WWE Extreme Rules: On June 7, 2009, Batista was able to pin Randy Orton and win the Steel Cage match for the WWE Championship belt!

• Batista made his first WWE appearance in 2002 as Deacon Bautista, an enforcer for Reverend D-Von. After splitting from D-Von, Batista teamed with Ric Flair and feuded with Kane.
• In early 2003, Flair and Batista joined forces with Triple H and Randy Orton to form the heel stable Evolution. However, Batista was out of action for most of 2003 with an injury.
• In 2005, Batista won the Royal Rumble, giving him a title match against champion and fellow Evolution member Triple H. This would lead to the disbandment of Evolution, as Flair and Triple H were the only remaining members. Batista would go on to win the title at WrestleMania 22, but would be forced to relinquish the belt after injuring his triceps in January 2006.

Batista returned in July to once again contend for the World Title. His latest title reign ended at WWE Armageddon after Edge won a triple threat match against Batista and The Undertaker.