10 WWE Stars Who Survived The Worst Booking Ever

6. Batista

Deacon Batista
WWE.com

Batista went from carrying a donations box around to headlining WrestleMania in less than three years. That, regardless of what anyone says, is a minor miracle. The 'Deacon' gimmick he played as backup to Reverend D-Von was one of those ideas that should've been binned from the start.

Not only was the character flimsy, but WWE covered up Batista's impressive physique. This was one of the least Vince McMahon things Vinnie Mac has ever done, and he probably regrets sticking a sleeveless suit on Dave and asking him to follow D-Von Dudley around. This wasn't exactly a hot start for the future World Champ.

It wasn't even tepid.

Such a crap religious gimmick could've consigned Batista to the same bargain bin as Luther Reigns, Mason Ryan or Jackson Andrews (if you remember him). Instead, he survived, went on to slot neatly into Evolution and became a bonafide headliner.

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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.