Batista has reflected on the failed WCW tryout that nearly ended his dream of becoming a professional wrestler before his WWE career had even begun.
Speaking with W.O.L.F. Gyms, the former WWE Champion recalled attending a WCW tryout in Atlanta, where he was cut during the first stage and told he did not have what it took to succeed in the business.
“I went for a tryout in Atlanta, it was for the WCW at the time. I didn’t make it. I didn’t make it past the first stage. They told me to get the f**k out and I’d never be a pro wrestler, that I didn’t have what it took.”
Batista admitted the rejection left him questioning his future, but rather than giving up, he quickly looked for another route into the industry.
“I was pretty crushed because I didn’t know what I was going to do with my life.”
Batista Recalled Having To Borrow Money To Get Into WWE-Affiliated Training School
Around a week later, Batista found a training school in Pennsylvania affiliated with WWE. After borrowing money from friends, he relocated to begin his wrestling training.
“I borrowed money from friends, moved to Pennsylvania and started training. I was there for about a year before I got a tryout with WWE.”
The opportunity eventually led to a WWE developmental contract worth $650 per week, with Batista being sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where he continued his training before making it to television.
Batista made his WWE debut in 2002 at the age of 33 as Deacon Batista before evolving into one of the biggest stars of the Ruthless Aggression Era. He went on to become a multiple-time world champion and one of WWE’s most successful crossover stars.
