Batista returned to the WWE just in time to participate in the 2014 Royal Rumble. The WWE Universe seemed underwhelmed by his return as he set his sights on the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and looked to send a message to the rest of the WWE locker room by taking out Alberto Del Rio. Some were very excited, but many felt it wasn’t the explosive return they were looking for. Regardless, Batista made it clear he was in the WWE to stay for the time being.
Before leaving the WWE, Batista had a storied career, competing at WrestleMania multiple times and becoming WWE Champion. The Mattel WWE Series 37 version of Batista celebrates WrestleMania heritage and calls back to a simpler time when Batista didn’t sport many tattoos, had just given up being a deacon and followed behind his longer standing companions in Evolution. Here is an appearance from one of his first WrestleManias as ‘The Animal’ complete with trunks stating the like and black strapped boots.
Batista wore a very cool, skin tight white and red track jacket, grey pants and sunglasses upon his WWE return in 2014. A Mattel WWE figure in plain clothes is mostly not in the cards according to the Mattel WWE Design Team, however they may consider the possibility as the return outfits of many wrestlers are usual memorable to the WWE Universe. In addition, Batista destroyed Alberto Del Rio when wearing the same outfit so fans will most likely never forget it.
Just in time for WrestleMania XXX, Batista returned to the Mattel WWE line in a Battle Pack with Brock Lesnar as a ‘fantasy match-up.’ With accurate tattoos and a heavy beard, The Animal faces off with The Beast in a match that the WWE Universe anticipates at some point in the career of both staple wrestlers. This is perfect timing as it is in line with the actual return of Batista to the WWE so fans will have The Animal available.
No doubt eventually slated for release, a Mattel WWE version of Batista winning the 2014 Royal Rumble is likely to be a desire of wrestling figure fans who both like and dislike Batista. His red ring shoes, black trunks and new physique are enough to get wrestling figure fans talking, but the WWE Universe as a whole did not react well to his Royal Rumble win. The question remains, what does the WWE Universe want from The Animal? Are they looking for a hero to change the landscape of the WWE, or have they find another enemy for the heroes they are hoping to have more of an impact?
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