WWE fans who got their hopes up earlier this morning may be disappointed to learn that former wrestling star Dave Bautista has not been signed by Strikeforce just yet.

That's according to Strikeforce officials, who today tell MMAmania.com that a previous report by TMZ, indicating the 40-year-old wrestler-turned-budding mixed martial artist had joined the San Jose based organization, was incorrect.

Wishful thinking by "The Animal?"

"Batista" hints at a future cage fight to one of the TMZ drones in this video but alas, as of now, it's not to be -- though it probably wouldn't come as much of a surprise to see him join a roster that already has ex-WWE star Bobby Lashley and former NFL great Herschel Walker.

Anyone think he'd make a welcome addition to combat sports?