Batista Returns, rejoins Evolution
Batista returns, rejoins Evolution
by Phil Speer -WWE.com
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Oct. 20, 2003 – Batista completed his long, hard journey to return to WWE tonight, appearing live on RAW for the first time since late February and, much to his relief and delight, rejoining Evolution.
Batista had not been seen by WWE audiences since he tore his right triceps during a live event March 1 in Reading, Pa.
"I’m on Cloud 9 right now," Batista said moments after his return. "My adrenaline is pumping so hard. I don’t know, I’ve got a whole bunch of emotions."
He explained that his emotions included the joy of returning to the ring, of being in the same ring with Shawn Michaels and Goldberg, and of returning to Evolution.
"I was just praying I’d be back in Evolution," he said, adding that the faction is better with all four original members – Batista, Randy Orton, Ric Flair and Triple H.
"The four of us, it’s just energy, pure energy," he said. "I think the crowd really feels it. The biggest thrill of the night was when the four of us stood on the ramp with our arms raised. It felt like the first time."
Batista’s left arm has gone through three surgeries — one to repair it, another to repair it when it tore again, and another to clean out an infection. Today, the arm looks normal – except for a foot-long scar centered on his elbow – and he says he’s regained full flexibility but not full strength.
"It’s not 100 percent but it’s in good shape," he said. "It’s about as good as it can be at this point."
Batista was still breathing heavily several minutes after RAW ended, the excitement and adrenaline of performing in front of a live crowd still pumping.
"Tell you what, I wish I was in better shape," he said with a chuckle. Of course, he’s in great physical condition, but the only way to get into "ring shape" (the combination of physical exertion and adrenaline) is to actually get in the ring and wrestle. No amount of cardiovascular training can substitute.
Batista is actually well on his way to getting back into ring shape, as he’s spent the last three weeks at Ohio Valley Wrestling, WWE’s developmental territory. He’ll be returning there for one more week. But he’s officially back on the WWE roster now.
"It feels really good when people welcome you back," he said. "You can tell when it’s genuine. It’s not, ‘Nice to see you.’ It’s, ‘Man, we really missed having you on the road.’
"It’s just great to be back."
