Dave Batista 652402 225937716 2008-07-16T02:49:43Z All about wrestling 3044889 {{Infobox Wrestler |name=Dave Batista |names='''Batista'''<br />Dave Batista<br />Deacon Batista<br />Leviathan<br />Kahn<ref name=OWOW/> |image=Batistalive.jpg<!--Please don't replace this image with a fair use one. This image is free and free images are favored on Wikipedia. See "Wikipedia:Image use policy" for more information --> |img_capt=Batista at a [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]] [[house show|live event]] in [[Cincinnati, Ohio]]. |height={{height|ft=6|in=6}}<ref name="wwebio">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/batista/bio/|title=Batista Bio|accessdate=2007-12-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref><!-- Official WWE.com stats --> |weight={{convert|290|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}<ref name="wwebio"/><!-- Official WWE.com stats --> |birth_date ={{birth date and age|1969|01|18}} |death_date = |birth_place =[[Arlington County, Virginia|Arlington, Virginia]]<ref name=officialsite>{{cite web|url= http://www.demon-wrestling.com/pages/faq.php|title=FAQ's at official website |publisher=Demon-Wrestling.com|accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> |resides=[[Tampa, Florida]] |billed=[[Washington, D.C.]]<ref name="wwebio"/> |trainer=[[Afa Anoa'i]]<ref name=OWOW>{{citeweb|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/batista.html|accessdate=2008-07-15|title=Batista's Online World of Wrestling profile|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> |debut=1997 |retired= |website=[http://www.demon-wrestling.com Demon-Wrestling.com] }} '''David Michael Bautista, Jr.'''<ref>''Batista Unleashed'': pgs 6, </ref> (born [[January 18]] [[1969]]),<ref name="official">[http://www.demon-wrestling.com/pages/about.php About Batista at his official site]</ref> better known as '''Dave Batista''' or by the [[ring name]] '''Batista''', is an [[United States|American]] [[professional wrestling|professional wrestler]]. Batista is currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE), wrestling on its [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]]. Batista is a three-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Champion]] and the winner of the 2005 [[Royal Rumble#Royal Rumble match|Royal Rumble match]].<ref name="wwebio"/> ==Early life== Bautista is of [[Filipino people|Filipino]] and [[Greeks|Greek]] heritage. His year of birth was disputed for several years. His website originally listed him as being born in 1969, while several contradictory news reports claimed that he was actually born in 1966. In March 2006, Batista stated in an interview that he was born in 1969.<ref name=Age1>[http://www.wwe-germany.net/html/batista_interview_text.html Interview with WWE-Germany.net (in German)]</ref> He confirms the same in his autobiography "Batista Unleashed". ==Career== Batista tried out at the [[WCW Power Plant]] but was told he would never make it in the wrestling business by [[Dwayne Bruce|Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker]].<ref name="aboutcom">[http://prowrestling.about.com/od/thewrestlers/p/batista.htm About.com article on Batista]</ref> He then went to the WWF who sent him to work with [[Afa Anoa'i]]. He wrestled in Anoa'i's [[World Xtreme Wrestling|WXW]] [[professional wrestling promotion|promotion]] under the [[ring name|name]] '''Kahn'''.<ref name="aboutcom" /> ===Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000-2002)=== He made his [[Ohio Valley Wrestling]] debut in 2000, joining forces with Synn. During his tenure in OVW, he was called ''Leviathan''.<ref name=OWOW/> As a member of the Disciples of Synn [[List of professional wrestling slang#S|stable]] he went undefeated until being beaten at an OVW supercard, ''Christmas Chaos'' by WWF's [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]] (with help from [[Stone Cold Steve Austin|Steve Austin]]). He later went on to win the [[OVW Heavyweight Championship]] from 'The Machine' [[Doug Basham]].<ref name=OVWchamp>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestling-titles.com/us/ky/ovw/ovw-h.html#last|title=O.V.W. Heavyweight Title|accessdate=2007-07-19|publisher=Wrestling-Title.com}}</ref> After losing the belt to [[John Cena|The Prototype]], Batista left OVW for WWE. ===World Wrestling Entertainment=== ====Debut (2002)==== He began his WWE career on the May 9 2002 episode of [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]] as '''Deacon Bautista''',<ref name="aboutcom" /> a [[heel (professional wrestling)|heel]] [[enforcer (professional wrestling)|enforcer]] for [[Devon Hughes|Reverend D-Von]] on the ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' franchise.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - May 9, 2002 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020509.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista made his WWE in-ring debut in a tag match teaming with D-Von against [[Randy Orton]] and [[Ron Simmons|Faarooq]] with Batista pinning Orton after using his [[Professional wrestling throws#Spinebuster|spinebuster]].<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - June 27, 2002 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020627.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling |accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Over several weeks, Orton tried to beat D-Von and Bautista with different partners, but ultimately lost each time to Bautista's spinebuster. Bautista suffered his first loss in a match against [[Solofa Fatu|Rikishi]] after D-Von accidentally struck him with a punch, allowing Rikishi to take advantage and [[Pin (professional wrestling)|pin]] Bautista for the win. Bautista and D-Von started to argue over the forthcoming weeks, with Bautista eventually turning on D-Von.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - September 5, 2002 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/020905.html |publisher=Online World of Wrestling |accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> After splitting with D-Von, he signed with ''[[WWE Raw|Raw]]'' and was re-branded as '''Dave Batista''' (or simply '''Batista'''). He aligned himself with [[Ric Flair]]<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - November 18, 2002 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/021118.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> and [[feud (professional wrestling)|feuded]] with [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]], whom he defeated in his [[pay-per-view]] debut at [[Armageddon (2002)|Armageddon 2002]].<ref>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 112}}</ref> ====Evolution (2003-2004)==== In January 2003, Batista joined with [[Triple H]], [[Ric Flair]], and [[Randy Orton]] to form the [[List of professional wrestling slang#S|stable]] [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - January 27, 2003 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/030127.