Christopher Daniels: Why WWE won't hire me, AJ Styles' WWE career so far, retiring in ROH, more

Christopher Daniels chats with Chris Van Vliet from WSVN-TV at Ring of Honor's SuperCard of Honor in Lakeland, FL. He talks about winning the ROH championship, why WWE won't hire him, Wrestling in a 4-sided ring versus a 6-sided ring and his friend AJ Styles meteoric rise in WWE.
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[@ChrisVanVliet]

If you're interested, here's my first interview with Christopher Daniels from August 2014. It was right after he was released by TNA and had signed with ROH kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKvVaIeHgbx-p9E

[@jayc5756]

Chris Van Vliet Do you got any interviews with Roman Reigns? If so, how much? And cab you link them. Heard he's a real cool dude behind the scenes. Not sure why everybody is starting to hate him so much now. This is what they been asking for with him for a min...a heel turn or turn heel. Before that, he tweaked his character to be more grittier, since they asked for it. He turned tweener and all that...but these dumb ass fans STILL complain. That's why WWE don't listen to their ass too much....and they going to stop it very soon.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

+ Jay C Hey man, the only interivew I've ever done with Roman Reigns was a quick interview with The Shield back in 2013. They were very much in character. I look forward to getting a chance to chat with him again one day. Here's a link to check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4qTZHigds-no6M

[@nevarstormdragon]

Jay C My issue with reigns is the scripts they give him for his promos and interviews. To me they don't feel like natural comments his character would make. They need to go to a more general idea script and they change it on the fly similar to old attitude era promos and I think he would be a lot better.

[@jayc5756]

Nevar StormDragon Ok. I see

[@jayc5756]

Nevar StormDragon Ok. I see

[@kairoberts663]

Holy shit he looks good for 48. Daniels is one of the best ever to never wrestle in WWE. Outstanding talent.

[@germandelariva3754]

Exactly what I said but even at 50 Looks like a 38 year old

[@pontiacGXPfan]

He looks like a way younger Patrick Stewart

[@KM-lc6hj]

He's immortal

[@paulcarpenter7844]

In WWF early 90s also

[@vanikin4life]

i thought that was johnny sin. lol

[@ragii1428]

The most underrated wrestler ever to grace the ring. His technique is as good as Kurt Angle's. Everything done with such grace.

[@M.Sleeze]

Exactly super underrated

[@chrismanager9615]

Too small though, too skinny. Plus charisma wise he is meh. Just meh. Ok but that is it. For his size he really needs to be great at it all. Good wrestler, meh promo. So many are like that though.

[@TheKnightofAwesomeness]

what about finn balor and aj styles Daniels is about there size if not bigger (just a little)

[@chrismanager9615]

As I said above to someone else. They have the it. Aj is brilliant. Finn has the demon. Daniels? Just not enough there. We all know being a great worker isn't enough. Apparently wwe see it like that aswell. Its not as if age is that important. They hired aries and styles. Hardly kids.

[@pk_1]

ragii don't think it's as good as kurt angles but he's definitely one of the most underrated of all time

[@DrRAZI99]

His matches with Aj styles were the best

[@pontiacGXPfan]

AJ actually named two of his sons after him

[@kamenriderblade2099]

He was one of AJ's partners in the ring and early mentor, so =D

[@GeneralSherm]

And that triple threat with samoa joe

[@ThunderWarrior01]

CD,AJ & Samoa Joe are the greatest wrestlers TNA ever produced. They never failed to entertain the hell out of us

[@kingston4313]

One of my favourite performers his matches with Joe and AJ was the best match I've ever seen.

[@ChrisVanVliet]

+Kingston Gapate that's one of my favorite matches too!

[@dontworryaboutit2086]

unbreakable 2005

[@dontworryaboutit2086]

Game Person I know they did, it was great to. as much hate as TNA gets, there were some great matches in that company!!

[@MGSBigBoss77]

There must always be an alternative to WWE?, and TNA is it! Thus they'll put up great matches with the talent they have etc.

[@dontworryaboutit2086]

I think at this point, ROH is probably the alternative to WWE. TNA has really taken a step down over the last few years, so I REALLY hope that what they are doing now, makes people take them more serious.

