the current world of wrestling with an interviewer that clearly has no interest in today’s product. The interview can be viewed at MyFoxAustin.com.
Former WWE superstar Batista and former UFC star Kimbo Slice will be appearing in the new straight-to-DVD film, “The Scorpion 3” – the latest installment in the movie that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson starred in back in 2000.
The following is the official press release for the movie followed by the video trailer:
Former WWE World champion Dave Bautista will be teaming with former UFC star Kimbo Slice in the new film “Scorpion King 3 – Battle for Redemption”, which will be released via DVD and Blu-Ray on 1/17/12.
The film “brings the heroic, larger-than-life saga of the dethroned king Mathayus to face some of his fiercest demons and most vicious rivals—both real and supernatural—ever.”
In the film, Mathayus (the role originally played by Dwayne Johnson, now played by martial artist Victor Webster), since losing his kingdom, now works as an assassin for hire, defending a king and his land from the king’s evil brother, who has amassed an army of ghost warriors.
Beyond Bautista and Slice, the film stars Billy Zane (Titanic), Ron Perlman (Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy) and Temeura Morrison (Green Lantern, Star Wars prequel trilogy) with stunts designed by Kawee “Seng” Sirikanerut (Ongbok, Lara Croft Tomb Raider: Cradle of Civilization) and Supoj “Jimmy” Khaowwong (Batman Begins).
The DVD will feature a number of extras, including a montage of deleted scenes, a behind the scenes making of the film, a featurette on Victor Webster preparing for his role as Mathayus, a commentary track with Director Roel Reine and more. There will be additional features for the Blu-Ray version as well.
Posted October 13th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Batista.
Batista appeared at the premiere for The Thing movie last night in Universal City, California. He will be appearing at another red carpet event tonight: a pre-launch party for the Saints Row: The Third video game.
The former WWE Champion has tweaked his appearance in recent weeks as he now sports a mohawk and covered his entire back with tattoos.
Check out these pictures of Batista’s new look:
Posted October 12th, 2011 in News, WWE. Tagged: Batista.
— Former WWE Champion Batista stated on Twitter that he will be appearing on Playboy Radio tomorrow morning at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 CT. The program airs on Sirius Satellite Radio 102 and XM Satellite Radio 102.
— Mike Knox wants nothing to do with the professional wrestling industry following his release from WWE last year. Friends of the 33-year-old say he became depressed over being let go by WWE and therefore won’t accept requests for independent dates or even conventions.
— Melina’s first post-WWE match on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Women Superstars Uncensored’s Wargames Internet pay-per-view has been moved to the NYWC Sportatorium in Deer Park, Long Island due to ongoing issues with the ACE Arena in Union City, New Jersey. She will face Serena Deeb.
Former WWE and TNA star Bobby Lashley’s next MMA fight has been announced. Lashley (5-1) will face Darrill Schoonover (11-5) on November 11th for a Shark Fights card in Lubbock, Texas.
During an interview with Ariel Helwani on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, Lashley spoke about working his way back up the MMA ranks after an unimpressive run in Strikeforce.
“I believe [Strikeforce CEO Scott] Coker said this, he said he doesn’t believe that I want it … I have all the respect in the world for Coker, and he may have been right. Maybe I wasn’t ready for Strikeforce at the time. …I didn’t have everything together and I wasn’t training the way I should have.”
Lashley also resumed talk about a possible ‘dream fight’ between himself and former WWE star Dave Batista. Lashley acknowledged that a fight between two former pro wrestlers might turn of some MMA fight fans, but still wants to make the fight happen.
“If we do the fight, let’s do winner-take-all. Let’s put one purse up there, winner takes all.”
“I’d love to fight Dave. I guess that’s a super fight and that’s a fight for maybe the wrestling fans. I don’t know how well the MMA community would take it. I guess they would just sort of shrug their shoulders and say, ‘whatever,’ but I know it’s a fight that a lot of wrestling fans would love to see.”
For more on Bobby Lashley’s interview with Ariel Helwani, check out MMAFighting.com.
Batista, who has not posted on Twitter since July 31, posted an update on his whereabouts this afternoon.
After undergoing back surgery, he has started lifting weights again and has increased his weight to 270 pounds.
