Dave Bautista Net Worth (Money & Salary)

Dave Bautista’s Wealth and Earnings Overview?

Bautista, an American actor, professional mixed martial artist, and wrestler, possesses a net worth of $16 million. With a background in professional fighting, Bautista transitioned to acting with considerable success. His career enjoys admiration both in the film industry and the wrestling realm.

Background Story

Born on January 18, 1969, in a Washington, D.C. suburb, David Michael Bautista Jr. descends from Greek and Filipino parents. Bautista recalls growing up in a rough neighborhood marked by frequent murders near his home. He also shares the financial struggles his family endured during his youth. He turned to a life of crime early on, engaging in car theft at 13 and later pursuing a criminal path.

Bouncing at a nightclub, a fight left Bautista with serious charges. Before wrestling, he worked as a lifeguard and ventured into bodybuilding.

Fighting Journey

Learning at the Wild Samoan Training Center wrestling school in 1999, Bautista entered professional wrestling soon after. He broadened his skills in Muay Thai, Eskrima, and Jiu-Jitsu, training under Cesar Gracie.

Signing with WWF in 2000, Bautista debuted in Ohio Valley Wrestling. Initially fighting as “Leviathan,” he remained undefeated until facing defeats. Claiming the OVW Heavyweight Championship, he rose to WWE’s primary roster.

Bautista’s WWE TV debut occurred in 2002, adopting the moniker “Deacon Batista.” Co-fighting with D-Von, the duo garnered victories. A split and feud followed, leading to his Evolution membership alongside Ric Flair in 2003. Evolving as a successful team, they secured numerous titles, later straining due to personal rivalries.

Capturing the World Heavyweight Championship during WrestleMania 21 in 2005 marked a high point. Achieving the longest reign as World Heavyweight Champion at 282 days, injuries led to vacating the title.

In 2010, Bautista won his sole MMA fight against Vince Lucero. His return to WWE post-surgery witnessed title wins and losses amidst ongoing arm struggles. Employing a fake arm vice gimmick against Randy Orton showcased his strategic wit.

Post-injuries, dwindling fan support resulted in Bautista’s WWE departure in 2019. Initially cited as championship denial by Triple H, backstage “creative differences” were the actual cause. A brief comeback in 2018 for a final match with Triple H led to his permanent retirement.

Acting Pursuits

Amidst wrestling, Bautista ventured into acting, first in Smallville’s sixth season as an alien antagonist. His cameo in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, and appearances in Chuck, Relative Strangers, and Wrong Side of Town followed.

The standout role arrived in 2014 with Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, elevating Bautista’s acting credibility. Portraying the villainous Mr. Hinx in 2015’s James Bond film Spectre, and joining Kickboxer beside Georges St-Pierre preceded his Blade Runner 2049 replicant role.

Reprising Drax in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, he continued with Marvel in Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. The upcoming Dune film announced his significant role in 2019, adding to his varied acting portfolio.

Personal Aspects

In 1990, Bautista married, having two daughters before their 1998 divorce. His second marriage in the same year resulted in a son before a 2006 divorce. A third marriage to a professional pole dancer in 2015 ended by 2019. His autobiography, Batista Unleashed, released in 2007, delves into his wrestling journey and personal life.