If we're talking about a retirement done right, the way Shawn Michaels walked away from the business is the perfect example. But no, not the first time. In 1998, a back injury and his demons got the better of good old HBK. Michaels left WWE believing that he'd never be able to step in the ring again. It took him four years to defy the odds and return to action - and though he altered his style, he remained as good as he ever was until his final match in the company. He was WWE Champion going into WrestleMania 14, and was still headlining the 'Show of Shows' 12 years on. His final two encounters with The Undertaker are as impressive a pair of matches as you'll ever see in WWE. Their match at WrestleMania 25 is widely regarded as the greatest match in the history of the sport, and the following year saw Michaels put his career on the line up against Undertaker's 'Streak'. Michaels lost the battle, but it was never about winning or losing for the man from San Antonio - it was all about putting on a show - and nobody did it better. Technically, Michaels retired at his peak... TWICE. How impressive is that?
Football writer (predominantly) with work previously published by Mail Online, Manchester Evening News, Daily Mirror, USA Today and Chelsea FC. Regular contributor for Huffington Post, who holds tempestuous relationships with WWE and FIFA 15.