Has has “no plans of going back to wrestling or wrestling for any other promotion.”
Regarding mixed martial arts, Batista said, “If Bellator is serious then I would love to get that fight in!!”
Regarding Mason Ryan, who bares a striking resemblance to the former WWE Superstar, he said, “I’m tired of getting asked about Mason Ryan.”
Presumably addressing WWE’s recent termination of Melina Perez, who Batista once had a physical relationship with, Batista said, “I have no idea why WWE released its hottest Diva.”
Posted September 20th, 2011 in WWE, News. Tagged: Batista.
WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross has updated his blog, which you can read in its entirety over at JRsBarBQ.com. JR previews Night of Champions and had this to say about the following topics:
Whether The WWE Title & The World Heavyweight Title Will Ever Be Unified:
“No , I never see one, major champion in WWE meaning that I don’t think that the WWE/World Heavyweight titles will ever be united which essentially means that I don’t see the brand split going away any time soon.”
“Will the WWE title belts ever be redesigned? Beats me. No idea and I’m really not a ‘belt guy’ as it relates to what they look like. We get this question all the time.”
What he thinks of Brock Lesnar returning to the Octagon in December?
“My instinct says it may be too early. I’m surprised that Brock is returning to headline a UFC PPV so soon after surgery and especially against an opponent like Overeem who is a world class striker. I’m a Lesnar fan without question and hope that he can take Overeem down and avoid a knockout.”
Will Batista and/or Chris Jericho ever return to WWE?
“Again, I have no info on such but my guess is that yes they will at some point in the future and likely for a limited time engagement. Perhaps that’s just my wishful thinking and I could be dead wrong. Both would help score a bigger Wrestlemania 28 number of PPV buys, IMO.”
As always, check out JRsBarBQ.com for Jim Ross’ amazing line of BBQ products!
Last week WWE star William Regal made headlines when it was reported that he wants to become the first British World Heavyweight champion in WWE history prior to retiring.
Regarding his retirement, William Regal wrote the following on Twitter:
“Let me make this very clear.I have not once said that I’m going to retire.I’ve said I don’t know how long I have left.Big difference.
“Having had a decent brake from in ring I am feeling ready to go for a while.But the fact is that’s down to two things.One is how long my body holds out and two is if people want me to wrestle.”
– Despite rumors that Bill Goldberg would be facing former WWE Champion Dave Batista upon returning to the ring in October, Goldberg has shot down those rumors on Twitter.
It is unknown at this time who Goldberg will be facing when he returns to the ring in Africa, but we do know that the shows are set to kick off in early October and end by October 12th.
For more on Bill Goldberg’s return to the ring, check out the SEScoops Bill Goldberg News Page.
Former WWE & WCW star Bill Goldberg has followed up on reports that he’ll be returning to the ring later this year – confirming to his Twitter followers early Saturday morning:
“By the way……… I’m back!!!!!!!!!!!”
After video recently surfaced of Goldberg stating back in March that he plans to wrestle again this year, it was revealed this week that Goldberg will be performing on a wrestling supershow taking place in the African Congo that will feature some of the top names in the business.
Another huge name advertised for the African Congo show is Batista – and Goldberg says he might wrestle Batista on the show. When asked by a fan who his next in-ring opponent will be, Goldberg stated, “Maybe Batista.”
Former WWE star Batista joined Twitter last week and has wasted to time making headlines with his newsworthy tweets. He’s trashed WWE’s current “PG” programming, addressed talk of his recent muscle loss and now is answering fan questions about whether he’d consider working for TNA Wrestling.
Unfortunately for TNA fans, Batista said “absolutely not” about working for TNA – or any wrestling promotion other than WWE. Batista tweeted on Mondaay:
“I keep getting asked about a possible TNA run…and the answer is absolutely not.”
“Nothing against TNA. They’ve got some great talent, but even though I don’t agree with the direction they’ve taken, I bleed WWE, which is why I’ve decided to sit it out rather than accept very generous offers from other promotions. Hope everyone can respect that.”
Batista took to Twitter last to comment on Finlay’s departure from WWE earlier this year.
“So I’m going to say this because I said I would elaborate later….and I’m sure I’ll get some grief over it but I don’t realy care. and this is completely the opinion of an outsider looking in,” Batista wrote.
