Dave Bautista, better known to WWE fans as Batista, has drawn a powerful contrast between the grueling demands of professional wrestling and life on a Hollywood film set.
During a recent interview with Film Inside while promoting his latest film, In the Lost Lands, the former multi-time WWE Champion opened up about how his experience in WWE shaped his approach to acting — and how it still impacts his work ethic to this day.
“My work ethic really came from the WWE… it’s just the hardest grind that I could ever imagine,” Bautista stated.
While Hollywood production schedules are known for long hours and logistical challenges, Bautista made it clear that nothing compares to the day-to-day grind of life as a WWE Superstar.
“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. I don’t relate to that at all.”
Since retiring from in-ring competition following his final match against Triple H at WrestleMania 35 in 2019, Bautista has become a prominent actor in major blockbuster films, most notably as Drax the Destroyer in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Despite his success in Hollywood, Bautista remains grounded and thankful.
“I’m happy to be here… I’m grateful to be able to do what I love,” he said.
As In the Lost Lands continues its promotional rollout, Bautista’s reflections offer a candid reminder of just how demanding the world of professional wrestling truly is — and how it can prepare performers for anything.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for more on Dave Bautista, In the Lost Lands, and all things WWE.
(h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription)
