Will any WWE wrestler get a send-off like Flair did?

[italyanstallyan]

Do you think we will see any "Goodbye Ceremony" for any other star?

If your answer to this question is yes, post who you think will and why.

I can only think of three who it could possibly happen for: The Undertaker, Shawn Michaels, and Triple H.

The Undertaker - This guy has been with the WWE for so long and has constantly been a top draw. He also has that undefeated streak at WrestleMania and is one of the most decorated stars in WWE history.

Shawn Michaels - HBK has given his blood, sweat, and tears for the WWE. He performs the hell out of any match he is in and took four years off only to come back and still be able to outperform most of the locker room. He is arguable the best performer in WWE history.

Triple H - He is arguably the most dedicated wrestler to the business. You can clearly see that he loves wrestling and busts his ass to come back from injuries so he can perform again. He rarely takes time off and has stayed on top since late 1999/early 2000.

[IC25]

GREAT THREAD! I was thinking about this the other day.

Taker, Michaels, and HHH will, but HBK's will be the biggest. His will be the only one to rival Flairs, just out of the love affair the fans have with him. I think it runs deeper than that of Taker and HHH.

Hogan and Foley ruined theirs with the "on-again, off-again" stuff. They'd have to return full-time for a few years to even think about it.

I doubt Cena will, Edge is an outside possibility. Nobody is going to go for 30+ years again.

[klunderbunker]

I think those three will get one, but I can't imagine them being the same kind. Flair's had been built up for a long time as we knew his career was coming to an end months ago. The biggest problem with having another one like Flair's is while those 3 have definitely had outstanding careers and have more accalades than almost anyone, I don't think any of them will ever have the impact that Flair had. Think about this. Flair wrestled for let's say 30 years. Taker has been around in wwe longer than anybody. He would need over twelve more years to reach that point. He's just over halfway to what Flair was around for and relevant for. Flair may have dropped from the spotlight, but he always hit the big time once in awhile. There will be other sendoffs, but they won't be as grand as the one Flair had.

[Danmen001]

No other superstar will get a send off like Flair did.

The ones that will get send offs of good proportion, will probably be only HHH and HBK. The reason I don't think the Undetaker will get one, is because his gimmick doesn fit everyone saying thank you to him and appreciating his owrk in the WWE.

HHH's will be a decent sized one for the business. Probably pretty big and not that emotional. HHH will of course go out on top.

HBK's will be big, bigger the Trip's even. But I don't think it will come that close to the one of Ric Flair. Though it will still be very emotional, and a big ceremony.

EDIT : My 100th Post.:)

[michaelj817]

I don't think so, and really hope not. It made sense for Flair since he has been around for nearly 40 years in the business. With all the talk on here of eras in pro wrestling, Ric Flair saw it all from the territories, the 80's boom, Attitude, and the current product. For all the wrestlers that performed, lived, and died in all of those eras, Flair is the only one left standing who until Wrestlemania was also still performing at a high level on a big stage such as WWE.

I have nothing against anyone else in the business or their respective contributions. However, aside from a select few, not many men have had as big an impact on the wrestling industry or the current crop of talent than Ric Flair. I have never been the biggest fan of Flair's in ring style, but I have always found him entertaining, and his longevity speaks for itself. There will never be another Ric Flair, and the wrestling send offs need to be kept to a minimum.

["Rush" GSP]

I agree with HBK, Taker and HHH. Its way to early in careers to say anyone else will.

I think HBK will have the biggest send off of all for reasons mentioned above. His will be much like Flairs...very emotional esp from HBK and it will have alot of people coming into the ring to hug him and what not. I think everyone "important" will be in the ring that has shaped his career...not sure who leads the ceremonies maybe Jericho. We have guys in ring and the llocker room emties into the entrance ramp and some song starts playing and everyone is clapping for him. Then all of a sudden HHH's music hits and the place goes nuts and all superstars in the isle part to let him get to the ring. He gets in the ring and him and Shawn stare at each other for a moment then an emotional embrace between the two occurs and the place goes nuts. The Game then cuts a promo saying how they are best buddies went up and down the road together says all what shawn is i.e. The Icon..then goes onto say that Shawn is hands down the greatest in ring performer of all time and he dares anyone to challenge that. Then goes onto say there is a few others who are here and its Shawns wife and kids they embrace in the ring music hits and everyone gives him the respect he deserves.

Undertakers wont be like that i think the lockerrroom will all come out maybe a few in the ring to shake hands but i dont seeing it being this huge emotion and hug fest just cause of the Undertaker persona and image.

And i havent really thought much about HHH's but he will be around the longest out of the three.

[AnthonyMango/NoFate007]

The Undertaker - Unfortunately, he won't get one. He DEFINITELY deserves one, but he'll choose not to. Undertaker will, instead, be built around an angle where he'll "rest in peace" and just never be seen again. I'd like to have an honor for the guy, as he's done so much for the business, but I can't see it happening, sadly.

Triple H - He'll have a huge one. This is Triple H we're talking about. He's selfish enough that he'd probably threaten people into crying their eyes out and committing suicide lol. He doesn't deserve a huge one, but he deserves a little tribute.

