WWE: Ranking The Top 10 Moments In Batista's Career

WWE: Ranking The Top 10 Moments In Batista’s Career

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 02: Actor Dave Bautista attends "The State of the Industry: Past, Present and Future" STXfilms presentation at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace during CinemaCon, the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners on April 02, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Gabe Ginsberg/WireImage) /

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7. Batista drafted to SmackDown

For much of his WWE career, Batista served as one of the key faces of SmackDown and, at one point, the top babyface on the blue brand. His first appearance since his initial debut in 2002 was the start of a new era for Tuesday night tapings and it all kicked off in a bang.

Days earlier, SmackDown had lost its WWE Champion when John Cena got drafted to Raw. A Six Man Elimination Match was booked for the June 30 episode of SmackDown where the winner was under the assumption they would become the new and first ever SmackDown Champion. JBL would win that match, but afterwards, SmackDown General Manager Teddy Long would tell Bradshaw that there isn’t a need for a SmackDown Championship after all thanks to a last minute signing to the blue brand.

That last minute signing was World Heavyweight Champion Batista who entered the arena to a roaring reaction. He then proceeded to feud with JBL in the coming months. Overall, Batista run as the face of SmackDown – especially during his first record setting 282-day reign with the title – was a success and kicking things off nicely with this buzz worthy, electric moment helped steer it into that direction.

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