[@BobBobBobBobBob]

Everything he said about Styles is 100% accurate. I was so worried about him getting buried, but he's had some amazing matches and won the WWE Championship.

[@boomanlames8191]

this guy is one of the best wrestler in the world...sad that wwe is not signing him...he is one of very few guys who can give you five star match every week

[@CAWWE12W]

WWE should hire Christopher Daniels and put him on the main roster and not in NXT. WWE does not know what they are missing out on.

[@nitekrawler1196]

Vince is still busy pushing big sweaty men. Why can't he die sooner.

[@tehfawkinman]

Nite Krawler Wishing a speedy death on someone is bad karma...

[@vickymooney5105]

CAWWE12W WWE wouldn't use him properly anyway. Not everyone has to end up in WWE. It's not the be all and end all, despite what WWE apologists say...

[@danlc95]

Probably because he looks like a gym teacher. It makes no sense to put heavyweight titles on little guys.

[@countrylife04]

AJ, Daniels, Khazarian and Samoa Joe are bestfriends in real life

[@adrianlemus8014]

gimelex04; A good and talented "clique."

[@PapaSmurf11182nd]

@@adrianlemus8014 probably a less toxic clique as well

[@richyp1986]

Why does CD sell himself short??!!!! Your awesome mate, your true fans believe in you

[@johnnyskinwalker4095]

it's cause nobody buy CDs anymore. everybody download stuff

[@RVNT9OE]

Johnny Skinwalk booooo

[@KeroŞero]

Revenant Plague get out

[@fiend_dmacc114]

richyp1986 he's not he's just humble

[@pierrelemagnifique205]

richyp1986 because blu ray > dvd > cd

[@MGSBigBoss77]

So long overdue for Christopher Daniels to become a World Champion in the wrestling industry! His ROH title is well deserved i'd say!

[@DJDrew-tc8sg]

The wrestling industry puts a lot of strain on you mentally and physically but doing this for 24 years and still being great at it maaannn my hat is off to him

[@tornadowarrior4534]

Wow how this guy never made it to WWE is shocking. But he is still one of my favs. Another great interview.

[@brandonbeck3672]

Love the past from the past interview, it is 2019 and how much has changed. Now he is helping start AEW, at almost 50 years old. He is the independent goat!!

[@melissahaletky8223]

Age is nothing but a number. Thanks for recognizing ROH.

[@TheViperProduction]

Gosh , my guy is so Humble and down to Earth.. Wish him nothing but Success..

[@turtlehead2]

The 2016 Ladder wars match changed my life. Probably his too. That was a great match.

[@luisdominicci2864]

It means that now he's 50......wow respect for him

[@mobinbestintheworld9229]

He's finisher is aweeeesommmeee

[@kevin2400]

I've been watching Chris van vliet since woio channel 19 ......and he moved on to prime wrestling and now he's a backstage interviewer. Good job man😄

[@kevinkidd7211]

Look Great at 47 yrs old

[@sandraandrews9907]

Kevin Kidd He looks great!! Had no idea of his age. I thought he looked early 30s!!

[@kevinkidd7211]

Sandra Andrews Awesome

[@jpm4444]

Christopher is just a great wrestler. Keeps in amazing shape, always shows up, and puts on a show. Old school solid.

[@kor9]

Crazy that he's 47, CD and AJ were the guys that got me into TNA/ROH 10 years ago and they're still 2 of the best in the world

[@kaizenmckenzie4782]

47 and still one of they best

[@serkanbulut272]

Kaizen Mckenzie really niggah

[@leonablackwell4807]

+Daniel TheOne Like duh

[@Cyber_PunkBJJ]

i'd say if WWE hired Christopher Daniels, he could be manager of The Ascension.

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

Darksyde_Shadow777 Or just replace Connor. That dude is flabby and sucks.

[@Cyber_PunkBJJ]

i agree lol the only thing going ok for them is their face paint

[@nicolecoleman8027]

Love him as the Fallen Angel gimmick on TNA but yeah Daniels & AJ has some of greatest matches on TNA Impact with Joe to. He still looks great for his age but him and AJ are best friends plus they both Godparent to each other kids. AJ is Christopher Daniels Godfather to his kids and AJ is Godfather to his kids to they both go way back.