HBK - Man, does he deserve something big. I don't think it'll have as much of a feel as Flair's, due to Flair being involved in tons of different promotions for an extra few years in comparison (cause I don't see HBK lasting to 60 or whatever). However, Michaels is definitely one of the greatest wrestlers ever so he should be honored as such. The only thing I think might hurt the build of a ceremony for him would be the fact that some people still think he's arrogant and conceited. We sure as hell won't be seeing Bret Hart shaking his hands, but I'd be utterly shocked if we didn't see Hall, Nash, Waltman, and others from over the years.

As for anybody else...I don't really see it happening yet. Austin, Foley, and the Rock aren't applicable as the first two aren't currently on the roster and still do guest appearances, and the Rock is out on a totally different career and not looking backwards (plus I don't think he'll have influenced enough people to warrant such a thing). Hogan, as previously stated, is too out of the game for such to happen as well. The younger guys like Cena and Edge...we'll have to see.

Noteworthy...although I don't see any tributes being anywhere near the level Flair's was presented as...Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler should receive some sort of proper send-off.

[TheOneBigWill]

The thing that creates a huge problem is because its not like the Ric Flair farewell tribute is something that can be done every time any specific big named Superstar retires. To tell you the truth, I don't even think Triple H. would get one, simply because while hes making a solid case to be one of the elite and very best.. he still has a LONG way to go before ever eclipsing one half of what Ric Flair has done in this sport, for this sport.

I think it'd be hard pressed to even give send-offs to the Undertaker or Shawn Michaels, however I do believe if anyone else gets them, it'll be those two for the biggest reason of all being because neither guy left the W.W.F/E. during their stint. Both men made their mark in the W.W.F/E. and stayed there. Triple H. made his debut in W.C.W., and while he didn't get half of the build, he was still remotely known from there.

Shawn Michaels: The problem with Shawn getting a proper send-off is because it wasn't but 10 years ago that the guy "retired" due to a "career threatening/ending" injury. Only to return 4 years later. That being said, hes only been back on (for the most part, minus I'd say about over a year collectively with new injuries) for roughly 5-6 years. (depending on taking out that rough year for new injuries.)

Shawn has definately made his mark at being a Hall of Famer, and has done arguably everything in the sport from winning every Championship available to him during the initial run, to back to back Royal Rumbles, to Main Eventing multiple Wrestlemanias and winning at them. He is everything he claims to be. Icon, Show-Stopper, Main Event, everything.

So because of that, I'd say he'll be the next guy to get a Ric Flair send off, if not far better of one.

As far as the Undertaker goes.. the thing that hurts his credibility for a send off or farewell is depending on how they truly wanna embellish his career and character. If they want to focus on the overall character, then it'd look kinda sad to give him a retirement send off. However if they wanna focus on the man, not the character, then absolutely he'll get one.

The only reason I'm not sold on Undertaker getting one is because lets face it. Ric Flair, Shawn Michaels.. they'll breakdown into mounds of tears. Can anyone truly see the Undertaker breaking down into tears because hes remembered and loved so much..

[MrScott]

If it was just him out of character whos to know how Mark the man would react.

But Undertaker and Tripple H are the 2 main ones i could see, Shawn is a strong case to but he has retired once before, and there was nothing, but he hasn't really added to much to his career since hes gotten back in terms of major accomplishmeant(outside of retiering Ric Flair if you want to call that one). mostly all his big memorable moments are pre first retiermeant.

now hes more so a vetrean presence it seems. there for the one big moment every now and then since the company can trust him to bring it.

That being said, he is more then deserving of a send off, but in all honesty no one truley deserves the kind of send off Ric got. 30 years of revoultionizing a sport in every way, and in every place.

[schaeffershawn]

If it was just him out of character whos to know how Mark the man would react.

But Undertaker and Tripple H are the 2 main ones i could see, Shawn is a strong case to but he has retired once before, and there was nothing, but he hasn't really added to much to his career since hes gotten back in terms of major accomplishmeant(outside of retiering Ric Flair if you want to call that one). mostly all his big memorable moments are pre first retiermeant.

now hes more so a vetrean presence it seems. there for the one big moment every now and then since the company can trust him to bring it.

That being said, he is more then deserving of a send off, but in all honesty no one truley deserves the kind of send off Ric got. 30 years of revoultionizing a sport in every way, and in every place.


yes because if you consider Shawn main eventing three of the Wrestlemanias he has been in since being back one against Cena one against Benoit and HHH and one against McMahon, and then have the match of the night at three others one against Jericho, one against Kurt and one against Flair, I guess your right Shawn has not added much to his resume after coming back from a broken freaking back and being as good as he was when he left. Then of course their are the career elevating feuds with Edge, Orton, and soon Batista. Main eventing house shows raws and countless PPV's and generally proving that though he may have been a complete dick in the past in some ways he only wants to give back the industry that made him who he is. though that is noting worthy to give him a send off.