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling |accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista, however, was sidelined for much of 2003 after he tore his right [[Triceps brachii muscle|triceps]] at a [[house show]] in a tag team match against the [[Dudley Boyz]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Live Event - March 1, 2003 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/liveevent/030301r.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista re-tore his triceps while training and faced another setback when after his second surgery to reattach his triceps he suffered an infection that required a third surgery to clean out the infection. He made his return on the [[October 20]] [[2003]] episode of ''Raw'', interfering in a match between [[Bill Goldberg|Goldberg]] and [[Shawn Michaels]] and "shattering" Goldberg's ankle with a chair. After the interference, Evolution came out, and Triple H rewarded Batista with $100,000.<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - October 20, 2003 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/031020.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> On the November 10 episode of ''Raw'', Goldberg defeated Batista by disqualification when Triple H interfered.<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - November 10, 2003 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/031110.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> At [[WWE Armageddon#2003|Armageddon 2003]], Batista took part in two matches, losing to Shawn Michaels in a singles match but winning a [[Professional wrestling match types#Gauntlet match|tag team turmoil match]] along with Ric Flair, eliminating the Dudley Boyz to become one-half of the [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Champions]].<ref name=WT1>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/3044541321151|title=Batista and Ric Flair's World Tag Team Title reign|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref> By the end of the PPV, all four members of Evolution held every male championship on ''Raw'', with Triple H winning the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] and Randy Orton winning the [[WWE Intercontinental Championship]].<ref>{{cite news |author = PWI Staff |title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts |work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" |publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 114 |language = English}}</ref> They held the titles until the February 16 2004, episode of ''Raw'', when they were defeated by [[Booker Huffman|Booker T]] and [[Rob Van Dam]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - February 16, 2004 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040216.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> They later regained the titles for a short period.<ref name=WT2>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132142|title=Batista and Ric Flair's 2nd World Tag Team title reign|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name=WT2/><ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - March 22, 2004 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040322.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling |accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> After [[SummerSlam (2004)|SummerSlam 2004]], Batista began a losing streak which lasted most of the year. In late 2004, after Randy Orton defeated [[Chris Benoit]] for the World Heavyweight Championship,<ref>{{cite news |author = PWI Staff |title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated presents: 2007 Wrestling almanac & book of facts |work = "Wrestling’s historical cards" |publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 116 |language = English}}</ref> Triple H evicted him from the group, claiming that the title which Orton held was rightfully his. It was Batista who delivered an [[Professional wrestling throws#Electric chair drop|electric chair]] to Orton after Triple H gave Orton a "thumbs up" before turning it into a "thumbs down."<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - August 16, 2004 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/040816.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> At the [[Survivor Series (2004)|2004 Survivor Series]], Triple H, Batista, [[Gene Snitsky]], and [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] faced-off against [[Maven Huffman|Maven]], [[Chris Jericho]], Chris Benoit, and Randy Orton in an 8-Man Elimination Tag Match for control of ''Raw'' over the following month; the members of the winning team would each be the ''Raw'' [[Professional wrestling authority figures#Temporary/Honorary General Managers|general manager]] for a week. They lost,<ref>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 116-117}}</ref> causing unrest within Evolution.<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - December 6, 2004 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/041206.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Throughout the next two months, the relationship between Batista and Triple H began to deteriorate. After a loss to Chris Jericho by disqualification, Triple H verbally insulted Batista. Batista teased leaving Evolution that night, but declared that he was still part of Evolution and that they tricked everyone.<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - November 22, 2004 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/041122.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Still, Dave began behaving more like a [[face (professional wrestling)|face]] in the next few weeks, despite Evolution's [[heel (professional wrestling)|heelish]] tactics. One particular moment saw Batista express disgust as Triple H and Ric Flair boasted about how they had intimidated and/or beat up [[Jim Ross]], [[Daniel Allen Hodge|Danny Hodge]], and [[Stacy Keibler]]. He continued to show his loyalty to Triple H and Evolution by running down to the ring and assisting them in matches. ====World Heavyweight Champion / Injury (2005)==== [[Image:David-Michael-Bautista-denis-apel-edited.jpg|right|thumb|200px|Batista during his first [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] reign]] As 2005 began, Triple H realized the possibility of Batista, much like Randy Orton the year before, becoming a threat to his World Heavyweight Championship. Triple H suggested that Dave not enter the [[Royal Rumble (2005)|Royal Rumble]], claiming that it would be selfish of him to do so, and to simply focus on Triple H retaining the title. Dave entered anyway and went on to win the Royal Rumble, last eliminating [[John Cena]], earning the right to participate in the main event of [[WrestleMania 21]] against the World Champion of his choice.<ref name=pwi117>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 117}}</ref> In an attempt to persuade Batista to challenge [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Layfield|John "Bradshaw" Layfield]] rather than him, Triple H concocted a scheme to have Batista [[Hit and run (vehicular)|run over]] in a [[limousine]] resembling the one used by Layfield. Initially, Dave did not want help from Evolution and wanted to confront JBL by himself. Triple H insisted that Evolution stick together and accompanied Dave anyway, saving him from the oncoming vehicle.