[@Marcell2aG]

Legend. One of the guys that got me interested in wrestling again after years of not watching.

[@yngmajorz1054]

I respect Christopher Daniels so much. He what being true Veteran os all about. His mindset and ambition is admirable. Support this guy.

[@kristinlabauve602]

motor city machine guns, great tag team.

[@perezplay]

Too bad he probably won't get a chance in the E, the only one of the elite of TNA who hasn't.

[@TheAYM91]

Abyss was never as good to be honest.

[@BrodieGH]

they must've thought since they gave him a chance to work with the Undertaker. How many people get to, immediately do that on the first day of their WWE career?

[@KingsizeKini]

A Y abyss is decent, the problem was that he or tna focused too much on him doing crazy hardcore spots and bumps which limited him. I think used right he could've been an awesome monster instead of being the only wrestler that doesn't shock anyone anymore when he lands in thumbtacks.

[@simplythebest2k]

Sorry guys but if he is not or will not be on the wwe was because of him self. He has said for the past decade that he would never wrestle there. I doubt WWE has never called him he said he turn them down too.....now he takes all that back. For those talking about abyss same boat in fact WWE offered abyss a job abyss turned them down.

[@BrodieGH]

Actually it is a contract, if you're signed by WWE, you are contracted to them, regardless of what you do. Being signed for a one or a couple of matches are contracted work.

[@hobbitbobbitt]

honestly it'd be such easy money for WWE to bring in Christopher Daniels at any age just to have one match with AJ Styles and then put him on an announce team. They'd kind of be fools not to. So yeah, in other words, probably not gonna happen.

[@Thelouisvilleman]

Kevokevo fuck no. So glad he never went and never will.

[@derekvietro784]

Great picture. Vision is my favorite avenger

[@irmaaguayo6175]

Thank you Chris Daniels you rock bro 🦅🤘 toooooo sweeeeettttt

[@supermario2100]

I really hope WWE does hire him, but not as a wrestler. He has a theater degree, and cut one of the best scripted promos ever right before his match with Adam Cole. I'd love if he taught promo classes at NXT, or maybe even wrote for WWE. Boy could they use someone to really help some guys and girls out promo-wise.

[@AnthonyAnalog]

supermario2100 if WWE were smart they'd put SCSA in charge of booking (just listen to his podcasts... He gets IT) and CD/Heyman to write all their promos and work w/ the performers on cadence, delivery, body language, hard cam eye contact, etc... The company would see a renaissance of fans who left return based on product quality alone.

[@KING_KRYSTOF]

The most REAL person in the business of professional wrestling. So modest and enthusiastic, it can't be missed.

[@jordanmachuca6087]

Daniels is the GOAT 🐐

[@thesupervisor3270]

We need more guys like him in the wrestling business. Its more to Pro Wrestling then WWE. Everybody wanna go to WWE I can't stand that shit!

[@georgebrice3831]

Chuck Taylor+ fuck wwe hope roh continue maybe new Japan might buy them I rather have them than garbage ass wwe TNA, roh, lucha underground, NJPW and the indies all day every day fuck wwe and wwetards

[@SUPERRRSAIYANNNNN]

Nope; objectively, he's not even top ten.

[@AnthonyAnalog]

The Struggler name 10 people better on the mic, in the ring, and with better gimmicks than Fallen Angel/Almighty (that's not even taking into account his brilliant Japanese Curry Man work).

[@andrewkruzienski770]

Never drew a dime.

[@EzraDair]

Fun story: because AJ has a tradition to name every kid he has with a name that starts with A. That was the only reason he didn’t name one of his kids Daniel to honor his friend CD so he did by making it the middle name for one of his sons.

[@donkiddick966]

Close, but AJ actually gave his oldest son the middle name Covell (Daniels birth surname) in honour of Daniels. I believe one of Daniels kids is named after AJ? (His son’s middle name is Allen)

[@dylanmulroe9978]

The fallen angel was my favourite wrestler in TNA

[@maximillionroivas3893]

Imagine Christopher Daniels in WWE in 2002-2008.I think he would've had a great run in that company.