[vanhelan]

I like to think that JR and Lawler will get nice send offs, but I believe there's will be more in the way of video compilations and taped messages and a speech to the crowd. Thinking more in terms of JR, I could absolutely see the locker room emptying out for him. I think he has had the type of career where upcoming wrestlers say "I would love to have a match with HBK but I would also love to have a match called by Jim Ross." Not to take anything away from Jerry Lawler because believe me, he is one of my all time favorites, I just don't see him wanting that. I'm of course guessing as I do not know him but he just doesn't seem the type for crying in the ring and hugging everyone. Maybe that's just me.
HHH would surprise me and here's why. It is obvious that when his active career is done he will either be head booker with Steph Mcmahon or someone that will be there doing day to day operations, but as someone in charge, I don't see him having a tearful goodbye and then going to the back room to boss everyone around. Now don't get me wrong, I think by the time he is done he will have earned his spot in wrestling history but I think he will only have the send off Flair had if he is leaving the behind the scenes portion as well or maybe just doing some "PR work".
HBK will have a send off like that because I feel that the guys in the locker room look at him at this stage of his career like the guys in the locker room looked at flair at the corresponding age in Flair's career. Made some mistakes, multi time world champion, "held some people down," can "have a match with a broom and make the broom look like a million bucks" as HHH said. Especially now though, the way he is trying to take SO many wrestlers to the next level, he's taking the next step in his career and giving back to the business that gave him so much. I also believe he'll be the second "active wrestler to be inducted to the hall of fame" some day.
I disagree with some people's views on the Undertaker. I think he WILL want/get a send off because when he retires, that will be it. I was lucky enough to be in the arena for Flair's farewell address and saw him break charecter for Flair (even though Raw officially ended before this) and I just feel that when he says he is done, he will be done so it won't matter to him or the WWE if he breaks charecter. Then he can do a Hall of Fame speech as himself as it should be done.

[AnthonyM4]

When I was watching ECW last week, I thought Colin Delaney would beat Dreamer and then they'd do some kind of farewell for Dreamer. Not as big as the one with Flair, but something.

[TheOneBigWill]

When I was watching ECW last week, I thought Colin Delaney would beat Dreamer and then they'd do some kind of farewell for Dreamer. Not as big as the one with Flair, but something.

:lmao: Sadly as much as in the original E.C.W. this would've likely happened for Tommy Dreamer, there is no way in hell in the W.W.E. watered down version Dreamer will even get a fraction of what Ric Flair got.

Not to mention, everyone is asking this question when the fact is, plain and simple, W.W.E. will NOT do another farewell send-off until at least another year if not two. They won't wanna oversell and thus over shadow what they've given Flair.

If anything, we'll be lucky to get away from the Ric Flair tribute videos by the Summer. Especially since we know Flair will likely pull a cameo at Backlash, and the video package of his retirement will continue to air as long as Batista isn't getting numerous World Championship matches.

[michaelj817]

Here's a question for all of those in favor or more sendoff farewells; why do you want to see them? I am a huge HHH, HBK, and Undertaker fan, and have been for years. However, while all three are some of the biggest and best ever, why should they get a sendoff farewell? I personally am not in favor of any more sendoff farewells for anyone, except maybe JR. And that sendoff tribute should be years off in the future, and only when he steps down for good.

While I enjoyed the Flair segment, I partially agree with Paul Heyman's statements that it was watered down and drawn out. I didn't think Cena or Jericho needed to be out there in the ring, and both should have come out with the rest of the roster. And in case nobody else noticed in the buildup to the Flair sendoff ending, it was a pretty piss poor Raw for the night after Wrestlemania.

Sendoffs are emotional, feel good, and nostalgic. However, like anything else, when they are overdone are bad for business. That night very little was done to start over and grab fan's attention, as is customary for the night after a Wrestlemania. This was an especially bad move due to all of the mainstrem press WWE received with Show vs. Mayweather. While I'm sure they got their moneys worth in terms of buyrates, WWE should have been looking to grab the attention of the fans who bought Mania, but also those that didn't want to spend the $55 and instead tuned in the next night on Raw out of curiosity to see what happened.

Ten years ago, Austin/Michaels/Tyson had a great build, great mainstream PR, and a great payoff at Wrestlemania XIV. However, the night after on RAW and in the weeks following, WWE went out of its way to grab the fans that were curious, and keep them watching. WWE did anything but the night after Wrestlemania 24, and instead focused all of its energy on paying tribute to Ric Flair. Now I'm not saying Flair didn't deserve it, but the night after Wrestlemania should have been used as a launching pad for a new wrestling year and to grab the casual fans and give them a show so good that they had to tune in the following week. Instead the entire night was built soley around the final Flair segment, and was incredibly lopsided.

Remember yesterday, but don't dwell on it. Look forward to tomorrow and the successes that can come from smart booking today. In other words, no more sendoff farewell ceremonies dominating the show, unless they are part of a storyline that the company will benefit from tomorrow.

[italyanstallyan]

Here's a question for all of those in favor or more sendoff farewells; why do you want to see them? I am a huge HHH, HBK, and Undertaker fan, and have been for years. However, while all three are some of the biggest and best ever, why should they get a sendoff farewell? I personally am not in favor of any more sendoff farewells for anyone, except maybe JR. And that sendoff tribute should be years off in the future, and only when he steps down for good.

While I enjoyed the Flair segment, I partially agree with Paul Heyman's statements that it was watered down and drawn out. I didn't think Cena or Jericho needed to be out there in the ring, and both should have come out with the rest of the roster. And in case nobody else noticed in the buildup to the Flair sendoff ending, it was a pretty piss poor Raw for the night after Wrestlemania.

