10 Massive WWE Babyface Pushes That Were Doomed To Failure
8. Batista
Dave Batista's original babyface turn was arguably WWE's finest achievement that decade. The 2000s were not the most creatively fertile post-Attitude Era, but his metamorphosis from Evolution heavy to independent 'Animal' was a sight to behold, not least in the shadow of the aforementioned Randy Orton debacle.
His 2010 exit as an obnoxious heel wasn't to matter four years later, with fans simply keen to see the return of an old favourite, particularly if it meant him mixing it up with some of the newest, brightest stars.
That wasn't exactly on WWE's agenda. Big Dave was to return, stroll through the Royal Rumble, take the title from Orton at WrestleMania, and be a big star again a bit before probably dropping it back to 'The Viper' or perhaps John Cena before departing yet again.
By this point, the fans were too invested in Daniel Bryan to accept anybody else in the spot. Batista was just another victim of the 'Yes Movement', along with Sheamus, Rey Mysterio and any heel or babyface that the audience perceived as a potential threat to Bryan's rightful WWE title ascension at WrestleMania 30.
The fans ultimately got their way, but Batista was effectively the company's biggest heel the next day as a result. 'Boo-tista' was a meme overnight, with WWE and Dave himself having little choice but to steer into the disdain so not to look completely tone deaf.