WWE Rumors: Batista On Short-Term Deal, Final Appearance Plan Unveiled

Batista’s – real name Dave Bautista – in-ring return is one of the most anticipated on road to WrestleMania 35 in April after "the animal" returned to Monday Night Raw on Feb. 25. He attacked Ric Flair in order to send a message to former Evolution team member Triple H – real name Paul Levesque.

The feud between the two former friends began during SmackDown Live’s 1,000th episode celebration in 2018 when Batista mocked Triple H about having beaten every top wrestler except him during his illustrious career and since then there have been talks about a showdown between Batista and Triple H. The match is yet to be confirmed by the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) management but all indications are pointing toward a showdown on April 7.

WWE has been trying to bring back Batista for some time now but he has been busy making a name for himself in Hollywood. He played the hysterical Drax in the "Guardian of the Galaxy" franchise and also appeared in "Avengers: Infinity War", while he has also been roped for one of the lead roles in the remake of "Dune".

Triple H and Batista were expected to come face-to-face during this week’s Monday Night Raw episode but the latter chose not to make an appearance and addressed the former via an Instagram video. Triple H demanded a showdown and after the segment, WWE confirmed that the two legends of pro-wrestling will meet in next week’s edition in Pittsburgh.

The build-up over the last couple of weeks and all the talks point toward a match at WrestleMania between the two former WWE champions. Batista has previously indicated that his main focus is now on becoming a top actor and that this year will be the last he will compete in the squared circle.

And according to Sportster, the WrestleMania appearance could be Batista’s final in the ring as he has only agreed to a short-term deal with the WWE. He will be involved in the build-up to his match with Triple H and then could make his final appearance on Raw – the day after WrestleMania – to address the crowd before bidding farewell.

Batista’s potential match with WWE’s executive vice-president of talent, live events and creative at WrestleMania will be his first in five years. His last in-ring appearance for a fight was in 2014 when he was booed off by the crowd for returning in a babyface avatar as opposed to his heel avatar that endeared him to the WWE Universe.