Batista might be enjoying life as Drax the Destroyer right now as Avengers: Infinity War continues to smash box office record all over the planet, but that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten about the company that put The Animal on the map.
If the WWE had it their way, then Batista would have been the headline inductee into the WWE Hall of Fame class of 2018. Instead, Batista revealed at the time that he had rejected the induction as he was hopeful of returning to the company one last time and have his retirement bout against Triple H at WrestleMania 35.
RETURN
As he continues to grow as a bigger name in Hollywood and the huge offers continue to fall on his plate, it’s going to grow increasingly difficult for the WWE to utilise him in an effective manner. Not only because more projects means he’s not going to be available for long, but also because of his age.
While you can say that the same can be said about The Rock and John Cena who have been used sporadically - especially the latter - they are both 45 and 41-years-old. In comparison, Batista will turn 50 early next year.
Although he had been approached about teaming up with Ronda Rousey to take on Triple H and Stephanie McMahon and WrestleMania 34 this year in New Orleans, his ambition to have this contest lead into a retirement clash with The Game saw him ‘ghosted’ by the company and replaced with Monday Night RAW general manager, Kurt Angle.
In that same interview with Chad Dukes of 106.7 The Fan, the former WWE Champion revealed that he won’t compete beyond 2019, regardless of whether WWE has plans for him or not.
RETIREMENT
According to IWNerd, he said: “I told them next year would be my last year. I’m turning 50 next year. I’d be willing to...I feel great.
“Physically, I’m in great shape. I’ve never let up on that. But I just don’t want to be the old guy in the ring and I don’t want to overstay my welcome.
“I just want to end my career the right way and next year will be the last opportunity, so if we can’t make something happen by next year, then I’m just gonna officially hang it up.”
The Animal is the epitome of hard work, and fully deserves all of the success he’s now getting in Hollywood. However, there’s no denying that he also deserves to go out the way he wants and if he wants Triple H, then the WWE should bend over backwards to use him in the best way possible for the very last time.
What do you make of Batista’s intentions to retire in 2019? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.