Batista’s Early Career: A Surprising Story Beyond the Ring
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A previously untold anecdote from Dave Bautista’s early wrestling days has emerged, revealing a memorable – and unpleasant – first impression on a fellow performer. While the future WWE Hall of Famer is celebrated for his in-ring achievements and Hollywood success, this story focuses on a far more personal, and pungent, detail.
The tale resurfaced recently, offering a glimpse into a side of the wrestling superstar rarely discussed. It highlights a brief encounter during a period of mandatory drug testing for WWE talent, leaving a lasting impression on one individual.
OVW Drug Testing: The Unexpected Encounter
The incident dates back to Bautista’s time in Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW), a developmental territory for WWE. During this period, wrestlers from various regions were brought together for routine drug screenings. It was during one of these gatherings, in Memphis, that the memorable meeting took place.
According to a co-host of the Cafe de Rene podcast, the experience was overwhelmingly negative – though not in the way one might expect. “When I first met Batista, well, the only time I met him,” the co-host recalled, “It was in Memphis they were doing the drug testing. They brought the guys from other parts so we could all get drug tested together. I shook his hand and met him, but I almost passed out from his breath. He had the worst breath. I mean, it almost killed me.”
A Lasting Impression
The vivid description paints a humorous, if unflattering, picture of the imposing wrestler. While the story is lighthearted, it underscores the often-unseen realities of life on the road for professional athletes and performers. The anecdote serves as a reminder that even future icons have their less-than-glamorous moments.
This unexpected revelation offers a unique perspective on Bautista, adding a quirky detail to the well-documented narrative of his rise to fame. It’s a story that’s sure to elicit a chuckle from fans familiar with the star’s larger-than-life persona.
