WWE
Batista Claims he wasn’t Invited to SmackDown 1000
On October 23, 2018, WWE will be airing its one-thousandth episode of SmackDown Live. SmackDown, for years, has been WWE’s secondary show. It typically premiers later in the week after Monday Night RAW. SmackDown 1000 will celebrate over eighteen years of wrestling. But for some reason, one of SmackDown’s biggest past stars, Batista, has been left out of the celebration.
1000 Episodes in the Making
SmackDown 1000 will see the return of several WWE legends that made a name for themselves on the blue brand. Edge, The Undertaker, as well as many others are scheduled to appear. The Capital One Arena in Washington DC (where the special will be held) has advertised some matches for the night: Daniel Bryan vs The Miz, AJ Styles vs Samoa Joe, and Jeff Hardy vs Randy Orton. WWE has not confirmed any of these matches yet, however.
The Animal Returns?
When it came to wondering if Batista was making an appearance, he was apparently not invited. According to Batista, via his Twitter account, the Animal has not been scheduled for SmackDown 1000.
Surprise surprise!! I wasn’t invited! And it’s in my hometown.! ?.. guess by now I shouldn’t be shocked anymore. https://t.co/r1NwUNlRnf
— Dave Bautista (@DaveBautista) September 13, 2018
The former WWE and World Heavyweight champion spoke with WhatCulture recently about a return to WWE.
“I have to say that it’s something I think about daily. I miss it daily, I love it, I have a passion for wrestling… feel that at the core of me that’s just who I am. I’m a physical performer, and I miss it every day.”
[cont.] “I think the last time I went back was with really good intentions and I felt like I wasn’t delivered what I was promised and that was just creatively. It would have to make sense as far as time, not only do I have to be free, but I also have to factor in there is a risk that I would be injured…. so I always kind of factor those things in.” -quote courtesy of WhatCulture
Perhaps the reason WWE hasn’t come to terms with a comeback is because of Batista’s acting schedule. Batista is best known for his role as Drax in the Guardians of the Galaxy series. It could also be Batista simply feels it isn’t time for his return yet.
Either way, it would be a great feeling to see Batista back some day.
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Photo credit: Marissa Cermino via Flickr
