10 Wrestlers Who Transformed Their Careers By Leaving WWE
9. Christopher Daniels
While Christopher Daniels was signed to WWE for three years (1998-2001), he did little of note in the company, appearing on C-shows Sunday Night Heat, Shotgun Saturday Night, and Jakked, and briefly working under a Conquistador mask. The most notable takeaway from Daniels’ time in WWE is the widely known trivia titbit that he was intended to be the person behind the Ministry of Darkness’ Higher Power. Daniels left to join WCW on a 90-day contract. However, he injured his neck during a botched springboard moonsault.
It was during his time split between TNA and ROH that Daniels rose to prominence under his “Fallen Angel” gimmick. He quickly won the NWA World Tag Team Championship as a member of Triple X, and showcased his solo skills competing in the X-Division. After capturing the division's championship, his unsuccessful defence against AJ Styles and Samoa Joe received a five-star rating from Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Daniels has captured championships and awards around the world from NJPW to NWA. He is currently a member of the AEW roster, primarily as a member of SCU.