Chris Bey, born Daquan Christopher Johnson-Bey on February 13, 1996, is an American professional wrestler best known for his time in Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), now known as Impact Wrestling. Bey has gained recognition not only for his dynamic in-ring style but also for his high-flying, innovative moves, and charismatic presence. While his career is still ongoing, Chris Bey’s journey in the world of professional wrestling has already cemented his place among the new generation of stars. He has earned accolades in major promotions such as Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), and WWE, while also cultivating a strong independent circuit presence.
Bey’s talent and passion for wrestling have allowed him to break into the competitive world of top-tier professional wrestling, with his most notable achievements being his membership in the Bullet Club and his multiple reigns as Impact Wrestling’s X Division Champion. However, Bey’s road to wrestling success has been marked by both triumphs and adversity, including a career-threatening injury in late 2024. His resilience and determination will undoubtedly play a role in his eventual comeback to the squared circle.
Early Life and Wrestling Beginnings
Chris Bey was born in Los Angeles, California, and quickly developed an interest in professional wrestling. Raised in a city with a rich history in combat sports and entertainment, Bey was exposed to wrestling at a young age. His passion for the sport grew as he watched stars of the 90s and early 2000s, and he began emulating their moves in his spare time. Inspired by his heroes, Bey began his wrestling training in 2014, under the guidance of various experienced wrestlers, including Disco Inferno, Kenny King, Sinn Bodhi (formerly Kizarny), and Kevin Kross (known in WWE as Karrion Kross). This extensive training at Future Stars of Wrestling (FSW) in Las Vegas set the foundation for his future in wrestling.
Bey initially performed under the ring name “Chris Strong,” but over time, he adopted the name “Chris Bey” as he began to shape his persona. His debut match came soon after his training, when he competed in promotions such as Big Valley Wrestling and FSW. Bey quickly became known for his high-flying wrestling style and incredible agility, which made him stand out among his peers. His early wrestling experiences on the independent circuit helped him build the necessary skills to succeed in larger promotions, and soon he began receiving recognition from wrestling fans across the United States.
Breaking into Major Promotions
Chris Bey’s path to mainstream wrestling started with a series of notable appearances in 2018 and 2019. His first major appearance came in November 2018, when he made his debut on Impact Wrestling, teaming up with Mike Sydal. Although their team was unsuccessful against The Rascalz (Dezmond Xavier and Zachary Wentz), Bey’s talent and potential were evident. Over the next few months, he continued to make sporadic appearances on Impact Wrestling, facing off against established names like Luchasaurus, Peter Avalon, Daga, and Jake Crist. These early bouts helped Bey gain exposure and experience against some of the best in the business.
In 2020, Bey officially signed with Impact Wrestling, marking the beginning of a more substantial presence on the promotion’s roster. His career truly took off when he joined the X Division, which is known for featuring high-energy, fast-paced matches that highlight the athleticism of its competitors. Bey’s agility and high-flying prowess made him an ideal fit for this division, and in his pay-per-view debut during the second night of Rebellion, he competed against Rohit Raju, Suicide, and Trey Miguel in an X Division Championship match. Although Bey did not win the title at this event, he established himself as a serious contender.
X Division Champion and the Rise to Prominence
Bey’s first major achievement came in June 2020 when he won the Impact Wrestling X Division Championship. After a series of matches against top-tier talent, Bey faced Willie Mack for the championship at Slammiversary 2020. In a hard-fought battle, Bey emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious title. This win marked a significant milestone in his career and allowed him to showcase his skills to a larger audience. Bey’s reign as X Division Champion, though brief, was memorable, as it further established him as one of the rising stars of the promotion.
However, Bey’s title reign ended just 31 days later when he lost the X Division Championship to Rohit Raju in a triple-threat match that also involved TJP. Despite the short duration of his reign, Bey had proven himself to be a formidable competitor in the X Division and quickly set his sights on other titles and opportunities in Impact Wrestling.
