In the world of professional wrestling, where larger-than-life personas and high-octane action dominate the scene, the rise of a young wrestler named Daniel Garcia has been nothing short of remarkable. Born on September 17, 1998, in Buffalo, New York, Garcia has made a significant impact in a relatively short time. From the independent circuits to major promotions like All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and Ring of Honor (ROH), Garcia’s journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a passion for wrestling. This blog delves into the career of Daniel Garcia, exploring his early years, significant accomplishments, and what the future might hold for this rising star.
Early Life and Training
Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Daniel Garcia was captivated by the world of professional wrestling from an early age. His passion for the sport led him to pursue training, and he found a mentor in fellow wrestler Brandon Thurston. Alongside Thurston, The Blade, another prominent figure in AEW, played a significant role in shaping Garcia’s technical wrestling style. The rigorous training under these seasoned professionals equipped Garcia with the skills necessary to navigate the complex world of professional wrestling.
Garcia’s training wasn’t without its challenges. In January 2019, while traveling with three other wrestlers, he was involved in a severe car accident that left him with two broken legs. The accident was a devastating blow to Garcia, who was just beginning to make his mark in the wrestling world. However, his determination to return to the ring was unyielding. After months of grueling rehabilitation, Garcia made a triumphant return to wrestling just six months later, showcasing his resilience and commitment to his craft.
Breaking Into the Independent Circuit
Daniel Garcia’s official wrestling career began in 2017, and he quickly became a notable figure on the independent circuit. His early days were spent competing in various small promotions, where he honed his skills and developed his unique in-ring style. Garcia’s technical prowess and ability to tell a compelling story in the ring set him apart from many of his peers.
By 2018, Garcia had started competing for Limitless Wrestling, a promotion based in Maine known for its high-quality matches and strong fan base. His time in Limitless Wrestling saw him engage in fierce rivalries and memorable matches, culminating in his victory for the Limitless World Championship in March 2021. This title win was a significant milestone in Garcia’s career, as it marked his emergence as a top talent on the independent scene.
Garcia’s performances caught the attention of major wrestling promotions, and he soon found himself competing on a larger stage. In July 2018, he made a brief appearance in WWE, wrestling on an episode of 205 Live against Drew Gulak. Although he lost the match, the experience provided him with valuable exposure and the chance to showcase his talents to a broader audience. Garcia returned to WWE in January 2021 for a match against Tyler Rust on NXT, further solidifying his reputation as a promising young talent.
All Elite Wrestling and Ring of Honor: The Big Break
Daniel Garcia’s big break came when he joined All Elite Wrestling (AEW), one of the largest and most popular wrestling promotions in the world. He made his AEW debut on an episode of “Dark” in September 2020, teaming up with Kevin Blackwood in a losing effort against The Butcher and The Blade. Despite the loss, Garcia’s performance impressed both fans and executives, leading to more opportunities within AEW.
In October 2021, AEW officially announced that Daniel Garcia had signed with the company, marking a significant step forward in his career. Garcia’s technical wrestling style, combined with his ability to adapt to different opponents, made him a valuable addition to the AEW roster. His matches against seasoned wrestlers like Darby Allin, Eddie Kingston, and Jon Moxley showcased his ability to hold his own against some of the best in the business.
One of Garcia’s most significant storylines in AEW involved his alliance with 2point0 (Angelo Parker and Matt Menard) and his subsequent induction into the Jericho Appreciation Society (JAS) alongside Chris Jericho and Jake Hager. This alliance allowed Garcia to explore a different aspect of his character, embracing the “sports entertainer” persona under Jericho’s guidance. The storyline created tension between Garcia’s natural technical wrestling style and the entertainment-focused approach of Jericho’s group, leading to compelling in-ring storytelling and character development.
Garcia’s association with the Jericho Appreciation Society led to high-profile matches and rivalries. In September 2022, he won the ROH Pure Championship by defeating Wheeler Yuta, a member of the Blackpool Combat Club (BCC). This victory was a testament to Garcia’s technical wrestling ability, as the Pure Championship is known for its emphasis on traditional wrestling skills. Although Garcia eventually lost the title back to Yuta at ROH Final Battle in December 2022, his reign as Pure Champion solidified his status as a formidable competitor in both AEW and ROH.
