To anyone who has ever been a fan of professional wrestling, you know how special it can be. Watching these larger than life athletes do seemingly impossible things inside the square circle is breathtaking. It’s something that can make a childhood unforgettable.

At the same time, it’s extremely difficult to be a wrestling fan. Constantly berated by those around you because “it’s fake” and stupid can really hinder your enjoyment of the sport. But what about the television shows we watch? Those are fake as well. Scripted, rehearsed, planned out. Just like wrestling. So what makes enjoying professional wrestling so different? Nothing should. We don’t watch it because it we think it’s real, we watch it because it is epic. There’s pageantry, spectacle, amazing feats, and most importantly, entertainment.

On Sunday, one of the best professional wrestlers ever competed in his last match. “The Nature Boy” Ric Flair lost to Shawn Michaels at Wrestlemania XXIV in Orlando in a match that quite possibly stole the show. Last night on Monday Night Raw, Flair gave a farewell address and was subsequently surprised by tons of wrestlers past and present that came to give their respects. Triple H, John Cena, Shawn Michaels, Harley Race, Dean Malenko, Ricky Steamboat, Barry Windham and many more came out to give the “dirtiest player in the game” one last hurrah. It was special.

To anyone who ever has or ever will make fun of professional wrestling, a big middle finger to you. You can make fun, but whether or not you like it, there are people that do, and people that appreciate the entertainment that it can offer. Last night was a special thing, the ending of a 36 year career, a farewell salute from a 16-time world champion. Thank you Ric Flair for your legacy, and for making at least one wrestling fan’s WWF/E experience worthwhile.