Revealed: Why Batista Replaced Mark Jindrak In Evolution

It’s one of the big ‘what ifs’ in WWE history, but what if Mark Jindrak was in Evolution rather than Batista?

The former WCW talent was initially factored into the era defining group, with initial videos shot including a suited Jindrak walking alongside Triple H, Ric Flair, and Randy Orton. However, Jindrak was replaced in the group with Batista before the angle made air, and the rest is history.

Since then, numerous theories have emerged as to why Jindrak was cut from the group, but Bruce Prichard has revealed why the decision was made, saying the following on Something to Wrestle With:

“Yeah, look, Jindrak being in the group was for the same reasons that Batista ended up in the group. The only difference was the feeling among everyone in the group, but also everyone else, was who had ‘it’. Who truly had the potential to be the next big thing? I think in each opportunity, Mark [Jindrak] didn’t really display that. I don’t know that Mark had the killer instinct in him, Dave did. It was also a matter of how those guys worked together. Dave had worked with Ric before, so there was already a bond there. I think Mark was kind of the odd man out that didn’t seem to fit. So it was quickly changed and I also think it was one of those situations where, how do guys gel? If you don’t gel, it ain’t gonna work. I don’t think that Mark really gelled with the other three. Dave, immediately did,” revealed Prichard.

Jindrak would go on to have a successful career in Mexico with CMLL and AAA, wrestling under the Marco Corleone moniker.

H/T: Fightful