"Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3" marks Dave Bautista's last time playing Drax the Destroyer . . . and he couldn't be happier.

In a new "GQ" profile he says quote, "I'm so grateful for Drax.  I love him.  But there's a relief [that it's over].  It wasn't all pleasant.  It was hard playing that role. "The makeup process was beating me down.  And I just don't know if I want Drax to be my legacy . . . it's a silly performance, and I want to do more dramatic stuff."

Dave doesn't need to reach the heights of that OTHER wrestler-turned-actor.  He says, quote, "I never wanted to be the next Rock.  I just want to be a good actor.  A respected actor." He adds, quote, "Honestly, I could give a XXXX [about being a movie star] . . . I don't care about the spotlight, I don't care about fame.  I just want to be a better actor.  I want respect from my peers."