3. Batista Was Offered Special Referee Role For WrestleMania
Lately, Batista has been pretty outspoken about the suspension handed to Titus O'Neil by Vince McMahon. During some of the same interviews, he has also talked about a possible role at WrestleMania 32. According to the Wrestling Observer, such a role would have been a non-wrestling one, certainly if McMahon had managed to get his way. Dave Meltzer has been reporting that Batista was offered the chance to work as the Special Guest Referee for the bout between Triple H and Roman Reigns. This would require 'The Animal' to work heel, because the idea hinged on stacking the deck against the man WWE desperately wish to make their top babyface. Older fans will remember similar scenarios with the likes of Steve Austin and The Rock during their respective runs as babyfaces in the company. It seems WWE view having their chosen champion overcome all the odds is the ticket to acceptance in the eyes of the fans. Batista apparently didn't agree, promptly turning down the suggestion.
Jamie Kennedy
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.
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