During his time performing as Batista, Dave Bautista certainly had a career worthy of the WWE Hall of Fame.
In fact, the multi-time world champion was originally announced as an inductee for the class of 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony wasn’t able to take place at the time of WrestleMania 36. When the class of 2020 was set to be inducted in a double ceremony alongside the class of 2021 during the weekend of WrestleMania 37, Bautista was unavailable for the ceremony. He explained on social media, tweeting:
“To the @WWEUniverse Unfortunately due to previous obligations I am unable to be a part of the @WWE #HOF this year. By my request they have agreed to induct me at a future ceremony where I’ll be able to properly thank the fans and people who made my career possible #DreamChaser”
Will Dave Bautista Enter The WWE Hall Of Fame In 2023?
In a recent interview, Bautista revealed that he had his sights set on entering the Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023, and a February report indicated that he was indeed planned to headline the class.
However, a new report from PWInsider Elite reveals that despite being heavily discussed, Bautista will not be going into the WWE Hall of Fame this year after all. According to the report, he is currently in South Africa in the middle of filming the latest My Spy film, and this is the likely reason for his induction being delayed yet again as he would not physically be able to be in Los Angeles for the ceremony on March 31st.
During a recent appearance on WWE The Bump, Ric Flair announced that he will have the honor of inducting Keiji Muto, also known as The Great Muta. The first induction was announced on the March 10th episode of SmackDown when it was revealed that Rey Mysterio will be inducted despite still being an active competitor on the roster. Stacy Keibler is also rumored for induction, but has not been announced as of yet.
It’s believed that five total inductions will take place this year.