<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - February 14, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050214.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista became aware of the plot while sneakily eavesdropping on fellow Evolution members and signed a [[contract]] guaranteeing him a match with World Champion Triple H at WrestleMania 21, thus leaving Evolution and officially turning face for the first time in WWE. Batista initially pretended that he would sign with ''SmackDown!'', giving Triple H and Flair the "thumbs up," but turned it into a "thumbs down" before attacking the pair. He emphasized his departure by [[powerbomb]]ing Triple H through the table used for the contract signing.<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - February 21, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050221.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista went on to win the World Heavyweight Championship on [[April 3]] at WrestleMania 21.<ref name="wwebio"/><ref name=pwi117/> Since this event, he has used the infamous "thumbs up, thumbs down" gesture before he performs the Batista Bomb on his opponent. Batista once again faced Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Backlash (2005)|Backlash]]. He retained the title but continued to [[feud (professional wrestling)|feud]] with Triple H.<ref name="PS131">{{cite news|title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 131 |work = "WrestleMania rerun" (Backlash 2005) |publisher = SW Publishing |date= 2005-05-21 |pages = 32-33 |language = English}}</ref> Along the way, he even helped commentator [[Jim Ross]] gain an upset victory over Triple H on ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - April 18, 2005 Results|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050418.html |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> After Batista retained his title against [[Adam Copeland|Edge]], he was betrayed by Ric Flair, who helped Triple H viciously attack the champion as Triple H challenged Batista to a [[Hell in a Cell]] match at [[Vengeance (2005)|Vengeance]].<ref>{{cite news|title=RAW - May 23, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/raw/050523.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista survived the [[Facebuster#Double underhook facebuster|pedigree]] and won the match at Vengeance, retaining his title yet again.<ref name=pwi118>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 118}}</ref> With this win, Batista became the first wrestler to pin Triple H in a [[Hell in a Cell]] match.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/vengeance/history/vengeance2005/mainevent/|title=Vengeance 2005 Main Event|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]] |accessdate=2007-11-13}}</ref> On [[June 30]], Batista was revealed as the last pick in the [[WWE Draft Lottery#2005 (Draft Lottery: Raw and SmackDown!)|2005 WWE Draft Lottery]]; he made a surprise appearance while John "Bradshaw" Layfield was celebrating his victory in a six-man elimination match to win the new ''SmackDown!'' Championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - June 30, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050630.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> JBL and Batista faced off at the [[WWE The Great American Bash#2005|Great American Bash]] on [[July 24]] where JBL defeated Batista by DQ after the referee saw Batista use a steel chair.<ref name=pwi118/> They had a rematch at [[SummerSlam (2005)|SummerSlam]] on [[August 21]] in a No-Holds-Barred match in which Batista pinned JBL following a powerbomb on the steel steps.<ref name=pwi118/> The feud culminated in a match between the two on the first episode of ''SmackDown!'' broadcast after the show moved to Friday nights, with Batista retaining the title in JBL's signature bull rope match.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - September 9, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/050909.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Soon after retaining the title in a feud with [[Eddie Guerrero]],<ref name=pwi118/> WWE.com reported that Batista suffered a muscle tear in his back at the taping for the [[November 11]] edition of ''SmackDown!'' due to a double chokeslam from [[Paul Wight|Big Show]] and [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]].<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - November 11, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051111.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Plans had been made for Batista to defend the title in a triple threat match with Eddie Guerrero and Randy Orton on the [[November 18]] episode, but the match did not take place due to the unexpected death of Eddie Guerrero on November 13, the date of the taping. Batista paid homage to Eddie Guerrero during the ''SmackDown!'' and ''Raw'' tribute shows dedicated to Guerrero's memory.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - November 18, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051118.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista led Team ''SmackDown!'' against Team ''Raw'' in an inter-brand feud before [[Survivor Series (2005)|Survivor Series]]. The feud saw the Big Show and Kane chokeslamming Batista several more times in the weeks leading up to Survivor Series in an on-camera explanation for Batista's injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - November 25, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051125.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista ultimately helped his team win the Survivor Series main event.<ref name=pwi119>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 119}}</ref> After Batista saved [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] from a double team attack by ''Raw's'' reigning [[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Champions]], Big Show and Kane,<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - December 2, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051202.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> it was announced that Mysterio would team with Batista to face the Big Show and Kane at [[Armageddon (2005)|Armageddon]], a ''SmackDown!'' exclusive pay-per-view. On the [[December 16]] edition of ''SmackDown!'', Batista and Mysterio defeated [[WWE Tag Team Championship|WWE Tag Team Champions]]<ref name=WWEtag>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/wwetag/1806054|title=Batista and Rey Mysterio's WWE Tag Team Title reign|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref> [[MNM]] to become champions in a match they dedicated to Eddie Guerrero,<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - December 16, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051216.