Daniel Garcia Bio
Daniel Garcia (born September 17, 1998) is an American professional wrestler. He is signed to All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where he is a member of the Death Riders and a former AEW TNT Champion. He also makes appearances in AEW’s sister promotion Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is a former ROH Pure Champion. Garcia has established himself as a prominent technical wrestler on the independent circuit and within major promotions, competing across multiple organizations throughout his career.
Early Life and Background
Daniel Garcia was born on September 17, 1998, in Buffalo, New York, USA. He grew up in the Buffalo area and attended Buffalo State College, where he graduated with a communications degree in 2020. During his college years, Garcia pursued wrestling training while balancing his education.
In January 2019, Garcia faced a significant setback when he broke both of his legs in a car crash involving three other wrestlers. The vehicle he was riding in crashed after hitting black ice. Despite this serious injury, Garcia returned to wrestling six months later, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to the sport.
Path to Professional Wrestling
Garcia began his wrestling training under Brandon Thurston and Pepper Parks before making his debut on the independent circuit in 2017. He competed regularly for Limitless Wrestling, where he captured the Limitless World Championship in 2021. His performances on the independent scene earned him opportunities with larger promotions.
During his early career, Garcia made appearances for WWE, facing Drew Gulak on 205 Live in 2018 and Tyler Rust on NXT in 2021. In 2021, he debuted for Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), where he won the Battle of Los Angeles tournament in January 2022. That same year in May, Garcia defeated Bandido to win the PWG World Championship, successfully defending the title against several challengers.
Daniel Garcia Career
Early Career (2017–2021)
Daniel Garcia launched his professional wrestling career in 2017 after completing his training. He competed extensively on the independent circuit, building his reputation through matches in various promotions. His work with Limitless Wrestling proved particularly fruitful, as he secured the Limitless World Championship in 2021, marking his first major title victory.
Garcia’s independent success led to opportunities with WWE, where he competed on 205 Live in 2018 and NXT in 2021. These appearances exposed him to a wider audience and demonstrated his ability to perform at a high level against established talent. His transition to larger promotions began in earnest with his signing to All Elite Wrestling.
All Elite Wrestling Breakthrough (2020–Present)
Daniel Garcia made his All Elite Wrestling debut on Dark in September 2020 and was officially signed in October 2021. Early in his run, he established himself as a heel character and aligned with 2point0, consisting of Matt Menard and Angelo Parker, forming a trio that regularly appeared on AEW programming. In March 2022, the group joined Chris Jericho and Jake Hager to form the Jericho Appreciation Society, a faction promoting a sports entertainment philosophy.
The Jericho Appreciation Society entered a prominent feud with the Blackpool Combat Club, with BCC member Bryan Danielson encouraging Garcia to embrace his technical wrestling background. Garcia ultimately remained loyal to Jericho after attacking Danielson during an ROH World Championship match. At Double or Nothing in May 2022, the JAS defeated the BCC and allies in an Anarchy in the Arena match. Later that year, on September 7, 2022, Garcia defeated Wheeler Yuta to win the ROH Pure Championship, which he held for 94 days before losing it back to Yuta at Final Battle.
Championship Pursuit and Current Era (2023–Present)
In 2023, Garcia unsuccessfully challenged for the AEW International Championship on multiple occasions, including a four-way match at Forbidden Door. He reached the finals of the Blind Eliminator tag team tournament with Sammy Guevara, losing to MJF and Adam Cole. Following the JAS’s disbandment, Garcia turned face and resumed teaming with Menard and Parker, challenging for the AEW World Trios Championship. He later entered a program with MJF, culminating in an AEW World Championship match on November 29, 2023, which Garcia lost.
In early 2024, Garcia aligned with FTR in a feud against the House of Black, earning a singles win over Buddy Matthews and teaming with FTR in a victory over the group. He pursued the TNT Championship, facing Christian Cage at Revolution and Will Ospreay at Beach Break. After a hiatus, Garcia returned and defeated Jack Perry at Full Gear in November 2024 to win the TNT Championship, his first title in AEW. During his 134-day reign, he successfully defended the championship against Mark Briscoe and Katsuyori Shibata before losing the title to Adam Cole at Dynasty on April 6, 2025.
Style and Strengths
Daniel Garcia has been described as a technical wrestler, known for his grappling prowess and mat-based offense. He uses a bridging Sharpshooter hold as his finishing move, which since 2022 he calls the Dragon Tamer. This signature submission earned him a notable victory over Bryan Danielson at Fight for the Fallen on July 27, 2022. Garcia’s technical background contrasts with the sports entertainment persona he adopted during his time with the Jericho Appreciation Society.
Notable Events and Milestones
Garcia has participated in several high-profile events throughout his career. He won the Battle of Los Angeles tournament in PWG in January 2022 and captured the ROH Pure Championship later that year. His victory over Jack Perry at Full Gear 2024 for the TNT Championship marked his first major singles title in AEW. Garcia has also competed in marquee matches including Anarchy in the Arena, Blood and Guts, and the Continental Classic tournament, establishing himself as a reliable performer in significant storyline moments.
Daniel Garcia Career Wins
Daniel Garcia has accumulated championship victories across multiple promotions throughout his career. His title wins include regional championships on the independent circuit as well as titles in major organizations. Garcia’s ability to capture and hold championships demonstrates his standing as a competitive wrestler in various wrestling environments.
Major Championship Highlights
Daniel Garcia won the ROH Pure Championship on September 7, 2022, by defeating Wheeler Yuta, holding the title for 94 days before losing it back to Yuta at Final Battle. In November 2024, Garcia achieved his first AEW championship by defeating Jack Perry at Full Gear to capture the TNT Championship. His reign lasted 134 days, during which he defended the title successfully against notable opponents including Mark Briscoe and Katsuyori Shibata before losing to Adam Cole at Dynasty on April 6, 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
On the independent circuit, Garcia captured the Limitless World Championship in 2021, marking one of his first major title victories. He also won the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla Battle of Los Angeles tournament in January 2022 and subsequently defeated Bandido in May 2022 to win the PWG World Championship. Garcia has participated in significant tournaments including the Continental Classic, where he earned points through victories in both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the tournament.
Daniel Garcia Family
Personal Life
Daniel Garcia graduated from Buffalo State College with a communications degree in 2020. He faced a serious injury in January 2019 when he broke both of his legs in a car accident, but he returned to wrestling six months later. Garcia maintains his residence in the United States and continues to compete actively in professional wrestling.
2025 Season Performance
Daniel Garcia began 2025 as the reigning TNT Champion, having captured the title in November 2024. During his title reign, Garcia successfully defended the championship against several opponents, showcasing his technical wrestling abilities. At Dynasty on April 6, 2025, Garcia lost the TNT Championship to Adam Cole after a 134-day reign, marking a significant transition in his championship status.
Following his title loss, Garcia entered a feud with FTR, who had turned heel. At Double or Nothing on May 25, 2025, Garcia teamed with Nigel McGuinness in a losing effort against FTR. Later that year, Garcia competed in a four-way match for the vacant TNT Championship at All In on July 12, 2025, but failed to win the title. In September 2025, Garcia turned heel after attacking Darby Allin and aligned himself with Jon Moxley, joining the Death Riders stable.
