The End of an Era

As a fan of Professional Wrestling, there is absolutely NO WAY that I can go on writing a blog without mentioning what went down this past Sunday.

On March 30th, 2008, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair's wrestling career came to and end in a "Career Threatening Match" against Shawn Michaels by way of some Sweet Chin Music (pictured left).

People have been talking about his end would be met at Wrestlemania, but as a longtime fan... especially when it comes to a guy like Ric Flair, whom I've watched for many of those 10 years, those words are just too hard to comprehend.

And as I was watching that match, god those last few minutes felt like an eternity. I can't imagine what it felt like for those two guys. It was tense and emotional and the look on Flair's and even HBK's face was just unbelievable. But the bitter truth of reality sank in when the referee dropped down and made that long three count that signaled the ending of the match as well as one of the greatest careers in the history of pro wrestling.

When I think back, I remember what I used to think, maybe about 10 years ago, about the man named Ric Flair.

I echoed the same words that many "fans" had said during those days. He wasn't in the greatest of physical shape, his matches seemed limited at best and yes, basically he looked like an old timer who didn't want to give up his "spot."

But my, oh my... how the times have changed for me.

When I actually came to sit and watch his matches, they were far better then a lot of the younger guys' matches. Hell, even his final match at Wrestlemania this past Sunday was a very emotional, very, very good match in my eyes. I even made the mistake to think that maybe, just maybe, he had finally lost his touch.

After seeing how the man performed at 'Mania certainly changed my thoughts on him forever. Just thinking about some of the matches he has had in the past 5 years amazes me, with the TLC match against Edge standing out of that crowd as well.

If myself from 10 years ago could read what I am about to write, I think I'd have had a heart attack. But I honestly will say that I will miss seeing the man that definitely earned the nickname "Dirtiest Player in the Game."

Ultimately, I shall now rejoin the masses and once again I shall echo the same words which they, too, are saying.

Thank you Ric.