Reviewers rate both the Ascends and M22s very highly. On the face of it, the Axioms are beautiful and the Ascends are ugly. That having been said, they're both great speakers.
I've never heard the Ascends, but apparently you have. There are folks on this board who have A/B'd these speakers and have expressed a preference for the M22s. The only test which really makes a spit's worth of difference is the one in your listening room using your equipment and your ears.
My opinion? Your best bet would be to pick up a pair of each and compare them in your home listening to your music (movies). Axiom has a 30 day return policy. If you do this, why don't you report back with your impressions?