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> and the clash with the Big Show and Kane at Armageddon turned into a Champions vs. Champions encounter. Batista and Mysterio lost to Kane and Big Show at Armageddon when Kane pinned Mysterio after a chokeslam,<ref name=pwi119/> and two weeks later on ''SmackDown!'', MNM defeated Batista and Mysterio after help from the returning [[Mark Henry]] to regain the WWE Tag Team Championships. During the interference, Henry attacked Batista, and performed his [[Powerslam#Falling slam|''World's Strongest Slam'']].<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - December 30, 2005 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/051230.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref>The teams met again in a cage match that Henry also became involved in, and Batista and Rey were defeated again. ====Return from injury (2006)==== On January 9, WWE.com announced that Batista tore his right triceps following a match with Mark Henry at a live event on [[January 8]] in [[Verona, New York]]. The following day, WWE.com announced that, due to his injury, Batista was forced to vacate the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] at the ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]'' tapings in [[Philadelphia]] on [[January 10]] (aired on [[January 13]]), two days after surpassing Triple H's previous mark of 280 days for [[List of World Heavyweight Championship (WWE) reigns by length|longest reigning champion]]. Later that night, [[Kurt Angle]] won a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|battle royal]] to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.<ref name="Almanac">{{cite news |first = Hicks |last = Brady |title = 2006: The year in wrestling |work =2007 Wrestling Almanac and Book of Facts |publisher = Kappa Publications |id = 2007 Edition |page = 16 |accessdate = 2007-07-11}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2006 |work = Arena Reports |publisher = Kappa Publishing |year = 2006 |month= May |page = 130}}</ref> Dave went on to have successful surgery on his arm on [[January 12]]. Batista made an appearance at [[No Way Out (2006)|No Way Out]] and told the crowd that once his arm had healed he would return to regain his World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name=pwi119/> At [[WrestleMania 22]], he interrupted a Randy Orton interview, putting ''SmackDown!'' on notice; the World Heavyweight Championship would return to him by [[WrestleMania 23]].<ref name="PS142">{{cite news |author = Hurley, Oliver |title = Power Slam Magazine, issue 142 |work = "WrestleMania In Person” (WrestleMania 22) |publisher = SW Publishing. |date= 2006-04-20 |pages = 16 – 19}}</ref> Batista made his official return during the [[July 7]] edition of ''SmackDown!'' in Philadelphia immediately calling out and entering into a feud with the man who put him out with the arm injury, Mark Henry.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - July 7, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060707.html |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> At ''[[WWE Saturday Night's Main Event results#Saturday Night's Main Event XXXIII|Saturday Night's Main Event]]'', Batista won his first televised match since his return, a six man tag match with [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] and [[Bobby Lashley|Lashley]] taking on [[Booker Huffman|King Booker]], [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], and Mark Henry. In a bizarre twist of fate, Mark Henry was legitimately injured and was ruled out of the scheduled match between the two at [[WWE The Great American Bash#2006|The Great American Bash]], thus further delaying a potential feud between the two after being delayed by Batista's initial injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saturday Night's Main Event - July 15, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/snme/060715.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista put out an open challenge to replace the injured Henry, which was answered by [[Mr. Kennedy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - July 21, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060721.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista lost this match via DQ for failing to stop choking Mr. Kennedy into the turnbuckle with his boot, but continued to attack Kennedy resulting in a laceration on his forehead so severe that it exposed his cranium and required 20 stitches to close.<ref>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 121}}</ref> Batista lost another match with Kennedy via count out in a rematch on ''SmackDown!''<ref>{{cite news |title=SmackDown - July 28, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060728.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> before finally defeating Kennedy by pinfall on the [[August 4]] edition of ''SmackDown!''.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - August 4, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060804.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> During this time Batista tried to regain a world title, facing both [[Paul Wight|the Big Show]] for his [[ECW Championship]] during an [[Extreme Championship Wrestling (WWE)|ECW show]],<ref>{{cite news|title=ECW on SciFi - August 1, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/ecw-wwe/060801.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> and [[Booker Huffman|King Booker]] for his World Heavyweight Championship during [[SummerSlam (2006)|SummerSlam]] and ''SmackDown!''. Batista won these matches but not the title as the contests ended via disqualification.<ref>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 121-122}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - September 8, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/060908.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> ====World Champion again (2006-2007)==== Batista remained a top contender to the World Title, competing against King Booker on several occasions while feuding with Finlay,<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - November 10, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/061110.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> before finally defeating King Booker to regain the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Survivor Series (2006)|Survivor Series]] at Philadelphia's [[Wachovia Center]].<ref name="wwebio"/> Ironically, the win occurred at the same arena where he surrendered the title in January.<ref>{{cite news|title =2007 Wrestling Almanac & Book of Facts |work =Wrestling’s Historical Cards|publisher = Kappa Publishing |date= 2007 |pages = 122}}</ref> At the beginning of the new year, Batista successfully retained the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] against Mr. Kennedy at the [[Royal Rumble (2007)|Royal Rumble]].<ref>{{cite news|title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, May 2007|work = "Arena reports" |publisher = Kappa Publishing |year = 2007|month = June |pages = 130}}</ref> Two months later at [[WrestleMania 23]], Batista lost the championship to the winner of the Royal Rumble match, [[The Undertaker]].