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The WWE has had a rich history, starting way back when Vince McMahon Sr. was the sole owner of the company, all the way down to the present era.
Over the course of the past several decades, tons of superstars have shed their blood and tears for the WWE as well as the fans. Some of these superstars have achieved stardom of astounding levels. Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair were the top stars of the 80s, while Shawn Michaels and Bret "The Hitman" Hart ruled the mid-90s.
At the peak of the Attitude Era, The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin graced the WWE Universe with their presence, going on to become two of the most revered stars on all time. John Cena is hailed by many as being the greatest superstar of the 21st century. Many of the above-mentioned legends have retired from active competition, but not all of them got the send-off they deserved.
WWE sometimes goes out of their way to honour these stars on their way out of the business, as a thank you for their services throughout their storied careers. Here are three WWE superstars who got fairytale sendoffs on their way out of the squared circle.
#3 Trish Stratus
As the Unforgiven 2006 PPV loomed closer, Trish Stratus made an announcement that made the WWE Universe gasp in unison. She confirmed that she was going to retire after the PPV, with her Women's title match against her longtime rival Lita being her final match in WWE.
The stage was set for Trish's sendoff as she couldn't have chosen a better place to end her legendary career, than her hometown of Toronto. Trish was already a first-ballot future hall of famer thanks to her storied career as one of the greatest women wrestlers of all time.
After a hard fought match, Trish finally hit her patented move, known as The Stratusfaction, on Lita and the crowd erupted in a sea of cheers. A tearful Trish held the Women's title high as the entire arena full of fans gave her a well-deserved standing ovation.
Trish retired as the Women's champion and she couldn't have gotten a sendoff better than this.
#2 Shawn Michaels
By the time WrestleMania 26 was on the horizon, Shawn Michaels began showing signs of obsessiveness and asked The Undertaker to give him another chance at a match at the Grandest Stage Of Them All.
The Deadman had already beaten Shawn at WrestleMania's 25th Anniversary and declined Shawn's request. A dejected Michaels cost The Undertaker his World title, leading to a match at WrestleMania 26.
The match closed the show as two of the greatest superstars in WWE history went at it for almost 30 minutes. After a gruelling battle, The Undertaker got the best of HBK again and won the match.
As The Undertaker left the ring, the sea of 70,000 fans stood on their feet and cheered for the greatest performer in WrestleMania history. Shawn thanked the fans one last time and headed backstage in one of the most heartwarming visuals in the history of WrestleMania.
#1 Ric Flair
The Nature Boy Ric Flair is considered by many the greatest wrestler in the history of professional wrestling. He is widely regarded as the best technical wrestler of any era. He holds the record of winning the most number of World titles, with 16 wins to his name.
When Shawn Michaels retired Ric Flair in an emotional encounter at WrestleMania 24, the WWE Universe watched in stunned silence.
The next night on Raw, Ric Flair received the greatest sendoff a superstar could ever get. Triple H gathered Ric's best friends and opponents in the ring, including Ricky Steamboat and Harley Race. They were followed by Ric's family and the entire locker room.
This was indeed a special moment as The Undertaker made an appearance, breaking kayfabe and clapping for The Nature Boy.
All along, Ric Flair failed to control his tears and thanked the WWE Universe for their love and support, as one of the greatest episodes of Monday Night Raw went off the air.
