After Over a Decade, Cody Hancock & Jakob Austin Young Continue To Be Top-Level Competitors and Title Contenders in FSW
It’s a relationship that has spanned over 10 years – storied with close friendships, bitter rivalries, dominating factions, individual journeys, championship triumphs, and bitter disappointments.
But one thing has remained constant … “CUT THROAT” CODY HANCOCK and JAKOB AUSTIN YOUNG – collectively known throughout the professional wrestling world as DEATHXPROOF – are not only seasoned veterans and shoo-in future FSW Hall of Famers, but continue to be top-level competitors and title contenders in FSW.
Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young’s professional wrestling careers began very differently – with each athlete’s journey molding them into the top competitors they are today.
CODY HANCOCK & ROBOCOP
Cody Hancock’s love for professional wrestling began when Cody’s parents – knowing Cody was a big fan of RoboCop as a child – purchased the pay-per-view broadcast of WCW Capital Combat: Return of Robocop in May of 1990. The show featured a promotional crossover with the imminent release of RoboCop 2, with RoboCop rescuing Sting from an attack by the Four Horsemen during the PPV. But despite the original purpose of purchasing the PPV, it wasn’t RoboCop that sparked a young Cody’s interest, but the spectacle of watching his first Professional Wrestling show.
As a young teenager, Cody’s developing ambitions were further ignited by the infamous “Monday Night Wars” between WWF and WCW – flipping back and forth between TNT and USA networks to watch and absorb as much professional wrestling action and excitement as he could. But it would be the advent of ECW and the “non-cookie cutter” Wrestlers such as Tommy Dreamer, Sandman, and Mick Foley that would truly inspire young Cody Hancock to believe in himself and what he could accomplish that pushed him toward taking the first steps to become a Professional Wrestler.
Just before turning 18, Cody began his professional wrestling journey under the tutelage of any local Pro Wrestlers who would take him under their wing. Unfortunately, as often occurs, life threw a roadblock in Cody’s path in the form of a major lung surgery when he was 18 in which the third lobe of his right lung was removed due to the presence of a foreign object that Cody accidentally inhaled when he was 7.
Upon recovering from this ordeal, Cody was determined to pick right up where he left off and continue his professional wrestling training. Unfortunately, at that time, there weren’t any Professional Wrestling training schools or facilities in Las Vegas. Cody began to save his money with the plan of moving to Philadelphia to train at the Chikara Wrestle Factory.
Fortunately, Cody would meet Kent Wilson – a graduate of Ultimate Pro Wrestling (UPW) Training Academy – who recently moved to Vegas and was opening a local Pro Wrestling Training School. Cody was the first student to sign up.
Working two jobs to make ends meet and pay for his training – affording him little more than three hours of sleep a night – Cody vigilantly attended training classes 4-5 days a week. These would be the foundational roots upon which Cody Hancock’s professional wrestling career would grow.
As is, unfortunately, the case with many small businesses, Kent’s school was eventually unable to keep its doors open. Fortunately for Cody, a new promotion emerged in Las Vegas – and thus began Cody Hancock’s involvement with FUTURE STARS OF WRESTLING.
THE GENESIS OF CTC
Cody would debut at FSW as “CRASH TEST CODY” – a character given to him by Future Stars of Wrestling owner, JOE DeFALCO – which was more or less “a representation of Cody’s skill level at the time.” In the beginning, the athleticism of Professional Wrestling did not come easy for Cody – and some encouraged Cody to get out of the business. With no intention of listening to the naysayers, Cody continued on determined to develop and improve his skills. Crash Test Cody would soon become an FSW Fan Favorite.
One of Cody’s most memorable early feuds would be against someone whom Cody had considered a friend and mentor – but who would shockingly turn on him in a brutal way – FSW Original, MIKE DALITE.
Over the next two years, Cody’s abilities, accolades, and accomplishments grew and evolved to the point where he would ultimately outgrow the “limited potential” of “Crash Test Cody” . . .
. . . and would reach the next evolutionary level which would EARN him the name “CUT THROAT CODY”
A CHANCE MEETING – A BROTHERHOOD BORN
During his initial years – in addition to training and wrestling in Las Vegas – Cody would travel to neighboring States’ promotions to expand his bookings reach and create a name for himself. One such promotion was Elite Xtreme Wresting in Mesa, Arizona – which has spawned such Pro Wrestling talents as DOM VITALI, BRYCE HARRISON, and WILLIE MACK.
