Batista made his return to SmackDown on July 7th to confront the man who had injured him, Mark Henry. They entered a feud and were supposed to have a match at The Great American Bash, but Henry was injured on an episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event shortly before that. Around this time, Batista would start to develop a bit of heat backstage. Apparently, he had become very arrogant after winning the World Championship, resulting in other performers souring on the talented big man. Things got worse while Batista was out injured. He had started making public comments about SmackDown‘s ratings drop, implying the poor numbers were a result of his injury. Not exactly the best way to get the locker room back on your side. It’s been reported that during a promotional photo shoot for a match at SummerSlam 2006, Batista and World Champion, King Booker (Booker T) began having issues. Booker reportedly suggested that they go in a separate room and handle the situation. According to all accounts, the result was a rumored beating for Batista at the hands of Booker. Regardless, Batista would defeat Booker at Survivor Series 2006, and reclaim his World Championship. Ironically, in the same arena where he forfeited the title, the Wachovia Center. With the World Championship back around his waist, Batista would move on to one of his most iconic feuds, and face perhaps his “gravest” challenge.
