“Discover Dave Bautista’s journey from WWE Champion to Acclaimed actor, known for roles in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Dune’.”
Born Name : David Michael Bautista Jr.
Born : January 18, 1969 (age 55)
Place : Washington, D.C., U.S.
Occupations :
Actor professional
wrestler mixed : martial artist
Years active : 1999–2019 (wrestling)
2006–present (acting)
2012 (MMA)
Spouses :
Glenda Bautista (m. 1990; div. 1998)
Angie Bautista (m. 1998; div. 2006)
Sarah Jade (m. 2015; sep. 2019)
Children : 03
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)
Batista : Dave Batista : Deacon Batista : Khan : Leviathan
Billed height :6 ft 6 in (198 cm)
Billed weight : 290 lb (132 kg)
Billed from : Washington, D.C.
Trained by : Afa Anoaʻi
Marrese Crump
Debut : October 30, 1999
Retired April 8, 2019
Martial arts career
Height : 6 ft 4 in (193 cm)
Weight : 265 lb (120 kg; 18 st 13 lb)
Division : Heavyweight
Team :
Gracie Fighter Tampa : Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Rank :
Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Cesar Gracie
About
David Michael Bautista Jr. (born January 18, 1969) is an American actor and retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. He gained prominence through multiple stints in WWE from 2002 to 2019.
Bautista started his wrestling career in 1999 and signed with WWE (then WWF) in 2000. From 2002 to 2010, he became famous as Batista, notably as a member of Evolution. He won the WWE Championship twice, the World Heavyweight Championship four times (holding the longest first reign at 282 days), the World Tag Team Championship three times (twice with Ric Flair and once with John Cena), and the WWE Tag Team Championship once (with Rey Mysterio). Bautista also won the Royal Rumble in 2005 and 2014, headlining WrestleMania 21 and WrestleMania XXX, with the former being among the top five highest-grossing PPV events in wrestling history. He retired after WrestleMania 35 in 2019.
As an actor, Bautista has appeared in films such as The Man with the Iron Fists (2012), Riddick (2013), Spectre (2015), Blade Runner 2049 (2017), My Spy (2020), Army of the Dead (2021), and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022). He is best known for his role as Drax the Destroyer in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and as Glossu Rabban Harkonnen in Dune (2021) and its 2024 sequel, as well as starring in Knock at the Cabin (2023).
Professional wrestling career
Training and early career (1999–2000)
Bautista initially tried out at WCW’s Power Plant, where trainer DeWayne Bruce told him he would never succeed in the wrestling business. Undeterred, he went to WWE (then WWF), which advised him to train with Afa Anoaʻi at the Wild Samoan Training Center. Bautista trained there and later competed in Anoaʻi’s World Xtreme Wrestling (WXW) promotion. He made his wrestling debut under the ring name Khan on October 30, 1999, just shy of his 31st birthday. Additionally, Bautista trained in Muay Thai and Eskrima with Marrese Crump.
World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment/WWE (2000–2010)
Ohio Valley Wrestling (2000–2002)
Early storylines (2002–2003)
While still in OVW, Bautista began appearing at non-televised WWE events. He made his televised WWE debut on May 9, 2002, on an episode of SmackDown! as Deacon Batista, a heel enforcer for Reverend D-Von. His in-ring debut came in a tag team match where he teamed with D-Von against Faarooq and Randy Orton, pinning Orton. Despite Orton’s efforts to defeat D-Von and Batista with various partners, he lost each match.
Batista’s first loss came against Rikishi after D-Von accidentally punched him, allowing Rikishi to pin him. Tensions rose between Batista and D-Von, leading to a feud that culminated on the November 14 episode of SmackDown!, where Batista defeated D-Von.
Following their split, Batista moved to the Raw brand and dropped the “Deacon” moniker. He aligned with Ric Flair and began a feud with Kane, whom he defeated at Armageddon.
Evolution (2003–2005)
In January 2003, Batista became a pivotal member of the heel faction Evolution alongside Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. However, his trajectory was hindered when he suffered a torn right triceps during a tag team match in 2003. Despite his resilience, a setback occurred when he re-tore his triceps while training, prolonging his recovery and sidelining him for an extended period. His absence left a void in Evolution’s dominance, but Batista’s eventual return in October 2003 injected new energy into the stable.