Sendoffs are emotional, feel good, and nostalgic. However, like anything else, when they are overdone are bad for business. That night very little was done to start over and grab fan's attention, as is customary for the night after a Wrestlemania. This was an especially bad move due to all of the mainstrem press WWE received with Show vs. Mayweather. While I'm sure they got their moneys worth in terms of buyrates, WWE should have been looking to grab the attention of the fans who bought Mania, but also those that didn't want to spend the $55 and instead tuned in the next night on Raw out of curiosity to see what happened.

Ten years ago, Austin/Michaels/Tyson had a great build, great mainstream PR, and a great payoff at Wrestlemania XIV. However, the night after on RAW and in the weeks following, WWE went out of its way to grab the fans that were curious, and keep them watching. WWE did anything but the night after Wrestlemania 24, and instead focused all of its energy on paying tribute to Ric Flair. Now I'm not saying Flair didn't deserve it, but the night after Wrestlemania should have been used as a launching pad for a new wrestling year and to grab the casual fans and give them a show so good that they had to tune in the following week. Instead the entire night was built soley around the final Flair segment, and was incredibly lopsided.

Remember yesterday, but don't dwell on it. Look forward to tomorrow and the successes that can come from smart booking today. In other words, no more sendoff farewell ceremonies dominating the show, unless they are part of a storyline that the company will benefit from tomorrow.

Couldn't disagree more. Some wrestlers deserve a show dedicated to them, especially if they give everything they have to the business like Ric Flair has. It's okay to take a break from storylines and profits in order to honor those who deserve it.

[michaelj817]

Couldn't disagree more. Some wrestlers deserve a show dedicated to them, especially if they give everything they have to the business like Ric Flair has. It's okay to take a break from storylines and profits in order to honor those who deserve it.

Yes it is okay to take a break from storylines(but never profits...not in wrestling), to honor those who deserve it. That's why we have the Hall of Fame every year.

And as I said, Flair did deserve it and I did enjoy it. Ric Flair is Ric Flair and nobody will ever come close to what he gave to pro wrestling, if not in performance, than in years. This is all good and fine, and would have been fine and dandy, except WWE forgot to write a good show around it. After the show, Flair was done for good, and more should have been done to capitalize on the post-Mainia buzz. WWE missed a prime opportunity to get people watching and interested in the product. If you want to take a break from storylines, like I said, do it at the Hall of Fame. But do not take that hiatus on RAW the night after the biggest show ever, when you have your best chance at making new fans.

If anything, Orton should have come out as a former Evolution member and embraced Flair only to turn on him and ruin the celebration to get the some serious heat and leave the crowd and TV viewers wanting his head for ruining such a special moment. While it might be predictable, at least that would give people a reason to tune in the following week.

As far as the other names mentioned, I don't want to see a tribute show for them on RAW. In the case of the Undertaker, unless his character gets completely revamped, it would be totally out of character for an Undertaker tribute show. HHH will always be around the WWE in one form or fashion, so the only reason they'd do one for him is so he can top Flair's. HBK...not saying he isn't deserving, but I couldn't care less for an HBK tribute unless somehow Bret Hart showed up(never gonna happen). And even if he did, it's not like he's gonna walk out and give the guy a hug.

[FTS]

I agree that a send-off would be dumb for anyone else. Taker would have to go another 20 years to be in the business as long as Flair. They were all cool characters, yes, but they were not Ric Flair. TNA might give one to Kurt Angle someday because he saved that company, but it still won't mean as much.

Everyone else has the hall of fame to get told how great they are, Flair is someone completely different.

Only Jackie Robinson has his number retired by every team, but there are hundreds of hall of famers.

[Total Impact]

I thought Flair send off was stupid as the guy will be back in the ring within the year at best. AS no one retires from wrestling, they may do it part time, but they will never retire and Flair will back sooner or later so it was just a waist of time. The only person I could see getting that kind of send off is Triple H, because he owns the WWE because of marriage and would get that just to feed his own ego. HBK would get one, but I doubt he deserves it as he hasn’t ad the career like flair had. My pick would be Vince McMahon when he finally decide to step down, but I think Vince will go till he is dead. So unless Vince does it, I doubt the WWE will ever do this again as it was overdone and stupid.

[kylexxx]

Well hbk hands down, the guy was the test dummy for every big match in wwf/e ladder with razor, iron man with bret, hell in the cell with taker. And I'm a little hazy on the first elimination chamber but did he win it? Definately deserve a flair sized send off. For everyone tha says he doesn't deserve it cos he already retired...he broke his back and is still delivering and the go to guy for match of the night at every mania since...think about that

[kylexxx]

Well hbk hands down, the guy was the test dummy for every big match in wwf/e ladder with razor, iron man with bret, hell in the cell with taker. And I'm a little hazy on the first elimination chamber but did he win it? Definately deserve a flair sized send off. For everyone tha says he doesn't deserve it cos he already retired...he broke his back and is still delivering and the go to guy for match of the night at every mania since...think about that

[Mighty NorCal]

Meh..fairly silly question really, because hasnt just about every guy who contributed a lot, and had an actually acknowledged, legit "retirement" get send off ceremonies, and things like this. Its not the first time we have seen it, and it most assuredly wont be the last. Probably Shawn, is the only guy I can think of off the top of my head. Hunter will be around forever, as he will probably be running the company in ten years, and I cant see them doing a breaking character type thing for Taker.

