Why Batista Isn’t In The WWE Hall Of Fame Revealed
Batista’s WWE Hall of Fame induction is long overdue.
The Animal officially retired from wrestling in April 2019 after his No Holds Barred match against Triple H at WrestleMania 35, which he lost.
After retirement, he focused on his acting career in Hollywood.
Batista was originally announced to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020.
However, the induction did not take place due to scheduling conflicts exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
WWE held a limited ceremony without live fans in 2020, and Dave Bautista opted to wait for a proper ceremony with fans present.
Since then, his busy Hollywood filming schedule has repeatedly conflicted with WrestleMania weekend when the inductions occur.
However, there have been some rumors that his HOF induction is being delayed due to some backstage heat or politics.
On the November 23, 2025, edition of the Fightful Report, Sean Ross Sapp debunked these rumors, claiming that scheduling is indeed the reason why Batista’s Hall of Fame induction keeps getting delayed every year.
“Scheduling is the reason I’m given every year—because I ask every year—and I’m told it’s scheduling every year.”
WWE has insisted on Batista attending in person, and he has refused a remote induction or rushed event, preferring to wait for a time when he can fully participate and give the moment proper attention.
WWE Star Titus O’Neal Wants To Follow Batista’s Path In Hollywood
During an interview with TMZ, Titus O’Neil expressed his ambition to follow the path of Dave Bautista in Hollywood.
He views Batista as a close friend and role model, inspired by Batista’s successful transition from WWE to a flourishing acting career.
O’Neil has mentioned that they share similar upbringings, which deepens his admiration and desire to emulate Bautista’s varied roles in films rather than sticking to a single type of character.
He aspires to also become a film star and is focusing on building his acting career alongside his WWE responsibilities and philanthropic work.
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[H/T Ringside News]