Pro Wrestling Guerrilla: Conquering the Independent Scene
While making waves in AEW and ROH, Daniel Garcia continued to compete in the independent circuit, particularly in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), a promotion renowned for its high-quality matches and showcasing of top independent talent. Garcia’s debut in PWG came in November 2021, and he quickly made an impact by winning the prestigious Battle of Los Angeles tournament in 2022. His victory in the tournament earned him a shot at the PWG World Championship, a title he won by defeating Bandido at the event “Delivering The Goods.”
Garcia’s reign as PWG World Champion further demonstrated his versatility as a wrestler. He successfully defended the title against formidable opponents like Konosuke Takeshita and Jonathan Gresham, proving that he could compete at the highest level across different promotions. Garcia’s involvement in PWG allowed him to maintain his connection to the independent wrestling scene while simultaneously building his reputation in major promotions like AEW and ROH.
Wrestling Style and Persona
Daniel Garcia is often described as a technical wrestler, a label he has proudly embraced throughout his career. His in-ring style is characterized by a focus on mat-based wrestling, submissions, and technical maneuvers. One of his signature moves is a bridging Sharpshooter hold, which he dubbed the “Dragon Tamer” in 2022. This move, a nod to his victory over “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson, highlights Garcia’s ability to adapt classic wrestling techniques to his own unique style.
Garcia’s technical prowess is complemented by his character work, which evolved significantly during his time with the Jericho Appreciation Society. Embracing the “sports entertainer” label, Garcia added a layer of showmanship to his persona, balancing his technical skills with a flair for entertainment. His decision to dance in a Latin-esque style during matches, initially to elicit reactions from the crowd, became a trademark of his character and added a unique dimension to his in-ring presentation.
Overcoming Adversity
Daniel Garcia’s career is not just a story of triumphs and title wins; it’s also a story of overcoming adversity. The car accident in 2019 that left him with two broken legs could have ended his wrestling career before it even began. However, Garcia’s determination and resilience saw him return to the ring stronger than ever. His ability to bounce back from such a life-altering event is a testament to his mental toughness and dedication to his craft.
Garcia’s willingness to learn and grow as a wrestler has also been a key factor in his success. He has sought out opportunities to work with experienced wrestlers, including Bryan Danielson, Chris Jericho, and CM Punk, learning from their expertise and applying those lessons to his own career. This commitment to self-improvement has allowed Garcia to continuously evolve as a wrestler, ensuring that he remains a relevant and exciting performer in the ever-changing world of professional wrestling.
Future Prospects
At just 25 years old, Daniel Garcia’s career is still in its early stages, and the possibilities for his future are endless. His impressive track record in AEW, ROH, and PWG has established him as one of the brightest young talents in the wrestling industry. Fans and critics alike recognize Garcia’s potential to become a major star, and many believe that it’s only a matter of time before he captures more championships and headlines major wrestling events.
Garcia’s recent storyline developments, including his pursuit of the AEW World Championship and his involvement in high-stakes matches, indicate that AEW has big plans for him. His technical wrestling skills, combined with his ability to connect with the audience, make him a valuable asset to any promotion. As he continues to refine his craft and explore new facets of his character, Garcia’s star will likely continue to rise.
Conclusion
Daniel Garcia’s journey from a young wrestling enthusiast in Buffalo, New York, to a rising star in AEW and ROH is a story of passion, perseverance, and undeniable talent. His ability to overcome adversity, coupled with his dedication to mastering the art of wrestling, has earned him a place among the top wrestlers of his generation. As he continues to evolve and make his mark in the wrestling world, Daniel Garcia is undoubtedly a name to watch in the years to come.
With a bright future ahead and a growing fan base, Daniel Garcia is poised to become one of the defining wrestlers of his era. Whether he’s competing for championships, engaging in memorable rivalries, or simply showcasing his technical prowess in the ring, Garcia’s impact on professional wrestling is undeniable. As he continues to carve out his legacy, fans can look forward to many more thrilling matches and unforgettable moments from this talented young wrestler.