On the May 12, 2014, episode of Monday Night Raw, two of WWE’s biggest powerhouses collided in a highly anticipated singles match: Roman Reigns vs. Batista. Both competitors were at pivotal points in their careers, with Reigns rapidly rising as a dominant force in The Shield and Batista, a returning veteran, looking to reassert his dominance after his comeback at the Royal Rumble earlier that year.
This match was more than just a standard one-on-one contest; it was part of the ongoing war between The Shield and Evolution. These two factions had been locked in an intense feud, and every match between their members carried heavy implications. With the Payback pay-per-view on the horizon, this bout was another chapter in their violent rivalry.
The Match Begins
As the bell rang, the atmosphere inside the arena was electric. Batista, known for his brute strength, wasted no time trying to overpower Reigns. He charged at his opponent, but Reigns, never one to back down, stood his ground and absorbed the impact. The two engaged in a test of strength before Batista took control with a series of hard strikes and a corner beatdown.
Despite Batista’s early aggression, Reigns quickly responded with his signature resilience. He countered with a thunderous Samoan Drop, sending The Animal reeling. The momentum shifted as Reigns took the fight outside the ring, where he slammed Batista into the barricade, drawing cheers from the crowd.
A Battle of Power
Back inside the ring, Batista attempted to wear Reigns down with a punishing headlock. He followed up with a spinebuster, planting Reigns hard onto the mat. Batista then signaled for his devastating Batista Bomb, but Reigns countered with a flurry of punches before landing a leaping clothesline.
The crowd erupted as Reigns prepared for his signature moves. He set up for the Superman Punch, but before he could strike, Triple H and Randy Orton rushed to ringside. Their presence distracted Reigns momentarily, allowing Batista to capitalize with a brutal spear.
Just when it seemed like Batista had the match won, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins stormed the ring, leading to an all-out brawl between The Shield and Evolution. The match was thrown out as the referee called for the bell, declaring it a no-contest.
Chaos Erupts
The post-match scene descended into utter chaos. Ambrose and Rollins took the fight to Orton and Triple H, while Reigns and Batista continued trading blows. Eventually, Reigns cleared the ring and delivered a Superman Punch to Batista, sending him crashing to the outside.
As The Shield stood tall in the ring, Triple H, Batista, and Orton retreated up the ramp, seething with frustration. The message was clear—The Shield would not be intimidated. This chaotic confrontation only fueled the fire leading to their Payback showdown, where these two dominant factions would clash again.
This match may not have had a definitive winner, but it was a defining moment in one of WWE’s most thrilling rivalries.
