Who is the Best to Never Win the TNA World Title?

[Skinsley]

It is easily Christopher Daniels.
I would say BPMattMorgan should have won it, but that is based more or less on his size rather than in ring ability (I am not nocking his in ring ability).

But Christopher Daniels has the skills, the showmanship and the tenure to have deserved a title at some point in his career....but I now fear it is too late.

 

[The ShIT Factor]

As soon as I read the title I instantly said Christopher Daniels. This guy consistently puts on 5star matches, can work with anybody and is seriously vastly underrated on the mic. Been a fan of Daniels since the mid 90s and he continues to impress me

Same here, he is a great and well-rounded wrestler and he seriously deserves the title.

Also, Petey Williams is my other choice. He was a phenomenal wrestler and was fun to watch. He had the look and the skills, IMO he could've been put in Austin Aries's role. Great wrestler and I miss seeing him in TNA.

Honorable Mention to: Desmond Wolfe, Kaz, Bully Ray, Hernandez, Monty Brown, Magnus, Bobby Lashley (if he stayed), and maybe Tomko.

[Side-note: Petey could've been in the X-division title match at Destination X, that would've been sweet]

 

[NotoriousMEAT]

Who are you? The mark police? Seriously, people around here have a tendency to somehow think their opinion is superior to others. We all have our favorites and claiming those choices are "mark choices" is an ignorant statement in and of itself. You have your favs I'm sure. We all mark for who we like, which means you yourself are a mark in your own way.



You've truly spoken like an old timer fan. Daniels was one of the original guys who cemented the X-Division into what it is now. He is a great competitor who has a unique look and can work a crowd. Size is the only thing most people claim is his downside, which is laughable to me. When guys like AJ Styles, Austin Aries, and other smaller guys are main eventing it is entirely possible that Daniels could too. What would TNA have to lose in giving Daniels a title run? It certainly could be no worse than some of the previous title holders who were less than deserving.



I have to ask, how the hell can you claim a company shouldn't be built around Daniels but these guys could? Monty Brown was a decent competitor but really green. He had a unique look but was God-awful in the ring. Kevin Nash? Really? His better days were long past him when he was trying to win the then NWA Title from Jarrett. His injury history was another reason not to put the title on him. Raven is probably the best of this list. He was a great debut when he entered in TNA, but, they didn't book him well. It was to the point of obsurdity on some occasions and by the time he did win the belt, most people had lost interest because they knew Jarrett would regain it. Jeff Hardy was unreliable and had no showed on several occasions during the time period you are referring to.

Christopher Daniels has alot more to offer than you seem to give him credit for. If we are judging by who has been in TNA the longest and deserves to win the most, I believe Daniels has to be the top choice.

Absolutely I'm a mark. And let me apologize, that was a poor word choice. Instead, let me switch to UNREALISTIC choices. I'm sorry, I enjoy all the talents listed, but never was Low-Ki, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, etc going to be a World Champion, nor were they ever in the mix. Out of everyone mentioned, Matt Morgan was probably the closest, and I don't think he's anywhere near as good or deserving as someone say Christopher Daniels or a Desmond Wolfe.

My opinions of Daniels are obviously my own, and not meant to be stated as fact. That's just how I see him. Fantastic wrestler, not someone to build around. That's all.

As for my list, they were ALL people who at the time were in the title picture, challenging for the title, and had momentum behind him. I don't in any way think that Kevin Nash or Monty Brown were better wrestlers than Daniels is and was. The bottom line is that they were in position to win the strap, and in my opinion should have.

I too dislike when people get 'superior' on these boards, and that was never my attention. I was just erked that everyone was saying Daniels.

 

[IT Factor]

Absolutely I'm a mark. And let me apologize, that was a poor word choice. Instead, let me switch to UNREALISTIC choices. I'm sorry, I enjoy all the talents listed, but never was Low-Ki, Chris Sabin, Alex Shelley, etc going to be a World Champion, nor were they ever in the mix. Out of everyone mentioned, Matt Morgan was probably the closest, and I don't think he's anywhere near as good or deserving as someone say Christopher Daniels or a Desmond Wolfe.

