Dave Bautista addresses WWE Hall of Fame 2021 absence: Batista clarifies delayed induction

WWE legend Batista has commented on his status for this year’s Hall of Fame ceremony and revealed why he won’t be taking part.

The former world champion – better known to film fans as Hollywood heavyweight Dave Bautista – was set to be inducted last year alongside the likes of John ‘Bradshaw’ Layfield, Jushin Thunder Liger and the Bella Twins before the event was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

When the company confirmed the ceremony’s return for WrestleMania Week – it’s scheduled to air on April 6 – it was also announced that a new 2021 class will be honoured alongside the 2020 group.

However, Batista has now tweeted: ‘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’.

Given his hectic Hollywood schedule, it seems likely that the ‘previous obligations’ are film-related, although this isn’t confirmed.

It had already been reported that Batista wouldn’t be part of this year’s ceremony, with WWE removing him from the online preview, which features last year’s class as well as 2021 legends Eric Bischoff and Molly Holly.

And while the prospective Hall of Famers have the logo next to their name, this has also been removed from the Animal’s profile on the official site.

Fightful Select and Ringside News have both reported he was no longer planned for the show, and the former had stated this was down to WWE wanting to have him inducted in front of a capacity crowd.

Batista still stands tall as one of the greats, and has followed the likes of John Cena and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson by moving into an impressive acting career since hanging up his boots.

There was plenty of Hall of Fame speculation this weekend, with Daniel Bryan listed as a 2021 inductee on the WWE Network, although this was an error.

Although the Leader of the Yes Movement will undoubtedly take his rightful place one day, he’s still very much an active wrestler even with plans to scale back and focus on parenthood rather than a full time career.

Regardless of that, he has plenty left in the tank and will prove that tonight as he takes on Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship at WWE Fastlane.

In an interesting twist, 2021 Royal Rumble winner Edge – set to battle the winner at WrestleMania 37 next month – will be the special guest enforcer for the high stakes match.

It remains to be seen how things will unfold, but many fans are hoping all three men will meet in a triple threat in three week’s time.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Dave Bautista removed from WWE Hall of Fame 2021: Batista won’t be inducted this year

MORE : Ex-WWE star Renee Paquette hopes CM Punk returns because he’s still ‘a wrestler through and through’