On February 25, 2019, Dave Bautista returned to WWE after a long hiatus and challenged Triple H to a match after beating up Ric Flair on his birthday. Bautista last wrestled in WWE in 2014 and returned to SmackDown 1000 for an Evolution reunion in 2018. The events in 2019 led to a No Holds Barred match between Bautista and Triple H at WrestleMania 35.
Interestingly, the Raw episode on February 25 was celebrating Ric Flair’s 70th birthday when Bautista attacked him to seek Triple H’s attention. The legendary wrestler, now attached to the AEW, later made an appearance during the Bautista v. Triple H match to seek retribution.
Dave Bautista Beat Up Ric Flair During His Return To WWE 5 Years Ago
Five years ago on February 25th, Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and the entire Raw wrestlers were awaiting Ric Flair‘s grand entry into the ring to celebrate his 70th birthday. The WWE team announced a commemorative gold championship belt to Flair, but he didn’t come out. They were shocked to see Dave Bautista, who dragged a cameraman to Ric Flair’s locker room to capture what he was about to do.
As Triple H helplessly watched on the screen, Bautista beat up Ric Flair in his room and dragged him through the floor outside the room. The Guardians of the Galaxy actor then went on to speak directly to Triple H on camera, asking him, “Do I have your attention now?”. Triple H quickly ran back to Flair’s locker room to find him on the floor outside and called for medical help.
5-years-ago today, Batista returned to @WWE.
Batista would brutalise Ric Flair, setting up a showdown between Batista & HHH at WrestleMania 35. pic.twitter.com/kw8cwGRm78
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) February 25, 2024
Later on March 11th, Bautista came back to WWE and walked into the stage to his entrance music with ten security guys surrounding him (via PW Torch). Triple H, who came along with Ric Flair, insulted the Glass Onion actor. Bautista demanded Triple H to give him what he wanted. He demanded the 14-time world champion for a match at WrestleMania, to which Triple H responds, “You’re on!”.
Dave Bautista also shared he wanted this one last match at WrestleMania to end Triple H’s character. However, Triple H shared that the Mania match will be held on his terms. He revealed that there would be no rules, no restrictions, and no law. He announced, “There will be no holds barred!”.
Triple H Beat Dave Bautista At WrestleMania 35 Ending His Career
In the No Holds Barred match at WrestleMania 35, Bautista clearly struggled and it was evident that the wrestler hadn’t wrestled for years. Early in the match, his nose rings were pulled out by Triple H using pliers. Triple H had the upper hand throughout the match, executing his signature spear, powerbomb, and Pedigree moves.
The match came to an end when Ric Flair appeared for his retribution and handed his signature sledgehammer to Triple H. He struck Bautista with the sledgehammer and followed it up with a Pedigree move to win the match. Triple H didn’t have to retire until 2022, but it marked the end of Bautista’s WWE career as he announced his retirement from professional wrestling (via EW).
The match between 50-year-old Dave Bautista and 49-year-old Triple H did not receive much interest and received criticism from fans. Many believed that both Bautista and Triple H were stars past their prime. The one-sided match dragged on too long and it took nearly 30 minutes of in-ring action alone (via PW Torch).
