Chauncey DeVega's World of Ghetto Nerds: Pre-Wrestlemania Thoughts as Dave Batista Looses His Smile and Finds Himself

Damn. Good. Promo. With some Ric Flair thrown in for flavor and spice.

Long time readers know that I am a smart mark (wrestling speak for someone who knows that pro wrestling is "fake" but also how "real" it simultaneously is). In short, we love a good story...never forget that pro wrestling is physical storytelling at its best.

I am getting increasingly excited for this Sunday's Wrestlemania as it is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. For some time many folk--myself included--have wanted Dave Batista to be himself. As the saying goes, you get over when you are finally yourself with the volume turned up. After all these years, Batista, now in his late thirties/early forties, is finally being real.

Ultimately, Dave's promo on Raw was the 2010 version of Sean Michael's legendary "I lost my smile" spot in 1997:



I hope that Batista goes over this weekend as Dave deserves a nice run as a heel champion. Frankly, from a booking point of view, Batista as a heel versus face/tweener Edge, is money in the bank for the next 6 months or so.

And by the way, there is no way that the Undertaker loses this Sunday because "the streak" must continue forever.