5 WrestleMania matches that told a compelling story

#4 Shawn Michaels vs Ric Flair - WrestleMania XXIV

Flair's last in-ring appearance in the WWE came at WrestleMania XXIV

It was the career-threatening match if Ric Flair lost he would have to retire, his opponent was Mr. WrestleMania, Shawn Michaels, and there was much heartbreak in Orlando, Florida once this one was over.

During the build-up to this feud, Michaels used the term 'Old Yeller' referring to Ric Flair's age and implying he was a has-been and needed to be 'put down'.

The match started with Ric Flair pushing Michaels and referencing Michaels' 'Old Yeller' comments; this push started an emotionally fueled match, fans were not ready to see Flair retire but that is exactly what happened.

At the match's conclusion, Michaels hit Flair with Sweet Chin Music, as both men climbed back up, HBK looked at Flair with a sad look and mouthed at him "I'm sorry, I love you" before one final Sweet Chin Music and a three count.

It was a sad ending to a great career for The Nature Boy, the match told a compelling story of Flair wanting to cling to his career even in his older years. Michaels' ruthless attitude in the lead up to the match ended in regret; he did not want to end Flair's historic career but he had to.