Dave "The Animal" Batista made his highly anticipated return to the WWE on Monday Night Raw, attacking Ric Flair just moments before the Nature Boy was to begin his 70th birthday celebration.

Batista then looked at the camera and asked Triple H if he finally has his attention now. That cemented The Animal as a heel to begin his third tenure with WWE, leaving The Game as a babyface in their renewed rivalry.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Ringside News), reported that even though many would rather have Triple H as the heel, it seems like it was Batista's plan and desire to be the bad guy instead:

“So Hunter is the babyface in the feud. Unbelievable. Okay, I know because of what happened last time that Dave probably insisted on being the heel, but I mean Hunter is the one that everyone wants to be the heel in this thing, but yeah.”

Batista returned to the WWE as a babyface in 2014, but fans began giving him the heel treatment when he won the Royal Rumble. That left The Animal frustrated and disappointed, and when he departed a few months later, Batista was openly critical of the creative team's decision to bring him back as a face.

RELATED: RIC FLAIR SENDS WARNING TO BATISTA AFTER ATTACK ON RAW

via FOX Sports Asia

Batista long maintained that he would have been better off as a heel. It looks like he's going to get his wish this time around, allowing Triple H to play the babyface role for the first time in years. The Game hinted at a possible face turn at the end of 2018, when he promised the WWE Universe that fans would start getting what they wanted, with new superstars on the way.

The Animal's rise to WWE began when he won the 2005 Royal Rumble, then opted to betray and challenge Triple H - his Evolution leader -- for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 21. Batista would win the match, putting him on the path to legendary status. Now, it looks like he'll get another crack at taking down his former Evolution leader.

What This Means

Bringing back Batista as a heel is easily the best move that will keep all parties satisfied. The Animal was always better off portraying a bad guy character, and WWE finally took this into account again. Let's hope this run goes much better than his disappointing 2014 tenure.

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