Thank You, Christopher Daniels
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Unsung heroes exist in every sport or industry. Names like William Regal, Arn Anderson, Dean Malenko, BJ Whitmer, and Mike Quackenbush are often mentioned. But, Christopher Daniels is one name that deserves greater recognition.
Despite being a true legend, Daniels’ contributions are frequently overshadowed in the whirlwind of the wrestling industry.
Early Beginnings & Rise Through The Ranks
Daniels has been one of the most consistent performers in wrestling for three decades. He has competed at the highest level across promotions worldwide. His longevity, adaptability, and in-ring storytelling have made him one of the most respected figures in independent wrestling. It has helped shape the modern generation of talent we see today. Earning him the nickname ‘King of the Indies’.
Spending thirty years in any profession is impressive, but thriving in a physically demanding industry like professional wrestling is extraordinary.
Daniels debuted in April 1993 for Windy City Pro Wrestling. Few wrestlers can match the breadth of promotions he has competed in—WCW, WWE, TNA, ROH, NJPW, Chikara, AAA, and AEW.
Newer fans, even older ones, would’ve likely missed his work in the WWF in the 90s and early 2000s. A host of matches on Sunday Night Heat against Essa Rios or Taka Michinoku, and a few sporadic appearances on WWF Shotgun Saturday Night, are difficult to find. This was the only brief glimpse of his time under the Vince McMahon regime. While it didn’t amount to anything substantial, his career would soon find the launching pad it needed.
Breaking Through in Ring of Honor
Daniels’ contributions to wrestling are ones that fans will never fully realize. Not only was he an outstanding in-ring talent, but his storytelling and psychology made him a cornerstone for hardcore fans. He created countless unforgettable moments and influenced generations of wrestlers who followed in his footsteps.
My earliest exposure to Daniels came while watching Ring of Honor’s first-ever event in 2002. His triple-threat match with Bryan Danielson and Low-Ki holds up as a masterclass in technical wrestling, a classic everyone should seek out. This served as a showcase of what would become one of the most exciting eras for independent wrestling. Helping set the stage for the next generation and build on a style that today, is receiving more exposure than ever.
A blisteringly fast-paced, all-action style countered the mainstream WWE product. It allowed him to compete against names that would evolve into the biggest today. Sharing the ring with stars from Samoa Joe, Bryan Danielson, Seth Rollins, CM Punk, Kenny Omega, and Cody Rhodes, creating classics throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
The style Daniels brought may not have been shaped for the WWF. But it found its footing on a smaller stage that would place him on an upward trajectory. ROH was very much the counterculture to Vince McMahon’s mainstream juggernaut. It offered a playground to those outside of his ideal superstar, like Daniels, to find themselves. ROH was certainly not mainstream. It did, however, serve as a vehicle to mold new styles, create timeless industry icons, and act as a jumping pad for performers like Daniels.
Daniels’ Impact in TNA
Many modern-day fans grew familiar with Christopher Daniels during his tenure in TNA starting in 2002. Joining the X-Division may have seemed like a demotion. But, it allowed him to be a part of one of wrestling’s most unique creations. The X-Division felt like an extension of WCW’s Cruiserweights, combined with the Lucha Libre style out of Mexico, and hard-hitting brutality often seen in NJPW.
Finally finding himself in a position to excel as a character, Daniels and the X-Division’s roster grew to steal the show. Much of the dramatic overbooking involved with the main event scene was gone. It was replaced with an endless array of in-ring insanity. It was all about ‘No Limits’, something that Daniels found to be his recipe for success.
‘The Fallen Angel’ evolved into a masterful heel, positioning himself as the focal point of the division for almost four years. Getting his first taste of gold in 2004, the next few years would be turbulent for Daniels creatively. But, offered endless classic matches and moments.
Key highlights such as a brief feud with Sting, reuniting the Triple X faction with Senshi & Elix Skipper, a series of classics against Chris Sabin, and several bloody wars with LAX, kept Daniels’ career in top form. His next 18 months playing the role of both Suicide and Curry Man are often divisive topics. They each have their charm if you allow it.
Back In The Main Event
Fortunes took a positive turn in 2009. Daniels transitioned into the main event scene for the first time in over 2 years. He engaged in a classic feud against teammate and foe AJ Styles, and even clashed heads with Samoa Joe. All before the Hulk Hogan era would see his career shift focus on the company’s mid-card, albeit with memorable outcomes. Reigniting his feud with Styles, forming Bad Influence with Frankie Kazarian always positioned him at the centre of storytelling. It showcased his act for longevity in a business that zooms past you.
Daniels’ impact on TNA should not be understated. Despite the company’s creative struggles internally and surrounding his character, the time spent in TNA solidified him. His performances and numerous X-Division & Tag Team Championship reigns left a library of excellent material behind and stellar rivalries.
