Very few in wrestling know Batista the way Randy Orton knows his longtime friend and former stablemate. So, when Orton heard Batista would be heading to the WWE Hall of Fame in 2020, he had nothing but glowing things to say about "The Animal."
Speaking to WWE in an online exclusive, Orton was asked about Batista's impending Hall of Fame induction. Orton stated, "Dave deserves it. I've known him for 20 years; he was the first guy I ran into when I reported down to Louisville for developmental when I was 19 years old. I remember seeing this 350-pound jacked up man and thinking to myself, 'what have I gotten myself into?' After that was Evolution and I saw Dave grow, we became friends, we traveled the world together. My hats off to him, I can't wait to hear his speech. I know it'll be heartfelt. He's always been good to me and I look forward to seeing him on that special day."
Orton and Batista shared much time in the ring together during their years in Evolution and then as opponents as both men became singles stars. And even though Batista went on to be a Hollywood star, Orton doesn't believe it has changed him.
"He's always been a big teddy bear," remarked Orton. "I've seen so many people grow and he's one of the guys I've gotten the pleasure of watching grow for the longest. From early days in OVW to becoming a Hollywood movie star. I've watched all his movies. He's got every bit of support from me that I can offer him. Very proud of him."
With three of the four Evolution members now in the Hall of Fame, only Orton has yet to be inducted. And after signing a new WWE deal that will keep him in the company for the next five years, his induction might not happen for a while.
"I still have a few more bumps to take in a WWE ring before I'm ready to step into the Hall of Fame -- Shit, I don't even know how that works. I gotta be nominated or something? People say I'm a future first-ballot Hall of Famer, but there's a lot of time between now and then. Who knows what could happen. One day, if I'm fortunate enough to be in the Hall of Fame, it'll be a hell of an honor. I'm in no hurry to be in the Hall of Fame," said Orton.
Orton remains a featured player on WWE Raw and is currently feuding with AJ Styles. On Monday's Raw, Orton cost Styles the WWE United States Championship by giving him a wink.
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