Was Batista's 2014 Return to WWE Meant to Be a Shorter Stint?

Wrestling fans have often wondered about the plans for Batista's return to WWE in 2014. Some speculate that the legendary wrestler's stay with the company was always intended to be short, while others believe that the plans evolved as Batista's career and WWE's narrative unfolded.

The Original Plan: A Short Return

According to many reports, Batista's initial intentions for his return to WWE in 2014 were to have a limited and impactful storyline. WWE had planned for Batista to return for a brief period and then depart the company. The plan was likely driven by various factors, including Batista's desire to return to Hollywood and WWE's goal to maximize cross-media exposure for both entities.

Falling Short of Expectations

However, as is often the case in the unpredictable world of professional wrestling, things did not go as planned. Batista's return was met with a significant popular response. WWE seems to have realized the potential of his storyline and decided to give him a bigger push, including the unexpected win of the Royal Rumble match - a move that was not part of the original plan.

The Role of WWE’s Narrative

WWE's desire to establish Batista as a face figure for the 2014 storyline seemed to run contrary to his personal desires. Batista was more interested in a heel persona, a role that would have allowed him to return to his roots. As a result, the mismatch in expectations led to disappointment on both sides.

Despite Batista's dissatisfaction, he chose to extend his time with WWE, hoping to improve the storyline before his eventual departure. This decision further extended the timeframe for his appearance, which was initially planned to only last for a month. Batista's extended stay was without a title run, as WWE did not intend for him to engage in a major championship push.

The Impact of a World Title Win

If Batista had won the World Championship in the context of WrestleMania 30 (WM 30), it would not have gone down well with the fans. The fanbase was already disgruntled with the inclusion of Daniel Bryan in the Royal Rumble and his subsequent failure to win the event, let alone the WWE Championship. A win by Batista would have faced an even harsher backlash, likely resulting in widespread disapproval and negative feedback.

Conclusion: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at WWE Strategy

The story of Batista's 2014 return to WWE is a case study of how wrestling storylines can shift based on audience response. While WWE had plans in place, the unexpected success of the return storyline led to a change in plans. Fans often wonder about the behind-the-scenes maneuvering, and while some may have hoped for a different outcome, the narrative evolved to fit the larger WWE strategy.

Batista's decision to stay longer than initially planned allowed WWE to explore various storytelling possibilities, but it also underscored the importance of balancing fan expectations and the wrestlers' goals. Whether WWE’s plans for Batista's return were always meant to be short-lived or evolved over time, his time with the company in 2014 remains a crucial chapter in WWE's history.