As the enforcer of Evolution, Batista captured the attention of audiences thanks to his impressive physique, raw power and explosive, high-impact. He would punish and pummel anyone who dared challenge Triple H, Randy Orton or Ric Flair. The muscle of the group, he laid waste to the likes of Chris Benoit, Rob Van Dam, Booker T, Goldberg and Kane in an attempt to preserve The Game's position at the top of the industry. As a babyface turn in 2005 injected WWE with some much needed energy and excitement. Hero Batista would become one of the dominant forces in the WWE Universe for four years before battling staleness. By 2009, he reverted back to his heel ways and became as hated as ever, thanks to a major change in character. After betraying best friend Rey Mysterio, Batista allowed his ego to overtake him. He began walking to the ring, illuminated by a single spotlight. He bragged about his accomplishment, displayed a brash and cocky attitude that had not previously been there before and repeatedly acted as though his co-workers and the fans were beneath him. The new Batista dressed like a 30-plus year-old Abercrombie & Fitch model reject with polo shirts and skinny jeans and had the attitude to boot. The man known as The Animal portrayed the character to perfection. Rather than going for the silent-but-deadly destroyer, he was an overconfident elitist who whined and protested when things did not go his way. Who can ever forget the night after Over the Limit in 2011? Batista sat in a wheel chair, his body bandaged after taking a big bump in the Last Man Standing match against John Cena. Outraged that he would even be put in the position to get injured, he yelled at and complained to anyone that would listen. When he did not get what he wanted, he quit, throwing a tantrum like a petulant child. It was a great performance by a guy who knew what fans expected from someone like him and flipped it on its head, becoming the complete opposite of the hulking baddie. Had it not been for the Evolution reunion here in 2014, it would have been the perfect character for Batista to go back to.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
