Shawn Michaels Talks Ric Flair

One of the highlights from WWE's Wrestlemania XXIV show in 2008, the match between Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair (with the latter being forced to "retire" should he lose) lives long in the memory. In reality, this was thought to be the in-ring swansong of Flair's storied career, which only heightened the drama surrounding the event.

Given the biggest send-off - perhaps in wrestling history - WWE could provide, Ric Flair and others were left in tears by the end of the following night's Raw broadcast. Promising never to wrestle another match, the multi-time World Champion seemed ready to ride off into the wrestling sunset. Of course, in true pro wrestling fashion, this could only last so long.

Wrestling several matches since on a tour organised around Hulk Hogan in Australia, as well as on TNA television and Pay-Per-View, Flair effectively broke his word to the fans. Before such matches took place, the legendary figure claimed he could never break his promise to Shawn Michaels that their epic encounter would be his last. Widespread speculation was that the fans, Michaels and Vince McMahon (who organised such a big retirement ceremony) would be left seething by Flair's decision to step back between the ropes.

Commenting on Twitter during a recent Q & A with fans, Shawn Michaels laid to rest any rumours he was upset with Flair, a hero of his growing up. Stating he was "not even slightly" annoyed at Flair for wrestling again, Michaels even said the man "asked his permission" before doing so and was grateful for that sign of respect.

Ric Flair continues to be linked with a return to WWE, but surely not for a full-time in-ring run. Even as one of the most highly-regarded wrestlers in the world, Flair looks and moves every bit as you'd expect a 63 year old to. Regardless of his inability to perform as he once did, the over 40-year veteran could still be a useful part of the WWE roster, if used sparingly.