Dave Bautista Admits He Wishes He Had John Cena’s Opportunities During WWE’s 2005-08 Boom

The former 6-time champion believes John Cena was marketed as the top star during WWE's PG era, with the same now also true in Hollywood.

Dave Bautista Admits He Wishes He Had John Cena’s Opportunities During WWE’s 2005-08 Boom

Dave Bautista and John Cena [via- WWE]

Dave Bautista has revealed that John Cena’s success during their shared WWE years influenced his decision to leave the company back in 2010.

Bautista, who performed as Batista in WWE, said he wanted the same opportunities Cena received as the company’s top star during the PG era between 2005 and 2008. While the two were often viewed as rivals, Bautista said there was no personal animosity between them.

The former 6-time world champion said he was happy to see Cena succeed in Hollywood, but felt frustrated that Cena was receiving opportunities in films, commercials, and endorsements while he continued to work heavily for WWE.

This is not an animosity thing towards John Cena; I don’t have anything but love and respect for John Cena. I thought it was unfair and I should have those same opportunities within the company.

Dave Bautista said on Cale Owen’s podcast

The former WWE Champion believed his own position in the company justified similar opportunities. He said he was drawing strong crowds, working at the top of the card and carrying the workload while Cena pursued projects outside the ring.

Bautista acknowledged that Cena was a natural fit to represent WWE at the time. However, he felt the company’s decision to focus its mainstream opportunities on Cena could limit his own growth as an entertainer. The situation became more complicated as WWE moved toward a PG product.

Bautista felt his look, wrestling style, and background did not fit the company’s new direction. When WWE also restricted his ability to pursue outside work without approval, he decided to let his contract expire and leave.

As stated, Bautista first departed WWE in 2010 and did not return until 2014 for the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania 30. His acting career later changed dramatically after he landed the role of Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy.

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Dave Bautista lost his fortune and went bankrupt before Hollywood breakthrough

Dave Bautista’s decision to pursue acting came with major financial difficulties. After leaving WWE, he struggled to find consistent work and spent several years without a major acting breakthrough.

He later revealed that he had lost much of the money he earned during his wrestling career. His house was foreclosed, he sold his possessions and he faced issues with the IRS.

Dave Bautista
Dave Bautista (via @davebautista/Instagram)

He revealed, “When I say broke, my house was foreclosed, I had nothing, man.” Bautista also said he had to borrow money to cover basic expenses and buy Christmas presents for his children during that period.

His financial situation changed after he was cast as Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy. The 2014 Marvel film became his breakthrough role and led to further appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Bautista later reprised the role in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame, Thor: Love and Thunder, and The Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special. He has also appeared in major films including the Dune franchise and Blade Runner 2049.

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