A legend in professional wrestling has officially hung up his boots. Christopher Daniels, known to fans as “The Fallen Angel,” has retired from in-ring competition effective immediately. The announcement comes after AEW’s special “Collision: Maximum Carnage” taping, where Daniels wrestled what is likely the final match of his storied career.
Daniels faced “Hangman” Adam Page in a brutal Texas Death Match taped at the Andrew J. Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, Ohio. The highly anticipated match will air this Saturday on TNT and MAX, marking the end of a journey that has spanned over three decades.
Daniels’ Decision to Step Away
According to Fightful Select, Daniels had been contemplating retirement for some time. His decision to officially step away from wrestling comes after a recent resurgence in his in-ring career. Before this match, Daniels had been primarily focusing on his backstage role as AEW’s Head of Talent Relations, a position he continues to hold.
For much of 2023, Daniels also served as the Interim AEW Executive Vice President. He stepped into this role last May while Kenny Omega was recovering from injury. However, with Omega’s return at the Worlds End pay-per-view last month, Daniels stepped back from his executive duties to refocus on his backstage contributions and one last run in the ring.
A Career That Defined Generations
Christopher Daniels’ career is nothing short of legendary. From his beginnings on the independent circuit as the “King of Indies” to becoming one of the most versatile performers in promotions like ROH, NJPW, TNA, and AEW, Daniels has left an indelible mark wherever he wrestled.
Over the years, Daniels has captured countless championships, including top singles and tag team titles in multiple promotions. Notably, he was one-half of the inaugural ROH World Tag Team Champions alongside Donovan Morgan, helping to establish the tag division as a cornerstone of Ring of Honor’s success.
Daniels’ work in AEW has been equally impactful. As one of the company’s first signees in 2019, he was instrumental in building the foundation of the promotion both in the ring and behind the scenes. In addition to his responsibilities in talent relations, Daniels also played a significant role in ROH’s modern relaunch under Tony Khan’s ownership, including serving as a judge for the 2022 Pure Championship matches at Supercard of Honor XV and Final Battle.
What’s Next for The Fallen Angel?
While Daniels’ in-ring career has come to an end, his presence in AEW and the wrestling industry as a whole remains vital. As Head of Talent Relations, Daniels is expected to continue working closely with AEW and ROH rosters, helping guide the next generation of stars. His legacy as both a competitor and a mentor ensures that his influence on the industry will endure for years to come.
Fans can catch Christopher Daniels’ final match this Saturday during AEW Collision: Maximum Carnage. The Texas Death Match against Hangman Page is shaping up to be a fitting farewell for one of wrestling’s most respected veterans.
As the Fallen Angel steps away from the squared circle, the wrestling world celebrates a career defined by innovation, passion, and an unwavering love for the sport. Thank you, Christopher Daniels, for the memories and the magic.
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