Christopher Daniels’ retirement marks the end of one of the most storied careers in professional wrestling history
His journey from independent wrestling obscurity to becoming a global icon is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and love for the sport.
Christopher Daniels’ retirement is a poignant moment in AEW’s history. As he steps away from the ring, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence, leadership, and passion.
His emotional farewell to Adam Page serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling in professional wrestling and the deep connections that wrestlers share with one another and their fans.
While Daniels transitions to a full-time role behind the scenes, his impact on AEW and the wrestling world will continue to be felt. For Adam Page, this moment marks a turning point in his career and sets the stage for the next chapter in his journey.
The Fallen Angel may have said goodbye to in-ring competition, but his contributions to wrestling will never be forgotten.
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Table of Contents
Christopher Daniels: Career of “The Fallen Angel”
Christopher Daniels, affectionately known as “The Fallen Angel,” has retired from in-ring competition after an illustrious career spanning over three decades.1
This announcement came following his Texas Death Match against “Hangman” Adam Page on AEW Collision—a brutal contest that showcased the grit and determination Daniels has been known for throughout his career.
As fans and wrestlers alike reflect on his contributions to professional wrestling, his impact on the industry is undeniable.
I’m sad that it’s over.
But so very happy that it happened.
Thank you all!
— Christopher Daniels (@facdaniels) January 23, 2025
Early Beginnings in Professional Wrestling
Christopher Daniels, born on March 24, 1970, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, began his wrestling journey in 1993.
He trained at the prestigious Windy City Pro Wrestling school and quickly gained a reputation for his high-flying abilities, technical prowess, and storytelling in the ring.
These attributes would become hallmarks of his career, distinguishing him as a versatile and captivating performer.
His early years were spent honing his craft on the independent wrestling circuit, including stops at Empire Wrestling Federation (EWF) and Michinoku Pro Wrestling in Japan.
It was during these formative years that Daniels developed the “Fallen Angel” persona—a character that blended mystique and intensity.
Christopher Daniels in WCW and WWE
Daniels’ first taste of mainstream wrestling came during his tenure with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) in the late 1990s.2
While his appearances were limited to undercard matches, they provided him with valuable exposure and experience.
In 1998, Daniels briefly appeared in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE), competing in dark matches and on Sunday Night Heat.
However, the company did not fully capitalize on his potential, and he soon returned to the independent scene.
The Ring of Honor (ROH) Era
Christopher Daniels’ career took a significant turn when he became one of the founding members of Ring of Honor (ROH) in 2002.
His work in ROH helped establish the promotion as a haven for technical wrestling and storytelling. As a member of the faction “The Prophecy,” Daniels became one of the top heels in the company.
Daniels’ matches in ROH were nothing short of legendary, including his feud with Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan) and his contributions to the iconic three-way match with Low Ki and Bryan Danielson at ROH’s first-ever event, The Era of Honor Begins.
During his time in ROH, Daniels also captured the ROH World Tag Team Championship and delivered numerous classic matches that fans still talk about today.
His commitment to the craft of professional wrestling elevated ROH and inspired countless up-and-coming wrestlers.
The TNA/IMPACT Wrestling Legacy
- While Daniels made waves in ROH, his most significant mainstream success came during his time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA, now IMPACT Wrestling).
- Joining the company in 2002, Daniels became a cornerstone of TNA’s X-Division—a division renowned for its high-flying, innovative wrestling style.
- Daniels’ rivalry with AJ Styles and Samoa Joe remains one of the greatest feuds in TNA history. Their triple-threat match at Unbreakable 2005 is widely regarded as one of the best matches in professional wrestling history.
- Daniels also captured the X-Division Championship multiple times, solidifying his place as one of the pioneers of the division.
- Alongside Frankie Kazarian, Daniels formed one of the most entertaining and successful tag teams in TNA history.
- Known as Bad Influence (later The Addiction in ROH), the duo combined humor, charisma, and exceptional in-ring chemistry.
- They captured the TNA World Tag Team Championship twice and delivered memorable matches against teams like The Motor City Machine Guns and Beer Money, Inc.
Success in Other Promotions
Beyond TNA and ROH, Daniels showcased his talents in promotions worldwide. In New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), he competed in the prestigious Best of the Super Juniors tournament.
He also made appearances in Pro Wrestling NOAH, where he captured the GHC Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship alongside Kazarian.
Daniels’ adaptability and willingness to perform across different styles and cultures made him a beloved figure in promotions such as PWG, Chikara, and AAA.
Christopher Daniels: Impact on Professional Wrestling
Christopher Daniels’ influence on professional wrestling extends far beyond his accolades and championships.3
He was a trailblazer in the X-Division, a master of storytelling, and a mentor to countless wrestlers who have followed in his footsteps.