[Fizzywink]

yea triple h wont be to emotional because he will go out on top and taker wont have a good one cause of his deadman theme mabye the lockeroom will empty and thank him and stand outside the ring but hbk's will be hugh just because he carried the wwe for longer then triple h and undertaker he carried it when there were really no hugh stars for him to have feuds with

[Esteban Ochocinco]

I would say Shawn Michaels, but as mentioned earlier, he's already retired once, so that kinda takes the impact away from it. I'm sure he'll get a big one though, and deservedly so. I think Michaels will probably rival Flairs.

What is this talk about not doing something because Flair was so great? Honestly, Flair really did two things for the WWE in his career, Jack, and Shit. If the WWE is going to remember any of it's guys properly, then it's Michaels and the Undertaker, without question.

I think the Undertaker is going to get a pretty big one. I think they will break character, at least the locker room will. I could see ti being the Undertaker coming out in character, but eventually breaking down from all the respect he will get.

[kylexxx]

Taker won't get a send off where the wrestlers come to the ring because he won't break character, mark calloway hasn't broken character once in his career and the only way I see him ending his career is in a buried alive match and then maybe the send of will be a funeral service without taker actually there. Taker definately deserves one tho

[THE Madcap]

I thought Flair send off was stupid as the guy will be back in the ring within the year at best. AS no one retires from wrestling, they may do it part time, but they will never retire and Flair will back sooner or later so it was just a waist of time. The only person I could see getting that kind of send off is Triple H, because he owns the WWE because of marriage and would get that just to feed his own ego. HBK would get one, but I doubt he deserves it as he hasn’t ad the career like flair had. My pick would be Vince McMahon when he finally decide to step down, but I think Vince will go till he is dead. So unless Vince does it, I doubt the WWE will ever do this again as it was overdone and stupid.

Sorry but I don't agree with most of this. Flair's send off was anything but stupid. Bar any of the recent deaths in wrestling, this was one of the most emotional and nostalgic moments witnessed on RAW. There's no need for Flair to come back and wrestle again, I don't believe he needs the money and I'm pretty sure he realises that his time is now up.

HHH doesn't own the WWe through marriage, he is associated with the company at a higher level because of his marriage. I very much doubt he'll ever end up owning the company. Triple H IMO would be deserved of a grand send off as much as Flair or any other guy.

I see Vince stepping away from the business quietly and don't believe he'll have a send off until he dies!

[HBK-aholic]

Following the pattern, the only one I can see being as big, if not bigger than Flairs, is Shawn Michaels. No one can deny the guy needs one, fan of his or not. He's given everything to the business, and McMahon knows that more than anyone. Ric and Shawn are both huge legends, and will easily never be forgotten. The fans even generally feel the same about the 2 guys. Shawn has something going on with the fans that no one else can even comprehend, and there will be millions of tears shed (mostly off me admittedly) when he retires.

His retirement ceremony will be huge, with everyone he has ever worked with coming to show respect to him. He's one of the few other guys I can imagine crying at this. Everyone knows what the business means to him, and it's what everyone will be looking to.

He has retired before yes, but honestly I don't see that having much impact on what his send off is like. Whenever it is he next retires, everyone will know it's for good. and the last time he retired there wouldn't have been anywhere near as many professionals who respected him then. I mean, everyone knows what an idiot he was then. He's done a lot to turn that around, and I think that will just make it even more special.

I think the fans will be more upset to see this happen than most, because they've actually watched him throughout his whole career, and have seen exactly how much he has changed. They've been there when he thought his career was over, have seen him cry in the ring, and have seen exactly how much the business means to him. Much like Flair, everyone in that arena will be crying their hearts out for him, and how much they know reiring will hurt him.

[Sparky]

i seriously think the only person that will get a send off anything like ric flair will be shawn michaels. he has done so many things in his career purely for the fans enjoyment. the only thing he wants is to make the fans happy. shawn michaels has faced everything the wrestling world has had to offer and is still standing. just like almost everyone else on here has said shawn seems to be the only person worthy of having a big farewell becouse no one ever again will love the busness and the fans as much as the heart break kid and the naitch..


bt honestly shawn michaels is one person i could never see fully retire, just like i dont think ric flair will. i could just imagine ric flair and mich foley having a wheel chair match at wrestlemania 34.

[ABS]

I agree with evertyhing but Taker will defenetly get a send off. He will be standing in the middle of the Ring with the move were he bends his knees and sits down and raises his arm , the lights will go off , the gong will hit , all superstars will be surrounding the Phenom clapping and some crying out for Respect.

[Mr Hulkamania]

The only one wrestler that I see gaining a send off like Ric Flair is The Undertaker considering he has been around since 1990. Then again when you watch Flair leaving you think to youself why has no other superstar ever had this great send off?

Undertaker for sure maybe HHH that is if they are not dead before then. So many of them tend to die before there time.

[bambam]

No, no body will have a career like Ric Flair in ONLY the WWE. HHH might get up to 16 title reigns, but he doesn't have an impact on the business like Flair. Taker might, but I don't think so, I think Taker will just slowly go away and never return. Flair is the only guy, unless they get Sting, but even then I don't think so.

