September 25, 2011 -- As the Night of Barons drew to a close, the chosen would leave in defeat, their crusade against oppressors thwarted. Kron learned in his time beyond of more than was being spoken by these oppressors, who scheme and manipulate to maintain their tenuous grip on power. Dedicated to the fight for a free and glorious future, he remains steadfast in defeat, bolstered by all that he has learned in his long career. With hope seemingly lost, he holds on to a final trump card. A whispered name as much an ancient force of nature as a final vessel of hope for those who disprove Ares Menschlich's claim that the people are too greedy and feeble to do what's right.
The Great Arena continues, where competition within the fighting league dares to prove everything Ares Menschlich proclaims to be right. Contenders walk this path with a view to confirm their place in the pantheon of winners, the illustrious few who have reigned over their fellows. Ratt prepares for the chance to make history; Pink_Ranger & Ghostdragon chase their second shot at glory; The_Purple_Bunny & Blaze arrive for something new; Mimik looks to even the score on the back of a moral victory -- the only one to have struck one of the Barons down!
While the people compete, Kron reaches deep into the past. He calls to the name that ruled over an arena not unlike this one, many years ago. He ignores the warnings of Nomads, who feuded with the spirit, only to watch it consume and destroy all who crossed its path. At Supercard 13, the Spirit will be unleashed. This is the final moment before his return. This is the Highway to Hell...
0. Kron announced the coming of a "Spirit of Vengeance" to deal with Ares Menschlich!
Kron's crusade against the Four Barons of Lord Mislukking has been a gruelling contest for the "chosen" fighters who've joined his cause. Despite the conquering nature of Lord Mislukking's arrival in the Cheevment Kingdom, a working peace has been found by some, who would happily live in squalor amidst the ruins of what could have been a magnificent place. Kron returned from the world beyond with the revelation that Ares Menschlich had manipulated the powers-that-be, encouraging them to act in strange and spiteful ways that defied the logic of circumstances. Some would be fine with this, but Kron, willing to make the difficult decision, chose to challenge these flawed and unimpressive conditions. With the information he was presented, he made the call that had to be made -- a change had to come!
Despite his best efforts to quash the oppresive malaise inflicted on the Cheevment Kingdom, his efforts proved fruitless. Now, returning from defeat at Supercard 12: Night of the Barons, he arrived in The Great Arena to reveal his trump card -- the kind of accountability only conceivable in mysticism and occult consequence. Drawing upon the contacts he had made and the knowledge he had gained, he announced the coming of a warrior who was thought to have faded away, many years ago.
Kron revealed he had made a pact with a force powerful enough to challenge even Lord Mislukking himself! Quoting an ancient name, he reached deep into the past, to a time before The Great Arena, when warriors did battle for pride and glory. Having conversed with The Nomad -- a former Champion and rival whose words were of warning -- Kron learned the necessary secrets to inspire the "Spirit of Vengeance" to return. With finger extended metaphorically toward the callous Baron of War, as if casting accusation upon him, he made his intentions known. Ares Menschlich had done a terrible thing to the people of The Union of The Human League. Incensed by the indignation of his actions and his unwillingness to repent, Kron issued a final proclamation -- "Michael Lucifer is coming!"
15. Blaze & The_Purple_Bunny d. Pink_Ranger & Ghostdragon in a comprehensive +2 win!
Representing two of the major percentage players of the Duo Division; former Champions, Pink_Ranger & Ghostdragon, were the perfect pairing to pit against whirlwind Next Phase challengers, Blaze & The_Purple_Bunny! PR & GD outlasted their counterparts as runners-up to the title holders in the Tournament 9: Grand Slam [Doubles] Final, but would struggle to claim an expected win against a duo with as much momentum as Blaze & TPB! Blaze has joined the ranks as one of the most active competitors in and out of the arena, blazing a trail towards a power far beyond her brief time within the ranks!
It had the makings of a main event blockbuster! The power exhibited by both teams reminded that they were in a class of their own! Pink_Ranger and Ghostdragon showed plenty of experience and skill in their approach to the fight, but the X-factor of Blaze's rising star, coupled with The_Purple_Bunny's own success as a Next Phase graduate (via Tournament 7 victory), seemed to give them an electricity their opponents couldn't match! Blaze & The_Purple_Bunny would not disgrace the former champs, but with a +2 impact and a decimating performance, they would well and truly declare themselves the #1 contenders to the Duo Division Championship!
Just as Ratt will face a difficult task against a dominant champion, so too will the Duo Division competitors! Hokey & Ninja_Mime remain a charmed combination, extending their own win streak with total victory over the T9 Grand Slam -- a rare honor above and beyond the DD title! It will be one compelling encounter as the Duo Division continues its white hot glow as the centrepiece of competition!
14. Ratt d. Bofh in a close fought match!
For five long months, "The Unstoppable" Cr0w has proven to be one of the most daunting tasks in The Great Arena! Reigning over the Undisputed Championship with a staggering twenty-five match win streak, including six Championship defenses and tournament wins in T5 and T8, there can be no greater test of a fighters worth than this challenge. Ratt will do exactly that, stepping into the spotlight to take a second shot at this phenomenal challenge. The renowned "Iron Man" missed out at Supercard 8 when he pulled up short in an epic encounter with Cr0w. Keen to prepare, he issues his famous Pre-Show Open Challenge to any fighter willing to go one-on-one with the fearless favourite!
It perhaps should have come as no shock that an old arch-rival would emerge to take advantage of the opportunity. "Big John" Bofh and Ratt have a history of dislike, and with Ratt's big Championship match just one week away, the chance to spoil Ratt's chances of glory, whilst boosting his own, were too rich for willing challenger!
As a fighter with far less reputation backing him, it seemed as if ambition would get the better of Bofh. Perhaps inspired by the surprising efforts of Vultyrex earlier in the card, Bofh took a serious fighter to the #1 contender, rising way above his weight class! The Iron Man found himself having to call upon every facet of endurance as he was ambushed by the quality of assault. Never once stopping to rue the self-made threat to his title hopes, Ratt fought tooth and nail, exhibiting the never say die attitude that has won him so many fans! The scare only adds to the pressure, however, of the long odds he'll face at Supercard 13, when he attempts to avoid becoming win number twenty-six, for Cr0w!
13. CCShadow & Scott-Howell d. Shoe & ShingoEX in a +6 decimation!
Responsible for turning his back on Murdoink at the end of Tournament 9; "Sugar" Scott-Howell has become a bitter "spice," uniting with old ally CCShadow to form a new union hot on the heels of his Supercard 12 solo victory. Having secretly reunited with CCShadow prior to the break-up; Howell moves forward, just as keen as his former teammate to rewrite his name in the contention stakes for the Duo Division Championships! In a classic case of one-upmanship, Howell immediately follows his former partner, clashing with the combination of former T4 winner, Shoe, and his partner, ShingoEX!
Shoe's descent continued as CCShadow & Scott-Howell made a bold declaration of their claim to the Duo Division, unleashing a whopping +6 impact on their hapless foes -- a decimation particularly significant in the two-man field! The win sends a clear message to Howell's former partner, the split pairings on an inevitable collision course as the days count down to Supercard 13!
12. Murdoink & Baraka_MK d. Tyrant-Cenobite & queve by a narrow margin!
The Night of the Barons delivered a demoralizing blow to the efforts of Kron and his "chosen four," but Supercard 12 would go down in history for destroying more than the hopes of rebels. Since the beginning of the Duo Division in March, at Supercard 3, the combination of Scott-Howell and Murdoink have been regarded fondly as the original Great Arena team. Difficulties to convert since the induction of Championships caused tensions between the fan-favourite combo, and after forging an otherwise impressive career as one of the top teams, they ended as they began, fueding!
From the ashes of the fan-favourite combo comes two new teams, spitefully formed in opposite as Murdoink finds an old friend and ally in elusive Great Arena stalwart, Baraka_MK! Keen to make an impact as soon as possible, they clash with Tyrant-Cenobite & queve, each still wearing the bruises of their encounters with ElJobber, but keen to bounce back in their own quest to find success within the two-man ranks.
The dreams of Tyrant & queve would have to wait as debuting favourites made their first official statement of intent, registering a close fought victory! Murdoink & Baraka_MK will no doubt enter the fiercely competitive world of the Duo Division with the ever elusive Championships reflected in one eye, but as would quickly become evident, they would have competition from rivals...
11. Mimik d. Vultyrex in a close fought match!
Without a doubt the biggest upset claimed during Tournament 8: Grand Slam [Singles]; Mimik had a lot to prove in a grudge bout rematch with his First Round opponent, Vultyrex! Snuffed out in the Second Round by Poasty, it seemed as if Vultyrex was indeed going to remain filed under "shock winner," unable to sustain a measure of success against more moderate opponents than the high ranked contender. Or at least, that's what everyone thought, until the pair stepped onto the Highway to Hell for another go around!
Despite bouncing back at Supercard 12 with a promising victory (the only one struck for "the good guys") against the Baroness of Pestilence, Praga Conquette -- Mimik would once again be tested by the unassuming challenge of Vultyrex! Locked up in mortal combat, Mimik showed the unmistakable signs of fatigue associated with the dreaded P-Virus, but even with his afflictions considered, was again a shock sparring partner for the otherwise low tier fighter. With the glory of the Night of Barons win dangerously close from slipping from his fingers, Mimik rallied to pull victory from his unlikely nemesis! The win no doubt gets a monkey off Mimik's back, keeping him in the running for bigger and better things as promised by his heroic triumph against Pestilence, but an element of doubt must surely remain for this one-time runner-up to the Undisputed Championship.
10. SlumDunk d. STEROLIZER in a close fought match!
Never one to be overshadowed by even the highest ranked competitors, STEROLIZER returns to The Great Arena with no uncertainty about his goals to keep any rising stars in check. Having been the progenetor for the Battle for the Bottom pasttime, STERO was not about to allow SlumDunk the opportunity to overtake him on a path to success he blazed many moons ago. Intent on proving his total superiority over the recently risen bottom ranker (who beat giandavil at Pre-Show 12), STERO boldly predicts MAX Damage for his opponent. Oh, STERO...
Undeniably close matched, it would be one of those days for STEROLIZER. Ever the proclaimer of bold delusions of grandeur, STEROLIZER's self-aggrandizing was about to bite him in the "bottom" in the worst way. Riding his recent success, SlumDunk rebuked STERO's attempts at domination, far from a passive customer in a maximum impact car wreck! Despite the bold prophecy against his name, SlumDunk indeed fought through the tie to score another victory over his predecesor!
9. m0s & Nemesis316 d. Liam & nif in a comprehensive +4 win!
It was at Tournament 9: Grand Slam [Doubles] that Nemesis316 joined the fighting ranks with a team-up that has produced incredible results! m0s & Nemesis316 made an impact with their run to the Semi Final stages of T9, but with competition in the Duo Division as white hot as ever, would still need to put in the hard work if they were to earn for themselves a shot at the covetted DD Titles!
A team with less bombastic results, but no less ambition, has been Liam & nif -- a tandem of fellows whose opinions of themselves haven't quite matched up with the rate of success that resulted in a modest First Round exit from the Duo Division "Doubles" Tournament! Eager to snuff the flame of a rising competitor to their own advantage, Liam & nif gladly rise to the challenge of a Pre-Show encounter against "Mr. Daruma" and the percentage playing newcomer, Nemesis316.
The ensuing battle would be akin to an execution -- a one-sided affair totally owned by the hopeful contenders, m0s & Nemesis316! Unleashing a rare decimation upon their tandem opponents that finished with a +4 impact, the combo showed clear signs of Championship potential! Liam & nif nurse their wounds, but with a Duo Division contender match at the end of the Highway to Hell, m0s & Nemesis316 begin making plans for the future!
8. giandavil and Queequeg fought to a complete standstill!