“I only know what I’ve been told about Fit Finlay’s release and I dont know exactly what happened…but no one in this world could convince me that Fit, the honorable man that he is, did anything that would warrant him losing his livelihood. I wouldn’t have made it to the top without fit, and I wouldn’t have made it through alot of the longass unbearable tours either.
“I seriously think that there’s a huge void in the WWE without him. He isn’t replaceable.”
Finlay was fired from his producer’s after authorizing the interruption of the American national anthem by The Miz during a live event.
Batista was also asked to comment on Melina, his former associate. He wrote, “beautiful, talented, hope she gets out of wrestling asap.”
Former WWE star Batista joined twitter last week and is responding to fan questions about his recent weight loss. Batista had this to say about his new, smaller frame:
“yes…I am down to a puny 180 lbs. Thats why my head looks so large. Honestly I lost 20lbs over the past yr. Switched up my diet and layed off the weights big time. More go than show now for sure.”
He also clarified his recent “anti-WWE PG” comments, which resulted in a lot of feedback from his followers. Last week, he wrote:
“I’m the biggest wrestling fan there is..which is why I’m boycotting the PG BS! They’re selling watered down art bro. Kills me.”
Over the weekend, he clarified:
“real quick…i don’t hate the WWE! i love pro wrestling! just didn’t agree with the PG direction. i loved it edgy and hardcore. and i would definitely like to return…just not right now. im enjoying the hell out of my normal life. hope that makes sense.”
— Former WWE performers Shelly Martinez (a/k/a Ariel) and Batista buried the hatchet today on Twitter regarding a backstage altercation that took place in May 2007, which led to her sudden departure from World Wrestling Entertainment.
Martinez wrote “truce” to the former WWE Champion, to which he replied, “That business brings out the worst in people…..truce.”
She responded, “Thank u I feel soooo at peace now I had a dream u & I were talking & the peace I felt in the dream is now my reality.” Batista added, “I’m soooooo at peace since I left that hoooostile ass enviroment!”
Martinez revealed recently on Twitter that she had a dream a few months ago where she and Batista had made peace.
She wrote last week, “I actually had a dream a few months back that Batista and I were talking and we were totally getting along. That’s where my heart is.”
Martinez discusses the circumstances behind the incident as well as the dream she had in her newly released DVD, Girl Talk with Shelly Martinez (available here).
— Former WWE Diva Sharmell has launched a Twitter account via twitter.com/SharmellHuffman. She says husband Booker T has a new project in the works called “Booker’s Biggest Loser.”
Former WWE star Batista has launched an account on Twitter via twitter.com/Real_DBautista. The account has been confirmed by his official website, Demon-Wrestling.com. He posted an introductory message explaining what he’s been up to since parting ways with WWE last year.
“So I’m giving in to my rule of NO social networking because I promised my boy Josh Rafferty that i would……so here we go!” Batista wrote. “First off!!!!! NO HATERS ALLOWED!!! I hate HATERS!! I wish all haters a Nick Diaz style ass woopin! go somewhere else!
“This is what i’ve done since I left WWE a year ago….3 movies, first one “House of the Rising Sun” being released next month. riding low with my homies…. THE IMPERIALS!!!! Los Angeles chapter….sup Francisco,Junior, El Presidente Tomas..(we miss you Jesse) training my ass off at Gracie Fighter Pleasant Hill Cali, Gracie Fighter Tampa Fl., and Powerhouse Gym in Downtown Tampa. ….and chillin with Sarah : )”
Batista also says he plans on fighting no matter what.
He wrote, “So I’ll repeat myself because haters are not only losers but they also seem to be illiterate! NO FUCKING HATERS! no negative chi here!!!! and God willing…YES I will be fighting. even if i have to walk my old ass to the cage with a cane!”
Batista then criticizes WWE’s “PG” product, writing, “I’m the biggest wrestling fan there is..which is why I’m boycotting the PG BS! They’re selling watered down art bro. Kills me.”
Batista also responded to queries regarding his recent weight loss. He says he gave up weights and eliminated certain foods from his diet.
“Gave up the weights, gluten, red meat, pork….down to 260…feel great,” he wrote. “Leaner than ever though. I feel great at this weight.”
