AEW Could Derail WWE-Batista Talks, Counter-Offer Proposed: Report

All roads in the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) are now leading toward WrestleMania 35, the company’s flagship pay-per-view event which takes place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on April 7.

Even though there are two pay-per-view events – Elimination Chamber and Fastlane – prior to the showpiece event – all the talk and events unfolding are in connection with WrestleMania and WWE are always looking to make it the biggest and best show ever in sports entertainment.

And according to Pro Wrestling Sheet, the world’s foremost wrestling company is in talks with Dave Bautista, popularly known as Batista to the WWE Universe, over a return to in-ring action at WrestleMania.

The report claims that Batista and WWE are in “deep talks” over a potential return, but there is nothing concrete in terms of a contract or an opponent for the former pro-wrestling star. He is said to be "50/50" over making his return based on how talks have progressed thus far.

The "Avengers" and "Guardians of the Galaxy" star has been mentioned in connection with WrestleMania since his return to the squared circle in October 2018 to celebrate SmackDown’s 1,000th episode. He made an appearance as part of an "Evolution" reunion with Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton, and teased about a potential match with Triple H at WrestleMania after picking up beef with WWE’s vice-president of talent and live events.

However, Triple H will not be able to take part as he suffered an injury at WWE’s Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia and had to undergo surgery. But WWE is keen to bring back Batista, who was one of the most popular wrestlers of his generation.

Meanwhile, the report claims that WWE is not the only admirers looking to snare Batista, as All Elite Wrestling (AEW), the latest entrants into the pro-wrestling scene, have also expressed interest in the former WWE champion. And is being suggested that he is keen to listen to both offers before making a decision with regard to his potential return to the ring.

AEW is slowly becoming a thorn in WWE’s side and can probably now be considered genuine threats to the latter’s supremacy in the pro-wrestling scene. They are backed by Pakistani American billionaire Shahid Khan and his son Tony and they seem to be willing to offer lucrative contracts to interested wrestlers – something only the WWE was capable of doing until now.

Their emergence in recent months has seen WWE CEO Vince McMahon advice management to tie down superstars to new deals, while also reportedly offering double-your-money deals to stars who will commit on the spot. They have also been giving a push to smaller stars to ensure they do not jump ship and join the new promotion.