In a recent interview with Chris Van Vliet, Bautista discussed his weight loss journey and the reasons behind it. “I’m getting super trimmed. This is probably the lightest I’ve been since I was 19 years old,” he shared.
Bautista, who once weighed as much as 370 pounds during his wrestling career, is now down to 240 pounds. He explained that his fluctuating weight has been a constant struggle over the years.
“When I started in WWE as Deacon, I was about 325 pounds. Throughout most of my wrestling career, I maintained a weight of around 290 pounds. A year and a half ago, I went up to 315 pounds for my role in Knock at the Cabin, and that’s when the nightmare of shedding weight began.”
Addressing Fan Concerns
Bautista’s drastic transformation has raised concerns among fans, some of whom have speculated about his health.
Addressing these worries, he said, “I’ve seen people online expressing concerns that I might be unwell. But when I tell people that I’m 6’4” and weigh 240 pounds, it sounds like I’m a big person. It’s just that people are used to seeing me at my heaviest.”
He added humorously, “Next to your typical actor, I look like a gorilla and it’s distracting. People aren’t used to seeing me this way, but I’m still a large human being.”
A Shift in Career Focus
Bautista’s decision to lose weight isn’t just about health; it’s also a strategic move for his acting career.
He hopes his leaner physique will allow him to avoid being typecast in roles that only showcase his size and strength. Instead, he wants to explore a wider range of characters and stories.
“I want to break free from the roles that just depend on me being big and muscular. It’s important for me to show versatility as an actor,” he explained.
Jiu-Jitsu: The Secret to Shedding Pounds
A major component of Bautista’s weight loss strategy has been a combination of diet changes and intense Jiu-Jitsu training. “It’s the way I lose weight,” he shared.
While filming Dune in Budapest, Bautista brought along his friend and trainer, Jason Manly, to help him achieve his fitness goals.
“We did nothing but grapple for hours, and the weight just started coming off,” he said.
Bautista, who has been passionate about martial arts for years, is now working towards earning his brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu.
Sacrificing Muscle for Comfort
Bautista has acknowledged that his weight loss journey has resulted in some muscle loss, but he’s made peace with it. “I’ve lost a lot of muscle through this process,”
he told Kelly Ripa. “But I’m okay with it because I just feel more comfortable in my own skin.”
Embracing Change
As Bautista embraces his new physique, he remains focused on his acting career, determined to break the mold and prove that he is more than just a muscular action star.
His transformation is not only a testament to his dedication but also a message to his fans that change, even drastic change, can be a positive step towards personal growth and professional evolution.