The wrestling staff of Back Sports Page have carefully selected what they believe to be the top 41 matches in WrestleMania history. Presented in chronological order, this series will detail the backstory, match review, and aftermath of each match, along with how the outcomes shaped the careers of those involved.
Backstory: Two legends. Two historic pro wrestling careers. WWE fans were hoping to see the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels, take on the Nature Boy, Ric Flair. It would recapture pro wrestling’s glory days with two of the best performers in WrestleMania history squaring off. The stipulation? Retirement.
The Nature Boy was faced with possibly hanging up his boots for good with a match against Mr. Wrestlemania himself. Would Flair rise to the occasion and live to wrestle another day? Or would HBK put his wrestling career out to pasture for good?
What better venue to have it than in Orlando, Florida? WrestleMania was around the corner and it already had a star-studded lineup. It didn’t matter if it was Floyd Mayweather, John Cena, or the Undertaker. This match was the proverbial cherry on top. Add in Good Ol’ JR and you have an instant classic.
Match Review: The air was filled with the various “Woo’s” and cheers from the Orlando crowd. Motivated by the crowd, Flair put out an offensive front like nobody had ever seen.
Figure Four Leg Locks.
Backhanded chops.
Vertical suplexes.
Dodging flips, causing Michaels to crash onto the announcer’s tables.
It was like watching Ric Flair take on old-school wrestlers like Harley Race and Macho Man Randy Savage. Fans were treated to a nostalgic performance as the Nature Boy stood his ground against Mr. Wrestlemania.
Yet, the most iconic moment came from Michaels hitting the Sweet Chin Music on Flair. Moments before he hit his finisher, Michaels said, “I’m sorry. I love you.” The Heartbreak Kid didn’t want to be the one to end a legendary wrestler’s career like this. You could see it in his face as he tuned up the band.
But like a pet owner getting ready to euthanize their beloved pet, he knew it was time. Michaels hits the Sweet Chin Music and gets the cover for the win. That’s it. After the match, Michaels embraced Flair like he had lost a loved one.
There was no better way to end Flair’s WWE career than with this WrestleMania match. It was a solid callback to wrestling’s older days, where bravado and technical greatness ruled the wrestling world. Fans were treated to Figure Four Leglocks and “Woo’s” throughout the match. They also saw the Dirtiest Player in the Game deliver a vintage (cue Michael Cole) performance by going the distance with Michaels. You couldn’t have asked for a better retirement match for a singular WWE legend than this.
Aftermath:
- Ric Flair would retire from in-ring competition in the WWE. But he had a brief stint in TNA, which included the infamous “Woo-Off” with Jay Lethal. His daughter, Charlotte Flair, would continue the Flair family legacy and win 13 major championships during her time in the WWE.
- Shawn Michaels would face the Undertaker twice at WrestleMania. One of those matches would involve a retirement stipulation of its own. Win or go home. The Heartbreak Kid would lose both matches and retire into the sunset after WrestleMania 26.
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