Former WWE star, Dave Bautista stands proud on the pinnacle of success, especially after becoming a part of the $25 billion worth Marvel franchise. But again, behind the tough guy, lies the story of a scared child who grew up behind a window in the crime-filled 80s neighborhood of Washington, D.C.
Bautista signed with the then-WWF in 2002. Gaining fame under the ring name, Batista, the six-time world champion fought his fair share of battles behind the doors of the WWE. While many think that had a marvelous farewell as he chose to step into Hollywood, the big buy barely received a thank you from the organization, which gave special treatment to John Cena.
The Life Behind WWE’s Stardom Was Suffocating!
Dave Bautista, who was on the top of his game in the ring in the 2000s, decided to take the Hollywood road after a failed movie attempt. But again, there’s more to the story of Bautista’s glorious career in WWE.
During an interview, the Dune star revealed that when he asked WWE if he could audition outside its own movie arm, WWE Studios, they responded: “You’re our property. Get dressed for the house show and get to work.” On the other hand, John Cena was allowed to pursue whatever he wished.
As a matter of fact, WWE talent is technically an independent contractor, the suffocating terms of the contract are drafted such, that the wrestler ends up becoming a “functionally full-time employee”. Moreover, the organization allowed his rival John Cena to opt for movies and commercial roles while he was left out, despite his successful career in the ring.
In 2009, Dave Bautista came under fire for being a client of a pharma under investigation for supplying steroids, but the wrestler denied he ever “took steroids and was never suspended by WWE for any violation.” This was the same year when Bautista suffered a bicep injury, and his “new look raised a lot of eyebrows”
Following the WWE’s practice of providing John Cena the extra-special treatment, Batista decided to put in a one-year’s notice, finally leaving the organization in 2010. The wrestler-turned-actor himself revealed that “very few people backstage” said goodbye. None thanked him for his contributions to the WWE.
The Six-Time World Champion Had Reverse Anorexia
Rewinding to his early 20s, Bautista, who had seen his mother being attacked during the 80s crime wave, found himself directionless and spent most of his time working out. During a 2017 interview, the Knock at the Cabin actor revealed:
“I’m just so addicted to working out. Not only do I need it physically, but I need it mentally as well. It’s a therapy for me.” When he was younger, that addiction may have been a lot more literal.”
Before WWE, Bautista’s life went by, working as a bouncer, committing petty crimes, and on top of that, birthing two daughters with his first idea. Clueless about what next? Bautista developed “reverse anorexia”, where he’d spent all night working, and spending hours in the gym, feeling he’d never be big enough.
Just like life, WWE too may have given Bautista a hard time, but it all made him stronger. From winning the World Heavyweight Championship four times to winning the WWE Championship two times, Bautista declared that he is no longer the clueless child behind that window.
After stepping down in Hollywood, Bautista proved to the world that the could be a godda*n good actor, courtesy of his Marvel role as Drax the Destroyer, and further success with Netflix movies. The year 2023 has turned out to be the biggest year of his exciting movie career.
From playing Duke Cody in Glass Onion to his farewell movie Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, the “movie star” is ruling 2023, and is set to make a comeback in Dune: Part Two, scheduled to be released on November 3, 2023.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3 was released on May 5, 2023, and is currently running in theatres.
Also Read: Dave Bautista Says He Wouldn’t Join James Gunn’s DCU as Bane Possibility After His Final Movie in MC
Source: Looper
