WWE News: Batista Reportedly Turned Down ‘Wrestlemania 32’ Role

With his film career growing steadily, former six-time WWE champion Batista reportedly turned down a role at Wrestlemania 32 that would have seen him join forces with several legends, according to Ryan Satin of Pro Wrestling Sheet.

After the League of Nations (Alberto Del Rio, Rusev, and Sheamus with King Barrett) defeated New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods) at Wrestlemania 32, Barrett grabbed a microphone and bragged about the victory. Barrett mentioned that no three-man team in history would stand a chance against “The Lads,” as the group likes to refer to themselves.

At that moment, WWE Hall of Famers Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin entered the stage at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, as the crowd went crazy. The legendary trio of performers quickly disposed of the League of Nations, hitting their signature moves on all of the faction’s members. Michaels, Foley, and Austin celebrated with New Day in the ring, with Woods receiving a Stone Cold Stunner for his troubles.

Pro Wrestling Sheet‘s report states that WWE Chairman Vince McMahon wanted Batista involved in the segment. However, “The Animal” is busy filming the Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2. Also, as reported by the Inquisitr earlier this week, it was announced that Batista will be cast in The Blade Runner 2. Batista will join a cast that features Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling.

I'm so excited to be able to share this news! Thank you for your support in everything I do. It's humbling. pic.twitter.com/1hlRfdLF6v

— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) April 4, 2016

It was reported back in January that Batista met with McMahon backstage at the Royal Rumble in Orlando, Florida. McMahon’s original idea would not have Batista involved in a wrestling capacity but rather a one-off appearance, likely as a special guest referee. However, Satin confirmed that such a role was never a possibility.

Since leaving the WWE in 2014, rumors of Batista returning to the company have been persistent. However, he has also been vocal about his issues with the company from a creative standpoint. Also, Batista’s close friend and WWE superstar Titus O’Neil was recently suspended after an incident with McMahon during Daniel Bryan’s retirement on RAW. Batista was disgusted by what happened, admitting that he advised O’Neil to quit the company following the incident.

However, Batista has also maintained his interest to return to WWE, citing his love for the wrestling business. Speaking to the WWE website last November, Batista expressed his desire to return, citing another WWE superstar and the type of schedule he works.

“I miss [wrestling] so much. What I really thought was so interesting is the way that Chris Jericho went back and did Live Events. Live Events are fun, man. It’s really just all about you and the audience. I always just loved that. I’m passionate about it. I’m proud to be a pro wrestler because I love it.”

Batista has no definitive plans on when, where, or how he would like to return. However, Batista does have a particular performer he would like to work against and it’s the man who paved the way for performers, much like himself, to make the transition from in-ring competition to the big screen.

“At this point, you’re more likely to see [The Rock and I] in the ring together. If you flash back to WrestleMania XX, that would be the only time. I don’t have any plans right now to return to the ring or to do a film with Dwayne, but I would jump at the chance for either opportunity.”

[Image via WWE]