[sniksag]

no i dont think anyone will get a send off like flair did. actually i think the send off was sub par to what it shouldve been. the only person i think that will get a similar send off is shawn michaels.. shawn michaels to me is the only other wrestler worthy of it. just like flair passed the torch and rightfully so imo. the undertaker will get a send off as well i believe but no one really deserves a send off like flair.... god i miss him

[Uncle Phatso]

2 people stick in my mind that have made and impact like flair's. No ware neer the size of impact but still an impact none the less. Taker and trips. IF they keep it up they might just might get one. But no one will ever make a bigger impact than flairs. I can only think of one person who rival's flair in his impact and thats moolah. But, Her's was more in the mid 80's and eirlier than flairs so most fans don't see the significance. Other than trips and taker i dont see anyone comming close to the send off that flair got. And nowing wwe they wont do shit with taker. They'll just send him off into obscurity after he hits older age.

[dave_theanimal_batista]

I'm thinking way down the road but, what a about Orton he is a great worker and the best heel today. If he works his butt off and dont get in trouble he could be a huge star maybe like a HHH after HHH retires.

[Soul Reaper]

The only person who I think would get a send-off like Flair is HBK because 1. He is my favorite wrestler and he deserves it. 2. He is alot of people's favorite wrestler, people like Chris Jericho and Ric Flair's son, Reid Flair. 3. He is one of the few people who went down the road of pills, drugs, and other things and still managed to bounce back.

I don't think Undertaker would get one due to his gimmick. I think Undertaker is going to get buried alive and never come back up.

Triple H might get one but only time can tell.

[The Mark of Zur-En-Arrh]

Do people not know Mark Calaway's full career history? He started wrestling in 1984 in WCCW, then went to WCW and finally came to WWE in 1990. So Mark Calaway has been wrestling for 24 years so those who say he's got to wrestle another 20 years to match Flair r idiots!

Not only that but along with HBK he commands more respect than anyone else in the whole locker room. He ranks among the true greats in pro wrestling whose legacy is not tainted with backstabbing and backstage politicking (to our knowledge) whereas the same can't b said for HBK and HHH can it? (Tho how he managed to convince Vince to have him win at every Mania, only he and vince will ever know). Sadly as much as he deserves it, Taker will most likely not get a send off unless its done in line with his gimmick ie being carried out by druids and the locker room standing with lighters each, or everyone salutes him, lights go off and he's gone.

HBK will most likely get a big send off, despite the underhanded things he's been part of ie Montreal (although who REALLY knows if he knew that'd happen?) and the MSG incident.

HHH will only run WWE if Shane doesn't want to or he dies before HHH does, and as the majority of wrestlers die before hitting 60 and Shane isn't a full time talent i doubt that'll happen (touch wood). Taker and HBK have helped revolutionize WWE and were the backbone of the company during the Monday Night War (Taker especially, as HBK was gone in the final years), whereas all HHH has done is constantly bury talent and worm his way into the most powerful family in pro wrestling. He'll still probably get a huge send off tho. No one else has been around long enough in the Main Event division of the company to judge so they are the only three candidates now.

(Apologies for the insults but Mark Calaway is half the reason i fell in love with professional wrestling so when it comes to him and Foley i'll emplore you to get your facts straight)

[the_phenomenal1]

I don't think there will ever be another one like Flair's. I would expect HBK & Undertaker to get a good send off but I believe it depends a lot on how they finish. There's no doubt that nobody ha revolutionised Wrestling like Hulk Hogan so many would have said he would get the biggest send off, but the way he did a return then left & cam back ruins how he ended really. So if HBK & Undertaker stay full time and when they finish, they finish for good like Flair has (hopefully) then they will get a proper leave, but i don't think it will be of the standard of Flair's.

It would be good to see the Kliq back together when HBK retires all in the ring together in a similar manner to the Horsemen reunion. (just don't stick Cena in there please!!!!)

[bigbear84]

I don't really know if anybody will get a send off like that again, but I feel that Terry Funk should have gotten it at one night stand after his tag match against edge and foley. It is also a shame that the Funker is not in the wwe hall of fame yet.

[FTS]

Some guy

Do people not know Mark Calaway's full career history? He started wrestling in 1984 in WCCW, then went to WCW and finally came to WWE in 1990. So Mark Calaway has been wrestling for 24 years so those who say he's got to wrestle another 20 years to match Flair r idiots!


Sorry, I guess I'm that idiot. Let me rephrase. Taker will have to spend 12 more years in wrestling to match Flair.

Still doesn't seem likely. Sorry to offend you, I didn'y know your man-crush was so everlasting and strong. LOL

I agree with the member who suggested that Taker will get buried alive and neer be heard of again. That seems fitting, and better, IMO, for Taker. That would be perfect. Use some pyro, have his soul float away. Run a video package where he says it is time for him to rest in peace. The heel who beats him needs to nail the coffin shut, and then roll it out the next night and see it empty. Have said heel freak out, run another video package about how the heel's soul will be tomented, turn the heel, make him the top face and that will be it.

[QUINN]

I would have to pick the same exact 3 people that you did, The Undertaker will definetly have a big send off and so will Shawn, HHH will probably have Vinces job or do something backstage so it might not be as big.

