The Next Phase offered the opportunity to be counted! No the unofficial top ten contenders to the Undisputed Championship are granted equal opportunity to prove themselves in the concept known as The Tower of Power! With the reigning champion poised at the top of the tower, these ten contenders will first defend against the attack of the qualifying Challenger 7 — before eliminating each other until there is one lone contender against the Undisputed Champion!
The people of The Great Arena stand united on this night, unified by their mutual goal to become Undisputed Champion, but more awaits them at the top of the ladder than mere titles. The fight for one man will be about much more than personal glory. This is the ultimate challenge of a phenomenon that represents the ultimate spirit of competition. This is The Tower of Power II!
Tower of Power Bonus Round:
21. Sinvida Von Grimm d. Cr0w in a +5 decimation!
In April, Cr0w famously got the best of Ares Menschlich -- the third Baron of Mislukking -- in an extra-Arena match that rallied the spirits of the oppressed people of the Cheevment Kingdom! Such a feat was thought impossible against a Baron of War of such immense power and lust for combat! Given the pride and instrumental role Menschlich has had in shaping the competitive ranks, it was with suspicious absence that he failed to appear in regular rank to attack Cr0w!
Instead, The Great Arena was sent into a hushed silence as Sinvida Von Grimm -- the rarely witnessed Baron of Death -- made his debut in The Great Arena! The eerie figure sent a chill through the Arena, projecting a presence far beyond any mortal debut! Even this dominant Undisputed Champion appeared to shrink in the presence of such awesome power, the roles reversed as Death resisted objection with a +5 decimation!
After the excesses of Cr0w's domination over ElJobber, it was to be a sombre close to Supercard 10! The silently Baron of Death dragged his compadres away in a cloud of smoke, leaving the decimated figure of Cr0w to be a symbol in the centre of the colloseum. The return of the Barons of Mislukking seems unprovoked, but what secrets lie within their mysterious ranks? Only time will tell!
20. Cr0w d. Praga Conquette in a decimation!
While the sickly Second Baron has rarely posed an immediate threat to the fighters of The Great Arena, the pestilence spread by Praga Conquette is widely regarded as responsible for the mysterious sickness that is known to sap fighters of their strength in vital moments. It has been a long time since Cr0w felt such fatigue, but could his success against Famine have endangered his chances as Undisputed Champion?
It seemed as if Cr0w would have little to fear from even the vile contagions of Praga Conquette! Once again he unleashed a combative competence that left his feared opponent embarassed! Another +2 decimation confirmed Cr0w's power, dismissing the Baroness of Pestilence before she could render him at all weakened...
19. Cr0w d. Bez Busshitsu in a decimation!
Tensions between the ranks of the Barons of Lord Mislukking and the fighting denizens of The Union of The Human League had seemingly ended some months ago, but with the return of the Tower of Power comes the return of a final confrontation between the people's champion and the vile villains who seek to oppress everyone who leaves The Great Arena alive!
The Baron of Famine -- Bez Busshitsu -- is the first to challenge, as Cr0w finds himself confronted with the task of fending off the threat of the four barons, in appropriate ascending order.
Famine has tasted defeat at the hands of Cr0w before, notably in matches at Supercard 4 and Supercard 5. The script was to be no different, the dominant Champion abundant in his reserves as he fended off the lecherous advances of the not-so feeble fiend! A +2 impact made sure Bez Busshitsu felt the sting of his defeat, but the war was far from over for Cr0w!...
The Tower of Power:
18. Cr0w (c) d. ElJobber (#6) in a solid +3 decimation.
The atmosphere was electric as ElJobber stood poised to challenge the Undisputed Champion in a rematch of their mid-match clash in the main event of Supercard 9! ElJobber had entered the SC9 match with a 1-1 record against Cr0w, but this dominant Champion showed considerable grit in his defense of the title, establishing a record fourth win as champ against this formidable opponent! Cr0w's position at the top of the Tower of Power had introduced a dichotomy of expectations, respectful of the total domination he has exhibited in an undefeated streak of fifteen matches, but ever aware of the inevitability of an end. If Cr0w could successfully retain, his cumulative reign as Champion would extend to a phenomenal 100 days! If he were to lose, a new Undisputed Champion would rise amidst controversy and innuendo!
The stakes were too high for emotions to come into it -- the crowd split in silent awe as the unstoppable contender nobody saw coming collided with the immovable Champion whose success has never before been witnessed! The match truly had the makings of a blockbuster bigger than any The Great Arena has ever hosted before -- but this was not going to be the close quarters affair the two engaged in at Supercard 9! In fact, it was an all together anti-climactic moment as the euphoria of uncertainty gave way to an understanding of logic!