The Legendary Rivalry with AJ Styles
Daniels’ greatest rival must be ‘The Phenomenal’ AJ Styles. Their battles in TNA spanned nearly a decade, with their chemistry producing matches that to this day are displayed on highlight reels.
Their work as a trio with Samoa Joe at Unbreakable 2005 and Turning Point 2009 solidified their legacy. These two matches are still regarded as some of the greatest bouts ever held in a wrestling ring… The former being the only TNA match to have achieved the prestigious 5-star Meltzer rating for over a decade. More importantly, their efforts placed TNA on the map and brought eyes to the product. It propelled Styles and Joe to international superstardom.
Competing in over 100 matches as rivals over their tenure in TNA, it never felt over-saturated. Both men possessed a natural chemistry with one another, with the storytelling always boiling down to a battle of who was the best. Particular clashes at Against All Odds & Bound for Glory 2005, Destination X 2011, and Final Resolution 2009 were spectacular. Their feud came to a close at Final Resolution 2012 after Daniels secured the final victory.
Both men also took part in the infamous Claire Lynch storyline. An angle that is best not spoken about.
Tag Team Excellence
Daniels’ legacy extends far beyond singles wrestling. His work as a tag team competitor was equally legendary, particularly alongside Frankie Kazarian in TNA, ROH and AEW. Their partnerships—originally as Bad Influence, later as SoCal Uncensored (SCU)—were sometimes criminally overlooked.
Originally starting as heels, the gimmick evolved into one any fan loved to hate in all the best ways. What at one point was a team that agitated and annoyed the fanbase, became one so talented that their act turned into one of the company’s most endearing. A team so committed to its gimmick that it would follow Daniels for most of the remainder of his career.
The two seized TNA tag team gold before embroiling themselves in an underrated series of matches against AJ Styles & Kurt Angle. But, their in-ring work peaked during their stint in ROH.
A defining performance came at ROH’s All-Star Extravaganza VIII. Daniels, at 46 years young, took risks in a ladder match featuring The Motor City Machine Guns and Young Bucks. This match remains one of the highlights of his career, proving that even in his mid-40s, Daniels could steal the show when we least expect it. Placing his body on the line for the love of the game.
It wouldn’t be his last major career milestone though.
A Late-Career Renaissance
Daniels post-TNA can sometimes feel uncertain… Especially on rewatch when it felt like times were slowly moving by. But, he managed to forge one last career-defining moment when you’d least expect.
At ROH’s 15th Anniversary Show in 2017, he once again reminded us of who he was. ‘The Fallen Angel’ did the unthinkable, capturing the ROH World Championship by defeating Adam Cole in a fantastic main event. The victory, and his pre-match promo, felt like a long overdue award for sacrificing his body and mind to the squared circle. A moment of nostalgia that shocked me, but felt earned after all those years.
This reign changed the guard for the business, as the title would switch hands less than 4 months later to Cody Rhodes at the 2017s Best in the World event. Despite being past his physical prime, Daniels was given one last opportunity to shine as a World Champion. Before passing down his gold to a star that ended up becoming the face of the business that is.
Even better, achieving this alongside his longtime friend and partner Frankie Kazarian, brought a story he’d been working towards for years to a satisfying close.
The Final Chapter in AEW
In May 2021, a significant shift in Daniels’ career took place. SCU faced The Young Bucks on AEW Dynamite in a match that resulted in Daniels suffering a severe eye injury. It effectively marked the end of SCU and closing a major chapter in his career. Over time, a transition to an executive role became more of a norm. But, television appearances were still somewhat common.
Even as he transitioned into his new role, Daniels continued to prove his in-ring abilities never degraded. In March of 2022 on Dynamite, Daniels faced Bryan Danielson. He showcased he could still go toe-to-toe with the best to lace up a pair of boots. Despite it being their first meeting in 14 years, their chemistry remained. Daniels & Danielson created an overlooked gem that should be spoken about more.
Following this, Daniels transitioned into a behind-the-scenes role in AEW. He continued making select appearances in ROH, NJPW Strong, and independent promotions. A recent feud with Adam Page led to one of AEW’s most personal storylines, culminating in an emotional showdown on Maximum Collision, where Daniels announced his retirement following a heartbreaking defeat.
Legacy & Influence
Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Daniels’ influence on the industry is evident in the respect he commands from his peers, past and present. AEW’s Jay Lethal praised his mentorship, calling him a ‘Ring General.’ ROH’s Cheeseburger spoke about Daniels as a model professional. Even Matt Jackson credited him for shaping The Young Bucks’ early careers.
Christopher Daniels is a wrestler who deserves every accolade and more. His career is a testament to perseverance, passion, and an unwavering love for professional wrestling. With his in-ring career now over, there’s no better time to pay tribute to one of wrestling’s true unsung heroes. A pioneer in every sense—Daniels’ legacy will be remembered for generations.
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