His ability to adapt to different wrestling styles and seamlessly transition between singles and tag team competition set him apart as a unique talent.
Moreover, his commitment to entertaining fans and elevating his opponents exemplifies the selflessness required to succeed in the industry.
The Fallen Angel’s Legacy
- As Christopher Daniels hangs up his boots, his legacy remains firmly intact.
- He is a wrestler’s wrestler—a performer who dedicated his life to the craft and left an indelible mark on every promotion he worked for.
- From his groundbreaking matches in TNA to his iconic feuds in ROH and his final chapter in AEW, Daniels has provided fans with a lifetime of unforgettable moments.
- His retirement is not just the end of an era for “The Fallen Angel” but also a celebration of a career that inspired a generation of wrestlers and captivated millions of fans worldwide.
- While Daniels’ in-ring career may be over, his contributions to wrestling are far from finished.
- As AEW’s Head of Talent Relations, he continues to shape the future of professional wrestling by mentoring young talent and helping the company grow.
- Moreover, fans can look forward to seeing him honored in Hall of Fame ceremonies and other tributes that recognize his immense contributions to the industry.
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Christopher Daniels Hopes Adam Page Finds Peace After Retiring Him
Christopher Daniels, a veteran of the wrestling industry and a cornerstone of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), recently made headlines with an emotional farewell during an episode of AEW Dynamite.
After an intense confrontation with former AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page, Daniels announced his retirement from in-ring competition, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned decades.
In this article, we’ll delve into the context of this emotional moment, the legacies of both Christopher Daniels and Adam Page, and the implications of Daniels’ farewell for AEW and its fans.
The Confrontation on AEW Dynamite
During the January 17, 2025, episode of AEW Dynamite, Adam Page faced Tyler Shoop in a match that showcased his signature intensity and in-ring prowess.
After the match, Christopher Daniels made an unexpected appearance, walking out to confront Page in a moment filled with tension and emotion.
Standing face-to-face with Page, Daniels expressed his acceptance of defeat and conveyed a heartfelt message to the 33-year-old star. His words carried a tone of finality:
“You win. You’ve won the last match that I’ll ever wrestle. So this is goodbye. I’m sorry. And I hope you can be happy now.”
This marked the official retirement of Daniels, who also serves as AEW’s Head of Talent Relations. For fans and wrestlers alike, it was a bittersweet moment that symbolized the end of an era while highlighting the respect and camaraderie shared between two generational talents.
Christopher Daniels: The Wrestling Legend
Christopher Daniels, known as “The Fallen Angel,” is regarded as one of the most influential figures in professional wrestling.
With a career spanning over 30 years, Daniels has left an indelible mark on the industry through his work in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH), Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), and AEW.
Daniels began his wrestling career in 1993, quickly earning a reputation for his technical ability, high-flying style, and charismatic persona.
His work in ROH, where he was a founding member, solidified his legacy as a pioneer of the modern independent wrestling scene.
Championship Accolades
Throughout his career, Daniels held numerous championships, including the ROH World Championship, TNA X Division Championship, and the AEW World Tag Team Championship.
His partnership with Frankie Kazarian as “SCU” (SoCal Uncensored) was a fan-favorite and produced some of the most memorable tag team matches in AEW history.
Beyond his in-ring achievements, Daniels is revered as a mentor and leader. His transition to Head of Talent Relations in AEW allowed him to shape the careers of younger wrestlers, ensuring his influence would extend well beyond his active wrestling years.
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Adam Page: The New Face of AEW
“Hangman” Adam Page has emerged as one of AEW’s brightest stars since the promotion’s inception in 2019.
Known for his cowboy persona, relatable struggles, and in-ring versatility, Page has captivated fans worldwide.
Page’s crowning achievement came in November 2021 when he defeated Kenny Omega to capture the AEW World Championship. His reign showcased his ability to connect with fans on a personal level, balancing vulnerability with unrelenting determination.
The rivalry between Page and Daniels was a clash of generations. While their encounters in the ring were often intense, their relationship outside of it was built on mutual respect.
Daniels’ retirement at the hands of Page can be seen as a symbolic passing of the torch, cementing Page’s status as a leader in AEW.
A Moment of Reflection
Daniels’ farewell speech on Dynamite struck an emotional chord with fans and wrestlers alike. His decision to retire after facing Adam Page highlights the respect he holds for the younger star and reflects his desire to leave the ring on his own terms.
Professional wrestling thrives on storytelling, and Daniels’ retirement is a prime example of how emotional narratives can elevate the medium.
His acknowledgment of Page’s victory and his wish for Page to find peace add depth to their storyline, making it more than just a physical contest.
Fans took to social media to express their admiration for Daniels and their sadness at seeing him retire. Many praised his contributions to wrestling and celebrated the fact that he could retire in a meaningful and impactful way.
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