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Batista—A Man Improved

By WrestlingTruth.com columnist Roxanne Springer: ravenbrooks_2000@yahoo.com

One of the most popular legends of our time is the story of the underdog. We all know it well; it has been the theme of countless books, movies, and songs. It is the timeless and classic tale of the courageous and tenacious person who achieves both greatness and glory in spite of seemingly insurmountable odds. One of my favorite versions of that age old saga stars pro wrestling great Dave Batista.

When Batista first became attention worthy and even past his first title reign there were many, many negative remarks being made. Critics, columnists, and even some veteran pro wrestling reporters were encouraging WWE to fire him. “Clumsy”, “inept”, and “ungainly” were just a few of the scornful terms used to describe him and his work.

Rumors of arrogance in the locker room surfaced as well. Wrestling news sites were brimming with reports and snippets from “unnamed sources” and bitter wrestlers claiming they were being disrespected by the powerhouse that is Batista. He would often counter the stories with remarks of his own claiming he was not the monster and ego maniac he was being portrayed to be.

A fact the media and apparently many wrestling fans seemed to forget is Dave Batista started his pro wrestling career when he was thirty years old. Usually when a wrestler has reached that age his is nearing or just passing the middle of his career. Because of his age I believe people were predisposed to the idea that he when he received a push he would handle it like a seasoned veteran. If Dave did do any of the things he was accused of I truly believe it was not intentional. He was acting as many green wrestlers do when they are blessed with a colossal push and are given a title. It happened because in spite of his age that is exactly what he was.

Triple H was one of the first to see Batista’s full potential; he put Dave over on three very significant pay-per-views in a row. Dave has not wasted his time since then, he has worked tirelessly to improve himself both in the ring and on the mic. He has become the true superstar he was always meant to be.

For those who have not read his book “Batista Unleashed” I recommend it whole heartedly. Dave actually dares to name names and place blame within the very candid and revealing book. I applaud his courage and bravado to do something so audaciously brave. But then again, Dave Batista has never been one to back down or take the safe path to anywhere.

Keelan’s Call:
I’ll admit, I’ve definitely been one that has reported the negative aspects of Batista’s wrestling Career and the early arrogance he possessed, hell the cool calm and often arrogant attitude finds its way in to his character on TV. That being said the man has greatly improved in the ring and is very deserving of his spot, consistently putting on good matches (bar Wrestlemania with Umaga) and by all accounts has become more humble backstage. This is wrestling and what eventually gets leaked out can be skewed and Chinese whispered, but there’s no smoke without fire. That being said Batista is definitely “A Man Improved.” Leave your opinions for Roxanne below: