Vancouver, BC — Slap News packed the house at the Van City Card Show with a first-ever panel featuring three Power Slap champions on one stage: heavyweight king Damien DeBell, welterweight champ Anthony “Babyface” Blackburn, and lightweight ruler Robert “Real Deal” Trujillo—plus heavyweight contender Aaron “The Colossus” Turner. The result? A lively mix of fight talk, card-collecting culture, and a couple of spicy callouts.
Vancouver Gets the Nod
Trujillo, visiting from Colorado, praised the city and fan turnout—and said a Vancouver card “would be awesome,” pointing out there are Canadians on the roster already. With a strong crowd on a Friday (the show’s slow day), the appetite looked real.
Champions on Craft (and Cards)
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Blackburn credited long-time coach James Aisham for championship consistency: honest feedback, constant refinement. He also reflected on becoming the first Power Slap athlete on a Leaf trading card, calling it “surreal.”
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DeBell kept it simple on dominance: consistency and hard work. He joked about his autograph stamina (he signed hundreds of Leaf cards) and—yes—he literally carries a slab of himself. He’s also started collecting something else: belts (six and counting).
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Trujillo unveiled his “Real Deal” HeadRush shirt and lobbied for Tougher 155ers, ideally with MMA backgrounds. Until then? He’ll “keep taking the easy money” at lightweight.
Super Fight Tease: Blackburn vs. Trujillo
Both champs warmed to a welterweight vs. lightweight “super fight” down the line. Trujillo walks around ~170 and has considered jumping; Blackburn says if they each “handle business,” the champ-vs-champ clash “is the only thing that should be next.” They even squared up for a quick faceoff. File that under 2025 watchlist.
Turner’s Target: Nate Bernard at Power Slap 15
Turner—a breakout from his debut win over Brian Ellis—faces Nate “Ape” Bernard on October 3.
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On camp: “Humbling, focused, fireworks coming.”
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On the game plan: study Nate’s weak points and outwork him mentally and physically.
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On motivation: “I want the belt.”
DeBell’s blunt advice to beat Bernard? “Hit his ass hard, bro.”
Anecdotes, Odds & Autographs
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DeBell recalled SteveWillDoIt handing him a $1,000 casino chip after a win (“you made me money”). He jokes he’s the “safest bet” on any card while undefeated.
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The Leaf Metal release drew love for flashy “So Money” inserts and printing plate 1/1s; Blackburn shouted out collectors building full rainbows.
Fan Energy: Try-It-Yourself Slap Booths
Trujillo highlighted the difference in a new market: teaching basics, breaking down rules, and letting fans feel the sport up close. The crowd stuck around—rare at card show stages—asking questions and snapping pics.
Notable Quotes
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DeBell on pressure: “The lights are exciting—some people fold.”
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Turner on Nate: “October 3rd, I just need to knock him out.”
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Blackburn on success: “Full speed ahead—with intent.”
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Trujillo on the division: “Top 10 at 155? No match for me right now.”
What’s Next
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Power Slap 15 (Oct 3): Turner vs. Bernard headlines heavyweight storylines; watch for rankings shake-up.
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Super Fight Watch: Blackburn vs. Trujillo chatter just got very real.
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Vancouver: After this reception, a Canadian event feels more “when” than “if.”
Photos courtesy of Slap News x Van City Card Show. If you were there, tag us—we’ll feature the best shots in our recap gallery.