Batista made a significant impact upon his return, immediately involving himself in high-profile matches, including interfering in a bout between Goldberg and Shawn Michaels on the October 20 episode of Raw. At the pay-per-view event Armageddon, Batista and Ric Flair captured the World Tag Team Championship, solidifying his status as a formidable force in the WWE.
The success was short-lived as they dropped the titles to Booker T and Rob Van Dam on the February 16, 2004, episode of Raw. Despite the setback, Batista’s alliance with Evolution persisted, albeit with underlying tensions brewing.
By late 2004, the relationship between Batista and Triple H began to deteriorate on-screen. After suffering a loss to Chris Jericho, Triple H verbally berated Batista, igniting a simmering conflict within the group. Batista’s loyalty was tested, with Triple H’s manipulative tactics failing to sway him.
As the year turned to 2005, Batista’s path to WrestleMania began to take shape. His victory in the Royal Rumble match earned him a guaranteed shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. However, Triple H attempted to steer him towards challenging for the WWE Championship instead. Batista saw through Triple H’s scheming and made a bold statement by signing a contract to face Triple H at WrestleMania 21.
The culmination of their feud marked Batista’s departure from Evolution, as he emphatically asserted his independence by powerbombing Triple H through a table, signaling a new chapter in his career as a top-tier WWE superstar.
World Heavyweight Champion (2005–2008)
Batista’s crowning moment came at WrestleMania 21 when he defeated Triple H to capture the World Heavyweight Championship, marking a significant milestone in his WWE career. This victory not only solidified his status as a top-tier competitor but also played a pivotal role in the record-breaking success of WrestleMania 21, which garnered 1.09 million pay-per-view buys worldwide. The match between Batista and Triple H was lauded as a climax to one of WWE’s most compelling storylines, earning acclaim from sports journalist Dave Meltzer.
Following his WrestleMania triumph, Batista’s dominance continued as he bested Triple H in a rematch at Backlash to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. However, his reign faced challenges when he was betrayed by Ric Flair, leading to a brutal assault orchestrated by Triple H and Flair. Despite the betrayal, Batista emerged victorious in a Hell in a Cell match at Vengeance, establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with.
His journey took an unexpected turn when he was drafted to the SmackDown! brand, sparking a heated rivalry with John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL). Their feud culminated in a series of intense matches, including a Texas Bull Rope match, where Batista showcased his resilience by retaining the championship.
However, Batista’s reign was cut short due to a devastating injury, tearing his right triceps during a match with Mark Henry at a house show. Forced to relinquish the World Heavyweight Championship, Batista faced a grueling rehabilitation process, determined to make a triumphant return to the ring.
His comeback was eagerly anticipated by fans, with Batista vowing to reclaim the World Heavyweight Championship upon his recovery. With his eyes set on WrestleMania 23, Batista embarked on a relentless quest for redemption, ready to overcome any obstacle in his path and reaffirm his status as one of WWE’s most dominant superstars.
WWE Champion (2009–2010)
Batista’s return to WWE after WrestleMania 25 saw him embroiled in intense rivalries and championship pursuits. His heroic intervention against The Legacy at Backlash set the stage for a tumultuous journey, culminating in his capture of the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules. However, a legitimate torn left biceps forced him to relinquish the title, setting the stage for a triumphant return on Raw and a subsequent move to SmackDown.
On SmackDown, Batista’s alliance with Rey Mysterio proved fruitful initially, but tensions soon arose, leading to a shocking betrayal and Batista’s return to villainy. Despite this shift, Batista’s determination remained steadfast, driving him to engage in high-stakes battles for championship gold.
His pursuit of the World Heavyweight Championship saw him face formidable opponents like Undertaker and John Cena, showcasing his resilience and unwavering resolve. However, setbacks marred his path, leading to a departure from WWE amid dissatisfaction with its direction.
Batista’s tenure in WWE left an indelible mark, defined by his unwavering determination, resilience, and commitment to excellence. His departure marked the end of a chapter in WWE history, but his legacy continues to inspire fans and wrestlers alike, serving as a testament to the enduring spirit of one of WWE’s most iconic figures.