Intrigue typically dictates that the top of the card be dominated by the most successful fighters, but as has become a phenomenon of the Pre-Show experience, it is the Battle for the Bottom that has opened up a strange new world of bizarre intrigue! With several bottom ranking fighters turned over, it was up to giandavil to challenge his nearest rival, Queequeg, for the chance to salvage dignity and success from a flagging career. giandavil inherited his charge at Pre-Show 12, where SlumDunk broke a losing streak of 0-8! Possessing a record half as embarassing as SD's (0-4), giandavil could only hope to take his own destiny in his hand, and make a fate of overdue success.
In theory, the object of any fight, is to win. In the most spectacular of circumstances, the best giandavil could hope for, was to not lose! So totally and evenly matched, the two lowest ranked fighters would make mocking history, engaging in their Battle of the Bottom to a bitter draw! Unable to be separated from Queequeg; giandavil would take the bitter consolation of a tie, remaining the lowest ranked fighter by virtue of a weighted ranking system based on wins and losses. Queequeg, on the other hand, would rise from his draw, an added insult for the Bottom Battler! Better luck next time, giandavil!
7. ElJobber d. rxvt in a +13 destruction!
Once the favoured conscience of The Great Arena, ElJobber has become a very different fighter since accusations from Tyrant-Cenobite fingered him as rogue attacker! As if to fulfill the still as yet unsubstantiated claims of his accuser, and the philosophical antagonisms of Ares Menschlich; ElJobber has become an unconcerned menace to the ranks of The Union of the Human League! No longer an inspiring bridge between the top and bottom, ElJobber has become the "Iron Machine" to Ratt's "Iron Man," fighting to obtain the kind of MAX Damage he inflicted upon queve (Pre-Show 12), JoelKatz (Tournament 8: Third Round) and MINION (Tournament 8: Second Round)!
Ripe for his MAX Damage challenge; ElJobber pinpointed rxvt -- a member of Team Agaper who has experienced hard luck since the earliest days of The Great Arena. When ElJobber was allegedly launching a spiteful attack against Tyrant-Cenobite; rxvt was toiling away in a fruitless Supercard 4 grudge match, hoping to vent frustrations of a vital defeat, against Mark! If new frustrations were of any interest to rxvt, he'd find them in spades, avoiding the sting of the sought MAX Damage, but still forced to suffer a painful +13 impact against an opponent way above his class!
On the periphery of Championship contention, ElJobber moves forward with an unpredictable path! Hellbent on collecting maximum damage on his way to the ever elusive Undisputed Championship, he remains a member of The League in the pocket of the Baron of War, Ares Menschlich! Having tied up with anti-Mislukking activist, Kron, at All-Star Summer Showdown, you've got to wonder what part ElJobber will play when the recently returned revolutionary unveils his surprise trump card to strike back against the dominant Four Barons!
6. ZachAngel d. Leroy in a close fought match!
August has seen an escalation in tensions between the warring factions of Team Agaper and Team Ops -- groups loyal to ideals and associations specific to their collectives. The battle continues to be focused around the spiritual leaders of each group, but has spread to include others within their charge. Supercard 12 provided ZachAngel and Leroy an opportunity to continue the bitter ties with tandem partners in tow, but the fierce fight, won by Leroy & Mark, was but a Second Act stoking of the fires! Returning to The Great Arena, ZachAngel demanded opportunity to extract a singles win from Leroy, all the while tensions seemed to point to a fullscale war between the entirety of both teams!
To say Angelia's absence would be an unburdening for ZachAngel would be a gross under estimation of Angelia's fighting potential, but the leader of the fighting faithful was certainly able to call upon a greater power in his solo encounter. It cannot be said that this was a one-sided affair -- Leroy brought everything he had to the close fought encoutner, but ZachAngel had what was needed to go the distance! Despite being an impressive win, it seems clear neither team is about to back down any time soon!
5. plfx d. Shizuma & NightHawk in a narrow fought conclusion!