I can understand where you are coming from here. Guys like Low Ki, Sabin, and Shelley were all X guys primarily who really didn't have connections with the audience. They were great in-ring, but that is about it. I believe this is what sets Daniels and his Fallen Angel gimmick apart from those other X guys. I do agree that Matt Morgan should've become champion at some point, because he really proved himself worthy in TNA.

My opinions of Daniels are obviously my own, and not meant to be stated as fact. That's just how I see him. Fantastic wrestler, not someone to build around. That's all.

I wasn't meaning my above quote as a shot at you. I simply cannot see logic in someone claiming Daniels cannot be built around. He's proven on many occasions that he's capable of being much more than an X competitor or a tag team champion. To be honest, I cannot fathom how guys like Jeff Hardy can be in World Title contention and Chris Daniels isn't. At least Daniels hasn't shown up impaired or in no condition to wrestle. He seems to be a smart worker who has everything needed to be World Champ. Look at everyone else who came up in the X division around the same time as Daniels; Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Austin Aries. All of whom transitioned nicely into main event status when given the opportunity. How will we ever know if a company can or cannot be built around Daniels if he isn't given the fair shot to try?

As for my list, they were ALL people who at the time were in the title picture, challenging for the title, and had momentum behind him. I don't in any way think that Kevin Nash or Monty Brown were better wrestlers than Daniels is and was. The bottom line is that they were in position to win the strap, and in my opinion should have.

I will agree that all those you listed had the momentum element on their sides. In all fairness though, people were sick of Jarrett during that time and would've been happy to see just about anyone dethrone him. Talent was my concern here. Raven & Jeff Hardy were the best of that list. I believe Raven was better because he never no-showed an event and/or showed up in no shape to go. In Christopher Daniels' case, he didn't have momentum because of lousy booking. If he were booked in the same way AJ Styles or Samoa Joe had been and he would've been TNA Champ long ago.

I too dislike when people get 'superior' on these boards, and that was never my attention. I was just erked that everyone was saying Daniels.

Again, I meant no disrespect to you specifically. I have noticed that there are a few posters who think their opinion is irrefutable gospel truth and everyone else is just irrelevent. I didn't take issue with the fact that you didn't wanna see Daniels as champion. I can see how some people might not like him. If we are going by who's been there the longest and not given their rightful opportunity, I believe Daniels to be number one on that list. His latest run has impressed the hell outta me and he is a consistent performer during a time in Impact where few things are consistent. My whole issue with your list is that those guys were all less deserving of the TNA title than Daniels, in my view.

 

[Prototype4Peeps]

You can make a case for a lot of guys that could of had it but the ones that come to mind for me are Booker T (I don't count the legends title run) Bully Ray, Chris Sabin, Matt Morgan, Hernandez, and Christopher Daniels. All of them had there times when they were super over. Morgan when he feuded with Angle. Hernandez after the Morgan feud. Daniels after the 3 way with Joe and Styles. Sabin after ultimate x. Bully Ray now. Any of them could of had the title.

 

[waylon p]

I would never want to appear to be asking anything away from Daniels. I was a fan before there was a TNA. I am a fan now, and never stopped liking the guy. However, I do think that those who think he would be difficult to base a company around (unless he had an entourage to interfere for him) compared to others on the list. He is still my personal choice, but that means little.

On that list, the one guy who should have worn that strap is Morgan. He has done too much to help get the company over for them to slight him in that regard. He looks great, and is a monster with acceptable levels of skills to be world champ.

I think Petey Williams is fantastic, but too small, and his look is a bit too childlike.

