By James Caldwell, PWTorch.com assistant editor

WWE star Batista says he's not sure when he'll return to WWE TV after recovering from a severe leg injury. He says he would be ready by WrestleMania 25, but he doesn't expect to be involved in the PPV.

Asked what's in store for him at WrestleMania, Batista told the Philippines Star newspaper, "I don’t know. Honestly. And that’s an honest answer."

Batista said in interviews this week that he would be physically ready to wrestle again in one month when WrestleMania 25 takes place, but he doesn't think WWE can fit him into a storyline in time for a match.

"WrestleMania is our biggest show of the year and we really build up for it. The storylines are built up for WrestleMania," Batista said. "Without much time to be built up with a storyline, I don’t think I’ll be fortunate enough to be a part of it."

Caldwell's Analysis: Batista was scheduled to return from injury this summer, but his rehab is well ahead of schedule if he's able to come back in a month. WrestleMania is the biggest payday of the year, so Batista missing out would hurt his yearly income significantly, especially compared to recent years where he's been in headline matches.

Batista could be pulling a "John Cena prior to the 2008 Royal Rumble." When Cena was injured in late 2007, he coyly said in interviews that he would be returning later in 2008. He then shocked everyone by showing up at the Rumble. Batista will be at WrestleMania weekend doing an autograph session at the Axxess fanfest, so there's a possibility for a surprise appearance on Mania or a return to TV in the next four weeks to set up a non-wrestling angle for WrestleMania.

Link: Batista interview with the Philippines Star.

RELATED STORIES at PWTorch.com:
-- Details on Batista and Flair's WM 25 appearances
-- Batista interviewed on "The Wrestler"

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