Actor Dave Bautista or commonly known as former wrestler, Batista, has had two stints with the WWE. According to the latest rumors, Batista left WWE in 2010 due to the inequality shown by the company between him and John Cena regarding outside opportunities.
The Animal's first run in the WWE ended in 2010 after ten years in the company. He went on to star in several successful movies, as well as a short stint in mixed martial arts. Nonetheless, he returned to wrestling in 2014 but left after just six months due to creative differences.
In an appearance on MLW Radio's Writers Room, Batista revealed the reason why he left the WWE in 2010. He mentioned that the company did not treat him fairly about being given other opportunities. He also said that the WWE told him he was their "property" and was not treated the same way as Cena.
"It just seemed a little unfair to me that I'm still out there busting my ass to do these shows while he's making movies and getting paid a butt load of money to make these movies," Batista said, as transcribed by Wrestling Inc.
"I just thought it was unfair, so I thought it's just really unfair. It's unfair career-wise and it's unfair to me financially," he added.
The 49-year-old wrestler turned actor noted that he suffered a broken back in his last match in the WWE, which was against Cena. To be specific, he legitimately had a compression fracture in his L1 spine but the company he worked for ten years did not seem to care.
Nonetheless, Batista has become very successful outside of the WWE and his Hollywood resume is second only to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. He has starred in box office blockbusters such as "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Spectre."
The Greek-Filipino will also star in the upcoming "Kickboxer" film series, "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" and the "Blade Runner" sequel alongside Harrison Ford. Despite the differences he has with the WWE, he received a call from Vince McMahon to appear at WrestleMania 32.
Batista declined to appear because he wanted his next WWE comeback to be more meaningful, Wrestle Zone reported. He has mentioned in previous interviews that he just wants wrestle at house shows and live events.
Check out the video below for Batista's final WWE television appearance in 2014.