Batista Officially Returns

Batista made his return to Raw last night. He made it clear that he wanted Randy Orton's title. He also came back later in the night to get some of Alberto Del Rio. I am not going to talk about whether or not he should win the Rumble today. I'll save the Rumble talk for Friday. But there are other topics to discuss as far as Batista goes.

First, should he have come back as a face? He obviously is a face. They could have had him return as a heel and join The Authority. Why not? Too similar to Evolution? The New Age Outlaws coming back and helping out Triple H don't bring back memories of DX? I am always saying that the WWE should be trying to develop a proper heel stable. They haven't done a good job with that, especially with Randy Orton. Since they haven't gone in that direction, I am not surprised that they didn't bring Batista back as a heel. Is there still a chance he takes Randy Orton's spot as The Authority's chosen one? We'll see.

Batista returns and gets right in Randy Orton's face. Coming back as a face is one thing, but making it clear that you are coming after the title? A lot of guys in the title chase. And they are selling it like everyone is gunning for Randy Orton. It makes me believe Orton may be retaining against Cena. The WWE seems to be liking this angle of Randy Orton needing to prove himself for The Authority. Why not keep it going after Cena? Congratulations, Randy, you just beat John Cena! Now, beat Brock Lesnar, beat Batista, and beat all these other guys. Sooner or later, doing this with Randy Orton will have to lead to something. Someone will have to turn on someone.

Batista vs. Alberto Del Rio. Whether Batista wins the Rumble or not, this is a feud you can imagine happening after the PPV. It's not exactly an epic feud, but it is something for Alberto Del Rio to do. Obviously, it will just be meant to make Batista look good. It would be similar to Big Show's feud with Brock Lesnar. Big Show looks strong now, but it is likely that Lesnar will win their match to put him over before his title shot. Why kill his momentum for the sake of Big Show? It could be the best feud Del Rio has had in a while. As for Batista, it is a worthy opponent.