Slade was once one of the most hated men in 3XW. That all changed in 2011, with Slade embraced in a violent feud with former tag team partner AJ Smooth, the fans of 3XWrestling embraced the young Canadian. Slade met Smooth in a series of matches that saw him lose his sideburns in a Sideburns vs. Sideburns match and then defeat his former partner in the 1st ever Canadian Tuxedo match.

August 2011 saw Slade come into his own by winning the 2011 3XW King of Des Moines tournament. Slade overcame the odds by defeatings 3 members of Genesis - Gage Octane, Casanova & Zach Thompson. After his victory in the finals, Slade was jumped by Genesis members & 3XW Tag Team champions Benjamin Sailer & Nate Bash. His former partner AJ Smooth ran out to seemingly join the attack, but instead saved the day and ran off Genesis and reunited with his old friend, reforming Sexy & Smooth.