It is always challenging to see your favorite stars getting old and retiring. The case is the same in professional wrestling as well. Almost all the Superstars from the Attitude Era and the Ruthless Aggression Era are retiring or moving on to other careers. One superstar who posted his recent photo is The Animal Dave Batista.
Dave Batista was among the famous “OVW 4” batch when he debuted in 2002. His debut on the main roster happened around the same time as Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton, and John Cena. The four superstars would rule WWE for years to come and win multiple WWE Championships. While Lesnar is the only member of the four to wrestle in WWE at the moment, John Cena and Randy Orton have not yet retired from pro wrestling.
Dave Bautista posted a photo of himself on his Instagram story with a caption. The caption read, “I’m definitely transitioning into old man Dave”. It is the first-time Batista has been seen with a grey beard. The 54-year-old looks old in the photo and has fans wondering about his age.
No matter how old Batista turns, fans will always appreciate them and cherish the memories they created during their time in WWE as well as in the movies. Other superstars like John Cena, Randy Orton, Edge, The Undertaker, and Triple H are also facing the problems of old age, as almost all the legends have either retired or restricted their in-ring appearances.
One superstar who refused to age and has been a regular appearance on WWE programming since his debut in 2002 is Rey Mysterio. Rey had an extremely memorable feud with The Animal in 2009. The two have great on-screen chemistry and an equally great real-life friendship.
Fans react to Batista’s latest photo
Dave Bautista (via USA Today)The new look is certainly surprising The Animal’s fans, as he has not been seen in WWE for years. The gray beard and the entire look are making Batista look much older than his actual according to fans. His last match came in 2019 against his long-time rival Triple H in a No Holds Barred match at WrestleMania 35. This turned out to be the final WrestleMania match for both men.
Batista is only 54. He looks like 65 in this pic. Steve Austin and Booker T are older than him and they look good. Dave gotta shave that beard— BlitzoX (@blitzo2021) June 14, 2023
People forget that Dave was well into his 30s by the time he was on our screens.— Bob (@BobC2389) June 14, 2023
He entered the wrestling business in his 30’s and the acting world in his 40’s, crazy how good he’s been at both, and a sign that is never too late to make yourself a good life— Marco Ferreira (@marcofe26) June 14, 2023
I ain’t even got dyslexia but I read “recent photo” as “rest in peace” and saw a pic of Batista and slightly panicked 💀💀💀— Cavan McNamara (@cavanmcnamara) June 14, 2023
where’d all the time go, childhood over all the people who use to wrestle look old now besides edge and randy they look good 🤣🥲— oooooo (@DeanRichh) June 14, 2023
But he will always be our Animal.❤️Gime that man what he wants.— Sei carino ciao (@Jackwithakey) June 14, 2023
The Animal had been a part-time presence in WWE since 2010. He had followed The Rock and moved from professional wrestling to acting as a career choice. He also made some appearances in MMA and had some fights in the octagon. But his major success came in Hollywood when he played Drax, The Destroyer in Guardians of the Galaxy.