<ref>{{cite news |author = McElvaney, Kevin |title = Pro Wrestling Illustrated, July 2007|work = WrestleMania 23|publisher = Kappa Publishing |year = 2007|month = June |pages = 74-101}}</ref> They continued to battle over the title to a stalemate in a subsequent [[professional wrestling match types#Last Man Standing match|Last Man Standing match]] at [[Backlash (2007)|Backlash]]<ref>{{cite news|title=Backlash 2007 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/backlash07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> and a [[professional wrestling match types#Cages|Steel Cage Match]] on the [[May 11]] episode of ''SmackDown!''. Following the latter, [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] took advantage and won the title from the Undertaker by using his [[Money in the Bank ladder match|Money in the Bank]] title opportunity.<ref>{{cite news|title=SmackDown - May 11, 2006 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/070511.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Afterwards, Batista challenged Edge unsuccessfully for the World Heavyweight Championship at [[Judgment Day (2007)|Judgment Day]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Judgment Day 2007 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/judgementday07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> [[One Night Stand (2007)|One Night Stand]] in a [[professional wrestling match types#Cages|Steel Cage Match]],<ref>{{cite news|title=One Night Stand 2007 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/ecwonenightstand07.html |publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> and [[Vengeance: Night of Champions|Vengeance]]. The loss at Vengeance stipulated that Batista could no longer get another chance at the World Heavyweight Championship while Edge remained champion.<ref>{{cite news|title=Vengeance 2007 Results |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/wweppv/vengeance07.html|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=2007-07-08 }}</ref> Batista accepted an open challenge from [[The Great Khali]] for [[The Great American Bash (2007)|The Great American Bash]]. Edge relinquished the title due to an injury the week before the PPV, and Khali became the new World Heavyweight Champion, winning a [[Battle royal (professional wrestling)|Battle Royal]] and eliminating Batista. Batista and [[Glen Jacobs|Kane]], Edge's title opponent, faced Khali at The Great American Bash in a [[professional wrestling match types#Basic non-elimination matches|triple threat match]] where Khali retained the title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/july/2007.htm|title=The Great American Bash 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Batista received a disqualification victory against Khali at [[SummerSlam (2007)|Summerslam]] after Khali used a steel chair, thus retaining the title again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam07/matches/39000883/results/|title=Punjabi robbery|author=Louie Dee|accessdate=2007-09-19|date=2007-08-26|publisher=WWE.com}}</ref> Batista finally claimed his third World Heavyweight Championship after eight consecutive attempts, by defeating Khali in a match that included [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]].<ref name="wwebio"/><ref name=Un07>{{citeweb|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/unforgiven/matches/48366501/results1/|last=DeFino|first=Lennie|title=Destined for gold|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]|accessdate=2008-07-15|date=2007-09-16}}</ref> His first challenge was from the Great Khali in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Punjabi Prison match|Punjabi Prison Match]] at [[No Mercy (2007)|No Mercy]] where Batista retained his title despite Khali having the majority of the offense. He won the match by leaping from the inner bamboo structure to the outer one, shortening his escape route and beating Khali to the floor.<ref>[http://www.wwe.com/shows/nomercy/matches/52672881/results/ WWE: TV Shows > No Mercy > Matches > Match Results<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> After the return of the [[The Undertaker]] at [[Unforgiven (2007)|Unforgiven]], the duo re-ignited their feud at [[Cyber Sunday (2007)|Cyber Sunday]] where the fans chose [[professional wrestling match types#Special referee|Guest Referee]] [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]. Batista won via two Batista Bombs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cybersunday/matches/5267610/results/|title=Cyber Sunday 2007 Results|accessdate=2007-12-01|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}}</ref> The feud continued with a [[Hell in a Cell]] match at [[Survivor Series (2007)|Survivor Series]]. During the match, [[Adam Copeland|Edge]] returned and interfered by giving Undertaker a [[Professional wrestling double-team maneuvers#Con-chair-to|con-chair-to]]. He then pulled an [[unconsciousness|unconscious]] Batista on top of Undertaker for the pinfall to retain the [[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Louie|last=Dee|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/matches/4334964/results/|title=On the Edge of Hell|accessdate=2007-11-19|date=2007-11-18|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Unfortunately for Batista, this was a sign of things to come. At [[Armageddon (2007)|Armageddon]], Edge would be entered into a [[professional wrestling match types#Triple Threat Match|Triple Threat Match]], alongside The Undertaker, to challenge for Batista's World Heavyweight title. This event would lead to the end of Batista's third reign as champion, after Edge managed to score the pinfall and claim the World Championship. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/armageddon/matches/554660422/results/|title=Edge's "three-meditated" attack to perfection|accessdaymonthyear=17-12-2007|publisher=WWE}}</ref> ====2008==== After [[Shawn Michaels]] defeated [[Ric Flair]] at [[WrestleMania XXIV]],<ref>{{cite web|first=Bryan|last=Robinson|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/matches/6464438/results/|title=The End|accessdate=2008-06-25|date=2008-03-30|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Batista began a feud with Michaels, calling him selfish and egotistical. The two faced off at [[Backlash (2008)|Backlash]] with [[Chris Jericho]] as the [[Professional wrestling match types#Special referee|guest referee]]. Michaels won after faking a knee injury and performing [[Superkick|Sweet Chin Music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/april/2008.htm|title=WWE Backlash 2008|accessdate=2008-06-16|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> Batista then defeated Michaels at [[One Night Stand (2008)|One Night Stand]] in a [[Professional wrestling match types#Container-based variations|stretcher match]], thus ending their feud.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/june/2008-01.htm|title=WWE One Night Stand 2008|accessdate=2008-06-16|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref> On June 23, Batista was drafted from [[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]] to the [[WWE Raw|Raw]] [[WWE Brand Extension|brand]] during the [[2008 WWE Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/results/|title=A Draft Disaster|last=Sitterson|first=Aubrey|date=2008-06-23|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]|accessdate=2008-06-25}}</ref><!