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Dave Bautista looks more ripped than ever in tiny trunks in inspirational throwback photo taken before WWE career
Big Dave couldn’t resist sharing the snap (Picture: WWE)
Dave Bautista has revealed how the gym has always helped him through difficulties in life.
The WWE superstar turned Hollywood heavyweight – who has gone onto appear in the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy, Blade Runner 2049 and Army of the Dead since trading in his wrestling boots after being known simply as Batista for many years – has always been an imposing presence since bursting onto the scene, and it’s clear that goes back even further than the squared circle.
He first started training back in 1999, going onto make his on-screen debut for WWE three years later and the rest was history.
It’s no wonder he seemed destined for stardom in the business, as he’s revealed on Twitter this weekend that he had the figure for wrestling three years before he began learning the craft.
Taking part in a social media trend which has seen people sharing photos of themselves from the 1990s ‘without comment or context’, he posted an eye-catching snap from 1996.
The photo showed Big Dave in a tiny pair of trunks with his hulking frame on display as he looks to be posing on the beach.
He later offered a bit more detail, laughing: ‘The gym saved my life. And it was the only place I was happy. So I was there A LOT… Its still my therapy couch (sic)’
A fan replied, admitting they feel ‘sweaty, awkward and out of place’ at the gym, but another follower urged them to ignore the insecurities as they insisted: ‘Don’t worry about everyone else at the gym – they’re not thinking you don’t belong. They’re thinking it’s awesome you’re there.’
Bautista certainly agreed with the advice, as he added: ‘Truth. Obviously there’s always arrogant assholes that turn their insecurities into shitty attitudes.
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‘Believe me when I say that it’s those people nobody wants there. Be your best you and f**k anyone who can’t respect that. #DreamChaser’
It’s certainly an attitude that’s paid off for Dave, who’s been open about dealing with stage fright in the past but built a legacy as one of the biggest stars in WWE history.
He wrestled his retirement match in a losing effort against longtime rival and/or mentor Triple H at WrestleMania 35, and is now looking ahead to roles in the likes of Dune and Knives Out 2.
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