Dave Bautista hasn’t been seen in a ring for four years ever since he quit live on RAW and disbanded the legendary Evolution shortly after their reunion.
WWE.com though confirmed that The Animal will be coming back to reform the storied faction on Smackdown’s 1,000th episode with Triple H, Randy Orton and Ric Flair.
Evolution is one of the greatest stables in WWE history as its members dominated on RAW for two years since the team’s inception in 2003, took out some of the all-time best and won a total of 49 world titles between them.
This reunion will be particularly special as it will mark the first time all four WWE legends appear together on Smackdown.
WWE broadcaster Mike Rome said: “One of the most heralded factions in WWE history Evolution will be reuniting at Smackdown’s 1,000th episode.
“And might I add this is for the first time ever on Smackdown Live.
“We’re talking 16-time champion Ric Flair, 14-time champion Triple H, 13-time champion Randy Orton and last but not least six-time champion Batista will all be there live in Washington, DC on October 16th to celebrate Smackdown’s 1,000th episode.
“This is just the first announcement we’ve made about Smackdown 1000, so imagine what’s to come over the next couple of weeks.”
Batista has switched careers as he now concentrates in acting and has made a huge impact in Hollywood thanks to his work in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
The ex-WWE Champion has linked up with the likes of Chris Pratt, Bradley Cooper as well as Vin Diesel in the blockbuster hit that sees him play the role of Drax The Destroyer.
The 49-year-old and his Guardians of the Galaxy co-stars also took part in the Avengers’ latest instalment Infinity War, which made over $2bn in the box office.
Bautista is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time as he has won a total of six world titles and has beaten the likes of Triple H, John Cena and The Undertaker.
He made his WWE debut on Smackdown in 2002 before moving to RAW where he linked up with Triple H, Flair as well as Orton and formed Evolution.
After winning the 2005 Royal Rumble Match The Animal’s Hall of Fame-worthy career kicked off as he left the legendary stable and beat his mentor Triple H for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 21.
The Hollywood star has repeatedly stated his desire to face The Game one more time at WrestleMania 35 next year.