He’s the first 2-time SPW Heavyweight Champion.
He’s defended the title 22 times and counting.
He’s defended the title in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
He’s reigned as champion for 307 combined days.
These are impressive statistics when you consider that Marius was considered Rob Stardom’s lackey, unable to find success without the help of his father. After winning the SPW Heavyweight Title in a dubious manner (assistance from Rob Stardom, Syko, a steel chair and the title belt) Marius has gone out of his way to prove his merit as champion.
Matt Fairlane set the tone for all future champions. He became the champion by winning a one night 8-man tournament. He held the title for 378 uninterrupted days with a total of 21 title defences. Fairlane was the first man to defend the title outside of Manitoba, and Canada for that matter, when he successfully defended the title in Chanhassen, Minnesota for Minnesota Independent Wrestling. His opponents included Zack Mercury, JJ Sanchez, Canadian wrestling icon Bobby Jay, AJ Sanchez, TJ Bratt, Rob Stardom and international wrestling star Mentallo.
With big shoes to fill Marius wasted no time defending the title a little over a month later in Regina, Saskatchewan against AJ Sanchez. This was his first of many out of province title defences. The list of challengers that Marius has fended off is no cake walk either. Opponents that he’s turned away include AJ Sanchez, Matt Fairlane, Canadian wrestling legend Chi Chi Cruz, Zack Mercury, La Sombra, Jay Lanza, Shadow Xtreme, Rick Mattthews and international wrestling star Mentallo.
He may have lost the title to Chi Chi Cruz but Marius wasted no time challenging the veteran to a re-match. With the help of Jade Phoenix and Rob Stardom, Marius was able to regain the SPW Heavyweight Title seven days after losing it. With that he was officially named the first ever 2-time SPW Heavyweight Champion.
From the onset Marius had specific goals as champion: establish a longer title reign than Matt Fairlane, defend the title more times against better opponents and do so in more towns, provinces and states than any other person in the territory. While he hasn’t accomplished all of his goals, everyday he reigns as champion allows him to close that gap between him and his rival Matt Fairlane.
Matt Fairlane set the bar and the tone for all champion to come. Marius recognized the level Fairlane set and stepped up his game and raised the bar in his own right. Without a shadow of a doubt these two men have built the foundation on which SPW and its top prize are built. Future champions will surely be measured against Matt Fairlane and Marius’ reigns as SPW Heavyweight Champion.
