WWE Nearly Cut Batista Before Breaking Out

During Episode 56 of Devon & The Duke, D-Von opened up about the period shortly after Bautista debuted on SmackDown as Deacon Batista in 2002. At the time, Bautista was still finding his voice, still reserved, and still adjusting to the pressure of national television. That hesitation nearly cost him everything.

D-Von explained that management had serious concerns about Bautistas development and told him directly that something needed to change. He then revealed that an agent pulled him aside with a blunt warning about Batistas future.

Thats when D-Von decided to intervene personally. Instead of letting Bautista continue to hold back in the ring, he pulled him aside before a match and gave him permission to go all-in even if it meant real pain.

Bautista hesitated, worried about hurting his mentor, but D-Von wasnt backing down. D-Von told him to make everything look real, even if it actually was real.

The plan worked but not without consequences, Boy did he beat the hell out of me. I wish I didnt say that.

That moment marked a turning point. Bautista began breaking out of his shell, gaining confidence, and eventually evolving into the powerhouse who would go on to headline WrestleMania, win multiple world titles, and later reinvent himself as one of Hollywoods most respected actors.

Its wild to think how close WWE came to cutting ties with Batista before he ever became The Animal. Without that conversation, without that trust, and without D-Von stepping in the way he did, the entire trajectory of Batistas career could have looked completely different. D-Von didnt just help a young talent survive he helped shape a future legend.

What do you think would Batista still have become a megastar without that turning point, or did this moment change everything? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know how you see it.

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