Dave Bautista, formerly known as Batista in WWE, compares the demanding grind of professional wrestling to the challenges of working in Hollywood.
Batista was a full-time WWE main roster star from 2002 to 2010. He briefly returned in 2014 and had his final match at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, facing Triple H.
Outside of WWE, he has made a name for himself in Hollywood, most prolifically as Drax the Destroyer in the Guardians of the Galaxy movies.
During an interview with Film Inside to promote his role in the movie In the Lost Lands, Batista explained how his work ethic stems from the grinding schedule he faced as a WWE Superstar. He says that while being on set for several hours at a time can be difficult, life in Hollywood is a cakewalk compared to what he faced in WWE.
"I have a strong work ethic, and my work ethic really came from the WWE, if nothing else, they're not only durable people, but it's just the hardest grind that I could ever imagine. Being in Hollywood and being on a film set, it's long hours, but compared to the grind of being a professional wrestler, it's just a cakewalk. I mean, it's night and day," he said. "I'm in this business, and I find it hard to relate to people who are just always unhappy on set and always complaining about something. I don't relate to that at all. So that's it.
"I grew up and with not much, and I'm always grateful for everything I have, and I really didn't make a dime till I was in my mid-30s, so I remember what it's like to not have anything. So I'm grateful for what I have, but also with my work ethic, I don't feel like this is a constant grind. I'm happy to be here. I'm happy to have opportunities. I'm grateful to be in this business, you know? I'm grateful to be able to do what I love. I was a very developed adult before I ever got into this industry."
John Cena, someone from the same OVW class as Batista, is in his retirement year as a WWE performer. Cena decided to make a complete tour out of his retirement. Batista says he could never have done that. Read his comments here.
CM Punk recently said he would like to star in a romantic comedy with Batista. Read those comments here.
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