ElJobber fought with a tenacity worthy of acknowledgment, but this controversial figure was walking in to a battle with a Champion fighting at full force! Cr0w responded to the challenge with a fight that would have toppled anyone in the Tower of Power! A force that ripped through ElJobber's best defenses and ended his blitz through the competition with a +3 impact that failed to numerically underscore the importance of the decimation! The clash of titans may have made for effective punctuation, but just as in the first Tower of Power, the fight is not over for the Champion on this night...
17. ElJobber (#6) d. Genku (#1) in a comprehensive result.
A twelve-man contender battle royal at Supercard 9: Royal Roulette handed Genku the unique opportunity of a Championship double-chance! Positioned as number one contender in an official capacity, Genku enters the Tower of Power with a minimum requirement of two victories to be crowned Undisputed Champion -- with a guaranteed shot at Supercard 11: All-Star Summer Showdown in August waiting if he proved unsuccessful!
Indeed, Genku would have been grateful for the second-chance shot in August, facing off against an ElJobber who seemed to be gaining momentum the further he went into the elimination draw! Shocking everyone with his decimations of premiere talent, ElJobber was relatively unphased by the status of the current #1 contender! Genku fought a strong fight, going a step further than The_Purple_Bunny in his challenge against the raging charge of an ElJobber fighting possessed!
Despite being clearly phased, the once described "conscience" of The Great Arena executed a confident win over Genku -- ending the #1 contender's dreams of taking two bites at the top prize! Genku will meet the reigning Undisputed Champion in the main event of one of the biggest events The Great Arena will have ever witnessed -- Supercard 11: All-Star Summer Showdown (August 14)!
16. ElJobber (#6) d. Mimik (#2) in a +13 annihilation!
A longtime peripheral contender; Mimik narrowly missed out on securing himself the double-chance top spot when he played runner-up to Genku in a contender battle royal at Supercard 9! Poised for a little payback, if not a shot at the Undisputed Championship -- Mimik had every reason to duplicate his success in the original Tower of Power!
In the original Tower, Mimik breezed past ElJobber in his climb through the ranks, but this time it was to be a reversal of roles! Mimik looked severely weakened as ElJobber unleashed yet another unbelievable decimation upon an opponent! A +13 impact left the #2 worse for wear as ElJobber's stock continued to rise in direct proportion to approval! No amount of apologising could stem speculation that there was more going on in The Great Arena than a well earned rise.
15. ElJobber (#6) d. The_Purple_Bunny (#3)
Victory in Tournament 7 had delivered The_Purple_Bunny the ultimate opportunity to ride the wave of The Next Phase to the grandest prize of competition! His performance in the tour had made a compelling case for TPB as a contender in waiting -- even though his primary goal since returning from the afterlife has been to avenge crimes committed by the vile Shoe!
The_Purple_Bunny proved his victory in Tournament 7 was no fluke -- taking the fight to ElJobber every step of the way! Locked in mortal combat, the pair engaged in an impressive struggle, but in the end, it seemed as if ElJobber simply could not be denied in his quest for the Undisputed Championship! The_Purple_Bunny will no doubt progress to Supercard 11 with his eyes squarely focused on Shoe -- but it's clear that when he's finished exacting revenge, there will be a future Championship match waiting for him!
14. ElJobber (#6) d. Hokey (#4) in a +12 decimation!
Pipped at the Semi Final stages of Tournament 7, the second of the reigning Duo Division Champions was in a keen position to claim the solo prize that has so often eluded him! Like his partner, Hokey has a long history in The Great Arena as a solo competitor, a regular of Tournament finals who has never quite reached the acclaim of Undisputed Champion! Ranked one better than his partner off the back of some valuable wins, it seemed as though Hokey should have fared better than his partner -- but alas, it was not to be!
Hokey looked far from his best as ElJobber met the match with unrelenting force! Despite being remorseful in success, ElJobber showed no signs of leaving anything to chance, unleashing a shocking +12 decimation upon the fan-favourite! Despite denying the allogations laid against him, ElJobber had to curry suspicion as he pursued a Championship rematch with the kind of determination that could easily drive a man to do unreasonable things!
13. ElJobber (#6) d. Ninja_Mime (#5) in a +3 decimation.
The first of the reigning Duo Division Champions showed plenty of spark in his face-off for a shot at the ultimate solo prize! Ninja_Mime has a strong base of successful solo competition, but appeared rusty alone against the elimination threat of ElJobber.
It was a steadily mixed reaction from fans as the #6 unleashed another powerful attack, rocking Ninja_Mime in ways few could have expected. Some punters were anticipating the possibility of another showdown between the reigning tandem champs -- like the one that occurred as a result of random draw during Tournament 7 -- but such an outcome was never within the reach of possibility! ElJobber appeared almost apologetic as he unleashed a +3 decimation!
