Batista: WHY HE HATES WWE & MMA FUTURE
By Sean Farrell
Former WWE Superstar Dave Bautista (aka Batista), spoke recently on his situation regarding leaving the WWE and his current plans going forward. Bautista spoke to promote his latest project in MMA, the Gracie Fighter Gym. It is a Tampa, Florida based jiu jitsu and mixed martial arts school he is operating with Cesar Gracie. Bautista stated during the interview that his martial arts base was Kali, and after taking up Muay Thai and jiu jitsu several years ago, it becomes his passion. He originally had plans to make the gym private, a place near his home where he could train, but then decided to open it to the public. He’s now training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gi so that he can attain a rank. His goal is to someday become a Cesar Gracie black belt and fight in MMA.
Regarding the WWE, Batista said he left WWE last year because he no longer fit with their product. He said he dislikes WWE’s kid-friendly direction, stating “there is nothing kid-friendly about Dave Bautista.” Bautista said WWE’s direction leaves a “bad taste in his mouth as it’s too unbelievable and hokey.” He feels he became “disconnected from the industry and became unhappy with it.” Though he still believes in WWE as a company, he doesn’t think there is a place for him. His future in the wrestling industry is that he’d like to finish his career on his terms and as he put it for a “return to WWE for a brief run and retirement match.” He is also interested in working with the organization in a non-wrestling capacity.
Bautista was expected to make his MMA debut for Strikeforce but with the UFC’s acquiring of the promotion all talks fell through.