IHW Special Comment

Good turnout for IHW in Red Bud...it was their first show since October and had been postponed a time or two.

Sounded like Mephisto's motivation for the heel turn was perceived favortism on the part of General Manager Luke Roberts. Mephisto did get championship opportunities in the past...just not as many as other people.

Good to see Brandon Aarons back in the ring...I had heard that his injury could have been career-ending. Was surprised that his big return match happened so early in the show, though he was also in the four-way dance for the tournament finals.

I'm sure there will always be a debate about how a champion from one group should be booked in another group in the same general area. Sometimes other groups' championships are acknowledged...Ace Hawkins brought three belts to the ring with him. He's IHW Illinois Champion, MMWA Jr. Heavyweight Champion, and...I'm not sure about the third belt(PWE?). I've heard about blowups over a promotion's top champion taking a loss for another area promotion...I guess it depends on each group's perspective.

All three announced matches took place...thought Hawkins vs. Dave Osborne was an Illinois Title match but it turned out to be an Invitational Tournament match.

Johnny Zulu finally made his in-ring debut after a few false starts at MMWA...not bad for an inaugural outing. He had gear!

People sold finishers...WOO~!

In-ring action was very good for the most part...I think fans around here are spoiled to an extent by the level of talent in the area. I've rarely been to a show that didn't have SOME redeeming quality to it...take that as you wish. There are flaws, of course, but hopefully people will keep working and learning their craft.

Ace Roberts vs. Great Cheyenne...wasn't very good. I had heard assessments of their previous outing at the East St. Louis show last year...so yeah.

Some interesting dynamics in the four-way dance for the Invitational trophy...former partners Aarons & Espinosa crossed paths and the Espinosa/Hawkins rivalry continued.

They could have gone a few different routes with the Heavyweight Title...would Billy retain and feud with Mephisto over the belt or would Cage win and feud with Aarons over it? Cage is taking credit for Aarons' injury last year so that issue has plenty of steam without the belt.

Had thought about checking out WLW in St. Clair next weekend but that show was cancelled...was already leaning toward MECW so that'll be my destination next Saturday.