10 Worst WWE Gimmick Ideas You Won't Believe Almost Happened

4. Batista's Origins

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WWE.com

WWE have a long history of handling sensitive issues with the subtlety of an unprotected chair shot.

From exploiting Hawk's real life alcoholism to the Katie Vick debacle, the company's attempts at getting serious often come off ham-fisted at best, and downright abhorrent at worst. No matter the era, WWE keep finding ways to offend huge chunks of their audience, and it almost happened with one of their biggest Ruthless Aggression stars.

Batista was first introduced to the audience as Reverend D-Von's muscle, Deacon Bautista, shortly after The Dudley Boyz's split. It didn't last long, and Batista joined with Randy Orton, Triple H, and Ric Flair to form Evolution a few months later. This may not have transpired had WWE buried him with their original debut plans.

According to the man himself, Batista was supposed to be presented as a "rape child." The character would use this to justify his constant state of anger as he never knew who is father was, and his mother had been sexually assaulted. While this would almost certainly enrage a man, there's no doubt WWE would have handled this topic in the most insensitive manner imaginable, and Batista's career would've been over before it really started.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.