Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV
Being the resilient person Flair is, he was not taking no for an answer. Eventually, Michaels accepted Flair’s challenge, and they pulled an instant classic. At that point, it wasn’t just about Flair’s possible last matchup. It was about who was the best between two legends from different eras.
A match at that caliber made it evident that Flair was retiring. On the night before WrestleMania, Flair was inducted into the 2008 Hall of Fame. That induction brought more signs to the end of “The Nature Boy” as he delivered a long, heartfelt speech to the audience.
When Michaels and Flair went at it, they pulled no misses. From Michaels missed moonsault at ringside, to his dramatic “Sweet Chin Music” to Flair, everything was perfect. It was a full circle for even the referee, Charles Robinson, who was portrayed as “Lil’ Naitch” back in WCW.
The match was praised by wrestling fans and critics as it received such a positive reception. That bout was considered match of the night, and it was a great way to send off Flair.
In front of Flair’s friends and family, he was able to leave with his head held high. The next night on RAW, Flair received a standard ovation from the entire WWE staff and fans. The round of applause brought so much emotion throughout the whole arena. With Fuel’s “Leave the Memories Alone” playing as the background music, it was regarded as one of the greatest farewells in WWE history.
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