WWE recently released a behind-the-scenes video of Batista. A camera crew followed him throughout the day of Smackdown 1000. During the video, Batista ended up sharing some of the advice that he received from Vince McMahon prior to his segment.
Here is what he said (h/t to Wrestling INC for the quotes below):
“It was alright, it probably could have gone a little better, but I think considering how nervous I was. I told Vince how nervous I was, he said, ‘When you go out there, just tell them, be honest and speak from the heart.’ First thing I said, ‘I’m nervous’ because I was. I didn’t want to pull any punches, I was nervous, man.”
“It’s a special thing with Evolution, it’s just a special group. I know it’s a newer audience, but they can feel it. There’s a special vibe between all of us, there always has been, there always will be. So, it’s a timeless energy.”
I miss it here, I miss the energy, the immediate feedback. We’ll see where it goes, but it was quite an honor to be a part of this, especially since it was in my hometown.”
You can watch the full video here:
On a related note, here are some backstage notes from Smackdown 1000.