WWE: The Top 15 Greatest Moments In WrestleMania History

Photo by WWE.com

13. Ric Flair’s Retirement: WrestleMania 24

Many believe Ric Flair is the greatest pro wrestler of all-time, and for good reason.  The Nature Boy had a career like no other and transcended the wrestling business, but arguably his most important moment came towards the end of his legendary career.

By the beginning of 2008, Flair was involved in a few matches where his career was on the line.  He emerged victorious in those matches, but would have his biggest challenge yet by facing Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24 with his career on the line.  Flair wanted to face the best, so Michaels obliged.

The feud told a story that has to rank among the best in WWE history, and the match itself did the same.  The then near 60-year-old Flair more than held his own against HBK and the two put forth a WrestleMania classic the night after The Nature Boy was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.  Everyone seemingly knew what was going to happen, but seeing it happen was a truly remarkable occurrence.

Michaels contemplated it, held off for a minute, but hit Flair with the most emotional Sweet Chin Music in history to defeat The Nature Boy.  The emotion on everyone’s faces after the match told the whole story and was a moment that will never be forgotten in the annals of WWE history.  Seeing Flair walk off after the match seemed like the end of an era that will never be seen again.

Although it wasn’t exactly his final retirement, Flair’s emotional WWE retirement is undoubtedly one of the greatest moments in WrestleMania history.