12. ElJobber (#6) d. Ratt (#7) in a decimation.
The possibility of a fairytale run to the finish for Ratt seemed ever so tantalizing as he progressed through the elimination stakes! Pre-Show 8 saw Ratt decimate ElJobber in a first-time meeting that earned him an unsuccessful Championship match at Supercard 8. While history was on his side, it seemed as if ElJobber, who was similarly unsuccessful in his challenge for the title at the following Supercard 9, had learned a lot from their encounter!
ElJobber turned the tables on his opponent, fending off the fan-favourite's assault to return fire with an elimination attack that earned back at least +2 points on the impact scale, an confident evening of their record against each other. ElJobber was humble in victory, acknowledging the competitive spirit of his opponent, returned in kind by Ratt. It was an act met with mixed reactions in light of Tyrant-Cenobite's accusations that ElJobber was responsible for an unprovoked attack at the 2011 Ultimate Grand Prix!
11. Ratt (#7) d. Toryn (#10) in a +20 annihilation!
With an impressive eight victories fuelling Toryn in the elimination stages, it seemed as if the #10 might make a legitimate challenge for the Undisputed Championship! Alas; this often lamented antagonist of The Great Arena did not count on the stone wall stagnancy of the fan-favourite hero of the people -- Ratt!
Having righted the wrongs of recent past with a MAX damage impact in his open challenge at Pre-Show 10; Ratt seemed to be primed for another stellar performance under Tower of Power conditions! It was in the original Tower of Power, at Supercard 5, that "The Iron Man" earned his first reign as Undisputed Champion by defeating Toryn in the final stage of the unique event. It seemed history was destined to repeat itself as Ratt unleashed a staggering +20 impact on a Toryn who seemed to drop away under the intense conditions. Unsporting in the face of defeat, the bashful Toryn seems sure to seek revenge against his apparent nemesis in the near future!
10. Toryn (#10) d. TonyTheTiger (#8)
Where once Toryn was regarded as an overzealous antagonist for The Great Arena, TonyTheTiger had made his name on carefully plotted schemes of opportunity. During Tournament 7, the sly Tiger showed a different side, proudly unleashing a series of decimations that rocked The Next Phase, and painted a picture of a legitimate contender!
His dominating tournament performance may have legitimately earned TonyTheTiger a position within the Tower of Power elite, but any designs of the same treatment to the ranking elite were premature. Toryn was able to fight off this future contender, earning an impressive victory in a bout that is sure to be reprised sometime in the future!
9. Toryn (#10) d. Pink_Ranger (#9) in a decimation.
It had been a slow start for Toryn in an upset loss to STEROLIZER, but the bottom rung of the Tower of Power had quickly righted himself, peaking at the right time with what could ultimately have been called an opressive domination of the lauded Challenger 7!
Enjoying the momentum of a chain of victories, he entered the elimination rounds with renewed status and a clear eye for the Undisputed Championship waiting at the top of the Tower! The first lady of fighting would not be intimidated so easily, but even Pink_Ranger had to know her chances of rising to meet her Team Cr0w leader were slim. Her allegiance had been the subject of speculation during hype rounds, but any gameplan was to be for moot. Toryn was swift and effective in his clash with Pink_Ranger, delivering a confident +2 impact to the former Duo Division Champion!
The Challenger 7:
8. Toryn (#10) d. Ken in a comprehensive result.
As the final qualifying challenger, Ken had the weight of the world on his shoulders and a daunting task laid ahead of him! As a challenger in the previous Tower of Power, Ken achieved multiple wins before his exit, a memoir of brighter times for this well regarded stalwart of The Great Arena! Toryn and he were certainly familiar, but it was Toryn's extensive competitive base that gave him a clear advantage against the fallen idol of fighting! Ken fought well against a fatiguing Toryn, but remained inconsistent in his rate of victory, competitive, but comprehensively handled, none the less. A humble end to the Challenger 7!
7. Toryn (#10) d. Ghostdragon in a comprehensive win.
With a growing list of missed opportunities frustrating fans of Ghostdragon, his qualification for the Challenger 7 represented yet another return chance to make a difference in The Great Arena. The former Duo Division Champion made a valiant effort to follow through, but once again seemed to lack the necessary X-factor to rise to the occasion of a major match-up. Toryn was censored to a standard degree of punishment, perhaps fatiguing after his explosion in the previous bouts, but still looked completely confident in his comprehensive handling of Ghostdragon! GD once again becomes a footnote of history, while Toryn makes a compelling case for his own impending challenge of the written record!
6. Toryn (#10) d. DaMo in a +6 decimation.
Where DeathScepter might've entered the Great Arena with some sense of confidence, his Duo Division partner must have felt trepidation! Indeed, it was another entry into the lion's den as Toryn showed the strength he lacked in the opening battles. DaMo did better than his buddy to resist the assault, but was still forced to enduer a +6 onslaught that left him well and truly spent!
5. Toryn (#10) d. DeathScepter in a +13 annihilation!
Any doubt about Toryn's preparation for the Challenger 7 evaporated as he sparked to life in a shocking fourth match against star of the Duo Division -- DeathScepter! The bizarre one could've been forgiven for entering the fray with a measure of confidence, but would quickly become the victim of what seemed to be a mounting sense of momentum from the frontline defender! Toryn annihilated DeathScepter with a staggering +13 impact, building up a head of steam as the Tower of Power eliminations loomed ever nearer!
4. Toryn (#10) d. Artanix in a confident win.
It seemed as if the Challenger 7 were going to get the jump on a beleaguered #10, but Toryn seemed to be finding his rhythm by the time Artanix lept into battle! Artanix did well to follow up his unexpected Semi Final berth in Tournament 7 with qualification for the C7, but it seemed any notion of a dream run was about to come to an end. Toryn fought well, securing a confident win, despite inflicting a minimum of damage to the rising star.
3. Toryn (#10) d. unixpunk in a near draw!
unixpunk had been something of a surprise qualifier at Pre-Show 10, but with Toryn struggling in his first Challenger 7 defense, it was slightly less surprising when unixpunk took the fight to the number ten rung! Toryn looked shabby as he fended off the unixpunk assault, but in the end, he was able to avoid a second consecutive loss, narrowly fighting off the upstart contender to save face by the skin of his teeth!
2. Pink_Ranger (#9) d. STEROLIZER in a comprehensive win.
Any threat of a runaway performance by STEROLIZER was soon to be quashed, a confident Pink_Ranger getting off to an early start in her Tower of Power journey. STEROLIZER was competitive in his second rung outing, but it still only required a half-power Pink_Ranger to get the job done, the former Duo Division Champion comprehensive in her defense.
1. STEROLIZER d. Toryn (#10) with a +14 impact!
Granted a Challenger 7 wildcard by The Union of The Human League, STEROLIZER was never supposed to be a legitimate threat to the Tower of Power. His frequent boasting was noteworthy only for its perceived total lack of basis, but in recent times, STEROLIZER has begun to show legitimate potential as one of the peripheral competitors of The Great Arena! Indeed, it looked like it was going to be a terrible day for Toryn as he suffered a shocking +14 impact from a comprehensive defeat in the first match of the Supercard!
A series defined by the council's unofficial top ten provides compelling data for the reformation of a new ladder! Toryn exits with an impressive eight wins from the bottom spot, while ElJobber defied expectation and goodwill with his six-match winning streak into the Championship match!
Genku remains the official #1 contender as he awaits his shot against Cr0w in August, while The_Purple_Bunny remains strong in a close fight with ElJobber, with his Tournament 7 victory already acknowledged in his Tower of Power position. Mimik can't say the same, lucky not to fall further than fifth after a winless appearance that registered the second biggest impact of the night! Lucky for Toryn he balanced the indignity of a loss to STEROLIZER with all those wins, even though he bookended his success with a +20 horror against a charging Ratt!
Ratt also earned himself a MAX damage win against JRF at Pre-Show 10 -- a mite more impressive than the Duo Division Champions, who remain glued together as they plummet to seven and eight after enjoying top five status. The final two keep the status quo, but the top ten will no doubt be challenged in August as the likes of DaMo, DeathScepter, Jammer2Omega and more return to Supercard competition in a massive event! Oh, and what's this? Rumors around the Arena say a recently deceased competitor might be on the way back!
Champion: Cr0w
#1 Genku
#2 ElJobber
#3 The_Purple_Bunny
#4 Ratt
#5 Mimik
#6 Toryn
#7 Hokey
#8 Ninja_Mime
#9 Pink_Ranger
#10 TonyTheTiger
With an impressive six wins over the cream of competition, ElJobber surely secures himself a legacy of top contender status that has, until now, eluded him. A three-time drop-out in the Championship stakes, he is surely a competitor who will be driven to face each coming obstacle with fierce determination, but could that will to win already be responsible for leading ElJobber down a dark path? Success in The Tower of Power has bred suspicion as he faces accusations from Tyrant-Cenobite -- did ElJobber do it? Hopefully answers will be found August 7 as The Great Arena plays host to a very special Pre-Show 11: Truth or Consequences!
Victory in the Tower of Power confirms Cr0w's eighty-ninth day as a holder of the Undisputed Championship! August 14 will mark the one hundred and third day of cumulative possession when Cr0w defends his title against the Battle Royal winning Genku at the massive Supercard 11: All-Star Summer Showdown! Can Genku break the fifteen match winning streak, or will this new contender simply be a sixth name on a record breaking list? All that and more, stay tuned for the hype!