The Supercards may be reserved for the biggest stars and most heated feuds, but its the Pre-Show that provides a true preview of The Next Phase of contenders. With each developing a cult following for their own brand of grit and determination; Shizuma, NightHawk and plfx proposed an intriguing collective for an exhibition three-way battle. Shizuma and NightHawk are notable for having struggled to match their fond regard with competitive success, a contrast to plfx, who has developed quite a following through Pre-Show appearances that took him to a brief undefeated streak!
The trio proved incredibly well matched from the get-go, equal in their desire to pick up a valuable win under unique conditions. As tends to be the case in fights of this type, NightHawk was the first man to begin to falter. Despite his famous history with the match type, which included victory at Pre-Show 9 and a major rematch at the All-Star Summer Showdown, NightHawk could not hold up against the mounting assault of a similarly powered plfx! plfx continued the barrage, building momentum that saw him take a tense exchange of blows to Shizuma! The sparks flew, but when the embers died down, it was plfx who picked up another win in The Great Arena!
4. SmokeRulz d. brandogg in convincing fashion! [+2 Impact]
The Great Arena is the melting pot wherein combatants hone their craft and fight for immortality as they forge a legend. Sometimes, however, this Highway to Hell is paved with good old fashioned grudges, and that's exactly what spurred SmokeRulz to issue a challenge to an old acquaintance arriving in the Cheevment Kingdom. Making his debut with the league, brandogg was an old enemy, a firebrand torturer who SmokeRulz owed more than a few points of impact to. Having sharpened his skills as a three-way fight specialist, SmokeRulz was a fighter unfamiliar to his one-time nemesis. brandogg, completely out of his depth under the intense conditions of The Great Arena, paled in comparison to SmokeRulz! The league rookie had no answers for SR's attack, suffering +2 damage and an overdue defeat! The win, while not SmokeRulz' most impressive, etches an important moment in his progression as fights beyond The Next Phase to join the pantheon of stalwarts in the upper ranks!
3. Jax d. sucka in a close fought match!
It is by decree of The Union of The Human League that active competitors be called upon at regularly schedule intervals to test their might, but the Cheevment Kingdom is a world in flux, filled with tension and disdain for the oppressive forces that fill it. Representing the inevitable 'extra corricular' bouts that break out, Jax and sucka arrive on the Highway to Hell to test their might against each other, having honed their skills by scoring cheevs and beating on minions! Still relatively green, the pair matched up well, but there would be no draw as Jax flexed some muscle to get the job done in a close fought match. A solid entry giving motion to the grunt ranks!
2. J-Spit d. bfk by a narrow margin!
With a cult following that's supported him to a string of victories, bfk looked like a safe bet when he stepped into The Great Arena with relative newcomer, J-Spit! The fight would be anything but academic, however, as the Grand Slam debut looked to avenge his First Round loss with an unexpected win! The pair proved incredibly evenly matched, but it was indeed J-Spit who was able to inch bfk out with an impressive display of endurance and strength! A surprising outcome, but far from the shock bombshell promised to hit competition courtesy of Kron!
1. nface d. UNdiscovered in convincing fashion! [+2 Impact]
With the Night of Barons passed, The Great Arena reopens to accomodate the fighting forces of The Union of the Human League! As hungry for glory as the most seasoned veteran, the likes of UNdiscovered and nface open proceedings, undaunted by the threats that hang over the thirteenth Pre-Show card!
Coming off a crushing grudge match debut at Pre-Show 12, UNdiscovered had plenty to prove in his subsequent return to competition. A relatively brief history positioned nface as the perfect patsy, but his few successes were enough to adequately prepare him for the rookie assault. nface looked comfortable as he dismissed his opponent, rising to an impressive +2 impact in the opening win!
Shock! Awe! Threat! Supercard 13: Spirit of Vengeance is coming!
Kron summons a powerful figure from the times before The Great Arena! Michael Lucifer arrives to do battle with Ares Menschlich, as the ideals of war and vengeance collide! PLUS: Ratt takes the ultimate test when he faces the most dominant Undisputed Champion history has ever seen -- "The Unstoppable" Cr0w! The Duo Division Championship goes on the line when The_Purple_Bunny & Blaze challenge dominant title holders in Hokey & Ninja_Mime! All this, plus much more!
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