Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair: The Emotional Farewell at WrestleMania XXIV

Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair: The Emotional Farewell at WrestleMania XXIV

A match from WrestleMania XXIV in 2008 will always have a special place in the hearts of wrestling fans everywhere. Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair, two legends, squared off. What was supposed to be Flair’s final match ended up being an intense contest that demonstrated both combatants’ skill and passion. The Match Analysis The match began with a display of technical prowess and mind games. Michaels and Flair traded holds and reversals, each showcasing their mastery of the craft. Flair, known for his iconic “WOOO” and devastating chops, dished out punishment to Michaels, who retaliated with his aerial assaults and resilience. As the match progressed, the emotional weight of the situation became apparent. Flair, in his last stand, fought valiantly against Father Time, while Michaels struggled with the conflict of ending the career of his childhood hero. Both competitors left no stone unturned in their quest for victory. Flair showcased his in-ring brilliance, executing classic moves like knee crushers and Figure-4 leglocks. Michaels, true to his moniker of “Mr. WrestleMania,” delivered high-flying maneuvers and a display of resilience that only he could master. The crowd at WrestleMania XXIV was treated to a wrestling clinic as the two legends pushed each other to their limits. After a grueling battle, it was Shawn Michaels who emerged victorious. Michaels, torn between respect for Flair and the desire to prove himself, delivered his devastating Sweet Chin Music, delivering the final blow to Flair’s career. The WWE cameras captured a poignant moment as Michaels mouthed the words, “I’m sorry. I love you,” conveying the emotional weight of the moment. The atmosphere in the arena was electric as fans paid tribute to Ric Flair, who had left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. Flair, moved by the overwhelming response, embraced Michaels, signaling the end of an era. Conclusion The Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair match at WrestleMania XXIV pushed the boundaries of sports entertainment. It was a battle of legends, filled with feeling, respect, and the desire to excel. An era came to end with Flair’s retirement, while Shawn Michaels cemented his place among the all-time greats. The intense bond between wrestlers and their supporters was brought to light in this match. The audience was tremendously moved by the raw emotion expressed by both combatants, and wrestling fans will never forget that moment. Shawn Michaels vs. Ric Flair’s legacy will live on as a testimony to the fervor, talent, and narrative that characterize professional wrestling. It serves as evidence of the influence these two industry legends had, motivating later generations of wrestlers and enthralling viewers all across the world.

How many world championships did Ric Flair win?

How many world championships did Ric Flair win?

Ric Flair, a legendary figure in professional wrestling, is renowned for his numerous world title reigns. However, there has been ongoing debate and confusion regarding the exact count of Flair’s championships.  While the official WWE sources claim that he won the title 16 times, Flair himself has said in the past that he actually won it a record 21 times. John Cena, who also has 16 championship reigns, is said to be tied with Flair, as per official WWE.  How many championships did WWE legend Ric Flair win? it’s important to note that there were several untelevised events in the 1980s that saw Flair win and lose the title in quick succession. Surprisingly, these occurrences are not included in the official lineage. During Flair’s first recognized NWA title reign, which supposedly lasted from September 17, 1981, to June 10, 1983, there were instances where Flair dropped the title to local stars like Jack Veneno, Carlos Carlon, and Victor Jovica, only to reclaim it shortly afterwards. These uncounted title changes reveal the true extent of Flair’s dominance. In addition to the disputed title changes, three more Flair world title reigns remain unacknowledged by WWE. This brings the total to 19. Flair’s second NWA reign, spanning from November 24, 1983, to May 6, 1984, included an unrecorded title loss to Harley Race in New Zealand and a subsequent victory in Singapore.  In 1991, WCW established its own world championship, which was initially unified with the NWA title. Flair was recognized as both NWA and WCW champion until he lost the NWA title to Tatsumi Fujinami in Japan. Flair regained the NWA title a few months later, but WWE does not recognize this particular reign, and the reasons behind this exclusion remain unclear. Flair’s departure from WCW and subsequent signing with WWE in the summer of 1991 resulted in the stripping of both titles. Ric Flair’s WWE legacy is unsurpassed Based on widely accepted accounts from wrestling enthusiasts, it is generally agreed that Flair’s true world title count stands at 21. Flair himself has publicly endorsed this assessment, proudly asserting his status as a 21-time world champion.  However, there are four additional reigns that are subject to debate, which some claim brings the count to 25. These include instances involving Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, and WCW’s International World Title, which was essentially the NWA title without the name. While John Cena holds a legitimate 16 world championship reigns, it is undeniable that Flair’s record surpasses those numbers. Hence, while the official count is 16, Flair won a total of 21 World Championships. Watch Ric Flair’s wildest WWE moments below:

Your ultimate source for all things combat sports. Delivering high-quality, accurate, and up-to-the-minute information since 2024.

Sports

MMA

Boxing

Company

Privacy Policy

Term of Services

Blogs

Pricing & Packs

FAQ

Stay Updated

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest fight news and exclusive content.

© 2026 Combatsports