WWE Fastlane 2023 is just a handful of weeks away. The premium live event will be a joint presentation from Monday Night RAW and Friday Night SmackDown. It will stream live on Saturday, October 7, from the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
So far, no matches have been announced for the big event. While there are several potential bouts that will seemingly make the card, nothing has yet been made official. Naturally, this allows the WWE Universe to fantasy book the best matches possible.
Fans are also expecting the potential return of Batista. The Animal showed an openness to make an appearance due to the ongoing writers' strike, which has caused Hollywood productions to come to a screeching halt. John Cena and The Rock, two other former world champions who now dominate other avenues of entertainment, have both appeared in WWE recently.
If The Animal were to return, he could do so in time for a quick story at the Fastlane Premium Live Event. This could, in theory, be a one-and-down feud that could end before the strike. If the former world champion did have a quick feud in the company, what might it look like? Who could he compete against?
Below are four possible feuds for Batista if he were to return to WWE at Fastlane.
#4. Randy Orton was seen at the WWE Performance Center
Randy Orton making his way to the WWE Performance Center.
— Just Talk Wrestling (@JustTalkWrestle) September 19, 2023
The comeback might finally be on pic.twitter.com/YdiPdYLdqR
No active superstar has a history with Batista that Randy Orton does. Both men were signed to WWE over 20 years ago and came up through Ohio Valley Wrestling. They also both debuted on the main roster in 2002 and eventually joined Evolution.
The two men teamed up and feuded at various times throughout their careers, but they never had a big final match. If Batista were to come out of retirement for one more bout, it would be appropriate to choose an opponent like Randy Orton.
Unfortunately, The Viper has been out of action for over a year. Orton injured his back and had major surgery, from which he has been recovering. However, Randy was spotted at the WWE Performance Center recently. It could potentially mean he is planning an in-ring return. Could Batista and Orton both be back for Fastlane?
#3. Bron Breakker could capitalize by feuding with a future Hall of Famer
Bron Breakker is the future of WWE. At only 25 years of age, the son of Hall of Famer Rick Steiner and the nephew of Scott Steiner is already a two-time NXT Champion. He has also toured with the main roster, including at the recent Superstar Spectacle show.
However, the future star has not exactly made friends on WWE NXT. Despite initially performing as a babyface, Bron has since turned heel. Apart from being a villain, he also dominates whoever comes in his path, the most appropriate example could be Von Wagner.
Many fans believe that Bron is due to join the main roster soon. If he does, having a match with Batista could be the perfect way to utilize The Big Bad Booty Nephew. He could be on the receiving end of The Animal's charismatic moves but eventually emerge victorious, allowing Batista to shed his legacy to a different generation.
#2. Batista could challenge Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is the biggest star in WWE currently. He has been the top dog for quite some time, but he has truly become the face of the promotion over the past three years or so, reaching a level of stardom very few ever obtain.
The Tribal Chief is no stranger to Batista. While the two never had much of an opportunity to feud in singles matches, The Shield and Evolution did clash on a handful of occasions around a decade ago.
If Batista were to return at Fastlane, there is no bigger spot for him than to challenge the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. While The Animal would not likely win the bout, he could finish his career on a big note.
#1. Austin Theory is seemingly making every legend his enemy
Austin Theory is extremely underrated, and look how many legends he has shared the ring with just over 2 years being on the main roster. pic.twitter.com/UicvfQBSgL
— 𝕒𝕤𝕦𝕜𝕒_𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕠𝕥𝕥𝕖 (@imthegoat013) September 17, 2023
Austin Theory is another cocky young star who has a world of potential. He has been with WWE for several years now and has managed to win the United States Championship twice and the Money in the Bank briefcase.
A-Town's Finest has made a career interacting with legends and Hall of Famers. He was associated with Vince McMahon for quite some time. He has gone on to compete against or fight the likes of The Rock, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Rey Mysterio, Edge, and John Cena.
Theory can possibly think about feuding with The Animal. If the former WWE Heavyweight Champion returns for a match or appearance at Fastlane, Austin could interrupt his comeback, and there may be a possibility of him being at the receiving end of a Batista Bomb.