Joining Bullet Club
The year 2021 marked another key chapter in Chris Bey’s career when he officially joined Bullet Club, one of the most influential factions in professional wrestling history. Bey’s involvement with Bullet Club began when he was teased for joining the faction during a backstage segment after his participation in the Ultimate X Match at Slammiversary. The Bullet Club, which had seen success in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) and Impact Wrestling, was looking to add new blood to its ranks, and Bey was the perfect candidate. Initially hesitant, Bey ultimately accepted the invitation to join the group, solidifying his place in the faction alongside leaders like Jay White, El Phantasmo, and Taiji Ishimori.
As a member of Bullet Club, Bey’s career took on a new dimension. He became more aligned with the top stars of the group and found himself in more prominent storylines. Bey’s membership in Bullet Club allowed him to work alongside other Bullet Club members in tag team matches and multi-man bouts, contributing to his rise in Impact Wrestling’s main event scene.
Tag Team Championship Glory: ABC and Ace Austin
Chris Bey’s next major success came when he teamed with Ace Austin to form the tag team duo known as “ABC” (Ace Austin & Chris Bey). This alliance quickly became one of the most formidable tag teams in Impact Wrestling, and in 2023, Bey and Austin defeated The Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) to capture the Impact World Tag Team Championship for the first time. This victory marked a key moment in Bey’s career as he transitioned from singles competitor to tag team star, proving that his versatility as a wrestler could lead to championship success in multiple areas.
Throughout their reign as Impact World Tag Team Champions, Bey and Austin defended their titles against a variety of teams, establishing themselves as one of the top tag teams in the promotion. However, their title reign was cut short when they lost the championships to Subculture in a four-way tag match at Slammiversary 2023. Despite this setback, Bey and Austin’s chemistry in the ring remained undeniable, and the duo would continue to be a dominant force in Impact Wrestling’s tag team division.
Injury and Hiatus: A Career Threatened
While Chris Bey’s career had been on an upward trajectory, he faced a major setback in late 2024 when he suffered a devastating injury during a match against The Hardys. Bey was immediately stretchered out of the ring and rushed to the hospital, where it was revealed that he had suffered a broken neck. The severity of the injury was life-altering, and Bey was placed on a hiatus from wrestling to recover.
In early 2025, the wrestling world received updates on Bey’s condition. Rob Van Dam, a fellow Impact Wrestling star, provided information about Bey’s injury, stating that although Bey had suffered a broken neck, he was no longer paralyzed. Despite receiving a diagnosis that gave him a limited chance of walking again, Bey remained determined to recover and return to the ring.
During his recovery, Bey remained active in the wrestling community, participating in a benefit show held by Future Stars of Wrestling (FSW) in March 2025. Although Bey’s future in the ring remains uncertain, his resilience and determination to overcome this challenge have inspired both fans and fellow wrestlers alike.
Wrestling Legacy and Future Prospects
Chris Bey’s rise in the world of professional wrestling is a story of passion, resilience, and a relentless drive to succeed. From his early days in the independent scene to his success in Impact Wrestling and New Japan Pro-Wrestling, Bey has consistently proven that he belongs among the top talents in the wrestling industry. His time in Bullet Club and his success as a tag team champion further cement his legacy as one of the standout performers of his generation.
Despite the challenges he faces due to his injury, Bey’s legacy in professional wrestling is secure. His work ethic, dedication to the craft, and impact on the wrestling industry have made him a beloved figure among fans and a respected competitor among his peers. As Bey continues his recovery, the wrestling world eagerly anticipates his eventual return to the ring, knowing that his best days in wrestling may still lie ahead.
Conclusion
Chris Bey’s career is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Through his contributions to Impact Wrestling, New Japan Pro-Wrestling, and the independent circuit, he has left an indelible mark on the wrestling industry. Whether as a singles competitor or as part of the powerful Bullet Club faction, Bey has proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional wrestling. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his injury, Chris Bey’s legacy as one of the most talented and resilient wrestlers of his generation is firmly established. As he continues to recover, fans can rest assured that the best may yet be to come for the high-flying, hard-hitting star, Chris Bey.