On one event evening in 2011, while Cody was working Ring Crew, he was approached by an enthusiastic young fan who asked Cody about training to become a Professional Wrestler. Cody told the eager young hopeful about the still relatively new Future Stars of Wrestling Training School in Las Vegas. A few months later, that eager young jiu-jitsu trained hopeful, AUSTIN YOUNG, would relocate to Las Vegas to follow his true passion and take up training alongside Cody Hancock at The Future Stars of Wrestling Training Academy.
In the beginning, Austin Young would team up with GREG ROMERO – calling themselves GORGEOUS & YOUNG . . .
Romero and Young would find themselves teaming up with Crash Test Cody at various FSW events – and eventually, Cody and Austin would more frequently be in each other’s corners and have each other’s back through their progressing careers.
A PHANTOM MENACE . . .
Throughout the next two years, things continued to progress well with Cody and his young protege’ – and it seemed as though these two friends would be an inseparable team for many years to come.
But there was a sinister influence watching and lurking in the shadows …
One who was a longtime antagonist of Cody Hancock . . . .
One who saw an opportunity in the impressionable Austin Young … One who would meticulously and maliciously sew seeds of discord between Austin and Cody with seductive promises of greatness and glory …
Enter The Malibu Madman – BRYCE HARRISON . . .
Harrison would begin to influence and re-make Austin Young – methodically poisoning his mind and shaping him into a younger yet equally dangerous version of Harrison himself.
In late 2012, Harrison would eventually succeed in persuading Austin to forsake his former friends and embrace a different following
Ultimately turning on the very person who had selflessly taken Austin under his wing from day one . . .
THE BIRTH of JAKOB AUSTIN YOUNG
Over the course of the next several months, Bryce Harrison would continue to manipulate and re-mold his new apprentice into his assassin. Gone was Cody’s former positivity-focused idealist. In his place … a much more dark and dangerous warrior whom the Professional Wrestling world would – from this point on – come to know as JAKOB AUSTIN YOUNG.
A BROTHERHOOD BROKEN
As much as Cody would have wanted it otherwise, it was inevitable that he would eventually find himself looking across the ring – eye to eye – with his former protege’ . . . not as teammates . . . not as brothers . . . but as now bitter adversaries.
Bryce Harrison’s evil influence over Jakob Austin Young would continue to grow – leading to a nearly year-long series of brutal grudge matches between Jakob and his former mentor – with neither willing to yield to the other.
Many hard-fought battles were waged – with back and forth satisfying victories and disappointing defeats on both sides. But in January 2014, the most savage shot would be fired . . .
literally . . .
A NIGHT THAT WILL LIVE IN FSW INFAMY . . .
In a sinisterly orchestrated sneak attack (undoubtedly masterminded by the devious Bryce Harrison), Jakob Austin Young would ruthlessly launch a burning fireball straight into the unsuspecting face of Cody Hancock – inflicting catastrophic damage to Cody’s right eye and leaving Jakob’s former friend and mentor writhing in psychotic anguish.
(Below are the only known photos of this infamous moment)
PIECES OF THE PUZZLE . . .
With Cody Hancock now out of the way – and solidly under the tutelage of Bryce Harrison, Jakob Austin Young’s descent into darkness would escalate at an alarming pace. With this descent, however, emerged a newfound strength and confidence – one that would soon empower Jakob to win his first “Cash In The Case” Ladder Match victory . . .
With his unyieldingly loyal disciple at his side, Bryce Harrison began to execute his master plan and begin to piece together the foundations of what would become one of the most infamously dangerous factions in FSW history.
The next piece of the puzzle . . . former ECW/TNA vivacious vixen, SHELLY MARTINEZ, who pledged to follow Harrison’s vision and would begin to accompany Jakob to his matches as his would-be “Valet.”
Harrison would use Jakob and Martinez as his tools of vengeance against those whom Harrison hated as well as those he considered obstacles in the way of achieving his goal – which, at the time, was regaining the FSW NO LIMITS TITLE back from the man who had defeated and taken it from Harrison in January 2014, BRANDON GATSON.
