WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels has revealed why he took full creative control of his WrestleMania 24 match against Ric Flair, which was billed as Flair’s retirement match at the time.
Speaking in a 2018 interview on CBS Sports’ In This Corner Podcast, Michaels explained his decision to oversee every aspect of the bout, ensuring the match honoured both Flair’s legacy and their personal friendship.
“Truth be told, when it came to that kind of stuff, I am a bit of a control freak,” Michaels admitted. “Emotionally, I just knew where I wanted, especially with that match. That might quite honestly be my ‘love letter’ to Ric Flair, my way of trying to show him, not only the friendship that we have, but also the impact that he had on a 15-year-old me, and trying to convey that to him through a wrestling match.”
Flair had been engaged in a retirement storyline from late 2007, where former WWE Chairman Vince McMahon declared that Flair would be forced to retire the next time he lost a match. He went on a winning streak, defeating notable opponents such as Randy Orton, Umaga, and even McMahon himself. However, his legendary career seemingly came to an end at WrestleMania 24 when he faced Michaels.
In an emotional climax, Michaels delivered his signature Sweet Chin Music to pin Flair, sending him into retirement. Michaels reflected on the moment’s significance.
“You hope that the other 80,000 fans out there get that, and clearly, everyone did, and the millions at home did.”
Michaels’ creative direction paid off, as the match is widely regarded as one of the most emotional and unforgettable moments in WrestleMania history.
Which Former WWE Star Said That Shawn Michaels Told Them He Has One Or Two Matches Left In Him?
Former WWE star and current TNA star JDC, previously known as Fandango, said that he spoke to Shawn Michaels at an NXT show, who told him he has “one or two matches left in him.” Michaels last wrestled on November 2, 2018, at the Crown Jewel PLE, where he and Triple H defeated The Undertaker and Kane in a match that many wrestling fans regard as terrible. Prior to this, Michaels’ penultimate match was billed as his retirement match at WrestleMania 26, where he lost a No DQ match to The Undertaker.
H/t to WrestlingInc.com