It took Batista quite a while to find a comfort zone with his television character. It was not really until late 2004/early 2005 - when he began his rise to superstardom - that he actually appeared to know who he wanted to be and how he wanted to portray himself. As time went on, his cool demeanor that had helped make him a hit with the fans started to fade as he began to show a more edgy side. By 2008, there were subtle signs that he might make a fantastic heel. After HBK retired Ric Flair at WrestleMania XXIV, Batista took issue with it. He and Michaels engaged in a feud that incorporated the differing schools of thought on the Nature Boy's career coming to an end. To some, Flair was still as capable (if not more so) than 90% of the roster to keep himself over with the audience and have satisfying payoff matches in key situations. To many, Naitch could no longer out grapple Father Time and it was, subsequently, time for him to move on. Like it or not, Michaels represented the latter and superkicked Flair into "former superstar" status, while Batista well characterized the mindset that the WWE should let Flair keep on trucking. It made for a unique dynamic that created a buzz about their Backlash 2008 match that segued Michaels into his all-time classic story with Chris Jericho (who acted as special referee at the April PPV). Just when it seemed like Batista had the match won, Michaels feigned an injury and escaped with Sweet Chin Music out of nowhere, fanning the flames on Batista's higher level of attitude.