It will create instance of WebApi controller and invoke the ActionMethod with cached arguments. It will not work if the controller required QueryString, Headers or anything outside these action method parameters But you can override the Phoenix MethodInfo, Arguments or method Phoenix.GetTargetInstance, Phoenix.InvokeAndGetBareResult, or completely change the way the Phoenix reborn by overriding method , Phoenix.Reborn, Idealy, keep Controller thin and use proper Model binding instead of dodgy access the Request object.