Dave Batista
Roman Reigns and Batista officially announced their return to the WWE, starting out new storylines likely leading to Wrestlemania 35. Actor Dave Bautista attends the premiere of Global Road Entertainment's 'Hotel Artemis' at Regency Village Theatre on May 19, 2018 in Westwood, California. Getty Images/Alberto E. Rodriguez

The Feb. 26 edition of WWE Raw was full of surprises, with two former heavyweight champions announcing their return to the wrestling scene. Roman Reigns and Batista made their respective appearances, showing what could be a glimpse of things to come for Wrestlemania 35.

Roman Reigns made his first appearance in the WWE ring since relinquishing the Universal title back in October 2018. The Big Dog revealed that he was in remission from leukemia – technically announcing that he was back in the WWE scene. It remains to be seen however when he will actually be back in action, WWE.com reported.

But if Reigns’ assist to Dean Ambrose is any indication, that could happen soon. Together with Seth Rollins, the former Shield members cleaned house when the Lunatic Fringe found himself on a four-on-one handicap setto. Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre and Elias ganged up on Ambrose until Reigns and Rollins came in to somehow even the odds.

Another former champion in Batista also announced his return to the WWE but in an uncanny manner. There were already rumors that the Animal was in Atlanta and most figured, he would be part of the 70th birthday celebration of Ric Flair, the Wrestling Observer reported.

It turned out to be true but for all the wrong reasons. With Shawn Michaels, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H waiting in the ring for the Nature Boy’s birthday bash, it turns out that Batista was busy in the locker room giving Flair a beating.

The whole thing turned out to be a statement being issued by the Animal to Triple H. There were already rumors swirling that the two would be facing each other at Wrestlemania 35, and it looks like the spark has been lit leading to that encounter.

Batista’s presence also douses water on rumors that All Elite Wrestling was trying to lure Batista to their fold. With the former WWE champion’s appearance, it seems pretty clear that the Animal is back in the WWE although likely until only Wrestlemania 35 which happens on April 7 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 7.

It will be interesting as well to see the kind of condition that Batista is in. The last time he wrestled was back in 2014. He has since been busy taking on roles in Hollywood.

As for Triple H, it appears he is good to go as well since tearing his pectoral at Crown Jewel. He is reportedly back in training, likely meaning that a Triple H vs. Batista showdown will be one of the cards for Wrestlemania 35.