Over the course of a career spanning nearly three decades, Christopher Daniels, “The Fallen Angel,” has earned a reputation as a wrestler’s wrestler. His ring attire is an accurate representation of what the man has become: a ring general. That status is not given, or taken, lightly. It’s not a participation trophy. It’s not pro wrestling’s equivalent of an honorary Academy Award, given to a member of the Academy simply for their overall contributions. In the fraternity that is men’s pro wrestling, such status is forged after years of sacrificing blood, sweat and tears.
Daniels is a rarity in the sport of pro wrestling. Most wrestlers who embarked on their pro journeys around the same time as Daniels have long since retired, many sidelined by career-ending injuries. Others work infrequent dates, at best, maybe once or twice a year, when promoters need a special attraction to inject extra sizzle to their marquee events.
“The Fallen Angel” may be divine in the ring, but he’s not invincible. The wear and tear has taken its toll on his body, same as any other professional athlete performing at a major league level. From severe neck injuries to major knee issues, Christopher Daniels has hit many bumps on the long and winding road since he took his first pro steps back in 1993. Any one of these would have likely derailed a lesser competitor. Yet here we are, in the summer of 2019, still discussing the remarkable (and very much active) career of Christopher Daniels.
Like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, Christopher Daniels outperforms many up and comers who are half his age. It’s the experience from all the wars, the miles from all the tours, the lessons gleaned from being in the locker room throughout various eras, listening to the veterans. Now it is Daniels who is the torchbearer from bygone eras of pro wrestling. Like a Dean Malenko or a Jerry Lynn, Christopher Daniels is often regarded as a pro wrestler who was ahead of his time. The difference is Daniels has seemingly tapped into the fountain of youth, and there’s still fuel left in his tank (even if the odometer maxed out some miles back).
Many of today’s current crop of top performers study highlight clips and videos on YouTube; Christopher Daniels is the guy in those “best of” compilations. The best sensei is usually the eternal student, and Daniels has not rested on his laurels, constantly evolving with an open mind toward the business (he took a recent excursion to China to scout the Oriental Wrestling Entertainment training facility, as seen on a special episode of Being the Elite). He’s just as innovative today as ever with his move set and philosophy.
All these things have culminated in Daniels becoming the Professor Charles Xavier of All Elite Wrestling—a man winning at telekinetic chess, while his opponents are unpacking their checkerboards, scratching their heads in confusion.
On Saturday, June 29th, at FYTER FEST, Christopher Daniels is set to take on a warrior who many consider to be his in-ring equivalent: Oriental Wrestling Entertainment’s CIMA. At AEW’s inaugural pay-per-view event, DOUBLE OR NOTHING, the trio of Daniels, Frankie Kazarian, and Scorpio Sky, known collectively as SoCal Uncensored, earned a victory over the Strong Hearts, the team of CIMA, T-Hawk, and Lindaman. At FYTER FEST, however, Daniels will be wrestling CIMA in a one-on-one contest.
Will CIMA gain revenge for the high profile loss his team (and OWE) suffered at the hands of SCU?
Time will tell. But time has always been on Christopher Daniels’ side.
AEW & CEO GAMING Present Fyter Fest Saturday, June 29th Daytona Beach, Florida. Visit the official Fyter Fest website for tickets and info. This event will also be streaming on the B/R Live app FREE OF CHARGE when it takes place on June 29th!
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