WWE legend and former world champion Batista has announced his retirement from wrestling in the wake of WrestleMania .
Real name Dave Bautista, the 50-year-old was on the losing end at MetLife Stadium as he faced off against old friend Triple H.
The marquee match was the culmination of the former Evolution member's latest run in WWE - the star confirming it is also his last.
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It brings to an end a wrestling career spanning almost 20 years for the former bodybuilder turned grappler, now a Hollywood star.
The Guardians of the Galaxy star is best known for his stint alongside Triple H, Randy Orton and Ric Flair as part of Evolution.
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He would go on to have a fine singles career, battling the likes of Orton, HHH, The Undertaker and other WWE heavyweights.
Virginia-born, Batista, who also had a two-fight spell in MMA, made no secret about his desire to return to WWE for a final programme - making his comeback in the lead up to WrestleMania by attacking Flair on the legend's 70 birthday.
That led to his bout with The Game in front of more than 80,000 fans - the two squaring off in a brutal affair, which saw Batista finally dispatched thanks to two Pedigrees.
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Bautista, who has been cast in the upcoming Denis Villeneuve adaptation of Dune, later confirmed the outing was the final time he'd be seen in the squared circle.
Writing on his Instagram account, he said: "To all the [WWE] fans across the world that gave me the opportunity to suspend your disbelief, thank you.
"From the biggest part of my heart thank you for letting me entertain you.
"Tonight was my story book ending and I wanted to leave you with all I had to give. I’ll miss this theater of violence more than I can express in words but I am officially retiring from Sports Entertainment.
"I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, I leave in great health, and without a doubt the show will go on. I had a hell of a run. Thank you for the journey."
