WWE legend Batista became one of the biggest and dominant stars in WWE after getting called up from Ohio Valley Wrestling(OVW), which was WWE’s developmental territory back in the day. It was noted that ‘The Animal’ was rejected by WCW at the start of his pro wrestling career because the company didn’t have a program for him to hone his craft, according to former trainer Buddy Lee Parker.
Batista was rejected at a WCW tryout
It has been revealed that ‘The Animal’ had a tryout with WCW in 1999 but was rejected following which he tried his hand at signing with WWE. He was signed by the company in 2000 and debuted on the main roster two years later, before going on to win a number of titles.
During the recent episode of UnSKripted with Dr. Chris Featherstone, WCW trainer Sgt. Buddy Lee Parker (aka DeWayne Bruce) explained why Batista was not signed by WCW and how he directed him towards WWE:
“You know what, WCW was set-up for training program there. He did come for a tryout, I did run him off but I knew WCW was not going to take him like he was. I thought I did him a great favor going to WWE because I sent him to the Cincinnati – whatever their training ground is. But he still holds it against me. But all things looking at it, it was the best thing to happen for him.”
“Well, it wasn’t necessarily him. It was most necessarily with WCW because they didn’t have a program for him to go,” said the former WCW trainer and performer.
Batista went on to become a top WWE star, arguably the number two star behind John Cena in the mid-2000’s following the departures of The Rock, Steve Austin, and Brock Lesnar. He was part of the legendary stable Evolution as well.
