Childhood and Education Journey of Dave Bautista in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 19, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Dave Bautista. A timeline of key moments.

Dave Bautista, born David Michael Bautista Jr., is an American actor and retired professional wrestler. He achieved significant recognition during his time with WWE from 2002 to 2019, establishing himself as one of the most successful professional wrestlers of his era. Following his wrestling career, Bautista transitioned to acting, appearing in numerous films.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 18, 1969: David Michael Bautista Jr. Born

On January 18, 1969, David Michael Bautista Jr. was born. He later became an American actor and retired professional wrestler.

1992: Birth of Athena

In 1992, Bautista's daughter Athena was born.

2005: Heel Turn

In 2005, Batista turned heel for the first time since then, initiating an attack on Rey Mysterio after a tag team match and expressing frustration with being undermined.

2009: Tattoos

In 2009, Bautista had both upper arms covered in large, tribal style tattoos and the phrase "DC soldier" added to his right biceps.

June 16, 2010: Attended Strikeforce Event

On June 16, 2010, Batista attended Strikeforce: Los Angeles, indicating his interest in competing in MMA.

2010: Diet Change

Beginning in 2010, Bautista began eating a mostly plant-based, pescetarian diet.

January 20, 2014: WWE Return and Negative Fan Reaction

On January 20, 2014, Batista returned to WWE on Raw, but despite winning the Royal Rumble as a face, he received negative reactions due to Daniel Bryan's absence in the match, leading to storyline changes and an eventual heel turn.

2014: Quitting WWE

In 2014, Batista quit WWE after Bret Hart, the Raw General Manager, booked him to face an injured Randy Orton. Batista cited dissatisfaction with the company's direction as the reason for his departure.

February 25, 2019: Attack on Ric Flair and Demand to Triple H

On February 25, 2019, Batista attacked Ric Flair and demanded "give me what I want" to Triple H, beginning a storyline that led to a match at WrestleMania 35.

2019: Retirement After WrestleMania 35

In 2019, Batista officially retired from professional wrestling after competing at WrestleMania 35.

2019: Retirement from WWE

In 2019, Dave Bautista retired from professional wrestling after WrestleMania 35.

August 2020: Weight Update

As of August 2020, Bautista was 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighed around 275 pounds.

2020: Stepping Back from Wrestling

In 2020, Batista largely stepped back from professional wrestling.

2020: Political Support

In 2020, Bautista supported Bernie Sanders in the Democratic Party presidential primaries and endorsed Joe Biden in the United States presidential election, also appearing in an ad for his presidential campaign.