5 WWE Superstars who retired at WrestleMania

There is nothing quite like WrestleMania.

The pageantry, the excitement, the drama that comes from the biggest show of the year is enough to make even the most cynical of fans tune in.

Over its 35 years, WrestleMania has played host to some of the greatest matches in wrestling history, from Shawn Michaels' boyhood dream coming true, to the Austin era arriving years later.

And though the showcase of the immortals has hosted hundreds of WWE Superstars, some have had their very final matches as part of the extravaganza.

These Superstars clearly felt they had done it all, and wanted to go out on a bang, performing at the biggest show in the wrestling calendar.

Here are five WWE Superstars who hung up their boots after competing at the granddaddy of them all, WrestleMania.

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#5. "I'm sorry, I love you."

Flair had his last match in WWE against Shawn Michaels at WrestleMania 24 in 2008.

Ric Flair is a true icon of wrestling.

Starting his career decades ago, Flair would battle adversity after adversity, including a Plane crash in 1975, that should've ended his career. Instead, Flair returned to the ring, capturing 16 World Champions, and having incredible runs in WCW and WWE.

In 2008 though, a stipulation by the corrupt Vince McMahon meant that the next time Flair lost a match, he'd be forced to retire.

Putting his career on the line each and every week, Flair was able to topple stars like MVP, Mr. Kennedy, and even his own protege Triple H.

Clock eventually struck midnight for Flair at WrestleMania 24, as he took on Shawn Michaels.

Battling the showstopper, Flair realized he couldn't win, and through tears, Michaels ended the Nature Boy's legendary career.

#4. The Rated-R Superstar leaves on top

Edge vandalized Del Rio's car after his last ever match.

When Edge returned in 2004 after a 14-month sabbatical due to injury, the Canadian knew he was on borrowed time.

And though he was forced to retire in 2011, during that seven-year period, Edge did a lot.

Holding the Intercontinental and Tag Team titles, Edge would win the first Money in the Bank ladder match, and become an eleven time WWE World Champion.

Facing off against Alberto Del Rio at WrestleMania 27, few knew just how severe Edge's injury was, as the Rated-R Superstar certainly held his own against the Mexican Aristocrat.

Defeating the young heel, it seemed like fans would get to see more of Edge, though none knew this would be his final match.

Appearing on RAW the next night, Edge revealed his injuries problems, vacated the title and walked away from the ring for good.

#3. "I Quit!"

Bradshaw hung up his boots in his native Texas.

John 'Bradshaw' Layfield is a lot of things. He's a former WWE Champion, a financial analyst, an obscenely wealthy man, and according to some reports, a known hazer.

But at WrestleMania 25, JBL added quitter to that list.

Capturing the Intercontinental Championship for the first time just weeks ago, Bradshaw was full of confidence when he returned home to his native Texas, and berated the live crowd.

Promising victory over Rey Mysterio, this was one guarantee he wouldn't keep, as Rey (dressed as Heath Ledger's Joker) defeated the Wall Street star in 21 seconds.

Frustrated at being nationally embarrassed, Bradshaw was at a loss for words, before screaming "I QUIT!", and walking away.

Now, a decade later, Bradshaw has kept good to his promise, but can still be found doing various projects for the company outside of the ring.

#2. The Hot Rod hangs up his kilt

Piper watched on in glee as Brutus Beefcake cut Adonis' hair.

One of the most prolific talkers in WWE history, it's amazing that Rowdy Roddy Piper never had a reign as the WWF Champion.

Returning to the WWF in 1986, the former villainous Hot Rod was now one of WWE's most popular stars, though his Piper's Pit show faced competition in the form of Adrian Adonis' Flower Shop.

Meeting in a hair vs. hair match at WrestleMania 3, Piper knew going in that this would be his last hurrah with the company.

After 15 years of competing, and a Hollywood career just around the corner, Piper was able to say goodbye to the fans with a huge win, embarrassing the adorable one.

Though he'd have very brief returns years later, this match is considered the true goodbye to Piper's legendary tenure.

#1. The Rattlesnake hangs up his boots

Austin last competed in a losing effort to The Rock at WrestleMania 19.

There have been few bigger stars in WWE, more beloved by the fans, than 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin.

Joining the company in 1996, Austin amazed everyone, despite a near-career-ending neck injury at Summerslam 1997. In 2003, Austin was scheduled to face The Rock, his greatest rival, in their third epic WrestleMania match.

Meeting before in 1999 and 2001, the Rattlesnake was 2-0 already and hoped to get a clean sweep.

Instead, the Great One defeated Austin, though it took three Rock Bottoms to do so. Leaving the ring, few knew that this would be Austin's last match as a WWE Superstar.

Walking up the ramp at Safeco Field, Austin was rightly applauded for his efforts by the crowd in Seattle, going down in history as arguably the greatest star of all time.