WWE Legend Batista has opened his new DC Society Ink tattoo studio in Tampa, Florida.
The Kennedy Boulevard tattoo studio truly opened in January, however The Tampa Bay Times simply profiled Batista and his co-owner John Kural. Kural has additionally labored as Batista’s private tattoo artist since 2006.
Batista, who owns a home within the Tampa Bay space, lastly realized his dream of bringing a tattoo clubhouse to life. He just lately visited the store whereas on a quick break from filming Guardians of the Galaxy Quantity 3 in Atlanta. The Animal famous that that is his final installment within the movie franchise, admitting that he’s drained and the shoot has been exhausting.
Batista informed The Occasions that he’ll spend the remainder of April wrapping up “Guardians” and also will movie a “Guardians” Christmas particular that’s set to air on Disney+ later this 12 months. He’ll then journey to Philadelphia to movie M. Evening Shyamalan’s “Knock on the Cabin” movie, then a sequel to the “Dune” film, and a buddy cop comedy with Jason Momoa.
Batista famous that the high-end tattoo studio has been a longtime dream. It took multiple 12 months to rework the previous boxing health club right into a tattoo studio. He and Kural, who has labored within the Tampa space for greater than 25 years, have employed greater than a half dozen highly-regarded artists who rise up to $300 per hour.
“I’m simply the cash man,” he mentioned. “That is fully private for me. I don’t want this, my profession is doing nice, however this is sort of a clubhouse for me. I needed to create an atmosphere for individuals who need to get a tattoo however they don’t need to go into a kind of tattoo parlors. It’s intimidating and scary and your common individual is uncomfortable in that atmosphere.”
Batista revealed that the DC Society Ink identify comes from his childhood dwelling in Washington, DC, and his motto – Dream Chaser, and their hope that they create an area the place tattoo artists and individuals who love tattoos really feel comfy hanging out.
The store has a steampunk vibe, with gleaming black terrazzo flooring, and industrial facets like chain-link fencing that gives a take a look at the artists at work from the foyer, plus uncovered duct work. There are additionally nods to Batista’s Hollywood profession with a few of his film posters on the partitions. The store additionally has luxe touches, and a soundtrack of hip-hop and rock. The tattoo machines are specifically made to function silently as tiny needles jab pores and skin with ink, like mini stitching machines.
Batista has additionally employed Large Jay The Barber to carry out SMP (scalp micropigmentation) work on balding clients who get an in depth shave on the hair they do have. Large Jay is a favourite of WWE Superstars in Florida, who’re regulars at his Razorz Edge Barbershop.
Batista mentioned going into enterprise with Kural was a pure extension of their relationship and his circle of associates.
“It is a private funding. It’s not going to be making me large cash, I do know that,” Batista mentioned. “However I’ve an funding on this as a result of that is my neighborhood and that is what I really like. These are my individuals.”
Batista continues to be due for a future WWE Corridor of Fame induction, however there’s no phrase on if it can occur in 2023 in Hollywood or not. He was initially scheduled to be inducted in 2020, however the occasion was postponed because of COVID-19. It was then introduced that the 2020 Class can be inducted alongside the 2021 Class on the induction ceremony held throughout WrestleMania 37 Weekend, however Batista eliminated his identify from the record because of earlier obligations, revealing that WWE honored his request to induct him at a future ceremony.
Keep tuned for extra.
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