As AEW continues to celebrate its growing legacy, veteran star Christopher Daniels has taken a moment to reflect on one of the defining matches of his career — the iconic 20-year-old triple threat bout against Samoa Joe and AJ Styles at TNA’s 2005 Unbreakable pay-per-view. This legendary clash is widely regarded as a watershed moment for TNA’s X-Division and helped solidify the trio as pioneers who elevated the craft of professional wrestling.
On the occasion of the match’s 20th anniversary, Daniels shared his thoughts in a recent interview, marking it as a career milestone he continues to hold in high regard. According to sources close to AEW, Daniels remarked that “the match still resonates with fans and wrestlers alike because it was built on trust, athleticism, and storytelling that transcended the typical triple threat style.” He credited the chemistry between himself, Samoa Joe, and Styles for pushing the boundaries of what was possible inside the ring back in 2005[7].
The triple threat at Unbreakable was notably the first TNA pay-per-view featuring the X-Division in a main event scenario, shining a spotlight on a style often overshadowed by heavyweight bouts. Wrestling journalist Loss, reflecting on the match, emphasized its exceptional pacing and the nonstop intensity that captivated the crowd throughout the bout — a defining moment that elevated the X-Division’s prestige and helped TNA carve a niche distinct from WWE and other promotions[2].
Fans and analysts have frequently praised the trio for their seamless execution of innovative maneuvers and storytelling psychology. The match showcased not just high-flying athleticism but also a deep understanding of pacing — balancing breathtaking spots with moments that allowed the in-ring drama to breathe. One standout callback included exchanges imitative of Low Ki and Bryan Danielson’s rivalry roots, as well as a uniquely choreographed monkey-flip into a headscissors sequence that underscored the wrestlers’ independent scene origins and technical savvy[2].
The significance of this match extends beyond just that night in September 2005; it served as a launchpad for all three talents’ future careers, influencing generations of wrestlers to come. Christopher Daniels, who has made a recent transition into AEW, continues to carry forward the in-ring artistry honed during his TNA days. His reflections underline the importance of honoring wrestling history while innovating for the future.
Industry insiders recall that this match helped put TNA on the map during a crucial period when the company was striving to differentiate itself from WWE and establish its own identity. Unbreakable drew praise from critics for featuring a competitive, emotionally charged triple threat that told a compelling story within the broader wrestling narrative. WWE.com and Fightful archives often cite this match as a seminal moment in the careers of Daniels, Joe, and Styles, whose individual successes in WWE, AEW, and beyond owe much to the foundations laid that night.
A backstage source from AEW also revealed that Daniels remains humble about the achievement, emphasizing the collective effort over individual accolades: “Chris often says that the magic wasn’t just their skill — it was the passion, mutual respect, and risk-taking willingness that night that made the match legendary. That’s the spirit he brings to AEW every time he steps in the ring.”
Even 20 years later, the Unbreakable triple threat stands as a blueprint for how to craft a match that blends athletic excellence, narrative storytelling, and crowd engagement. It helped cement the legacies of three of professional wrestling’s most influential performers at a pivotal moment in the sport’s evolution. With AEW’s focus on innovation and respect for wrestling traditions, Daniels’ ongoing career serves as a bridge connecting past landmarks to future possibilities.
For fans looking to revisit this historic match, full event footage remains highly recommended and widely available through various wrestling platforms, allowing a new generation to appreciate what many consider one of the greatest triple threat matches in wrestling history[3].
As Christopher Daniels celebrates this important anniversary, the wrestling world acknowledges how his talents, alongside Samoa Joe and AJ Styles, redefined what a triple threat match could be — a true milestone etched in wrestling history 20 years ago and still influencing the industry today[7].