2. Immediate Impact
The Road to Wrestlemania is the WWE biggest time of year. It is one where the WWE appeal to not only the hardcore wrestling fans that may tune in to see PPVs like Hell in a Cell, but more casual wrestling fans who are drawn in to see performers such as the Undertaker and Triple H once again grace the ring. There is no doubt that the WWE sees this period as the most important in its wrestling calendar- not only for the massive mainstream attention it receives, but also because the WWE see this as the chance to convert casual wrestling fans into avid wrestling fans- who stick with the angles because they have become interested in what happens in the fallout post-Mania. For this to happen the WWE need talking points that will pique the interest of those who have just tuned in for the 'Mania season. Though Batista may not be the Rock or Stone Cold as far as star power is concerned, even the casual wrestling fan knows exactly who he is and his return, coupled with the fact that he may be main eventing Wrestlemania will create some buzz for the WWE which they can use to hype up the show of shows. Make no mistake, the WWE may have looked like it was going through the motions late last year at times, but the return of the Animal is reassuring that they are focused on getting PPV buys and bums on seats.