this is easily the best angle/promo WWE has done in the last 5 years.

[PYRRHUS 88]

You can tell that this angle is going to go down in history and be one that's remembered. Any wrestling fan who was watching during that era would instantly know what you were referring to if you say the words "salmon pink sport jacket" or "I got a lot left in the tank."

That's the hallmark of a legendary bit.

 

[Hoss]

WWE was probably surprised at how perfectly he pulled it off. The fact that they didn't run with it the way they should have tells me they didn't expect it to be much more than a time filler and they didn't have big plans to follow it up.

Legit one of the best promos ever delivered.

 

[TL15]

It was perfect because he mixed just the right amount of "real life" into wrestling. He mentioned his wife and kid and being on the road, he also joked that he didn't have as much success as Cena, he really unveiled a lot to the fans.

Edit:

Didn't even notice he left the boots at the top of the ramp this is very well done.

If you think back to most of the best promos it's when wrestlers do this. Punk, Miz (from talking smack), hell even HHH and Steph calling DB a B+ player, it's when truth is interjected that you really get value.

On the other hand some of the worst promos are the complete opposite

 

[PYRRHUS 88]

WWE was probably surprised at how perfectly he pulled it off. The fact that they didn't run with it the way they should have tells me they didn't expect it to be much more than a time filler and they didn't have big plans to follow it up.

Legit one of the best promos ever delivered.

Just watched it again and I agree.

I've never seen that level of acting in wrestling. The way he improv'd that "naaah not May Young, dummy" line... That's EXACTLY the way someone making a speech while emotional would lighten the tone by saying something to make the audience laugh.

Most film actors would struggle to come off that real/naturalistic. It's remarkable how much he legitimately seemed like a guy making a retirement speech. Every nuance was perfect.