In media appearances, Batista credits Triple H and Ric Flair for really helping him develop in wrestling both in and out of the ring. Orton, too, credits Flair and Hunter, even moreso than his family, but that appears to be more of a work.
Flair has acted strongly as a mentor for Batista and socializes with him after the shows. However, Flair has been more reserved in doing the same with Randy Orton. Randy is close to his father, Cowboy Bob Orton, and Flair has some philosophical differences with Bob on wrestling (mostly to do with selling as a top guy). As a result, Flair has backed off a bit on Orton, not wanting to get between a father and son.
Orton’s grandfather was also in wrestling, so he comes from a wrestling family, whereas Batista is new to the business.
credit: Dave Meltzer Wrestling Observer Newsletter