-- DO NOT ADD WEEK BY WEEK EVENTS, RUMOURS OR SPECULATION. THIS INCLUDES ANNOUNCED MATCHES THAT HAVE NOT YET OCCURRED. WIKIPEDIA IS NOT A NEWS SITE BUT AN ONLINE ENCYCLOPAEDIA. Please see the articles "Wikipedia:What Wikipedia is not" and "Wikipedia:Guide to writing better articles" for more information. --> ==In wrestling== {{Image stack |align=right |image_size=200 |image1=BatistaBomb.jpg |image1_cap=Batista delivering his finishing move, the ''[[Powerbomb#Sitout powerbomb|Batista Bomb]]'', to [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]]. |image2=Dave Batista - Spinebuster.jpg |image2_cap=Batista delivering a [[Professional wrestling throws#Spinebuster|Spinebuster]] to [[Adam Copeland|Edge]]. }} *'''Finishing and signature moves''' *'''As Batista''' <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> **'''''Batista Bomb'''''<ref name="wwebio"/> ([[Powerbomb#Sitout powerbomb|Sitout powerbomb]]) **'''[[Professional wrestling attacks#Spear|Spear]]''' **'''[[Professional wrestling throws#Spinebuster|Spinebuster]]'''<ref name=Un07/> <!--Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style--> **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Big boot|Big boot]] **[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving shoulder block|Diving shoulder block]] **[[Powerslam#Front powerslam|Front powerslam]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wrestlemania23/matches/3916184/results/|title=The streak lives on for The Deadman|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]|accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref> **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Turnbuckle thrust|Repeated turnbuckle thrusts]] **[[Professional wrestling attacks#Clothesline|Running clothesline]]<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.wwe.com/shows/newyearsrevolution/history/2005/mainevent/|title=New Year's Revoulution 2005 Main Event|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]]|accessdate=2008-07-15}}</ref> **[[Powerslam#Spinning side slam|Spinning side slam]] **[[Powerslam#Suplex powerslam|Suplex powerslam]] *'''As Leviathan''' **'''''Demon Bomb''''' ([[Powerbomb#Sitout powerbomb|Sitout powerbomb]]) **'''[[Powerbomb#Spin-out powerbomb|Modified spin-out powerbomb]]''' *'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]''' **Synn **[[Devon Hughes|Reverend D-Von]] **[[Ric Flair]] **[[Triple H]] *'''[[Nickname]]s''' **"The Demon" - as Leviathan **"The Demon of the Deep" - as Leviathan **"Guardian of [[The Gates of Hell]]" - as Leviathan **"Big Dave" **'''"The Animal"''' / "Evolution's Animal" *'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]''' **"Voodoo" by [[Godsmack]] - with Synn ([[Ohio Valley Wrestling|OVW]])<ref name=officialsite/> **"[[WWE Anthology#Now!|Eyes of Righteousness]]" by [[Jim Johnston (composer)|Jim Johnston]] - with [[Devon Hughes|Reverend D-Von]] **"[[WWE ThemeAddict: The Music, Vol. 6|Line in the Sand]]" by [[Motörhead]] - while part of [[Evolution (professional wrestling)|Evolution]] **'''"[[WWE Wreckless Intent|I Walk Alone]]"''' by [[Saliva (band)|Saliva]]<ref name=officialsite/> - used since June 2005 *'''Signature Taunts''' **Batista enters and crouches slightly as if he was seated and holds his hands out like he is holding a large, mounted [[gatling gun]]. He then pretends to fire the [[pantomime]]d weapon as his [[pyrotechnics|pyro]] goes off to follow suit. **Batista has used a "thumbs up, thumbs down" gesture before delivering the Batista Bomb ever since his [[WrestleMania 21]] match against [[Triple H]]. This is a reference to the gesture Triple H used against [[Randy Orton]] when he kicked Orton out of Evolution (leading to a brutal assault). Batista took this gesture from Triple H when he feigned signing to ''[[WWE Friday Night SmackDown|SmackDown!]]''.<ref name=thumbsup>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/history/wm21/|title=Batista - WrestleMania 21|accessdate=2008-06-25|date=2005-04-03|publisher=WWE}}</ref> Before doing his "thumbs up, thumbs down", he often shakes the ring ropes violently which he has acknowledged he took from the [[Warrior (wrestler)|Ultimate Warrior]].<ref name=ropeshake>{{cite web|url=http://sports.ign.com/articles/635/635699p3.html|title=Batista: Animal Unleashed|accessdate=2008-06-25|publisher=[[IGN]]}}</ref> **Batista frequently bangs his head or chest with his open hand, usually his left. Frequently this is used to illustrate his animosity, thus earning him the nickname ''The Animal''. ==Championships and accomplishments== [[Image:Batista with World Heavyweight Championship.jpg|right|thumb|Batista during his second World Heavyweight Championship reign]] *'''[[Ohio Valley Wrestling]]''' **[[OVW Heavyweight Championship]] ([[OVW Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name=OVWchamp/> *'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]''' **[[PWI Most Improved Wrestler of the Year]] (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiimp.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Most Improved Wrestler of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-19|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref> **[[PWI Wrestler of the Year]] (2005)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwiwoty.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Award Winners - Wrestler of the Year|accessdate=2007-07-19|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref> **PWI ranked him # '''1''' of the 500 best singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated|PWI 500]] in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.100megsfree4.com/wiawrestling/pages/pwi/pwi50005.htm|title=Wrestling Information Archive - Pro Wrestling Illustrated Top 500 - 2005|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=Pro Wrestling Illustrated}}</ref> *'''[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]''' **[[World Heavyweight Championship (WWE)|World Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of World Heavyweight Champions (WWE)|3 times]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/304454142|title=Batista's first World Heavyweight title reign|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/243931811|title=Batista's second World Heavyweight Title reign|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/50797501|title=Batista's third World Heavyweight title reign|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="wwebio"/> **[[World Tag Team Championship (WWE)|World Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of World Tag Team Champions (WWE)|2 times]])<ref name=WT1/><ref name=WT2>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldtagteam/304454132142|title=Batista and Ric Flair's 2nd World Tag Team title reign|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref name="wwebio"/> - with [[Ric Flair]] **[[WWE Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of WWE Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref name=WWEtag/><ref name="wwebio"/> - with [[Rey Mysterio, Jr.