[Sicko]

I consider Ric the last of the orginals to retire so I don't think anyone will ever get that type of send off but if anyone should it would be HBK, had HBK jumped to the WCW with the rest of his boys: Nash, Hall and X Pac then the WWE would have lost to WCW, even Vince and Eric Bishoff admit that

I remember when HBK was holding up that company all by himself, sometimes I think people forget that because he was gone for a long time with that bad back but HBK belongs right up their probably not on the same level as Hogan and Flair but not too far behind

[buddy_z34]

well IMO Austin and Rock deserve a big send off from Vince. those two made Vince for what he is today. maybe the Rock will come back after his acting career is over but that may be a while. Austin IMO is done. maybe wrestle one more match like he has stated but he wont get a send off for one more match.

HBK, Taker and yes HHH are the only ones left who might get a big sendoff like Flair did. HHH is the easiest one for the fact that he is vince's son in law. no brainer there. but as someone else mentioned HBK held the company together until Rock and Austin showed up.

Taker is the one i really want to see get a big send off and well he deserves it. easily the biggest star to not leave vince. and Vince should repay him dearly IMO. it would also be very interesting to see Taker break from his Undertaker role, who knows if Vince will allow that but i would defintely like to see it.

[OffTheRopRope]

Austin and Rock will never get 'the big send off' just because, in my personal opinion, Austin wouldn't want it, and for Rock, it wouldn't be offered. Bringing in huge money is one thing, but ric had way more 25 years in the business, and Rocky has like...10 maybe? I do agree that HBK and Taker would be the next in line for the big goodbye, and since it came off so perfectly, I bet my left testicle that it WILL be done again. Taker has more of the 'old school' feel to him, compared to HBK, just because Taker has ALWAYS been a main event guy from his first appearance with brother love. HBK was throwing marty jannetty through windows while Taker was going for the belt.

I don't think HHH will get it because his path is unclear...he may become the next Vince in 10-15 years once he gets the company along with Shane and Steph

[FlairFan2003]

You will probably never see another send off like that for a couple reasons...one, Flair's longevity, how many guys today do you think will still be performing at a high level after 30 years...second, respect from peers, I'm not sure HHH will leave with the same lvel of respect as Flair had from the rest of the roster. He may deserve it but marrying into the family will always weigh against him, fair or not. Third, impact on the industry, how many guys can say the saw as much and did as much as Flair...tough call.

Flair's ceremony was also huge because it closed a chapter on the WCW/NWA, ending the last bit of lineage to that era. Also, McMahon has not been known for going out of his way to praise perofrmers who spent the bulk of their careers working for his opposition so his desire to send Flair off with biggest possible pay off is historically relevant if nothing else.

Of today's stars Taker deserves it most. He has been the glue that held this company together for so long, always consistently VERY GOOD, and he commands a level of respect in the locker room you don't always see.

Its too soon to judge stars like edge or Batista, call me in 25 years on them. Other top performers either left too soon (Hart, Austin, Rock) or never joined with Vince & Co (Sting, a legend if ever there was one), or burned too many bridges and made too many ppl unhappy to ever get that kind of a show of respect from their peers (Hogan).

[Undercurrent]

I was never a big Ric Flair fan as I'll admit he's a great performer just not one of the best but none the less he definitely deserved his send off even if it was a tad watered down.

I personally felt Bret Hart deserved a proper send off as he was the face of the WWF for years but we all know how that turned out. He gave us 13 years of his blood, sweat and tears and it still eats me up inside that he never got his proper send off.

Mick Foley always deserved a bigger send off than what he got but much like Austin it really got lost in the shuffle.

Stone Cold Steve Austin deserved a lot more than what he got but unfortunately between making special referee appearances and the occasional run in, he/the WWE has really thrown away any chance of a proper send off.

Shawn Michaels definitely deserves a proper send off despite his past and personality. I've always disliked Shawn Michaels the human being but him as an in ring performer is arguably one of the greatest of all time and it wouldn't be so much saying goodbye to Shawn Michaels the wonderful human being as it would be saying goodbye to Shawn Michaels the man that always worked his ass off to entertain us.

I unfortunately can see Triple H getting a big send off despite the fact that it wouldn't be too emotional given his reputation as a backstabber and an individual who constantly plays politics. I'll always laugh to myself how he came up with the screw job idea because Bret Hart was a guy who worked his way to the top while Triple H got more opportunities to reach the top than anyone else. I'll give the man credit where credit is due, he's a solid in ring performer but I'll be disappointed if he gets a bigger send off than Michaels and Taker.

The Undertaker deserves a bigger send off than anyone within the WWE and though I may get heat for his deserves a send off equal to Flair's. The Undertaker is the most respected individual in WWE history and he is the iron horse of the company. He has busted his ass off over the years and put on some fantastic and memorable matches. Let's not forget that he was given a very ridiculous gimmick yet somehow got it way over and made it believable. When The Undertaker leaves the WWE the old school days of wrestling are officially over and in many ways that will be just as emotional. I'm hoping that they break kayfabe for this one as I've never heard of anyone say something negative about Mark Calaway.

Jim Ross is arguably the greatest announcer of all time and he would therefore need a send off worthy of all of his dedication and memories that he provided us with. He IS the voice of the WWE and it's only right if we give him the send off he rightfully earned.

