WWE fans continue to long for the return of their favorite grapplers, despite an impressive lineup on the current roster. Legends like Ric Flair and Dory Funk Jr. have shown that age is just a number in wrestling, with Flair making waves at 75 and Funk participating in a wild match at 83.
However, not everyone feels the urge to keep wrestling. Dave Bautista, known for his role in Guardians of the Galaxy, has made it clear he’s stepping away. Wrestling as Batista, he played a pivotal role during WWE’s Ruthless Aggression and PG Eras. His accolades speak for themselves, with two WWE Championships, four World Heavyweight Championships, and two Royal Rumble victories in 2005 and 2014.
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Since his last match against Triple H at WrestleMania 35, fans have held out hope for Bautista’s comeback. Yet in a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Bautista expressed closure on his wrestling career while promoting his upcoming film, The Killer’s Game (2024).
“The way I wanted to go out was perfect and romantic,” he reflected. “Wrestlers usually don’t choose their exit, but I did, and I won’t risk ruining that.”
Nonetheless, Bautista admitted to the lingering temptation of a return. “I miss it—the crowd, the energy, and the rush of my entrance music. But I know returning would tarnish my storybook ending.” He likened that adrenaline to a drug that can’t easily be replaced.
While it might be disappointing for fans longing to see The Animal back in the ring, his WWE story isn’t completely finished. There’s a possibility for him to appear in other capacities, like an authority figure, and fans can look forward to his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
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