Every Monday and Friday I write a wrestling column for the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.
The latest piece was some Friday fun since many wrestling fans got their wish this past week with Batista quitting to go back to Hollywood for a few months. The following is an excerpt:
Batista “quit” WWE this past week on RAW to return to Hollywood to complete his obligations there.
It got me thinking about the parallels or comparisons of his career with The Rock. At times he has pulled ahead of The Rock in career chapters. In the end, I think he's settled as the cheaper, more obtainable version.
I now pronounce Batista as “The Rock Light.”
The Rock is a Samoan who was trained and influenced by his family to get into wrestling. Batista was turned down by the WCW Power Plant and WWE told him to go get trained at the Afa's Wild Samoan training school.
The Rock made his debut in Madison Square Garden in Survivor Series. Batista was the religious bodyguard of Devon.
The Rock had to be in a Survivor Series match involving Marc Mero. Batista had to be in a Survivor Series match with involving Maven.
The Rock dropped Rocky Maivia. Batista dropped Deacon and Dave.
The Rock was able to make an eye brow famous. Batista perfected the thumbs down motion.
The Rock won 10 world titles. Batista won six.
The Rock is often remembered as one of the youngest champions. Batista goes down as one of the oldest.
The Rock broke into Hollywood with a role in “The Scorpion King.” Batista broke in with a straight-to-DVD with “Wrong Side Of Town” featuring RVD and Ja Rule.
The Rock returned after his absence to Hollywood to feud with the top guy John Cena. Batista returned to indirectly feud with Daniel Bryan by making his fans mad despite physical contact.
The Rock brought back segments that topped the ratings charts. Batista brought back the spotlight entrance.
The Rock was able to get fruity pebbles to be cheered. Batista was able to get Rey Mysterio boos at Royal Rumble.
CLICK HERE to read more of Batista being The Rock Light.
