News

Batista Pictured Backstage At WWE SmackDown

By Damian Clarke • Published 31st December 2022
Batista

Former WWE Champion Batista was in attendance for the final WWE SmackDown of the year, with Titus O’Neil sharing a picture with his friend.

The 30th December 2022 edition of SmackDown was as eventful a final episode of the year as you’d expect it to be. One of the most shocking moments was the return of ‘The Queen’ Charlotte Flair, who challenged Ronda Rousey to a match for the blue brand’s Women’s Championship. Rousey accepted despite having only just defeated Raquel Gonzalez, and was rolled up by Flair who became a 14-time Women’s Champion.

It seems like it wasn’t just an eventful night in front of the camera, as pictures from backstage show that former WWE Champion Batista was also in attendance.

In a post on social media, Titus O’Neil noted how pleased he was to catch up with his friends at the final SmackDown of 2022, and included a photo of him smiling alongside Batista.

Gerald Briscoe is also seen in the background of the same picture, and it’s also been reported that ‘The Nature Boy’ Ric Flair was in attendance to witness his daughter’s return and title win.

Batista officially retired from the ring after his defeat at the hands of Triple H at WrestleMania 35. Rarely seen around the WWE Universe since, he was original slated to join the WWE Hall Of Fame as part of the Class Of 2021, however the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and he was not part of the rescheduled event. Batista now spends much of his time as a movie star, with one film director recently voting him the top wrestler to swap the squared circle for the silver screen.