The official video trailer has been released for Batista’s upcoming straight-to-DVD action movie, the House of the Rising Sun. Here’s the official synopsis from IMDB.com:
“Ray, an ex-cop, is starting a new life looking to stay out of trouble. One evening, on Ray’s watch, the nightclub he works for is robbed and the owner’s son is shot dead. As his criminal past is exposed Ray hunts for the person responsible for this crime in an effort to clear his own name. Ray must get to the bottom of this as both the mob and cops start to close in on him as their target suspect.“
The movie stars Batista, Amy Smart, Dominic Purcell and Danny Trejo is available for pre-order beginning today on DVD and Blu-ray. The movie will be in stores on July 19th. Here’s the trailer:
Former WWE star Batista was interviwed this week by f4wonline.com’s Wrestling Observer Radio Show. Here are some highlights of what Big Dave said about:
Why He Left WWE:: Batista said he left WWE because he felt like he didn’t fit in anymore. He feels like wrestling is in a bad spot right now and has gone down hill since the whole PG direction. Batista said it leaves a bad taste in his mouth and became too unbelievable & hokey. He added that the things he learned from guys like Triple H and Ric Flair, you couldn’t do anymore. He said you couldn’t use your tools anymore. Batista said he felt like he became disconnected from the business and became unhappy with it. He still believes in WWE as a company but there wasn’t a place for him anymore.
Batista said he gave WWE about 7 months notice that he wanted to finish outright. He wanted to go out the right way and give WWE plenty of notice. That 7 months ended up turning into 9 months because they needed him longer. Batista made it clear that Vince left the door wide open for him to come back. He said he enjoys having that opportunity there to go back, if he wants.
His MMA Career That Never Got Off The Ground: He had reached out to Strikeforce while with WWE and the MMA promotion expressed interest but he didn’t actually sit down with them until he left WWE. His plan was to become a profesional MMA fighter and actually had a 3-fight deal on the table with Strikeforce that would have seen him fight on CBS, Showtime and pay-per-view – all leading to a fight against Bobby Lashley. Batista cited scheduling, his movie work and financial differences, among other things, as to why the deals never worked out. They had another deal almost ready to be signed that would have sent him directly to pay-per-view to fight but his manager Cesar Gracie didn’t think everything was fair. When UFC bought out Strikeforce earlier this year, the deal fell apart.
Underutilized Talent In WWE & Who Has Potential: Batista thinks WWE blew a huge opportunity by releasing Ken Anderson and was “shocked” when he got released. Batista also named Ted DiBiase Jr., Kofi Kingston and Sheamus as superstars he sees with huge potential.
Mason Ryan: He doesn’t think Nexus star Mason Ryan is an attempt by WWE to copy him. He thinks Ryan is a great guy after meeting him in London and is curious to see where his career goes.
Whether He Would Return To WWE: Batista has no desire to ever work the full time schedule again, but says the door is open for him to return at some point for a final run so he can get closure on his career and officially retire. He is interested in working with WWE behind the scenes in some capacity as well.
Acting & MMA: He doesn’t want to be a full-time actor and doesn’t think he will ever be qualified to be one. He is also looking to continue his MMA training and eventually get a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
— WWE has once against renamed its upcoming Randy Orton DVD and Blu-ray release.
Previously titled The Randy Orton Experience, it is now called Randy Orton: The Evolution of a Predator. It is scheduled for release in North America on September 6 via three-disc DVD and a two-disc Blu-ray sets. The synopsis reads:
“He’s one of the most popular superstars in the WWE, but he has never been the subject of a home entertainment release—until now. This 3-disc set takes an in-depth look at WWE’s Apex Predator from Elimination Chamber through the road to WrestleMania and Orton’s brutal bout with CM Punk. Along the way, fans learn about the Viper in and out of the ring as he reflects on his career to date. Family and opponents contribute never-before-seen interviews about Orton’s past, present, and future. In addition the set is packed with some of Orton’s most memorable matches and moments from his career.”
— It as reported last week that former WWE Champion Batista is opening a mixed martial arts training facility in Tampa, Florida. The gym, which is called Gracie Fighter Tampa, will hold its grand opening this Saturday in Tampa, Florida at 6333 N. Dale Mabry Highway. Batista, who partners with mixed martial arts trainer Cesar Gracie in the endeavor, will participate in a autograph signing from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. that day.