But if you want to know who would have made the best TNA world heavyweight champion of anyone on that list, I think the answer is Desmond Wolf. It took hepatitis to ruin that plan. He was an awesome face chasing the title in ROH, and then made a fine heel champion after that. I think his mic work in TNA was his best ever, and his wrestling style fit right in. His being sidelined was a shame. It had to be done, but that only makes it worse.

 

[NotoriousMEAT]

I wasn't meaning my above quote as a shot at you. I simply cannot see logic in someone claiming Daniels cannot be built around. He's proven on many occasions that he's capable of being much more than an X competitor or a tag team champion. To be honest, I cannot fathom how guys like Jeff Hardy can be in World Title contention and Chris Daniels isn't. At least Daniels hasn't shown up impaired or in no condition to wrestle. He seems to be a smart worker who has everything needed to be World Champ. Look at everyone else who came up in the X division around the same time as Daniels; Samoa Joe, AJ Styles, Austin Aries. All of whom transitioned nicely into main event status when given the opportunity. How will we ever know if a company can or cannot be built around Daniels if he isn't given the fair shot to try?

So there's no disputing his talent's or that he deserves it. I think what it comes down to, and this again is my opinion, is he lacks that IT FACTOR. No pun intended. I've never held Daniels size against him, especially in places like TNA and ROH where he's spent the majority of his career. But I think what seperates him from an Aries or Styles.. and even Raven or mook like Jeff Hardy.. is they all had that unexplainable connection with the crowd. A glow that shone above the rest and put them on top. Really hard to describe it factor. But you get it. Yeah he's been over, hell.. still is. But being over, and being a superstar are different things. I also think his age, especially in these later years, has been his biggest down fall. Sometimes people forget how old he is, and how long he's been in the game. But I too love Daniels right now. Even though half the crowd still loves him, he's solidly built himself as a HEEL in every sense of the word. And how hot is that appletini shit? Love it. If they wanna let this heel Daniels steal the Bound for Glory series, feud with Aries, and eventually get the World Title.. I'm fine with it. I'll buy it, and be happy to see it.. assuming A Double gets the title back. But overall, my two cents.. he lacks the it factor and is hurt by age.

 

[GameOver]

out of those choices i'd say the only ones that raise my attention are Desmond Wolfe and Magnus both those guys had and have amazing potential, figure Desmond would've been a champion by now had he not gone and Magnus has the look the inring ability, the mic ability and charisma

Never thought much of Daniels, sure he is pretty good in ring but that's it, as a character he's boring, Alex Shelly isn't even a consideration

Kaz has become nothing more then a glorified lackey,
Petey Williams is a big man in a small body alot like Jamie Noble too small to be considered world champ material
Bully Ray - zzzzz sure he's better then he's ever been but he is still zzzzville.
Chris Sabin is too injury prone though out of MCMG he was the star and should've atleast been XDivision champ again

what about Hogan and Flair? they are technically the best of the best that TNA's ever seen from a history stand point.

ignoring those two cause they were well over the hill, i'm gonna go with Magnus - I like his work of late. Douglas Williams was also pretty good.

 

[mrmachinegunn]

Has to be the Alpha Male Monty Brown the guy was on fire and tna seriously dropped the ball when the guy was really over.
Think he could of been a multi time champion by now if they didnt end up siding him with double j instead of giving him a title run.

 

[IT Factor]

So there's no disputing his talent's or that he deserves it. I think what it comes down to, and this again is my opinion, is he lacks that IT FACTOR. No pun intended. I've never held Daniels size against him, especially in places like TNA and ROH where he's spent the majority of his career. But I think what seperates him from an Aries or Styles.. and even Raven or mook like Jeff Hardy.. is they all had that unexplainable connection with the crowd. A glow that shone above the rest and put them on top. Really hard to describe it factor. But you get it. Yeah he's been over, hell.. still is. But being over, and being a superstar are different things. I also think his age, especially in these later years, has been his biggest down fall. Sometimes people forget how old he is, and how long he's been in the game. But I too love Daniels right now. Even though half the crowd still loves him, he's solidly built himself as a HEEL in every sense of the word. And how hot is that appletini shit? Love it. If they wanna let this heel Daniels steal the Bound for Glory series, feud with Aries, and eventually get the World Title.. I'm fine with it. I'll buy it, and be happy to see it.. assuming A Double gets the title back. But overall, my two cents.. he lacks the it factor and is hurt by age.

