When time was eventually called on the seemingly timeless career of one Ric Flair, there were tears in the eyes of millions. The beauty of wrestling is in believing, and even though it was clear Shawn Michaels was always going to win the showdown between the pair at WrestleMania XXIV in retrospect, millions of people dared to believe that Flair could pull the proverbial rabbit out of the hat, preserving his career for at least another match. The storyline which called for the iconic grappler to retire the next time he lost a bout was perfect, a tremendous example of how simplicity can greatly enhance a story. The next evening on Monday Night Raw, the 'Nature Boy' cut a solemn figure, but also delivered an impassioned speech, stating clearly that he would never wrestle ever again. It really seemed like a goodbye, but almost instantly wrestling fans were pulled from their dreamy slumber, and Ric Flair was back delivering his trademark 'Woo' and chops in the corner as though nothing had even happened. For many, Flair's matches opposite Hulk Hogan on a specially-arranged tour in 2009 were hard to take, but that was nothing compared to what lay in wait for the man in TNA...
