2. Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair - WrestleMania XXIV
"I'm sorry. I love you." It was a moment that will live forever in WWE lore, thanks to the pure emotion that existed between Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair. Despite the adulation that the Heartbreak Kid had for the Nature Boy, it was he who vowed to "take Ol' Yeller out back and put him out of his misery." See, Vince McMahon had announced months earlier that the next time Flair lost a match, it would be the end of his career. Michaels, not wanting to see his idol hang on past his sell-by date, promised that he would do the deed on the grandest stage of them all. Almost from the moment the bell ring, Flair had tears in his eyes, recognizing the grandeur of the event and importance of the match. On that night, he dug deep into his back of tricks and pulled out one last truly special, truly great performance to go along with Michaels' typical excellence. In the end, though, it was the younger Michaels who picked up the win, his face wrought with despair as he kicked Flair in the face and put an end to his legendary career. The kiss planted on the forehead of the man who inspired him to become a wrestler was brief but profound, as was Flair's final walk up the long WrestleMania ramp and to the locker room, where he was greeted with a standing ovation from his peers. There was not a dry eye in the seats as Flair waved goodbye to the fans that had watched him craft a career deserving of the "best of all time" status. And rightfully so.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
