Audience with the Animal

By THE LILSBOYS

Published: October 14, 2005

LAST time Dave Batista spoke to us, his views on the wrestling business were so controversial he was blasted by WWE boss Vince McMahon and had good friends turn their back on him.

But even that experience hasn't stopped Batista - now the company's world heavyweight champion - from speaking his mind.

In this new and exclusive webchat, The Animal gives his honest opinions on everyone from JBL and Brock Lesnar to Muhammed Hassan and Bobby Lashley.

Batista also answers your questions on winning the WWE title from Triple H at WrestleMania 21, the new Ultimate Warrior DVD, Ultimate Fighting and much more.

When we interviewed you before WrestleMania you said Smackdown made you "sick" and that some of the stars were "not there to work" - did you get much heat for those comments?

The LilsBoysOh yes - tons of heat!

I got lectured by Vince McMahon, The Undertaker and all the way down. I had good friends who just turned on me. Well, I thought they were good friends. Some of them are not with the company now.

But I spoke from my heart then and I still feel that today.

Maybe I chose the wrong forum to voice that opinion but I was speaking from the heart.

When we were having that discussion we were talking about the competition between Raw and Smackdown.

I didn't mention anybody on Raw, but there were guys on Raw I had the same sentiment about - who were absolutely lazy, had no passion and I thought should not be there.

The same goes now. I'm putting my foot in my mouth again but I still think there are guys on both shows who are lazy, couldn't care less and show no dedication. But we're slowly weeding those guys out.

I want everybody in this company to work as hard as me, Triple H and The Undertaker do. I want them to sack the guys who lack the passion for this business and this company - I don't want them to be part of my show.

Some of the guys who I think should be on their way out the door are still being given opportunities to shine, and it's up to them to take the bull by the horns and show that they really want to be out there.

Then there are some guys, like Christian, who are dying for that chance and aren't being given that opportunity.

I'm a huge fan of Christian - I enjoy every aspect of his work, the fans love and appreciate him, he has a great attitude, awesome work ethic, is always in shape and is very smart about the business. I feel very strongly that he's underutilised.

How far in advance of your switch to Smackdown did you find out you were going? Did you have a say in the move?

Karl CarthyI had no say about changing shows. I wasn't told but I found out about three weeks before.

When John Cena came to Raw I said to Vince: "I guess this means I'm going to Smackdown." And he replied: "Yes you are."

The only other thing I said about it was to ask him when.

I knew he was putting me into a leadership role and I was nervous about it, but also really excited.

Do you see being on Smackdown as a demotion of sorts, as Raw is clearly the bigger show right now with bigger stars and better creative.

Karl Carthy, Laois, IrelandLooking at the two shows compared to last season I wouldn't say Raw have a stronger talent base.

On Smackdown we have Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Eddie Guerrero and The Undertaker. That's a very strong line-up.

I get a sense that we're starting over and building the brand - telling new stories and starting new feuds.

Right now we're in the transition phase and once we get our feet under us - especially now we're on Friday nights - it's going to be a whole new Smackdown.

credit: The Sun

WOW, no WONDER the SD! Locker Room hates him!

So guys, please tell me what do you think about all of this.