10 Wrestling Facts We Didn't Know Last Week
4. Batista Wanted To Come Back For SummerSlam 2014
Looking back on the pay-per-view via the WWE Network, it's easy to spot Batista's shock at negative fan reaction over his 2014 Royal Rumble win. Clearly rattled by the deafening boos ringing out from the live crowd, 'The Animal' found his self confidence knocked by the fact people apparently wanted Daniel Bryan in that slot instead of him.
Batista continued on with WWE until leaving again in June, after which he concentrated on promoting the Guardians Of The Galaxy movie. The film was released in early-August of that year, going on to become a complete smash hit at the box office for Marvel Studios.
Perhaps knowing that the movie would do well, Batista told The Writer's Room podcast how he pitched a second WWE return before SummerSlam in 2014. Meeting with Triple H and Stephanie McMahon to discuss a program leading into the pay-per-view, he was met with derision.
Sniggering at Batista, the couple said they didn't even know if Guardians Of The Galaxy would be any good. That negative reaction prompted Batista to give up and put his all into promoting the movie.