Harrison’s diabolical plan and vision would ultimately be realized in June 2014 at FSW SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST when – after Gatson had just successfully defended the No Limits Title against challenger, GREGORY SHARPE – a masked “Cash In The Case” holder, Jakob Austin Young, would emerge from the back, case in hand, flanked by three other masked marauders. The masked case holder cashed in the contractual “anywhere/any time” title opportunity and easily put down an already exhausted Gatson to win the FSW No LImits Title.
or so everyone thought . . .
A SHOCKING REVEAL . . .
To the shock of the FSW Meccaverse, it was not a masked Jakob Austin Young who handed over the contract case and covered Brandon Gaston to claim the FSW No Limits Title . . . but rather BRYCE HARRISON. But who were the other two masked men in the ring? One would reveal himself to be BIG DUKE DALTON.
The other . . .
. . . none other than a severely ocularly impaired, cognitively traumatized, and dangerously demented CUT THROAT CODY.
After six long months of multiple surgical procedures, skin grafts, and hundreds of hours of psychiatric therapy, Cut-Throat Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young had been reunited – albeit in a very dark and dangerous way and ironically by the very man who had meticulously ripped them apart.
Was this, perhaps, part of The Malibu Madman’s grand design all along?
Either way, Bryce Harrison’s master plan had come to full fruition . . . the puzzle pieces were all in place . . . the time had come . . . THE FOLLOWING was here.
REIGN OF “THE FOLLOWING”
Over the course of the next (nearly) two years – under the malevolent direction of Bryce Harrison – THE FOLLOWING would be one of the most oppressively dangerous forces to be reckoned with in FSW. Whether as a unit or as individuals, the members of The Following took what they wanted … one way or another.
HARRISON’S LEAGUE OF ASSASSINS . . .
Initially, Jakob Austin Young would continue to handle Harrison’s individual targets – with Shelly Martinez by his side . . .
Meanwhile, Harrison would pair the “re-made” Cut Throat Cody with Big Duke Dalton as The Following’s Tag Team Representatives – specifically targeting the [then] FSW Tag Team Champions, THE WHIRLWIND GENTLEMEN – REMY MARCEL and JACK MANLY . . .
In October 2014 – at FSW MOMENT OF TRUTH – The Following’s Hancock & Duke would defeat The Whirlwind Gentleman and begin an impressive reign as FSW Tag Team Champions.
Cody and Duke would eventually lose the Tag Titles on February 15 2015 at FSW ONE FOR THE AGES in a FATAL-FIVE-WAY Tag Title Match against THE ANGRY VETS (DISCO INFERNO & MIKE MODEST), THE GODS OF WAR (HAMMERSTONE & JOE GRAVES), THE BONUS BOYZ (SUGAR BROWN & CLUTCH), and RENO SCUM (ADAM THORNSTONE & LUSTER THE LEGEND) – with RENO SCUM emerging victorious and winning the FSW Tag Team Titles.
The Following would get their re-match opportunity one month later at FSW COLLISION COURSE . . . though the result would ultimately be the same.
A DARK BROTHERHOOD REBORN
Whether out of necessity or a touch of destiny, former Mentor and Student would once again find themselves working together under a common “following.”
JAKOB’S LADDER . . .
2015 was a year of triumphs and tragedy for The Following. However, for one member, in particular, 2015 would be one of the most monumental in his career (to date).
On March 14, 2015, at FSW COLLISION COURSE, Jakob Austin Young would win his SECOND “Cash In The Case” Ladder Match.
At that same event, Bryce Harrison would suffer a torn ACL knee injury – requiring surgery and effectively sidelining the Maniachal Mastermind Behind The Following for an undetermined duration.
Moreover, as he would be unable to defend his championship within the scope of his contractual obligations, Harrison was forced to relinquish the FSW No Limits Title – which he did in front of a sold-out audience on April 25 2015 at FSW TURNING POINT . . .
With the No Limits Championship having been relinquished, FSW Officials decided to hold an ELIMINATION TOURNAMENT over the course of several weeks for the vacant title – with the final two remaining contenders to compete for the championship on June 5 2015 at FSW’s 6th ANNIVERSARY.
Among the list of tournament competitors were GREG ROMERO, ELI QUICK, MIKE DaLITE, TYLER CINTRON, and NICK BUGATTI . . . but it would be Jakob Austin Young who would fight and win his path to the finals.
His last remaining obstacle . . . RYAN TAYLOR.
After an amazingly hard-fought battle against one of the best in the business – and STILL in possession of the”Anyplace/Anytime Title Match” Case, Jakob Austin Young emerged victorious as the NEW FSW NO LIMITS CHAMPION !!!
FRACTURED FOLLOWING . . .
With their mastermind leader gone . . . the Tag Team Titles lost . . . and Jakob Austin Young’s stock as a singles competitor skyrocketing, the once cohesively dominant unit that once was The Following was all but forgotten. Both Cody Hancock and Shelley Martinez would leave FSW – while Big Duke’s efforts to reignite his singles career would amount to little more than a fizzle.
Nothing in the world is permanent, and we’re foolish when we ask anything to last, but surely we’re still more foolish not to take delight in it while we have it.
― W. Somerset Maugham
For the new FSW No Limits Champion – and current/continuing “Mr. Cash In The Case” holder – however, the future couldn’t look any brighter. For the next eight months, Jakob Austin Young would defend his No Limits Title against any and all comers – proving himself to be the true definition of a CHAMPION and becoming one of the most Fan Favorite No Limits Champion in FSW History.
ALL GOOD THINGS . . .
Jakob’s impressive eight-month reign as FSW No Limits Champion would come to an end on January 30 2016 at FSW DAY OF RECKONING at the hands of “The Demigod of Death” FUNNY BONE.
Though he lost his FSW No Limits Title this night, Jakob Austin Young’s star power remained strong – and he was still in possession of the “Title Match Anytime/Anyplace” Case Contract.
WHERE THERE IS LIGHT, THERE IS SHADOW . . .
Just two weeks after losing the FSW No Limits Title, Jakob Austin Young would courageously address the FSW Meccaverse on February 13, 2016, at FSW HIGH OCTANE.
But before he could announce his plans for moving forward, Jakob would be interrupted by two shocking returns . . . his former “Master,” BRYCE HARRISON, and, shortly thereafter, his former “Following” member, CUT THROAT CODY . . . BOTH demanding a match – with Jakob’s Contract Case on the line.
Having grown in both skill and confidence over the previous ten months, Jakob was no longer intimidated by – or subservient to – either Harrison or Hancock. Jakob agreed to face BOTH Harrison and Hancock in a TRIPLE THREAT MATCH – with the “Case” as the prize – on February 28 2016 at FSW PRIDE HONOR RESPECT.
With case in hand, Jakob left both smirking men in the ring. At that point, Cut Throat Cody viciously attacked Harrison from behind – leaving the Malibu Madman lying unconscious on the mat.
THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE . . .
On February 28, 2016, three men who were once part of a cohesive and dominating faction stood apart as adversaries – each fueled by their own individual interests. Only ONE would walk away with the coveted prize …. the “Guaranteed Title Match Contract” containing case.
On this night …. the “one” would be CUT THROAT CODY – who pinned Bryce Harrison to win possession of Jakob’s contract case . . .
To Ascend You Must Die . . . For Our Sins and Our Lies
Crash Test Cody
2010-2016 – R.I.P.
A NEW ORDER . . . OF ILLUMINATION
You Did This Unto Me, Now I’m Doing This Unto You …
Cut Throat Cody – February 18 2016
Cut Throat Cody’s return marked the beginning of a dark and ominous agenda – fueled by a new dark philosophy and vision to reshape the very foundations of FSW.
Cody would begin by gathering and guiding a cult of followers – instilling within them a sense of focus and purpose toward fulfilling The Order of Illumination’s vision and goals.
Choices Always Were A Problem For You.
What You Need Is Someone Strong To Guide You…
#BringtheLight
Cut Throat Cody – May 8 2016
With his “illuminated” following at his side, Cody would orchestrate and execute his plan to cash in his contract case on the current FSW No Limits Champion, FUNNY BONE – which he did on May 20 2016 at FSW’s 7 YEAR ANNIVERSARY immediately after Funny Bone’s successful Triple Threat title defense against WILLIE MACK and OWEN TRAVERS . . .
Cody and Funny Bone would continue to feud throughout the next three months – culminating in one of the most incredible (and bloodiest) HARDCORE STEEL CAGE matches in FSW History on August 28 2016 at FSW NO ESCAPE.
The Order of Illumination’s Light Shines Brighter Than Ever Before.
You WILL Respect Us.
#BringtheLight
Cut Throat Cody – Aug 29 2016
ILLUMINATION OF DOMINATION . . .
Over the next three months, FSW No Limits Champion, Cut Throat Cody, and his Order of Illumination would continue their reign of domination throughout the FSW No Limits Division.
NEW ALLIANCES I RENEWED RIVALRIES . . .
After losing the No Limits Title, a disappointed but resilient Jakob Austin Young decided to rethink, revamp, and reinvigorate himself with a new outlook and a new alliance with “The Strong Style Sensei,” JACE BATTLE and Battle’s longtime sidekick, JODY THE WRESTLER. Together, the three new compadres would compose THE STRONG STYLE SQUAD.
As part of The Strong Style Squad, Jakob Austin Young – or as he would also come to be known, JAY CAFE – realized a renewed energy and love for Professional Wrestling that had almost been lost to him. Jakob, Jace, and Jody were not only bonded by a strong friendship but also by a sense of “family.”
But a looming presence remained in FSW – a presence whose Leader all but pleased with Jakob’s newfound brotherhood.
With his Order of Illumination, Cut Throat Cody would begin a campaign of antagonism against Jakob and his new family. Once again, Cody and Jakob were at odds.
Cody’s orchestrated conflict would lead to a Six Man Tag Team fight on October 16 2016 at FSW MOMENT OF TRUTH.
Though Jakob and The Strong Style Squad would prevail at Moment of Truth, the conflict saga between The Order and The Squad wouldn’t end there. Both Jakob and Jace Battle would sense a vulnerability within Cody – and it was decided that Jace would step-up and challenge for Cody’s FSW No Limits Title.
On November 19 2016 at FSW AGAINST ALL ODDS – with both Jakob and Jody in his corner – Jace Battle would overcome the odds and defeat Cut Throat Cody to win the FSW No Limits Title.
What would follow would be several re-match efforts by Cody to regain what he had lost – or, according to Cody, what had been taken from him.
Cody would ultimately win back the No Limits Title on January 28 2017 at FSW NEW YEARS RESOLUTION
For the next four months, Cut Throat Cody and The Order of Illumination would be back on top of – and continue to dominate – the FSW No Limits Division.
That is until Cody would lose the No Limits Title on May 20 2017 at FSW’s 8-YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
DIVERGENCE OF DIRECTION . . .
Over the course of the next two years, Cody would do his best to maintain “order” within The Order of Illumination – ultimately to no avail as his followers would eventually remove themselves from Cody’s influence and dissipate toward their own individual destinies. Despite losing his congregation, Cody would continue on alone with his vision and mission of illumination domination.
We, Who Not Deny The Animal of Our Nature
We, Who Yearn to Preserve Our Liberation
We, Who Face Darkness In Our Hearts With a Solemn Fire
We, Who Aspire to The Truth and Pursue It’s Strength
#BringtheLight
Cut Throat Cody – Aug 27 2017
Jakob would continue on in his adventures with The Strong Style Squad – with all three members achieving some of the highest accolades in their careers . . . and all with their Squad brothers by their side.
In 2018, however, Jakob’s path would take him on quite a different adventure. Jakob would join several of his fell FSW athletes East . . . FAR East – as part of the expanded Roster of ORIENTAL WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT (OWE) in SHANGHAI, CHINA. Over the course of 2018, Jakob would wrestle for OWE in multiple Chinese provinces.
A TOUCH OF DESTINY . . .
Though their respective individual journies led them in very different directions throughout much of 2017-2018, Cody’s and Jackob’s experiences over the span affected each in profound ways – ways that would lead both men to yet another inevitably destined crossroad.
As FSW’S 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY approached in 2019, several FSW Icons of the prior decade would be inducted into the FSW HALL OF FAME. One of these icons was THE HATER NATION – an infamous Tag Team comprised of LEON HATER, SUGAR BROWN, LEGACY, and KENNY KING. The Nation demanded a match at the 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW . . . but would anyone answer the challenge?
The answer would come in less than 24 hours . . . an answer NO ONE would have expected . . . an answer that would shock the FSW Meccaverse . . .
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED . . .
Three years after the demise and dissolution of The Following, Bryce Harrison, Cut Throat Cody Hancock, and Jakob Austin Young agreed to put their past differences and antagonism aside and reunite to accept the challenge of The Hater Nation at FSW’s 10-Year Anniversary.
AN ACT OF HATE . . .
Unfortunately, on his way to the event arena, Bryce Harrison was intercepted and removed from the equation by an [suspected] agent of The Hater Nation.
NOTE: (Bryce Harrison would be Hospitalized, but would make a full recovery. Unfortunately, due to permanent damages sustained, he would never wrestle again)
RE-UNITED WITH A PURPOSE . . .
On June 23, 2019 – before a sold-out/standing room only FSW Meccaverse and in what would now be a 3-on-1 handicap match – Cut Throat Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young stood side-by-side UNITED once again.
This night, however, it was not only about accepting a challenge and winning a match . . . IT WAS NOW PERSONAL. With a united focus and an ignited purpose, Cody and Jakob walked the aisle with fire in their eyes – to avenge their fallen Following brother, Bryce Harrison.
A BROTHERHOOD BOND THAT IS . . . DEATHXPROOF
After an incredible victory at FSW’s 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY, Cody and Jakob finally understood the foundational connection that has always existed between them. Past betrayals and differences no longer mattered. It was time to look toward the future – and a future with a bonded/united Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young would be bright . . .
A future with a bonded/united Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young would be strong . . .
A future with a united/bonded Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young would be . . . DEATHXPROOF
EYE ON THE PRIZE . . .
If you’re going to compete in the Tag Team Division at FSW, there should be one goal on your mind – THE FSW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP – and that is exactly the prize on which the grizzled veterans now united as DeathXProof had their sights set. However, both Cody and Jakob knew they would have to earn their shot and that there would be obstacles to overcome to reach the top of the mountain.
Little did DeathXProof expect that their first obstacle would be an unfortunately familiar one . . .
DEATHXPROOF vs BONUS BOYZ / REAL MONEY BROTHERS (RMB)
Throughout the previous ten years, both Cody and Jakob would contend with the likes of SUGAR BROWN and BIG MONEY CLUTCH – be it individually or collectively as a Tag Team. Both teams had fought alongside each other and against one another other many times – in each’s respective varied incarnations. RMB (also known as THE BONUS BOYZ) were multi-time FSW Tag Team Champions – and, under the direction of their new Manager, SAL E, were hungry to taste FSW Tag Team Gold again.
Standing in their way . . . DeathXProof
DeathXProof’s and RMB’s feud for supremacy would lead to some of the best and, in some cases, most brutal matches of 2020 and 2021 – including an epic battle inside a 15-FOOT STEEL CAGE on January 25 2020 at FSW NO ESCAPE . . .
As if the brutality of a no-holds-barred fight enclosed within an unforgiving steel cage wasn’t enough, RMB would not only defeat DeathXProof but would add insult to injury via an above-and-beyond post-match assault upon DeathXpoof’s Cody Hancock – stapling money to Cody’s chest and head while a stunned FSW Meccaverse watched in horror.
Shortly thereafter, the COVID-19 PANDEMIC would shut down virtually all entertainment and sporting events around the globe. DeathXProof’s ongoing feud with RMD would have to wait.
BACK ON TRACK . . .
After nearly a year of government-mandated inactivity – as well as nearly a year to plan and prepare for FSW’s inevitable resuscitation – Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young were ready to resume their objective of positioning themselves as top contenders for the FSW Tag Team Titles.
Unbeknownst to many within the FSW Tag Team Division, however, a new and ominous threat had emerged while the world wasn’t paying attention . . .
TOA LIONA and JUICY FINAU (aka TOKO USO) had arrived on the scene and would be a force the entire FSW Tag Team Division would have to contend with sooner or later.
For DeathXProof, it would be sooner rather than later. Moreover, it would be a test that would finally bring DeathXProof face-to-face, once again, with their arch-nemesis, RMB.
The event would be a FATAL FOUR WAY TAG TEAM MATCH at FSW DAY OF RECKONING 2021 – pitting DEATHXPROOF against RMB against THE BAD BITCHEZ (JAI VIDAL and PARADA) against TOKO USO.
RMB would, once again, emerge victorious – further solidifying their position as top contenders for the FSW Tag Team Championship. Conversely, it began to look as though DeathXProof’s prospects as top contenders were slowly eroding away.
On this same night, THE UNGUIDED (DAMIAN DRAKE and MATT VANDAGRIFF) would defy the oddsmakers and defeat the defending Tag Team Champions, KENNY KING, and SHOGUN, to become the NEW FSW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS.
OUT OF ADVERSITY COMES OPPORTUNITY . . .
In late May 2021, current FSW Tag Team Champion, DAMIAN DRAKE, suffered a debilitating shoulder injury that would require surgery and prevent Drake from competing for an unspecified period of time. As The Unguided would be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations to defend the FSW Tag Team Championship within 30-Days, the team was, regrettably, forced to vacate the Tag Team Titles.
With FSW’s 11/12 YEAR ANNIVERSARY dual event weekend celebration approaching, FSW Officials made the decision to have the two current top-ranked teams compete for the vacant Tag Team Titles – in a 2-OUT-OF-3-FALLS match – on June 18 2021 at night one of FSW’s 11/12 Year Anniversary weekend.
It would come as little surprise that one of the teams would be RMB.
The other . . . .
AND NEW FSW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS . . .
After 10 years of a roller coaster relationship that saw them as Student and Mentor, Bitter Adversaries, Dark Followers, Individual Champions, and finally UNITED as brothers . . . Cody Hancock and Jakob Austin Young had FINALLY reached the top of the mountain TOGETHER as FSW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS !!!
In staying true to their strength and character as unyielding warriors, DeathXProof would return the following night to successfully defend their new FSW Tag Team Titles against the nefarious quartet of LIGHTS CAMERA FACTION (ACTION BRAXTON, FRESCO, WATSON, and ICE WILLIAMS).
FIGHTING CHAMPIONS . . .
Over the course of the next four months, DeathXProof would readily face any and all challengers for their FSW Tag Team Titles.
Challengers including the high-flying dynamic duo of SKY HIGH (ROBBIE LIT & MONDO ROX)
Returning former Tag Team Champion challengers, THE UNGUIDED . . .
Cody and Jakob would even become DUAL TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS – concurrently winning the WAC TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
Things definitely seemed to be going DeathXProof’s way throughout the second half of 2021 – but there was a looming presence that could not be forgotten … and no longer ignored . . .
NO ESCAPE . . .
NOVEMBER 17 2021 – the day after Thanksgiving – the FSW Tag Team Champions would not have a whole lot to be thankful for as they would find themselves defending the Tag Team Titles in a TRIPLE THREAT MATCH at FSW NO ESCAPE against two of the most powerful duos within the FSW Tag Team Division.
The formidable team of SHOGUN and HERO LEU and the behemoth duo of TOKO USO (led by the devious, MK)
It would be DeathXProof’s greatest challenge to date . . .
and ultimately, the most devastating . . .
FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION . . .
Failure . . . It can destroy you or it can motivate you to work even harder to become the winner you know you are. To be the best, you must be able to handle the worst.
Though losing the FSW Tag Team Titles was tremendously disappointing for Cody and Jakob, both are consummate professionals who know and understand that wins and losses are inherent elements of the professional wrestling business – a business they both love and for which they share an extraordinary passion.
FUTURE FORWARD . . .
There’s one word that no one will ever associate with either Cody Hancock or Jakob Austin Young . . . QUIT.
After an amazing year of championship triumphs and disappointing setbacks, DeathXProof has shown no signs of slowing down. Throughout 2022, Cody and Jakob – both individually and/or collectively as DeathXProof – have tossed any and all excuses aside and continue to forge their “future forward” destiny.
ONE MORE SHOT . . .
On JULY 22 2022 at HIGH OCTANE: NEW BEGINNINGS, DeathXProof got their shot at regaining the FSW Tag Team Championship from a team they are all too familiar with . . .
The third team from the NO ESCAPE 2021 Triple Threat Match in which DeathXProof lost their titles to Toko Uso . . .
The team that DEFEATED TOKO USO on MARCH 27 2022 at FSW DAY OF RECKONING to become the new – and current/defending – FSW Tag Team Champions . . .
TBD (SHOGUN & HERO LEU)
Unfortunately, Cody and Jakob would be unable to overcome the powerful duo of Shogun and Leu – and the FSW Tag Team Titles had, once again, slipped through DeathXProof’s fingers.
UNCERTAIN FUTURE . . .
With this latest loss – and with Cody Hancock visibly frustrated with himself and the direction (or lack thereof) things have been taking over the last several months – DeathXProof’s future remains uncomfortably uncertain.