– If you are a fan of Scott Hall and always wanted to own a piece of Hall merchandise, now is your chance. The Bad Guy is auctioning off the NWO vest he wore to the ring at WrestleMania 18 for his match against Stone Cold Steve Austin. Hall insists that he doesn’t need the money – but the vest is just “collecting dust” at his Florida home and he wants to sell it to somebody who will really appreciate the memorabilia. For more on Scott Hall’s auction, visit lighteningentertainment.com.
– No word yet on why Miss USA Rima Fakih wasn’t on RAW last night with the rest of the Tough Enough cast. We do know that she was in Las Vegas over the weekend finishing out her duties as the reigning Miss USA.
– A few weeks after the news that his professional mixed martial arts debut was being put on hold indefinitely, former WWE superstar Dave Batista is teaming up with Cesar Gracie (of the legendary Gracie family) and will be running a public MMA training facility in Tampa, Florida. The Gracie Fighter Jiu Jitsu school, which currently only open to professional fighters, is expanding its operations and will be open to the public next week.
– As we recently reported, plans for former WWE superstar Dave Batista to make his professional MMA debut for the Strikeforce promotion fell through when the company was purchased by UFC earlier this year. With Batista’s MMA career still not off the ground yet, there has been speculation as to whether a return to WWE would be in the cards for him.
According to a reliable source, WWE’s creative team does still talk about Batista and how he would fit into current and future storylines. No matter what happens with Batista doing mixed martial arts, the general feeling is that he has not wrestled his final match in a WWE ring.
– With SummerSlam just three months away, WWE is working on the top feuds that will make up the card.
The current plan for WWE Champion John Cena is for him to defend against RAW newcomer Alberto Del Rio. Despite coming up short in title matches at the last 2 pay-per-views, Del Rio is still seen as a top talent by management and is almost certainly a future world champion.
Rey Mysterio vs. R-Truth was talked about as well, but with John Morrison recently undergoing neck surgery, the Mysterio-Truth match was moved up to Over the Limit. John Morrison and R-Truth could now take place at SummerSlam.
– Next week’s episode of NXT: Redemption will see the first elimination of this season. Voting is underway at WWE.com. Here’s a look at the current standings:
— The promotional poster for WWE’s Capitol Punishment pay-per-view event, which takes place June 19 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. has been released. It features Randy Orton.
The synopsis reads: “WWE storms the Nation’s Capitol in this inaugural pay-per-view event. Don’t miss John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, The Miz, and all your favorite WWE Superstars at WWE Capitol Punishment live on pay-per-view.”
— It’s being rumored that WWE has offered Batista a contract to return to the organization.
— John Cena shots scenes for Fred The Movie 2 at last Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Greensboro, North Carolina. The film is schedule to premiere on Nickelodeon on Halloween.
Former WWE superstar Dave Batista won’t be making his professional mixed martial arts debut any time soon.
* VIDEO of BATISTA’s MMA Training: The Next Brock Lesnar?
A cameraman from TMZ.com caught up with Batista at the LAX airport over the weekend and asked him for an update on his MMA career. To see the video, click here.
Batista said he was negotiating with the Strikeforce MMA promotion to have his first fight soon, but that deal fell through after the company was recently bought out by the UFC.
Batista said he is “real disappointed” with the way things turned out says he really “had his heart set” on Strikeforce.
Could Batista’s MMA career getting knocked off track before it ever left the station – could we see his return to WWE this year?
COMMENT BELOW and tell us if you’d want to see Batista back in WWE.
Former WWE superstar Dave Batista has been hard at work building his acting career .. His latest project is called House Of the Rising Sun .. Here’s the official synopsis, courtesy of IMDB.com:
“Ray [Batista], a former crooked cop and ex-con is now working as a bouncer for the strip club “House of the Rising Sun”. Halloween evening, the nightclub is robbed and the mob boss/owner’s son is shot dead. Ray must get to the bottom of the robbery as both the mob and cops start to close in on him.”
The first video trailer for the film, set to be released on June 1st, has been released – check it out here:
