12 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2019 (So Far)

7. Batista's Return

Dave Batista
WWE

While his WrestleMania 35 clash with Triple H was divisive, the events that brought Batista back onto WWE television were incredible.

The seeds were sown back in October 2018's Evolution reunion at SmackDown 1000, where 'The Animal' got frosty not only with 'The Game,' but Randy Orton as well. Four months later, Big Dave came through with 2019's most startling Raw segment. The feed cut backstage moments before Ric Flair's 70th birthday celebration. There, the Guardians of the Galaxy star was seen literally dragging a cameraman to 'The Nature Boy's' locker-room where he battered the 70-year-old, took him out, and stared down the lens.

"Hey Hunter," he said. "Do I have your attention now?"

A stunning reintroduction, and his "give me what I want!" promo ended up birthing one of 2019's best wrestling memes a few weeks later.

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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.