In 2005 Stevens debuted for Full Impact Pro as Steve Madison's tag partner as The Miracle Violence Connection 2005/2006.
After feuding with The Fast and The Furious (Jerrelle Clark and Jay Fury), the Miracle Violence Connection 2006 took on Sal Rinauro and Colt Cabana in a series of matches that culminated in a loss during a Crystal River Street Fight in May 2006.
On March 10, 2007 during the Eddie Graham Memorial Battle for the Belts, Stevens defeated Shingo, Delirious, and Roderick Strong on his way to becoming the first FIP Florida Heritage Champion.
Stevens claimed his entire purpose for winning and defending the belt was to bring back the prestige Florida had lost since its Golden Age.
At ROH's Final Battle 2007, Stevens defeated Roderick Strong to win the FIP World Heavyweight Championship.
Stevens would make successful defenses of the title in ROH against the likes Austin Aries and Bryan Danielson before losing it back to Strong at FIP's Redefined.
Three months later, on July 19, Stevens regained the FIP World Heavyweight Championship from Strong in a Dog Collar match.
On October 3, 2009, Strong turned on Stevens in a match where they lost the Tag Team Championship to Chris Gray and Tommy Taylor of The British Lions.
On March 31, 2007 Stevens made his debut for Ring of Honor (ROH) in Detroit, Michigan at All Star Extravaganza III.