If we lived in a completely different world I truly believe that Chris Benoit and Eddie Guerrero would've got two of the most emotional send off's that I could ever imagine. If Eddie were alive and retired I could see the entire roster with tears in their eyes as he says goodbye. In regards to Chris Benoit it would've been extremely tough as well given the fact that he was the hardest working and next to Taker the most respected guy on the entire roster. It still breaks my heart whenever they both come to mind...especially Chris.

[ricster]

i agree that hbk and the king of kings will get a proper sendoff especally the game for being hitched to the daughter of a man that made a multi-million empire named vince mcmahon and if triple h and stephanie mcmahon's kids have the will and knowhow and physical appearence that there dad has as well as the wits of steph and the grace of being a mcmahon triple h will have no problem having a cool send-off same as hbk if hbk goes for another 10 years he will have done more then some people have done in their entire career

[makaay07]

Ok i have being thinking about this. Taker HBK and Triple H will all get great farewells. And rightly so they are all great performers and entertainers.

But i was thinking down the line Randy Orton may well go on to as big as any of them maybe bigger. He is already alot futher on in his career than any 3 of taker hunter or shawn were at his age. Orton is present and future of the WWE and will just get bigger.

Rey Mysterio will also get a huge farewell when he retires. I know like Orton he has a long career left in him but has anyone changed wrestling like Rey? Noone believed a man his size could be World Heavyweight Champion but not only was he a champ. He was noone complainin or callin it unbelievable. That speaks volumes on how great Rey is.

[smack_daddy_jizay]

I doubt it

Undertaker,Micheals and HHH are given but I still dont think they would be anywhere near a big a deal as Ric Flair..

he's done it all before anyone else has done it all the new stars could possibly do is do what he has already done..

and I dont even think flair is gonan stay retired he's gonna do a few more matches a small feud here and there kinda like Mick Foley..

[enigmaticdude]

I thought Flair send off was stupid as the guy will be back in the ring within the year at best. AS no one retires from wrestling, they may do it part time, but they will never retire and Flair will back sooner or later so it was just a waist of time. The only person I could see getting that kind of send off is Triple H, because he owns the WWE because of marriage and would get that just to feed his own ego. HBK would get one, but I doubt he deserves it as he hasn’t ad the career like flair had. My pick would be Vince McMahon when he finally decide to step down, but I think Vince will go till he is dead. So unless Vince does it, I doubt the WWE will ever do this again as it was overdone and stupid.
Well, actually, Ric Flair is getting too old to wrestle. It is very likely that He will not return at all because the WWE has already capped off his career with getting in to the hall of fame. There is pretty much nothing else to achieve in the WWE than Being 16 time World Heavyweight Champion and in the 2008 Hall of fame, and being GM of RAW 2001-2002. He has achieved so much more than all of the top wrestlers in the WWE combined.
The only wrestler that will get even close to that big of a send off will be Shawn Michaels (hopefully his send off won't be in Canada LOL).
As for Undertaker and Triple H, I don't think having so many different freaking gimmicks and being the boss's daughter's husband will get you as close as a send off as Flair Had. LONG LIVE THE NATURE BOY RIC FLAIR!!!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!
:flair:

[Davi323]

Undertaker will get a send-off. It might not be quite as big as Flair's, but other than Hogan, what man could rightly claim to deserve a send-off like Flair got? Flair is Flair. Nobody else is. However, I think the Undertaker and Shawn Michaels will get something close. I can see those two becoming the 2nd and 3rd active wrestlers sent to the WWE Hall of Fame, to call it a career the next day at Wrestlemania. Triple H will not get the same send-off, because he will always be around. He will retire from wrestling quietly, I think, and assume duties backstage, within the company. Only thing that will happen with Trips is a change in job title, I don't know if he will every officially retire like Flair did. When Trips gets done wrestling, he will get a promotion and job requiring a suit. His "retirement" won't actually be a retirement, just a switch in jobs.

[Mr-excitement]

No one but Ric deserved it.

Ric Flair retiring was the end of an era. None of the current guys will have 25 plus year careers and have the respect of the majority of their careers and at the same time, set the BAR in the industry.

Guys wrestling now are still aspiring to the bar set by Ric Flair.

[Y 2 Jake]

Imagine the Triple H retirement weekend. It would be the most lavish event since the Lethal/SoCal Val wedding. You can see it now.

Hall Of Fame:

On the Saturday he'd have his induction into the HOF. There wouldn't be any of that bullshit that they had at this years event. There would be no Rock (The real main event to most fans), no mid card wrestlers who newer fans have never heard of. None of that rubbish. It would be three hours of Triple H. He wouldn't have to wrap it up. Watch Raw for proof. He could go on for as long as he likes.

WrestleMania:

There would be none of that losing rubbish. Not going to happen. You're not going to see Triple H walk out a sad pathetic figure. No crying for him. He'll win, convincingly. He'll then celebrate for a good 20 minutes. He'll hug his opponent, then he'll tell him to get the fuck out of his ring. It's HHH's moment after all. More celebrating, sledghammer attck. More posing. All of this at the end of the show. It is the main event after all. There he'll be 17 time world cahmpion.

Raw:

Like the Benoit, Eddie & Owen tribute shows. But with a very live Triple H.

Anyone think that this won't happen?