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Highlights
- Ric Flair's retirement match with Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24 was an emotional masterpiece, showcasing their dedication and respect for each other.
- Despite the grandeur of his farewell, Flair continued wrestling on the independent circuit and in TNA, which ultimately tarnished his legacy.
- Flair's last match in 2022 was a disappointment, with his physical condition visibly deteriorated, leaving fans concerned for his well-being and doubting another match would end well.
In the world of professional wrestling, retirement matches often serve as the perfect send-off for legendary performers, encapsulating years of dedication, passion, and larger-than-life moments. One such unforgettable moment occurred on the grandest stage of them all, WrestleMania 24 in 2008, when the Nature Boy, Ric Flair, stepped into the squared circle to face off against the Heartbreak Kid, Shawn Michaels. The stakes were high, as the stipulation dictated that if Flair lost, he would be forced to retire from in-ring competition. And when he did lose, fans expected him to retire, but that's not what actually happened. What followed was a trainwreck.
Ric Flair's Retirement Match With Shawn Michaels In WWE
In their legendary encounter at WrestleMania 24, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels crafted a masterpiece that transcended the boundaries of a regular wrestling match. The emotional investment of the competitors was palpable, as they poured their hearts and souls into every move, every reversal, and every moment of intense struggle. But it was the emotional storytelling that truly elevated this match to legendary status. The underlying theme of respect permeated every interaction between Flair and Michaels. It was a battle not only for victory but also for the honor of being the one to retire the Nature Boy.
The internal conflict that Michaels grappled with was etched across his face as he agonized over the difficult decision he would ultimately have to make. With a heavy heart, Michaels mouthed the words, "I'm sorry, I love you," before delivering the final blow. The three-count echoed like a somber toll, signaling the end of Ric Flair's illustrious career. As the dust settled, a mix of jubilation and sorrow washed over the audience. It was a celebration of Flair's incredible legacy, intertwined with the sadness of bidding farewell to a wrestling icon. The bond between Flair and the fans was unbreakable. As he stood in the center of the ring, tears streaming down his face, the ovation from the crowd reached a crescendo. Alas, this perfect ending wasn't the end.
RELATED: Why Ric Flair Left WCW In 1991, Explained
What Did Ric Flair Do After Retiring From WWE?
Following his retirement match, Ric Flair didn't completely step away from the squared circle. Despite the grandeur of his farewell, Flair felt the urge to continue wrestling. He ventured into the independent circuit, engaging in a series of matches with another wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan. While it was admirable to witness Flair's passion for the sport, some fans couldn't help but feel conflicted about his decision to wrestle after his well-crafted goodbye. Eventually, Flair found himself in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), a promotion that sought to challenge WWE's dominance. However, his time in TNA proved to be a regrettable chapter in Flair's career. In an interview with Wrestling Inc's podcast, Flair openly expressed his disappointment and admitted that financial reasons compelled him to join TNA.
He said, “I needed the money. Very simple. I was paying alimony to three women at one time and lawyers, revealed Flair. I got bombed as everyone hit me and then the IRS. It's very simple – like Jim [Ross] said, I needed the money.” Flair added, "I would never have gone there. Even though I got to hang around Kurt [Angle] and Sting, it was a disaster. Everything I did with Bischoff and Russo… You know what people say to me now: where would you have been if WCW hadn't treated you like that? I get that from people that are my friends who wanna know where I would have been if they treated me with any respect whatsoever."
RELATED: The Tragic Death Of Ric Flair's Son Reid, Explained
Has Ric Flair's Career Finally Ended?
The irony of the situation became glaringly apparent when Flair returned to WWE in 2012, playing various non-wrestling roles. He served as a manager, mentor, and part of backstage scenes. All roles that he could have easily transitioned into after his retirement from WWE in 2008. This realization only added to the disappointment fans felt about Flair's detour into TNA. It seemed that he had unnecessarily tarnished his legacy, only to rejoin the very company he left behind. Fast-forward to 2022, and the wrestling world witnessed what was billed as "Ric Flair's Last Match." However, it was far from the glorious affair fans had hoped for. The match, promoted by Conrad Thompson and David Crockett under the banner of Jim Crockett Promotions as part of the Starrcast V convention, was a tag team bout where Flair teamed up with his son-in-law, Andrade, to take on the team of Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal.
Flair's physical condition had deteriorated significantly. His once-mighty presence in the ring was reduced to a mere shell of its former self. The match was a trainwreck, with Flair visibly struggling to move and wrestle. By the end, he was a bloody mess, leaving his fans not only disappointed but also deeply concerned for his well-being. It was an unfortunate end to a career that had once been defined by Flair's unparalleled charisma and in-ring prowess. Rumors to this day say that Flair wants yet another match, but fans do not think it can possibly end well for Flair or his legacy.
