Dave Bautista reveals reason behind quitting WWE; claims John Cena was favoured more

Former WWE superstar Dave Bautista is at the peak of success, especially after joining the $25 billion-dollar Marvel brand. But, once again, behind the strong guy is the narrative of a boy who grew up behind a window in Washington, D.C.’s crime-ridden 80s neighbourhood.

In 2002, Bautista joined the then-WWF. Under the ring name Batista, the six-time world champion had his fair share of conflicts behind the WWE’s closed doors. While many believe that he had a great goodbye as he opted to walk into Hollywood, the big buy hardly earned a thank you from the organisation that offered John Cena special treatment.

After a failed film effort, Dave Bautista, who was at the pinnacle of his game in the ring in the 2000s, chose to try the Hollywood route. But, once again, there’s more to the narrative of Bautista’s illustrious WWE career.

You’re our property: Dave Bautista’s revelation

During an interview, the Dune star revealed that when he asked WWE if he could audition outside its own movie arm, WWE Studios, they responded: “You’re our property. Get dressed for the house show and get to work.” On the other hand, John Cena was allowed to pursue whatever he wished.

Although WWE talent is officially an independent contractor, the contract’s restrictions forced the wrestler to become a “functionally full-time employee.” Furthermore, despite his excellent ring career, the organisation permitted his opponent John Cena to pursue movies and commercial roles while he was shut out.

In 2009, Dave Bautista received criticism for being a customer of a pharmaceutical company under investigation for distributing steroids. Still, the wrestler insisted he never “took steroids and was never suspended by WWE for any violation.” The same year, Bautista sustained a bicep injury, and his “new look raised a lot of eyebrows.”

Following the WWE’s John Cena special treatment, Batista opted to give a one-year notice and eventually left the organisation in 2010. The wrestler-turned-actor admitted that “very few people backstage” said their goodbyes. None of them praised him for his contributions to WWE.