The first inductees to the WWE Hall of Fame have been announced today, with the ceremony due to take place on April 2.

Batista is joining nWo members "Hollywood" Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman for the big occasion. The ceremony will be held in Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida as part of WrestleMania 36 week.

Rumours about who would be inducted this year had been circling, and the news of the inductions were first reported by ESPN and People.

Batista made his name in the WWE by winning the World Championship six times throughout his distinguished career.

He had many memorable rivalries with famed superstars including John Cena, The Undertaker and Triple H.

Not always alone, "The Animal" was part of the revolutionary faction "Evolution" alongside Ric Flair, Randy Orton and Triple H.

The 50-year-old went on to successfully conquer Hollywood and has appeared in many films, the most recognisable being "Spectre", "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Avengers".

Batista appeared at the most recent WrestleMania when he competed against Triple H, in what was most likely his final match.

Paul Levesque (Triple H), WWE executive vice president had a glowing report of him, saying: "Batista was one of the fastest rising stars ever in WWE with an incredible list of accolades."

Joining Batista in the ceremony will be one of the most ground-breaking and controversial factions in sports entertainment history; the New World Order (nWo) led by Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall, Kevin Nash and Sean Waltman.

"The success of the nWo changed the course of sports-entertainment history," said Triple H about the faction.

With a unique style and captivating attitude, the nWo took WCW by storm and were integral to the brand's success in the historic Monday Night War.

They participated in many memorable rivalries with some of the biggest names in history, including Sting, Lex Luger and DDP (Diamond Dallas Page). This induction sees all four men become two-time WWE Hall of Fame entries.

"It is only fitting that they all take their rightful place in the WWE Hall of Fame," stated Levesque about the decision to enter Batista and the nWo.

The WWE Network will stream WrestleMania 36 live when it takes place on Sunday, April 5, from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay.