After the Ashton Adonis spotlight, I noticed several wrestlers liking the post, and I ventured into learning about some of them (so far). One of the first wrestlers to catch my eye is named Shawn Phoenix. Phoenix has a YouTube page highlighting his matches, and on a few of the videos there is fire to grab the viewers attention. I feel like seeing fire on the independent scene whether it be entrance focused or otherwise is rare. So, while the fire thumbnails grabbed my attention there’s a lot more to Shawn Phoenix.
Phoenix was inspired to become a wrestler by watching Raven, Jeff Hardy, CM Punk, Hayabusa, and Paul London. Phoenix also credits Matt Cross as being an influence from the backyard video game and didn’t realize he was a real person until he saw Cross on his independent live event, which also featured Jimmy Jacobs. Seeing Cross compete live made his dream more obtainable.
Three years into his career, Shawn suffered a major injury on October 6th, 2018 competing in a tag match with Dan Hooven against Atticus Cougar & Remy Lavey for International Wrestling Cartel. Phoenix suffered a skull fracture, subdural hemetoma and broken ear bones after performing a 450 splash. Phoenix noted that the incident happened because of timing with putting the match together and his opponent being a little too close to the corner where the move was performed. Phoenix made a full recovery after a lot of physical therapy for a concussion, facial paralysis, and physical therapy for balance.
Following the injury, Shawn took the incident and made it into a story for his character. Phoenix didn’t jump off the top rope for nearly three years, and it wasn’t out of fear. It was all about character growth and telling the story that his character had the fear. That’s such a unique path to actively tell a meaningful story that I feel doesn’t happen nearly enough. To dedicate himself to a three year story arc is admirable. When Phoenix finally came off the top rope, he won a championship. However, the swanton bomb, his new finisher, stopped working and all his signature moves failed in a rivalry with Tyler Matthews. So, after six years, Phoenix pulled off the 450 splash and won. A six year story arc. I am fascinated by the commitment to the art.
Phoenix hopes to continue to be having fun, safe, make memories and make money. As long as one of those are met he’s content doing what he’s doing. He’s not limited to one outcome and finds it is less stressful with that mindset.
I reached out to Shawn for recommendations of his to check out for this article. He is his own worst critic and dislikes everything he does (how relatable). So, I’m going into this looking at matches that Shawn has had with established wrestlers, but also in talking to him he had glowing things to say about fellow wrestler Tyler Matthews. This is the first time I’ve viewing these matches. My thoughts and ratings are honest whether it be good, bad or indifferent.
SHAWN PHOENIX VS. BGW HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION JEFF PAUL — STREET FIGHT — BGW — FEBRUARY 21ST, 2023
They lockup, but Paul shoves Phoenix to the mat and taunts the crowd. Phoenix gets a waist lock on Paul, but Paul reaches the ropes. Phoenix kicks Paul after avoiding a clothesline and delivers a Codebreaker. Phoenix delivers a swinging neckbreaker and a running double knee in the corner. Phoenix hits a running crossbody over the middle rope in the corner and leaps off the middle rope, but is caught by Paul. Paul drives Phoenix down with a backbreaker. Paul chokes Phoenix over the middle rope before delivering a strike to the back. Paul throws Phoenix into the ropes and continues to choke Phoenix. Paul decks Phoenix with a clothesline. Paul keeps a chin lock on Phoenix, but doesn’t get a submission. Paul stomps Phoenix onto the championship for a two count. Paul chops Phoenix against the ropes several times. Phoenix battles back with a clothesline for a two count. Paul stops Phoenix with a jawbreaker, but misses a charging attack and falls to the floor. Phoenix goes for a dive, but Paul hits Phoenix with a weapon. Paul rolls Phoenix into the ring, which reveals that Phoenix is busted open. Paul hits Phoenix again with the weapon, which is a cooking sheet. Paul leg drops Phoenix onto the sheet for a two count.
Phoenix fires back with right hands, but an eye rake stops his momentum. Paul grabs a chair from the floor and whacks Phoenix over the back. Paul sets the chair up in the ring before sending Phoenix into the corner shoulder first and delivers several shoulder rams. Paul drop toe holds Phoenix onto the chair and Phoenix lands throat first. Paul strikes Phoenix on the middle rope and tries for a suplex, but Phoenix shoves Paul away. Phoenix kicks Paul and hits a spinning X-Factor off the middle rope onto the steel chair! Phoenix tries for the cover, but Paul rolls to the floor. Phoenix follows to continue his momentum. Phoenix uppercuts Paul and looks under the ring while Paul throws a trash can into the ring. Phoenix sets up a table in the corner. Phoenix sidesteps a spear attempt and Paul crashes through the table! Phoenix covers, but Paul kicks out at two! Phoenix wedges the trash can between the middle and top turnbuckle. Paul sends Phoenix head first into the trash can! Paul chokes Phoenix with a piece of the broken table. Paul goes to the floor and grabs a street sign and a bag of thumbtacks. Paul decks Phoenix over the back and delivers a low blow. Paul axe kicks Phoenix onto the street sign. Paul tries for a chokeslam, but Phoenix elbows free. Phoenix tries for a Death Valley Driver, but Phoenix is briefly attacked by someone that I don’t know. Paul chokeslams Phoenix onto the tacks and picks up the win.
Bob’s Take: I thought that was a pretty good street fight. Phoenix’s style is one that I can already tell is right up my alley. There’s fast pace, high flying and a mixture of hardcore thrown in there, too. While watching the match, I felt like Phoenix presented himself like a mixture of Raven circa 2003 and CM Punk prior to his WWE run. The drop toe hold into the steel chair especially looked brutal. This had the ideal level of high spots and hardcore action to appease the blood thirsty fans. Also, important to note, Phoenix didn’t come off the top rope to continue his story arc.
Match Rating: ***1/2
SHAWN PHOENIX VS. RCW NO LIMITS CHAMPION TYLER MATTHEWS — RCW — APRIL 12TH, 2025
Matthews bumped into Phoenix during his entrance prompting a shove by Phoenix and a nose to nose confrontation before the match started. Matthews attacks Phoenix from behind before the bell sounds and continues with chops in the corner. Matthews misses a clothesline and Phoenix hits a leaping forearm smash. Phoenix counters a slam attempt with a reverse DDT causing Matthews to bail to the floor to regroup. Phoenix fakes a dive to the floor as Matthews taunts fans. Phoenix leaps off the apron to hit a somersault dive onto the floor before returning the action to the ring. Phoenix is yanked off the middle rope and Matthews spears Phoenix for a one count. Matthews insults Phoenix and puts a neck vice on Phoenix before delivering elbow strikes and a seated dropkick for a one count. Phoenix blocks a spear with a boot and hits a Codebreaker for a one count. Phoenix counters another spear attempt with an X-Factor. Phoenix heads to the top rope, but Matthews gets his knees up to block a Swanton. Matthews drives Phoenix to the mat with a backbreaker and a modified Cradle Shock for a near fall.
Matthews pummels Phoenix on the mat with forearms to the back of his head. Matthews stomps Phoenix on the back. Matthews uppercuts Phoenix followed by a chop. Matthews hits a swinging side slam, but Phoenix kicks out at two. Matthews hits a sit out vertical suplex for a near fall. Matthews forearms Phoenix on the lower back several times. Matthews catches Phoenix with a backbreaker for a two count. Phoenix delivers a jawbreaker, but Matthews elbow strikes Phoenix. Phoenix dropkicks Matthews on the left knee and nearly wins with a rollup slam. Phoenix drags Matthews toward the corner and climbs to the top rope. Matthews crotches Phoenix causing Phoenix to crash to the mat. Matthews delivers a clubbing lariat to the back of the head. Phoenix rolls to the apron to avoid the cover. Matthews follows to the apron and tries for a cradle piledriver on the apron, but Phoenix breaks free and plants Matthews face first onto the apron. Phoenix heads to the top rope hitting the 450 splash and pins Matthews for the win!
Bob’s Take: They made great use of their time and there wasn’t a lull in the action. I always appreciate the ability to fill time in a wrestling match and not need to use weapons or big spots to do so. They have great chemistry and I remained invested in the action throughout. Phoenix’s offense is easy to get behind and root for the underdog. Matthews heel work is notable here, as well coming across as a cocky bully, but Phoenix never giving up and then overcoming his mental block of coming off the top rope to win the match and title. Storytelling is something I will never get tired of.
Match Rating: ***1/2
RCW NO LIMITS CHAMPION SHAWN PHOENIX VS. JIMMY JACOBS — RCW — AUGUST 30TH, 2025
Prior to the match, Jacobs showed a picture of Phoenix meeting him twenty years ago and says that Phoenix isn’t worthy of wrestling him and they’ll have to wait another twenty years. Jacobs whacks Phoenix with a chair shot from the floor over the middle rope for a two count to kickoff the match. Jacobs pummels Phoenix with strikes on the mat. Jacobs keeps control with stomps on the mat and comes off the ropes to deliver an elbow drop several times. Jacobs covers, but Phoenix kicks out at two. Jacobs puts a choke on Phoenix with a body scissors, but Phoenix doesn’t give in and Jacobs breaks the hold. Jacobs climbs to the top rope, but is stopped by Phoenix with strikes. Phoenix tries for a hurricanrana, but Jacobs holds onto the ropes. Jacobs hits a tornado snap suplex for a near fall. Jacobs presses his knee into Phoenix’s back and pulls back on his arms to keep control of the bout. Jacobs curb stomps Phoenix onto the mat, but only manages a near fall. Jacobs waits in the corner, but is met with a kick and a Codebreaker by Phoenix. Phoenix continues with a somersault swinging neckbreaker.
Jacobs dumps Phoenix to the floor and takes Phoenix out with a suicide dive. Jacobs stomps Phoenix rolling back into the ring. Jacobs delivers a neckbreaker, but Phoenix kicks out at two. Jacobs pummels Phoenix on the mat with more strikes. Jacobs leaps off the middle rope to forearm drop Phoenix for a two count. Jacobs stomps Phoenix’s hands on the mat while taunting the fans and referee. Phoenix fights back with forearms, but a knee lift stops him. Phoenix drops Jacobs with a spinning uppercut, dropkick and a clothesline. Phoenix shoulder rams Jacobs in the corner followed by a running knee strike. Phoenix delivers a running crossbody over the middle rope and connects with a top rope blockbuster for a near fall. Jacobs nearly pins Phoenix with a rollup. Jacobs nails Phoenix with a springboard cutter, but Phoenix kicks out at two. Jacobs tries for the Contra Code, but Phoenix blocks it. Jacobs headbutts Phoenix, but Phoenix counters the Contra Code by hitting a nice tombstone, but Phoenix only manages a two count. Phoenix heads to the top rope missing a moonsault and Jacobs puts a choke on Phoenix with a body scissors. The crowd erupts for Phoenix not letting his arm drop three times and gets a two count on a rollup attempt. Jacobs waits in the corner, but misses a splash. Jacobs comes off the ropes looking for a spear, but Phoenix counters with an X-Factor to pickup the win and retain the title.
Bob’s Take: It’s a damn good wrestling match. I love the story before the match about Phoenix meeting Jacobs many years ago and Jacobs dismissing him. I almost felt like Phoenix was going to lose base off that interaction. Phoenix continues to impress me with his in-ring offense. I enjoy the fact that he doesn’t repeat moves and has plenty of moves in his arsenal to remain unpredictable. Jacobs kept the match interesting with his extended beatdown on Phoenix. The crowd is clearly invested in Phoenix because even with this match taking place at an outdoor baseball stadium, their crowd support for Phoenix was quite loud. I throughly enjoyed this.
Match Rating: ***1/2
RCW NO LIMITS CHAMPION SHAWN PHOENIX VS. JIMMY JACOBS II — RCW — NOVEMBER 22ND, 2025
Jacobs throws his coat at Phoenix, but Phoenix catches it and wipes his ass with it, which upsets Jacobs. They lockup and Phoenix gains waist lock control until Jacobs counters and takes Phoenix down to the amt. On the mat, they counter each other for a bit. Jacobs gains wrist control, but Phoenix counters with a drop toe hold and a front face lock. Phoenix is sent into the ropes and shoulder blocks Jacobs. Phoenix blocks a hip toss to hit a head scissors. Jacobs dumps Phoenix to the floor and tries for a suicide dive, but Phoenix forearms Jacobs. Phoenix runs off the apron to hit a somersault dive onto Jacobs. Phoenix shoulder rams Jacbos in the corner followed by a running high knee. Jacobs blocks a running crossbody in the corner by getting his feet up and double stomps Phoenix a few times in the corner. Jacobs continues with stomps to the lower midsection and covers Phoenix for a two count. Jacobs elbow strikes Phoenix followed by forearms. Jacobs headbutts Phoenix followed by a clothesline for a two count. Jacobs keeps Phoenix on the mat with a sleeper, but doesn’t get a submission.
Phoenix fights free with right hands to stagger Jacobs. Jacobs avoids an X-Factor to stagger Phoenix with a jawbreaker. Phoenix sidesteps Jacobs, but runs into a boot. Phoenix counters a tornado suplex attempt by suplexing Jacobs into the corner! Phoenix hits a running crossbody into the corner. Phoenix hits a top rope blockbuster, but Jacobs kicks out at two. Phoenix picks Jacobs up on his shoulders, but Jacobs counters with a rollup for a two count. Jacobs tries for a neckbreaker, but Phoenix drops Jacobs face first over his knee and hits a neckbreaker for a near fall. Phoenix heads to the top rope, but is stopped by Jacobs. Jacobs grabs Phoenix on the middle rope to hit a neckbreaker for a near fall. Phoenix avoids the Contra Code, but Jacobs knee strikes Phoenix. Phoenix counters the Contra Code looking for a tombstone, but Jacobs counters with an insane head scissor driver type of move. Jacobs heads to the top rope, but misses a senton splash as Phoenix got his knees up. Phoenix kicks Jacobs on the head and dropkicks Jacobs followed by a clothesline. Phoenix hits a standing moonsault for a two count.
Jacobs arm drags Phoenix and hits a standing Spanish Fly for a near fall. Phoenix heads to the top rope, but Jacobs blocks a swanton by getting his knees up. Phoenix avoids a spear by hitting an X-Factor (a little mistimed), but Jacobs gets his boot on the bottom rope. Phoenix climbs to the top rope and misses a 450 splash. Jacobs takes advantage by hitting a spear and pins Phoenix to win the match and title.
Bob’s Take: I’m honestly thrilled that Jacobs won the title because that likely signals that this is going to be a trilogy at the very least. Their first encounter was a good one, but I’d consider this a great encounter. They did a couple of callbacks to their first match, but they also countered spots that would indicate they know each other better after the first battle. This is just a fantastic match and I hope there is a third battle soon. Jacobs seems to be having a blast on the indies with his effort here against Phoenix.
Match Rating: ****
Safe to say, Shawn Phoenix is one hell of a performer. His style is one that I prefer when watching pro wrestling. I’ve had the tendency to drawn to aerial/high risk takers and Phoenix fits that mold, but he’s also a capable hardcore wrestler, but not in the death match sense. He’s got a great mixture of talent and isn’t one dimensional by any means. The audience is clearly connected to Phoenix and each match flew by and held my interest the entire time. I didn’t feel like there was wasted time in any of the matches. There wasn’t filler. Everything served a purpose and the matches with Jacobs told a story, which isn’t completed I hope.
Currently, Phoenix works regularly for RCW (Indiana), WDWA (West Virginia), and TIW (Massachusetts). I hope Phoenix gets an opportunity in more established promotions, because there’s no doubt he’d succeed.
Thank you to Shawn for partaking in this article. If interested in following Shawn’s career, follow him on X HERE.
Thank you for reading.