|Rey Mysterio]] **[[Royal Rumble]] ([[Royal Rumble (2005)|2005]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwwew.net/ppv/wwf/january/2005.htm|title=Royal Rumble 2005 Results|accessdate=2007-09-19|publisher=PWWEW.net}}</ref><ref name="wwebio"/> *'''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards]]''' **[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Feud of the Year|Feud of the Year]] (2005) <small>vs. [[Triple H]]</small> **Feud of the Year (2007) <small>vs. [[The Undertaker]]</small> ==Controversy== ===Criticism of WWE/TNA=== In 2005, Batista gave two controversial interviews to the [[United Kingdom|British]] [[tabloid]] [[newspaper]] ''[[The Sun]]''. In the first interview, Batista, then wrestling on the Raw brand of WWE, criticized SmackDown!, stating, "I've watched their tapings live and it seems like a lot of the guys couldn't care less. There's a lack of passion and pride."<ref name=Sun1>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003560001-2005031802,00.html|title=Batista's bombshells|accessdate=2008-06-25|publisher=The Sun}}</ref> In the second interview, Batista acknowledged that his statements had attracted considerable [[Heat (professional wrestling)|backstage heat]] from members of the SmackDown! brand. He then went on to claim, "there are guys on both shows who are lazy, couldn't care less and show no dedication." He then criticized rival wrestling promotion [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]], claiming, "I've also seen clips of their car wreck matches with [[A.J. Styles]] doing his stunts. That's not wrestling. Wrestling is storytelling."<ref name=Sun2>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2003560001-2005031802,00.html|title=Audience with The Animal|accessdate=2008-06-25|publisher=The Sun}}</ref> In April 2006, Styles responded to Batista's comments, quipping, "I think it's funny that a guy who takes a [[Bump (professional wrestling)|bump]] and tears his back tells me that I don't know how to wrestle."<ref name=Styles>{{cite web|url=http://prowrestlingdaily.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=3471|title=A.J. Styles Speaks Out: Batista...|accessdate=2008-06-25|publisher=Pro Wrestling Daily}}</ref> ===Backstage problems=== Batista's backstage problems continued at a [[SummerSlam (2006)|2006 SummerSlam]] pay-per-view commercial shoot. It was reported that Batista got into a real-life fistfight with [[Booker Huffman|Booker T]]. The incident was reported on WWE.com, with both men telling their sides of the story. The fight was believed to stem from the idea that Batista considered himself to be better than the rest of the roster due to his main event status and relatively quick climb to achieve it. It is believed that Batista provoked the fight, though Booker appeared to get the upper hand until they were pulled apart by [[John Layfield|JBL]], [[Kurt Angle]], [[Dave Finlay|Finlay]], and various others at which time Batista landed a punch on Booker that caused considerable swelling. Booker swore revenge, but the two seemingly put it behind them.<ref>[http://www.insidepulse.com/articles/48878 ''Booker and Batista fistfight'']</ref> ===Steroid allegations=== In August 2007, Batista was accused of [[anabolic steroid]] use after an [[ESPN]] article released the names of wrestlers that were clients of Signature Pharmacy of [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], one of many pharmacies under investigation for filling [[wiktionary:illegal#adjective|illegal]] [[prescription drug|prescriptions]].<ref>[http://www.pwmania.com/newsarticle.php?page=190520875 ''Batista is one of the names released by ESPN as a client of Signature of Orlando.'']</ref> Batista released a statement denying ESPN's allegations and was reportedly furious over the report. He denied ever being a customer of Signature and stated that he has been "tested regularly by the WWE, and I am in full compliance with the WWE Wellness Program."<ref>[http://www.headlineplanet.com/base/articles/1188883918.html ''Batista publicly denies steroid allegations.'']</ref> The WWE reportedly suspended ten wrestlers named in the controversy, though Batista was not one of them.<ref>[http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=2998062 ''WWE suspends 10 for 'wellness policy' violations - Original ESPN report'']</ref> ==Personal life== Batista's father, David Michael Bautista, is Filipino and his mother, Donna Raye Bautista, a [[lesbian]],<ref name=BioPreview>[http://www.pwheadlines.com/WWE_News/preview_of_batista_s_book_grandfather_marriage_more.shtml Preview of "Batista Unleased"]</ref> is Greek. His grandparents were also from the Philippines as his grandfather served in the military, worked as a taxi driver, barber, and other odd jobs to feed the family. Batista says he is not ashamed to admit he came from a [[poverty|poor family]].<ref name=Manilla2>[http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/sept/16/yehey/life/20060916lif5.html Pinoy hospitality tames the Animal]</ref> He has publicly admitted to having a hard life where, as before he was age nine, three murders occurred at his front lawn.<ref name=BioPreview/> As young as age 13, he was [[Motor vehicle theft|stealing automobiles]].<ref name=Manilla>[http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=goodLife02_sept23_2006 Who's afraid of Batista?]</ref> By age 17, Batista was considered estranged from his parents and on his own,<ref name=WWESS1>[http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/archive/batista1 WWE Summerslam Interview]</ref> despite admitting later that "I am proud of my parents. They are good, honest, hard-working folks. They taught me the values of working hard."<ref name=Manilla/> Batista became a regular [[Bouncer (doorman)|bouncer]] for clubs until he was [[arrest]]ed after a fight that left two badly injured patrons, one of which could be found lying in the street.<ref name=WWESS1/> After a [[Trial (law)|trial]], Batista was sentenced to a years' [[probation]].<ref name=WWESS1/> Batista was also a [[lifeguard]]<ref name=BioPreview/> before he had dreams of becoming a [[bodybuilding|bodybuilder]].<ref name=WWESS1/> He credits bodybuilding as possibly saving his life.<ref name=BioPreview/> Batista was married to a woman named Glenda in the early 1990s and had two daughters with her, Keilani (born in 1990) and Athena (born in 1992) before divorcing.<ref>''Batista Unleashed'': pgs 43, 44</ref><ref>''Batista Unleashed'': pg 43</ref> Batista married his second wife Angie on [[October 13]], [[1998]], however they divorced in 2006. Before the age of 40, Batista had already become a grandfather of two grandsons: Jacob & Aiden by Keilani, his first daughter.<ref> ''Batista Unleashed'': pgs 212, 235, 238</ref><ref name=BioPreview/> During his marriage with Angie, Batista became an avid collector of vintage metal [[lunch box|lunchbox]]es. He admits his favorite is the 1967 [[The Green Hornet|Green Hornet]] lunch box, as it has [[Bruce Lee]] on it.