[@Thelouisvilleman]

Maximillion Roivas but he was in ROH and TNA insted which is better then garbage WWE

[@Ares-mg2nj]

@@Thelouisvilleman 2002-2008 era wwe was great

[@juncorcino]

He's on my top 10 list.

[@omengaming9391]

It is just my opinion (though others may agree) but I think Christopher Daniels has to go down as the greatest in-ring talent to have never worked for WWE. I first became aware of Christopher Daniels I guess in the 90's, not sure of the name, I think it was the UWA or UWF here in the UK, a very short-lived wrestling promotion with British Wrestling legend Mick McManus as it's commissioner. It's great to see that he is still wrestling, and honestly if it wasn't for the fact people have mentioned it, you would never think he was as old as he is. Christopher Daniels is truly one of the all-time greats

[@dsm218]

I liked the falling angel gimmick

[@tommytaylor4139]

Christopher Daniels is/was a TOP wrestler,who could wrestle,and have quality matches with anyone,the man was so smooth,made it look so effortless,he's a stand up guy,a top wrestler,and a true in ring great.

[@cakins2798]

Man, Christopher Daniels is such a class act. I like the heck out of him.

[@EqualizerCombatives]

Daniels is the reason i get into the ring myself, the first Wrestler I ever saw on TV back in 2006 (in the glory days of TNA) when he was (in my opinion) the greatest character I have seen (other than the Undertaker), The Fallen Angel. his in ring ability is on another level, everything he does looks unique to him, even just his punches and the way he throws them, and things like the BME and Angels Wings still look so damn impressive. The fact he still has a broken bone in his neck! Such a top bloke, real kind and genuine, one day i hope to meet him, hell maybe even Wrestle him, but that's a long way away for me at the moment.

[@V1LL1N]

Daniels is the man...and pretty much always has been! Good to finally see him get what he deserves!

[@joeylone2427]

A top notch champion who has proved time and time again that you don't need WWE to be successful

[@mistermikeyjay]

As much as he has done all over the world, when he cried after he wrestled Ikuto Hidaka touched me, and cemented my fandom of him. Congrats to the Fallen Angel, he really does deserve it.

[@Bracsten]

I just went to an ROH show last night and I got to see Bully (Bubba) Ray, Cody (Rhodes), Jay Lethal, Chris Sabin, Jeff Cobb, Dalton Castle, Kushida, Los Ingobernables, the Briscoes, Young Bucks, etc. and the highlight for me was getting the chance to see Christopher Daniels live for the first time. :D I told him that he's one of the most underrated wrestlers.

[@HOA_Bossman]

such a humble legend.

[@BULLETFLO1]

happy anniversary

[@hithere1590]

Thanks Chris ... great interview!

[@RUDG3Y]

aj styles vs christopher daniels at a wrestlemania would be fucking epic , dont think it will happen but one can hope

[@thecake6635]

RUDG3Y Chris Daniels vs Finn Balor, Priest vs Demon!

[@mohammedqadeer5966]

I miss his matches with AJ Styles. One of the greatest wrestling friends I have ever seen on screen.

[@TheTheospringer]

always loved his work in early tna days with his followers!!!!

[@Excalibur2112]

The Fallen Angel, I remember when Samosa Joe first joined TNA and Daniels, AJ and Joe had a great triple threat title match. It was a great rivalry for awhile. Best Moonsault Ever was a very cool finishing move.

[@acdbabbbyyyyy7678]

I feel sorry for Christopher Daniel's Such a Great talent who never was and looks like never will be hired by the wwe he deserves his chance in the big league 47 unbelievable and he still has great in ring ability

[@FattyChanGaming]

The AJ Styles vs Christopher Daniels feuds In TNA was always amazing to watch! Its sucks he could never get in to the WWE but dam I never new he was 47! he looks amazing!

[@StrongestWarlord]

What a wonderful interview

[@josephmyrtil12]

very humble guy love him

[@aa.gg.4609]

Crazy how this dude is 50 years old

[@angelamccafferrty9487]

One of the most entertaining performers to ever grace the ring

[@darthhater5194]

this was a great interview well done.

[@omnidimensional]

Daniels interviews are awesome!

