WWE: 10 Matches To Celebrate Batista's Return

4. The Royal Rumble (Royal Rumble 2005)

The next step for Batista after his performance in the Elimination Chamber in early January 2005 was to capitalize on the momentum gained from it and win the 2005 Royal Rumble at January's end. If there has been a superstar since that had as much fan support and story-driven backing to win the WWE's top annual gimmick match, then you would have to leave a comment suggesting who it might be. The Animal was riding a tidal wave to Fresno, California. It bears reminding, even though it was mentioned just a few minutes ago, that Batista was essentially a never-was without many long-term prospects as of just two months before the Royal Rumble. And, yet, when his number was called and his music hit to alert the audience of his entry into the over-the-top rope battle royal, he looked like the second coming €“ the next great star in the industry. Several exciting minutes later and Batista was on a collision course to wrap up the very well received "Evolution Implosion" plot that consumed the Raw brand in the months leading up to WrestleMania 21. An unexpected €“ yet extremely entertaining €“ hiccup occurred when Batista and the other of the top young guns preparing for WrestleMania stardom that year, John Cena, tumbled over the top rope with enough force that Batista went with him. Legitimately, it looked like they each hit the floor at the same time, sending the WWE higher ups into a panic over what to do. They played it off well. Only Vince McMahon, who blew out the quadriceps muscles of each leg, appeared overly rattled by it. Fans sitting at home were going wild. Had Batista merely thrown Cena over the top, it may not have played off as well as it did or created for as organically exciting a moment.