10 Best Non-Attitude Era WWE RAW Moments

5. Batista Decides

Ziggler Jericho
WWE.com

We knew of the decision before Batista declared; in marked contrast to pro wrestling’s most effective pop mechanism, WWE didn’t need to rely on the surprise here, for this was one of the very best, long-term storylines: creative pounced on the fan sentiment almost to the moment crowds received Batista as a legitimate headliner, and spun a tremendous narrative from it.

This was WWE and the fandom in rare—perfect—harmony.

In many respects, and it is to his eternal credit, given what a hilarious killer of a heel he is in his preferred role—Batista was the perfect babyface. His aloofness mistaken by passive ignorance by his boss Triple H, he was smart to Triple H’s politicking. We could believe in him. He was also, of course, absolutely f*cking massive, and capable of rendering crowds slack-jawed with his beautifully simple no-frills power game.

Ahead of WrestleMania 21, the 2005 Royal Rumble winner had a choice to make, ostensibly—JBL’s WWE Championship, or his mentor’s World Heavyweight Title—but there was only once choice. Triple H had attempted to play him, to stifle him, to make an a**hole out of him.

With one silent, richly symmetrical gesture—something only the true stars are capable of pulling off—Batista gave Trips the iconic thumbs down in a moment that spelled the glorious end of the Reign of Terror.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!