What’s up with Big Dave?
Dave Batista returned to WWE early in 2014 to appear in the Royal Rumble. However, his triumphant return as a babyface hero was quickly ruined by crowd reactions for Daniel Bryan, necessitating a storyline heel turn.
Not only did the crowd reject Batista, but the planned storyline for him was changed. He was expecting to return as a babyface, headlining and winning the WWE title at Wrestlemania 30, and selling merch as a babyface. Instead, he was in a three way match where he did not win the title at WM30, and then relegated to a top tier tag feud with old Evolution partners HHH and Randy Orton.
Batista was one of the people that WWE called when Roman Reigns went down to possibly come back sooner than expected. There is no set time for his return at this point, and due to the huge success of Guardians of the Galaxy, and will be back for sequels in that franchise. Because of that, Batista’s bargaining power is increased, because he “needs” WWE less than before.
The creative being pitched is to have Batista come back as a babyface, and build to a Wrestlemania 31 match against Triple H. It’s unlikely Batista would be back for a full time house show run, although he could do some in a smaller run. Most expect Batista to be back around the time of the Royal Rumble again, and insiders believe he will do better as a babyface this time around, as he won’t be viewed as taking Daniel Bryan’s spot.
