Dave Batista's return to WWE has led to a dramatic increase in Raw viewers. The show pulled a 3.5 number, with 5.25 million people tuning in to see Batista's return at 8pm. This number dropped to 5.00 million in hour two, with a significant drop off to 4.36 million in hour three. The success is undoubtedly down to Batista, a main event star in many fan perceptions. If Vince McMahon wasn't thinking about big Dave winning the Rumble on Sunday, he sure as hell will be considering it now. This was the highest rated Raw for 10 months, the last time WWE spiked such interest being the March 4th 2013 broadcast. WWE have clearly pulled a masterstroke by getting Batista back. However, in retrospect, despite those high numbers they actually screwed up the return. Fans had clearly tuned in to see Batista. By satisfying this interest straight away in the opening segment, there was little reason to stay tuned for the rest of the show. The drop off in viewers was significant. Holding off Batista to the last hour could have maintained more viewers through the broadcast - which in turn would have given more exposure to all of WWE's content. Perhaps WWE considered the main event title feud between Cena and Orton a good enough incentive to stay tuned. In what will come as a blow to both men, there was clearly little interest in their confrontation. Overall, WWE and Batista should be proud of Monday night. The build in promotion for Batista over the last few weeks has been very good and paid off here. The message is loud and clear from the viewing public, people want to see Batista. Expect a prominent main event run for The Animal over the duration of his WWE contract. It has been a hugely exciting start to Wrestlemania season thanks to the big man.