Dave Bautista has confirmed that WWE fans should not expect him to step back into the ring for any final matches as Batista. The former wrestling icon retired after his defeat to Triple H at WrestleMania 35 in 2019.
Renowned as one of the most popular wrestlers of his era, “The Animal” held the WWE World Championship six times. He was positioned as a top star alongside John Cena, leading to a memorable bout between them at WrestleMania 26.
John Cena is set to retire in December 2025, ending a remarkable career while reaffirming his commitment to stay retired from in-ring competition. Despite this, several wrestling legends like Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels have returned from retirement over the years.
When asked by his co-star Jason Momoa from “The Wrecking Crew” about a possible wrestling comeback, Bautista firmly responded with “No.” Even when Momoa inquired about just a single match, Bautista declined, emphasizing his decision to stay retired.
Since leaving WWE, Bautista has enjoyed substantial success in Hollywood, starring as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy and appearing in films such as Dune, Blade Runner 2049, and James Bond: Spectre. At 57, he is widely regarded as one of the most successful wrestlers-turned-actors, having consciously transformed his physique for his film career. Although he occasionally misses wrestling, he takes pride in the way he exited the sport, feeling honored every time he hears the WWE theme music.
Regarding WWE’s Mount Rushmore, a symbolic list of the greatest wrestlers ever, Bautista named Triple H, Ric Flair, John Cena, and The Undertaker. Batista himself was interviewed on this topic alongside some of his closest wrestling friends. Triple H, currently WWE’s Chief Content Officer, boasts 14 world title wins, while Ric Flair is celebrated as one of the all-time best performers and heels. John Cena further elevated the sport with a record 16 world titles by WrestleMania 41, and The Undertaker is legendary for his 21 consecutive WrestleMania wins, including his victory over Batista at WrestleMania 23. Stone Cold Steve Austin, emblematic of the WWE’s Attitude Era and famous for his epic rivalry with The Rock, also shaped Batista’s perception of wrestling greatness.
Fan Take:
Batista’s clear stance on retirement underscores the growing trend of wrestling legends choosing to preserve their legacy rather than repeatedly returning to the ring. For WWE fans, this signals the importance of embracing new talent while cherishing the unforgettable impact of past icons, shaping the sport’s future and honoring its storied history.
