WWE legend Batista discussed his goals as an actor with Sports Illustrated.
Batista said, “I didn’t want to just step away from wrestling and become another action movie star. I wanted to prove I could be an actor. I wanted to be respected by my peers, just like I was in wrestling. Respect has always meant more to me than accolades.”
On becoming a producer:
“As an actor, I love telling stories. That passion has transitioned into producing. I want to be involved in creating stories, not just performing them. I want to make meaningful films, ones that connect with people. Being a producer means I can shape the stories I want to tell. It’s about more than being in front of the camera; it’s about contributing to the art as a whole.””
On being respected as a wrestler:
“In wrestling, the respect I earned from people like The Undertaker, Triple H, and Eddie Guerrero meant everything to me. It’s the same in Hollywood. I want to feel like I deserve to be here, that I’ve earned my place among the best.”