In my view, there are much older guys in the company than Daniels. Most guys that really make it big in wrestling were abit older when they really caught on. The Undertaker and Steve Austin are the most notable ones that immediately come to mind. Now mind you, I'm not comparing Daniels to them because he's not in the same league or even the same game as those two. The fact that he's been around forever and a day in TNA is even more impressive. Most people would've cut their losses and given up at this point. Daniels seems driven and hopefully he'll get something for his loyalty.

As for the it factor thing, I believe TNA screwed that up by dropping the "Fallen Angel" moniker from his gimmick. His character was much more appealing when he did subtle little nuances with religious overtones. Like attacking Sting and claiming a higher power told him to do it[although he never claimed that, it was heavily implied]. Even so, he's done well with the circumstances and situation he is in. He's been the only saving grace of this entire Dixie/AJ/Claire Lynch storyline to me. His childlike "I told ya so" kind of mockery has been comedic to the point of making him a standout performer. That is just my take on it, though. And I'm sure others don't see that. Of course, you have to factor in that I've been watching TNA since 2002. Some people are probably later fans so they aren't familiar with Daniels' TNA history and overall body of work. Once you've seen all that he is capable of, you have to ask why he's never one the big one?

 

[JAK]

Desmond Wolfe by a country mile, he exploded in TNA, had a blistering feud with Kurt Angle and was then screwed horribly by the booking committee until he had to retire on medical grounds.

Wolfe had it all, he could wrestle, he could talk and he had the right personna for the character he portrayed. He'd also have benefited the UK market whilst being sufficiently heelish and talented to not harm the USA market (he reminded me of the guy you'd watch TV/buy a PPV in the hope of seeing him beaten).

I believe that Daniels will eventually hold the TNA world title, it will be brief but he'll get his hands on it one day. My beliefe has been bouyed by the fact that Austin Aries is the current world champion.

Bully Ray will also hold the world title one day. If TNA don't go with Roode/Storm for the title at BFG then I expect Bully ray to take the title off of A Double before 2012 ends.

Alex Shelley would have been the perfect wrestler to take the TNA title off of Kurt Angle at Destination X in 2011, but he lost the not televised in the USA Xplosion tournament final for a shot at any title to Magnus. Had TNA got that tournament into TV's in the USA Shelley would have been the perfect winner and that would have benefitted the PPV no-end.

Magnus is not currently world heaveyweight championship material, he's much better than he was but still not there.

 

[It's Damn Real!]

Christopher Daniels by a country mile. Why people are only now picking up on the tremendous talents he has is beyond me, because he's been one of the most underrated performers in company history.

Anyone talking about his personality now ought to go back and pay closer attention to the previous feuds he's had with guys like AJ Styles and especially Sting.

 

[Pera]

Christopher Daniels easily. His performance in the Claire/AJ/Dixie storyline has been the rare shining light, and his matches have been fucking awesome. Hands down the most underutilized talent in the history of TNA.

He by all means still has an opportunity to be a World champion. Hell, a feud with Austin Aries would be magic for the World Title. But there are too many guys on the roster who have gone past him and I fear his days could be played out in the mid card in crappy angles like this.

I hope I'm wrong.

 

[Wolf Pac]

Monty Brown. He had the look, the build, the fanbase and the finisher of a champion, hell you could say he was a black Goldberg. I would've changed his entrance music & gimmick but overall Monty was beast.

And of course, Christopher Daniels. He's my first pick with Monty second, just didn't want to say him since everybody else has. Hopefully, with this new X-Division concept at Destination X now, he can finally become TNA World Champion next year.