10 AEW Stars Who Have Gone AWOL
7. Christopher Daniels
AEW arrived only a few years too late for Christopher Daniels, and it's a shame.
Even in 2016, he was tearing it up in death-defying Ladder Wars in ROH, but by the time 2019 rolled around, he was knackered. The scene to which he was such a key, faithful architect had finally broke big, and he was too thrashed to star in it. It was cruel, and his infamous botch in a match against Penta El Zero Miedo was particularly bleak.
There were highlights here and there. His very clever role in the introduction of Mr. Brodie Lee. A touching nostalgic match opposite Bryan Danielson to formally launch Tony Khan's Ring Of Honor. A blood-soaked selling masterclass against the Young Bucks, the heartbreaking end of his quest for tag team gold (which AEW failed to sell in a disgraceful display of formatting.)
Last seen on TV in July, you'd expect that to be it. He is an executive first and foremost these days.
Daniels at least will always hold the distinction of setting the tone for what at its peak is already one of the all-time great pro wrestling promotions. SCU's trios banger opposite Strong Hearts at the inaugural Double Or Nothing absolutely had to go well, and Daniels delivered in a hugely pressurised situation.