[@chrisr6776]

that was a good interview. Well done

[@LittleBigKid707b]

Good all around guy. I actually rode with him when we were both working for the EWF which was Jesse's Hernandez' promotion. Even then he had a good head on his shoulder and a good family man.

[@bkretschmann90]

CD doesnt age. He still looks the same from when i was watching him in TNA.

[@ikicash5731]

Christopher daniels and aj styles were my favorite wrestlers and still are

[@cajunasian71]

'The Fallen Angel' is still one of my favorite wrestlers. A class act.

[@andrewazur9385]

I have seen so many matches on tna of Christopher Daniels and he can take so much punishment and he doesn't look 47. ..legend

[@Juggalo972]

The man's a class act.

[@HongKongEclectic]

great interview. He seems like a really nice guy!

[@saippatnaik]

CD and AJ Styles are a rare breed of Wrestlers.

[@許潤璋]

Christopher Daniels = Nominated for the Most Emotional Title Win.

[@averysadwoodworm]

Man he deserves to perform in front of thousands for his work.

[@zapontabik]

great interview!

[@braydenkeynon3083]

If you put a picture of CD from 2005 next to a current picture of him, I can almost guarantee I wouldn't tell the difference

[@SuperDuperCool23]

a dream match of mine that will never be seen has always been Christopher Daniels Vs Shawn Michaels

[@mkl62]

As of April 9, 2018, Christopher Daniels was ranked at #9 in Ring of Honor Wrestling. BTW, Daniels was in WWE for a while in 1998-2000.

[@deanshield886]

The fallen angel at the wwe PC: let me show you how to do a wrist lock kid LOL!

[@ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

imo A great wrestler and seems to be a great guy as well. imo

[@ChrisBetton]

So interesting watching this in 2020.

[@davidtrujillo1648]

I saw him a few years back doing the Waterworld show at Universal Studios, none of my friends understood why I got excited when I saw his name

[@mossfreak7]

WWE signed DDP at 45 years old and Sting at 55. Sure they had big WCW careers beforehand and didn't wrestle with WWE long but still they did. I would love to see Christopher Daniels in WWE even if he's in his late 40's to early 50's. I would love to see him have just one run.

[@Musaaa1]

this guy is great, fair play

[@jibberjobberpodcast937]

Do another interview with Cristopher Daniels! Please!

[@MrFrostien]

Finally he is a World Champion It was a crime he never got a world title run before in Tna or in the golden days of ROH or even in Japan

[@ptsome110]

woah! there is wrestling outside of wwe??? nice vid...interesting to see other stars in this industry

[@mtvta1981]

A true legend.

[@michaelmartinezjones4767]

#wwe needs this guy

[@aarongabriel4197]

Love ROH!!!

[@andrewyoung4275]

what a nice guy! fair play dont look 47

[@jaspermatthews4427]

CD seems like a really awesome guy! Like he is so real

[@andyk4621]

what a very likeable person

[@GreggF65]

Just subscribed this is so much fun

[@pnsmexico]

Christopher Daniels also plays a great character "Deacon" from Waterworld show at my job at Universal Studios Hollywood! (:-)

[@B-MO1998]

WWE should sign him

[@shicktucan4594]

Branden Harris no...

[@B-MO1998]

@@shicktucan4594 why ??

[@deanshield886]

He would be my favorite 47 yr. old rookie for sure...Vince: how old is he again HHH?

[@mkl62]

As of February 15, 2018, Christopher Daniels was ranked at #8 in Ring of Honor Wrestling.

[@Black60Dragon]

Even though it probably won't happen, I'm still hoping WWE signs him. Even if just for one year so he can get a chance to show them just how good Christopher Daniels is

[@PaulieAFantoneJays19]

Probably the most underappreciated wrestling talents in history (Just my two cents)

[@shinsukenakamura1288]

I'm glad CD won the ROH title back at the 15th Anniversary PPV. It has been long overdue for Daniels to be become world champion and he earned that belt for every inch of hard work he has put throughout the years. He may as well be one of the great talents that will never be sign to the WWE and like he is fine with that since he already his goal to become a world champion. Kudos to Daniels for his successful wrestling career and hope to succeed before he hangs the boots for good.