Return to WWE (2014)
Batista’s 2014 WWE return saw him initially cheered by fans but quickly turned villainous due to backlash over his Royal Rumble win. Mocking fan-favorite Daniel Bryan and gesturing rudely at the crowd solidified his heel turn. He engaged in matches against Alberto Del Rio, where he was met with heavy booing.
At WrestleMania XXX, Batista faced Bryan and Randy Orton in a triple threat match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship but submitted to Bryan. He then aligned with Triple H and Orton to reform Evolution, reigniting a feud with The Shield. Despite Evolution’s efforts, they were defeated by The Shield at Extreme Rules and Payback.
Creative differences led to Batista’s departure from WWE after Triple H denied him a title shot. Although he expressed interest in returning for non-televised events, he declined an offer to appear at WrestleMania 32. Reflecting on his wrestling career, Batista valued his contributions in elevating other talents and repaying favors as his most significant achievements.
Second return to WWE (2018–2019)
On SmackDown’s 1000th episode on October 16, 2018, Batista reunited with Evolution and hinted at a potential match with Triple H, stirring up anticipation as Triple H had never defeated him in singles competition. The feud escalated on February 25, 2019, when Batista assaulted Ric Flair, demanding Triple H’s attention with his infamous phrase, “give me what I want.”
Their rivalry culminated at WrestleMania 35 in a career-threatening No Holds Barred match, where Batista faced Triple H. Despite a hard-fought battle, Batista was defeated, partly due to interference from Ric Flair. Following the match, Batista announced his retirement from professional wrestling.
In December 2019, WWE announced Batista’s induction into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2020. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the induction ceremony was postponed, and it was later announced that the classes of 2020 and 2021 would be inducted together in 2021. Despite being initially listed, Batista was later removed from the list. He confirmed his removal on Twitter, citing prior commitments preventing his attendance but expressed gratitude to WWE for honoring his request to be inducted at a future ceremony.
Acting career
Bautista has ventured into acting across various television shows and films, portraying both himself and his wrestling persona. In Smallville’s sixth season, he guest-starred as Aldar, an extraterrestrial escapee from the Phantom Zone with a bone-chilling appetite. He also made a cameo appearance as himself on the Australian soap opera Neighbours in 2009.
His television credits include appearances on Chuck in 2010 and Relative Strangers, as well as a cameo role in the Australian soap opera Neighbours. Bautista also appeared in the action film Wrong Side of Town in 2010 and portrayed the villainous Brass Body in The Man with the Iron Fists.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Bautista gained widespread recognition for his role as Drax the Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019). He also played Mr. Hinx in the James Bond film Spectre (2015) and Tong Po in the Kickboxer reboot.
Bautista received critical acclaim for his supporting role in Blade Runner 2049 (2017) and appeared in Army of the Dead (2021) and Dune (2021). He confirmed that Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 would mark his final appearance as Drax. Additionally, he starred in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and is set to appear in In the Lost Lands alongside Milla Jovovich, directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. He also starred in M. Night Shyamalan’s horror film Knock at the Cabin (2023).
Personal life
Bautista entered into marriage twice, first tying the knot with Glenda in 1990. The union resulted in two daughters, Keilani and Athena, before their divorce in 1998. Following this, he married Angie on October 13, 1998, with whom he shares a son named Oliver. Sadly, this marriage also ended in divorce in 2006. By the age of 40, Bautista had become a grandfather through his daughter Keilani.
In October 2015, Bautista married Sarah Jade, a competitive pole dancer, but their marriage ended in separation in early 2019.
Physically, Bautista stands tall at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and weighs 275 pounds (125 kg). His body is adorned with various tattoos, including a large dragon on his back and red kanji lettering on his upper left biceps, paying tribute to his ex-wife Angie. Other tattoos include designs on his upper right biceps and a small sun encircling his navel. He also has tattoos of the Greek and Philippine flags on his arm. Over the years, he has modified his tattoos, covering up some and adding new ones, like the “DC soldier” phrase on his right biceps.
Bautista has embraced a mostly plant-based, pescetarian diet since 2010, with plans to transition to a fully vegan lifestyle. He is an avid baseball fan, initially supporting the New York Yankees but later embracing the Washington Nationals, who play near his childhood home.
Politically, Bautista supported Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries and endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 United States presidential election, appearing in an ad for his campaign.
