Smackdown 1,000: Hollywood star Batista returns to set up feud with Triple H as titles change hands

The Hollywood superstar returned in Washington for an Evolution reunion, but things quickly turned frosty with his former mentor

Batista returned to Smackdown for their 1,000th show (Getty )

Batista made his return to WWE on Smackdown 1,000 – with the seeds being planted for a final feud against long-time pal Triple H.

The star of Guardians of the Galaxy and Avengers: Infinity War was in Washington, DC, for the special episode of Smackdown to commemorate the show’s 1,000th broadcast.

The Animal, real name Dave Bautista, was reunited alongside Triple H, Ric Flair and Randy Orton – the quartet making up the group Evolution stable that dominated WWE during much of the early 2000s.

They each reminisced about their days inside the squared circle together, before Batista took the microphone to lavish praise on each of his cohorts.

Of Triple H, however, he said: “There’s nothing this man hasn’t done in this business … except beat me!”

There was an uneasy moment between the two before they eventually embraced, but the signs are clear that the former world champion is being lined up for one last run in the company – his last being four years ago.

Since then he’s gone to establish himself as a big name on the Hollywood circuit, his net worth as of May 2018 reportedly at a $13m thanks to his roles in notable films that includes James Bond film Spectre, as well as a fleeting stint in MMA with his one and only Strikeforce match coming eight years ago, a victory over Vince Lucero.

The feud with Triple H would be a logical final step in WWE for Batista, with The Game also recently returning to the ring to continue a feud with fellow legend the Undertaker.

Big Show returned to help The Bar claim the Tag Team titles (WWE)

The Deadman also appeared on Smackdown 1,000, as did former favourites Edge, Shane McMahon and others. There was one shock among the night’s matches, too; the Smackdown Live tag team championship changing hands after The Bar defeated The New Day with help from The Big Show.