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Michaels opened up about how he took full creative control of the iconic WrestleMania clash against Flair.
Shawn Michaels, Ric Flair. (X)
Shawn Michaels had a key role in setting up the emotional farewell of the legendary Ric Flair at WrestleMania 24 as the mega event concluded up with Michaels using his signature ‘Sweet Chin Music’ move to pin Flair and put an end to his illustrious career. The moment remains a golden chapter in WWE history. In an interview with CBS Sports in 2018, Michaels opened up about how he took full creative control of the iconic WrestleMania clash against Flair.
The former WWE star tried his best to give Flair a memorable farewell, honouring his legacy as well as their bond. “Truth be told, when it comes to that kind of stuff, I am a bit of a control freak. Emotionally, I just knew where I wanted, especially with that match,” Michaels said on the ‘In This Corner’ podcast.
“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,” he explained further, underlining his respect and admiration for Flair.
His retirement storyline began in late 2007. Back then, Vince McMahon announced that Flair would have to end his career if he lost any match. The warning did nothing but bring the best out of The Nature Boy. Flair remained unbeaten for a long period, getting the better of some legendary superstars like Randy Orton, Umaga and even McMahon himself.
Michaels was then named his opponent for WrestleMania 24. The duo traded some brutal strikes before Michaels sealed the deal with his iconic finisher. “You hope that the other 80,000 fans out there get that and everyone did and the millions at home did,” Michaels said, reminiscing about the bout.
Michaels has not wrestled since November 2018. He was last seen in action at WWE Crown Jewel. Michaels joined hands with Triple H to face the pair of The Undertaker and Kane at the premium live event. Before that, he clashed against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 26, which was advertised as his retirement match. Michaels lost the match via disqualification.
