15 WWE Stars Who Loved To Be Hated

Hate is a strong word, but it's a necessary one when it comes to being a top WWE heel. To be the biggest 'bad guy' in professional wrestling, superstars have to go to great lengths to get noticed; they need to get a reaction - and it needs to be big and immediate. Whether they're the weasel waiting for their comeuppance, the perpetrator of the brutal sneak attack or the one who will do whatever it takes to get ahead, the heel's goal is to make fans care enough to pay top money in hope to see the beating they've been waiting for. Being a lead heel requires serious heat from the WWE universe, and the superstars who enjoy it tend to rise to the top. However, not all of WWE's most hated stars have been cast-iron heels. Fans have a bigger voice than ever nowadays, meaning the lines between good and bad guy are becoming blurrier by the year. It speaks volumes when the biggest babyface in the business today is also one of the most hated. But that's professional wrestling - it's better to be the most hated man in the arena than a guy who gets barely any reaction - more reaction means more money, and for WWE superstars, that's important. Whilst the conveyor belt of production of top talent has slowed in the last decade, recent signs are that the next global stars are on the verge of their breakthrough moment after extensive work behind the scenes. This list takes a look at 15 WWE superstars who love to be hated by the WWE Universe, taken from the beginnings of the 'Attitude Era' to the modern day product, in all its PG glory.

15. Batista

He's set to return later in 2014, but Batista's win at the Royal Rumble earlier this year didn't quite get the reaction he was hoping for upon his return. 'Boo-tista' went over Roman Reigns in the 30-man over the top rope match, when many thought it should have been Daniel Bryan to steal in and take the spotlight. Bryan was after all the babyface being held down, just waiting for his moment. Batista was vilified as a part timer who waltzed in and took the spot that the WWE Universe's new favourite should have been afforded. But the former Evolution member is back for one final run, and should be working a full time schedule once he gets back from his Hollywood duties. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL3ATgvGMPM Once over the initial shock of the bad reaction, Batista gave himself some advice that he would eventually ram down the throats of the audience, and that was to 'deal with it.' Like it or not, it was his time to go to WrestleMania and win the championship again after his hiatus. His match with Randy Orton was booked for WrestleMania 30 and it looked as though WWE were not going to give in to the calls for Bryan to be champion. Batista has the look, has the fame and has (some of) the skills, but in the end he did a great job of carrying the heat on his back to the pay off at Mania - when Bryan got his moment. Batista even tapped out in the process.