2003 was a new dawn for Batista, but it was also a fairly odd year for him overall. Injury stopped him from working many matches, and he was pretty much out until October with a torn biceps problem. Nonetheless, his biggest gig to date was launched in January, as he formed the 'Evolution' faction with another promising name and a pair of genuine main event players. Aligning with Randy Orton, Triple H and Ric Flair in the stable was huge for Batista. Aforementioned injuries did limit him to a largely henchmen-style role with the group, but he was still hanging around with some of the biggest performers on the entire roster. Again, this was a good indication that WWE were serious about his ability to hit the top of the card, all he needed was time. The importance of rub cannot be under-stated when exploring Batista's time in Evolution. There was a definite pecking order to the group, but the chapter ended well for Batista. All-in-all, he came out of Evolution much stronger than he had been before it launched. Without the unit, he likely would have struggled to really gain traction on his own.
Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.
