Batista remains one of the most cherished WWE superstars, maintaining his legendary status due to his widespread popularity. His bold decision to exit wrestling at his peak to pursue acting brought him notable success, with several blockbuster films showcasing his talent. For those who followed his wrestling journey, Batista’s memory endures through his impactful performances and engaging storylines, even though he wasn’t the most technical wrestler. Below are some of his standout matches that highlight his wrestling career.
At WrestleMania 21, while not a classic match technically, Batista proved he could rise to the occasion. WWE crafted a compelling narrative where Triple H, the dominant heel champion, manipulated Batista until he was ready to break free. Fans experienced a long-awaited moment when Batista triumphed over Triple H, marking one of the event’s highlights, driven by six months of storytelling.
In 2007, Batista’s rivalry with The Undertaker produced unforgettable matches, particularly the Last Man Standing match at Backlash, which involved brutal brawls beyond the ring. Despite an unusual draw ending, the combatants’ willingness to take the fight anywhere made the bout memorable.
When Batista returned to WWE in 2014, fans initially rejected him, which led to a heel turn during the WrestleMania 30 main event against Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton. The story celebrated Bryan’s underdog spirit, with Batista giving his all and famously submitting in one of wrestling’s most iconic finales.
The feud between Batista and The Undertaker extended through 2007, culminating in a Hell in a Cell match at Survivor Series. Both wrestlers thrived in this intense environment, with the match concluding dramatically with Edge’s return, keeping the rivalry alive into 2008.
Batista’s heel turn in 2014 also sparked the Evolution reunion, alongside Triple H and Randy Orton, to face off against The Shield at Extreme Rules. This match featured intense back-and-forth action, with Batista playing a dominant villain role that helped elevate the newer group.
In 2010, Batista announced he would wrestle full-time only through the first quarter, signaling a transition to acting. His feud with John Cena for the WWE Championship culminated in an epic Last Man Standing match at Extreme Rules, with Cena avenging previous losses and effectively ending Batista’s full-time wrestling run.
At WrestleMania 23, Batista challenged The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak as the World Champion. Considered a major threat, the match had fans on edge with its suspenseful finish, ultimately ending in one of The Undertaker’s signature victories, a moment still celebrated by Batista.
Batista’s 2005 World Heavyweight Championship win led to a trilogy of matches against Triple H, with their Hell in a Cell match being particularly significant. This bout cemented Batista’s place as one of WWE’s top faces while providing a thrilling conclusion to their rivalry.
Fan Take: Batista’s wrestling legacy is crucial for WWE as it bridges classic storytelling with contemporary flair, showing how impactful characters can shape the industry. His matches and career transitions inspire both current wrestlers and fans, emphasizing the enduring excitement of WWE’s evolving narrative.
