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Listing The Best Matches From All 35 WrestleManias

By Brandon Slone

WWE Champion “The New” Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston. Photo Credit: WWE.com
WWE Champion “The New” Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston. Photo Credit: WWE.com /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 08: WWE personality Shawn Michaels appears at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The network will launch on February 24, 2014 as the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, offering both scheduled programs and video on demand. The USD 9.99 per month subscription will include access to all 12 live WWE pay-per-view events each year. CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JANUARY 08: WWE personality Shawn Michaels appears at a news conference announcing the WWE Network at the 2014 International CES at the Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas on January 8, 2014 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The network will launch on February 24, 2014 as the first-ever 24/7 streaming network, offering both scheduled programs and video on demand. The USD 9.99 per month subscription will include access to all 12 live WWE pay-per-view events each year. CES, the world’s largest annual consumer technology trade show, runs through January 10 and is expected to feature 3,200 exhibitors showing off their latest products and services to about 150,000 attendees. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

WrestleMania XXIV: Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair (Career Threatening Match)

It’s only fitting that the greatest wrestler of the ’80s would take his final bow for WWE against the greatest wrestler of the ’90s. The emotion behind this match was palpable as Shawn Michaels was tasked with doing the impossible and ending the career of his idol.

Mr. McMahon had previously informed Ric Flair that the next match he lost would be his last. This kicked off a memorable storyline in which Flair, out of desperation, went on a several months long winning streak, culminating in his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame the night before WrestleMania XXIV, and this match the next night.

Flair walked to the ring in perhaps his most elegant robe ever, and proceeded to roll back the clock, turning in one of his finest performances ever in what was certainly the best match of his later years.

Memorable moments included Michaels missing a springboard moonsault from the apron and destroying his ribs on the ringside announce table, and Jerry Lawler shouting, “It worked!” in amazement as Flair finally managed to land a diving crossbody after having it reversed his entire career.

The match also featured one of the most emotional finishing sequences in wrestling history. Michaels “tuned up the band” preparing for Sweet Chin Music, Flair slowly rose to his feet and begged the “Heartbreak Kid” to put him out of his misery. “I’m sorry, I love you,” Michaels said, delivering the superkick that closed the book on his idol’s career.

As emotional as it is historically significant, this match is a can’t miss.