10 WWE Wrestlers Who Went On To Better Things

5. Batista

Kevin Nash, Scott Hall, The Outsiders
Marvel Studios

Nobody could've predicted how successful Dave Bautista would eventually become. Debuting in May 2002, he was initially cast as Reverend D'Von's villainous sidekick. His WrestleCrap-worthy 'Deacon' persona saw the brutish Batista strike foes with a church collection box, but he eventually split from the Reverend, and soon became one of WWE's biggest modern stars.

Batista left WWE as a six-time World Champion in 2010. Sure, his 2014 comeback run was a giant failure, but his impact can't be denied, and he has earned a future spot in the company's Hall of Fame.

Despite all this, Batista has somehow become even more successful away from the squared circle. He's no Dwayne Johnson, but the former Evolution man has become a Hollywood star in his own right, with his career really taking off after a breakout performance as Guardians of the Galaxy's Drax the Destroyer. Batista has since scored big money roles in Spectre, Blade Runner, and Avengers: Infinity War, catapulting him to a level of stardom that would've been impossible had he stayed within wrestling's restrictive spotlight.

2014 may have destroyed his goodwill with the WWE fanbase, but it doesn't matter: Batista outgrew the sport a long time ago.

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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.