When Batista returned to WWE in January 2014, he didn't hang about when it came to making new enemies. The first man that Batista faced in the ring upon his arrival was Alberto Del Rio, a former World champion who had been shunted down the card somewhat and would be gone from the company not long after. He and Batista did not hit it off. The two engaged in a brief mini-feud on camera but apparently developed a bit of heat behind the scenes as well. The two men exchanged a few insults back and forth via Twitter that seemed to feature a little more personal animosity than one would expect from a worked angle. The Animal fired the first shot: So I hear Alberto Del Rio is talking trash. Just one question Who the hell is Alberto Del Rio?!!! Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) January 7, 2014 Del Rio responded: Really batista hahahahah Alberto El Patron (@VivaDelRio) January 8, 2014 I'm the one wining all the major titles while u were getting ur *ss kick by your plumber (Vince lucero) See u at the rumble Alberto El Patron (@VivaDelRio) January 8, 2014 The above tweet referenced Batista's opponent in his one-and-done foray into the world of mixed martial arts (a fight which Batista did win). Del Rio continued: Like we say in #Mexico U can buy muscles but U can't buy Huevos cabron Alberto El Patron (@VivaDelRio) January 8, 2014 Batista then tweeted:
"Seems 2 me that some C level stars in a B level star era have bought into their own hype. Don't turn a work into a shoot. #realitycheck"
The final tweet was deleted, but not before it was screenshotted, retweeted and shared around the internet. There were rumors of heat on Batista for making the comment, but apparently nothing ever came of it because he would win the Royal Rumble just a few weeks later. Del Rio and Batista were able to work some matches without incident, although some of their exchanges were a little on the stiff side, shall we say.
Brad Hamilton is a writer, musician and marketer/social media manager from Atlanta, Georgia. He's an undefeated freestyle rap battle champion, spends too little time being productive and defines himself as the literary version of Brock Lesnar.
