By Dubray Tallman

We are back with another edition of Dubi Meets the fans, last time we were in Des Moines Iowa for 3XW and for this one we had to travel through Missouri to Illinois to make our way to Dupo for Independent Hardcore Wrestling.

IHW has been red hot in 2010 with some large crowds that have been very energetic, in fact the size of the crowd have got so large that they are going to need to find a new building to hold all the fans. This night would be no different as IHW was filled with a great mix of talent including a non-title rematch between IHW Champion Brandon Aarons taking on the self proclaim greatest wrestler ever from Illinois, the current IHW Illinois Champion Eric Allen, the ultra talented Bailey Mannix met Tony Kozina while Mr. Late Nite caused chaos and Evan Money, Steven Kennedy, Billy McNeil and Sean Vincent went toe to toe to become the 2ND Annual IHW ST Louis Invitational Tournament Champion that Aarons had won last year. This year the hated Sean Vincent would take home the bragging rights.

Everywhere we go Brian and I have a ton of friends and with so many promotions in St Louis it is only magnified which makes going to the shows a ton of fun. Brian had spoken to our friends Jonathan Jones and his wife Lena on the way to the show to find out if they were going to make it to the show but one of their children was in the Hospital so he was unsure of what time they could make it.

Prior to the show started I ran into the people from Iconsofwrestling who have the wonderful Gods of Wrestling painting with so many old and new stars filling this must see painting. This was the first time that I had seen this and I have to say it was a sight to see. I went in to get Brian to let him know that the artist Icon, Ed Schultz and Dotty Mattis were there. While we sat outside talking fans where coming by to check out this masterpiece. Brian mentioned to them that they should contact both Metro Pro and Larry Barber about showing off the poster in Kansas. He also stated that this summer’s big Wrestling Hall of Fame ceremonies in Iowa was about to happen and would be a golden opportunity to share the art with many people that love Wrestling. They are really hard at work promoting this one of a kind piece and was on their way to do double duty that night as they were off to meet our good friend Herb Simmons at MMWA-SICW. If you would like to check out the Gods of Thunder click here.

Before I knew it the doors had open and the crowd filled the building waiting for some great wrestling action. Brian was busy proudly showing off the new MWR Trading card that Mephisto had done which went over well with everyone. The next day he was to announce that Tyler Black would be the 10th card but was keeping it a secret till he posted it on the site. I know if Brian won the lottery he would just make a card for everyone but though expense of making one is reasonable making several can become expensive , so for the time being he is unable to make as many as he would like. If you would are a wrestler, Manager/Valet or referee and would like to have an awesome collectable for you to sell or have I highly recommend that you contact Brian on the details. Already in the set are Santana G, Mark Sterling, MsChif Kahagas, and Mike Sydal. Likewise if you are a business or wrestling school and would like to sponsor a wrestler with your business logo on the card feel free to ask how. Personally I don’t think that it will be complete until there is a Derek Stone and Dubi card.

It seems as if everyone was excited to be a part of Dubi meets the fans so it is getting easier to find people to want to be a part of it. This night wrestling Superfan Erica Jones was joined with her sister Michelle brought birthday boy Joshua Jackson who had just turned 7th and little man Ellies. A great way to celebrate your birthday is at a wrestling show. They were all big fans of Mephisto who happily took the time to take a picture.

Joshua and Ellies with Mephisto (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Young Braden Pulcher was at IHW for the first time so I let him watch the matches to decide which IHW Star he would take his picture with. Not surprisingly he chose the charismatic “The Kid” Evan Money to have his picture with. Money was successful in the first round Jordan McEntyre in an exciting match and during the intermission posed with his new fan.

Braden Pulcher and Evan Money (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Next up was one of the most  hardcore  wrestling fans in the area Andrew Adams otherwise known as the “Firefighter”. Andrew choose Brandon Aarons at first but when he saw that I took Mickie Knuckles as my picture he changed his mind and we were more than happy to have give him his wish with the hardcore beauty.

“The Firefighter” Andrew Adams and Mickie Knuckles (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

Dupo is Mephisto territory and he would be picked once again. This time Kolby Stephens wanted his picture taken with him as well. Mephisto fans would were happy to see him team up with Justin Wade to defeat MR Late Nites men Brandon Graves and Cable. The loss would lead to MR Late Nite firing Cabal while Graves and The Perfect Weapon Morbid attacking their former partner.

Kolby Stephens and Mephisto (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

Dennis Corderant the winner of the MWR T-shirt that was thrown by superstar Adam Rich, gets to pose with the rising star (Photo Credit Brian Kelley )

The Wrestler of the night who would throw a MWR Shirt to one lucky fan turned out to be young Adam Rich. Rich was returning to the ring after a short absence and would have his hands full with the hated Canadian in the first round of the STL Tournament. Young Dennis Corderant would be the lucky fan that caught the MWR Shirt. Later in the night Rich took the time to have his picture taken with the young fan.

As I mentioned before I always try to choose a picture with a star as well though sometimes I get so busy I do not get it done. I have always been impressed with Mickie Knuckles and she happily posed with me prior to her match with Mia Martinez. Mickie is one tough girl.

Dubray Tallman and Mickie Knuckles (Photo Credit Brian Kelley)

As far as Jonathan, him and Lena would not make it till the main event match with Brandon Aarrons and Eric Allen match. They were so impressed that they purchased tickets for IHW’S return to Dupo on July 24th.

MWR Fans thank you for taking the time to read this article. In the near future look for Dubi meets the Fans at Pro Wrestling Epic from Mt Pulaski Illinois and if all goes as planned we will make our long waited debut at New Midwest Wrestling in Springfield Illinois for their show Boiling Point. Keep an eye out for my special interview with Blake Steel as he goes after the NMW Title currently held by Jonathan Magnus.

Till next time fans, support your local wrestling. I hope to see you at a show real soon.

Love Dubz