<ref>[http://sports.ign.com/articles/635/635699p3.html Interview at IGN.com]</ref> This collection started when he bought Angie an [[E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial|ET]] lunchbox and she did not want to break it, so he bought a second one.<ref name=lunchbox>[http://sports.ign.com/articles/635/635699p3.html ''Batista: Animal Unleashed'']</ref> Batista revealed that he and Angie were separated in the August 2006 edition of ''[[WWE Magazine]]''.<ref>'''"WWE Magazine"''', August 2006, ''"Animal's House"'' pp. 54-58. (English)</ref> He later revealed, in his autobiography, a relationship with WWE Diva [[Melina Perez|Melina]] after the divorce from his wife in 2006, which led to a brief [[List of professional wrestling slang#A|angle]] on ''SmackDown!'' during a feud with [[MNM]].<ref>{{cite book|title=Batista Unleashed (p.263)|author=Dave Bautista and Jeremy Roberts|date=October 2007|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|isbn=1416544100}}</ref> Shortly after, he dated [[WWE Diva Search#2006|2006 Diva Search]] contestant [[Rebecca DiPietro]]<ref>[http://www.wrestlinginc.com/v2/wi/stc/nws/2006/12/2/21249.shtml ''Batista and Rebecca DiPietro'']</ref> before resuming a relationship with Melina.<ref>[http://www.charleston.net/news/2007/nov/25/batistas_climb_top_took_toll/ Book chronicles Batistas highs and lows]</ref> On [[October 16]], [[2007]] his autobiography "''Batista Unleashed"'', a WWE Book, was released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wweshop.com/Product_detail.asp?cat=cat-Batista-TOP5&productId=77-00101|title=Batista Unleashed Hardcover Book|accessdate=2007-10-16|publisher=WWESHOP.COM}}</ref> In an interview about the book, Batista claims "I didn't want to tell my story unless it was honest," and that "you have to go through three sets of lawyers: Simon & Schuster lawyers, WWE lawyers, my lawyers. Everything now being the way it is, you can be sued for the simplest thing."<ref name=Bookinterview>[http://www.miamiherald.com/675/v-print/story/290473.html Batista's Book Speaks Volumes 10/31/2007]</ref> One source of controversy was the mentioning of [[Chris Benoit]], who was almost completely removed due to [[Chris Benoit double murder and suicide|controversy]]. Batista responded saying "I loved the guy. I despise what he did, but that doesn't erase him from my life. I fought to keep him in there and glad they did."<ref name=Bookinterview/> When asked about his ex-wife, Angie, he says "[we] have really become close again, which we really haven't been in years. I really learned a lot about her, and she learned a lot about me from reading the book. She actually saw things from a different perspective from reading the book. So that was definitely therapeutic."<ref name=Bookinterview/> He has numerous [[tattoo]]s, including a large Chinese [[dragon]] on his back, red [[Kanji]] lettering on his upper left biceps which says "[[Angel]]" in tribute to his former wife Angie, a signature design on his upper right biceps, and a small [[Sun]] on his stomach which encircles his belly button.<ref>[http://www.angelfire.com/me4/wrestlertattoos/wwf.html#DB Tattoos of Wrestlers (under Deacon Bautista)]</ref> He recently added a tattoo on his arm of the flags of the Philippines and Greece merged into one.<ref name=Manilla/> ==Other media== In addition to wrestling, Bautista has been in several commercials and on several magazine covers. He was shown [[breakdance|breakdancing]] in a commercial promoting [[SummerSlam (2004)|WWE SummerSlam 2004]] where he did his take on a "floor routine", a routine that arguably mocked the floor routines shown at the [[Olympic Games]].<ref> DVD - WWE Summerslam 2004 - Extras</ref> He was also on the cover of the April 2005 [[Flex (magazine)|Flex Magazine]]<ref>[http://www.getbig.com/magazine/flex/flex0504.htm GetBig.com article about Flex Magazine April 2005]</ref> and [[Muscle & Fitness]] for September 2008.<ref>[http://www.lordsofpain.net/news/2008/articles/1214323781.php] </ref> Moreover, Bautista has acted and has guest starred in several television shows as both himself and in-character as Batista. He guest starred in the eighth episode of [[Smallville (season 6)|Season 6]] of the American [[drama]], [[action genre|action]]/[[adventure]] television series ''[[Smallville (TV series)|Smallville]]''; he plays an extraterrestrial alien named Aldar that escaped from the [[Phantom Zone]], who sucks the bones out of people for nourishment.<ref name=Smallville1>[http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/batistasmallville ''The Animal tames Smallville'']</ref><ref name=Smallville2>[http://www.wrestlezone.com/article.php?articleid=160197042 ''More detail on Batista's role in Smallville'']</ref> Along with [[John Cena]] and [[Ashley Massaro]], Bautista appeared representing WWE on an episode of ''[[Extreme Makeover: Home Edition]]'' in January 2007, giving the kids of the family whose house was renovated WWE merchandise and eight tickets to [[WrestleMania 23]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/homemakeover |title=WWE Superstars aid family’s “Extreme Makeover” |last=Hunt |first=Jen |coauthors=Mike McAvennie |accessdate=2007-08-02 |publisher=WWE.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite video |title= John Cena, Batista, and Ashley on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition |url= http://www.wwe.com/content/media/video/specialty_clips/wwehomemakeover |medium= WMV |publisher= WWE.com |accessdate= 2007-08-01}}</ref> On November 5, 2007, he appeared on an episode of ''[[Family Feud]]'' with several other WWE superstars.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/news/familyfeudpreview |first=Kara A. |last=Medalis |publisher=WWE |title=Tune in to WWE week on 'Family Feud' |accessdate=2007-11-04 |date=[[October 30]] [[2007]]}}</ref> ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{Portal|Professional wrestling|break=yes}} {{commons|Category:David Bautista|Batista}} *[http://www.demon-wrestling.com Official Website] *[http://www.wwe.com/superstars/raw/batista/ WWE.com Profile] *[http://www.genickbruch.com/dandy/exklusiv.php?&interview=193&version=original Batista/Leviathan Interview on Genickbruch.com] *[http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/b/batista.html Batista at Online World of Wrestling] {{Current World Wrestling Entertainment employees}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Bautista, Dave}} [[Category:1969 births]] [[Category:American professional wrestlers]] [[Category:Filipino American sportspeople]] [[Category:Greek-Americans]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:People from Arlington, Virginia]] [[Category:People from Tampa, Florida]] [[Category:People from Washington, D.C.]] [[Category:Virginia actors]] [[ca:Batista]] [[de:Dave Batista]] [[es:Dave Batista]] [[fr:David Bautista]] [[gl:David Batista]] [[id:David Bautista]] [[it:David Bautista]] [[he:דייב בטיסטה]] [[nl:Dave Bautista]] [[ja:デビッド・バウティスタ]] [[no:Dave Bautista]] [[pl:Dave Bautista]] [[pt:David Bautista]] [[simple:Dave Bautista]] [[fi:Batista (showpainija)]] [[sv:Dave Bautista]] [[tl:David Bautista]] [[th:เดฟ บาติสตา]] [[vi:Dave Batista]] [[tr:David Batista]]