After a massive first-year of competition, the pressure was on 2012 to up the stakes -- and boy did it succeed! 2012 was a bustling year for The Great Arena, producing first-time champions, Immortal invaders, Iron Men who fight to the death, and a brand new sub-division known as The Kombat Fight League!
With The End drawing nearer, we must now cast our minds back across the Olympic year to recognise the achievements of the greatest competitors in the greatest of competitions! With so many outstanding contenders, this year will have more award nominees than ever before -- PLUS: the creation of a brand new award to recognise the names of the past who have joined the legacy of The Great Arena.
Voting is open until 2013, so be sure to get your choice in before then!
Best Solo Competitor of 2012
"The Iron Man of Conquest" ElJobber -The long-time contender finally secured his legacy in 2012. A lengthy reign as Undisputed Champion came as a result of one of his greatest conquests, ending a year-long feud with Violent`J. ElJobber was consistent throughout 2012, also claiming his first bracket victory in Tournament 12. When the greatest competitors in The Union produced their own "Iron Fighters" to counter The Barons of Mislukking; ElJobber's MAX Damage history and status as the only man to never lose an Iron Man Endurance Match made him the perfect "Conquest." ElJobber claimed Silver Medals in this year's Olympic Games for Round Robin, Battle Royal and 5-Man Team match. He was also winner of Tower of Power VI and runner-up in the 2012 Battle Royale.
"The Self-Proclaimed #1" The_Purple_Bunny - TPB may have had only a brief run with the Undisputed Championship (January to February), but his status as the top contender stretched across the entirety of 2012! The title eluded him late in the year, but his participation in the Kombat Fight League made-up for it, resulting in a record-setting KFL Championship reign that lasted until the final defense of the December "Armageddon Month" (results pending). TPB won his second tournament (T13), this time as part of a duo with Jade. As part of the United States Dream Team, he successfully claimed a Gold Medal in the 5-Man Team match, with a personal Silver in the Solo Tournament. Bested only by nface in Rank, TPB's self-made claim to being "#1" is far from hollow bravado!
"The Iron Man of Death" Kron - One of the longest serving competitors; Kron is perhaps best known for his bouts of inactivity. Bold aspirations and a devil-may-care attitude have resulted in frequent dices with death, but it was exactly that fact that resulted in the latest transformation for the "Born Again" lazarus of the league. Old rivalries and the introduction of the Iron Man Death Match may have interrupted his duration in 2012, but Kron will always be remembered for a shocking surprise title victory at Ultimate Grand Prix 2012! He also made history as the winner of the first-ever "Ultimate Grand Slam" tournament, beating out an unprecedented 255 other opponents to claim total tournament victory -- a consolation for missing the Olympic Games. Kron claimed his first Duo Championship reign, teaming with long-time friend and rival, Ratt, in an All-Star Showdown with members of The Immortals -- forgotten warriors he helped revive!
"The Iron Man of War" Ratt - The original "Iron Man" found himself fighting the odds like never before, in 2012. A fatal defeat in the Iron Man Endurance Match he helped create (at UGP2012) pushed his rankings hopes aside as he spent an uncharacteristic amount of time out of competition. He returned with a vengeance, resuming his reputation for unflinching courage and a willingness to take on overwhelming obstacles. "The Iron Man of War" was instrumental in fighting the invading presence of The Immortals, capped off with his Duo Division victory with Kron. His triumphant return was highlighted by a forty-man Battle Royale victory at Supercard 26: Royale Roulette. As part of the United States Dream Team he claimed a Gold Medal at these Olympic Games, as well as Bronze in the Round Robin competition.
"The World Warrior" TonyTheTiger - 2012 was the graduation of TonyTheTiger -- a competitor who found his claws and a new sense of purpose as he challenged the globe in his unprecedented Championship World Tour! Briefly claiming the mantle of "Master" after winning the 2011 year-ending Tournament 10: Master's Series; TonyTheTiger was humbled as he studied under the antagonistic advice of Grandmaster Wah Hung-Shen. TTT's world tour brought him to the verge of breaking Championship defense records and helped define the first quarter of the year! During the Olympic Games he earned a Gold Medal as part of the 5-Man United States Dream Team, and remained a competitive influence throughout the year, reemerging as a top contender at the end of 2012.
The Great Genku - Genku enjoyed a flying start to 2012, living up to his name as "The Great" one! The began with a case of fearful symmetry as the first Undisputed Champion of Year Two went on to claim total victory in Tournament 11 - mirroring his 2011 win in the first bracket of the year! Seeking new challengers The Great Genku attempted to be the first to win every available Championship, entering the KFL without title success. February produced a Duo Division title victory with ShingoEX -- one that he quickly dismissed! Genku earned two Gold Medals at the Olympic Games as a member of the United States Dream Team; one for the 5-Man Team Match, another for Battle Royale, replacing Mimik. Genku was a runner-up in the forty-man Battle Royale of Supercard 26: Royal Roulette.
Best Duo of 2012
"Lord Daruma" m0s & Y2Knickxasawrrrr - The introduction of m0s' brother changed the destiny of the Duo Division competitor, who ditched former-partner Nemesis316 in a decision that earned him gold. The accolade came under the spotlight of UGP2012 and produced one of the best reigns on record! The pair earned Bronze at the Olympic Games and were Runners-Up at Tournament 13 and 23.
Year of the DaMo & DeathScepter - As one of the longest running teams, the D&D combo had always been competitive, but finally broke the big time with their first total victory in Tournament 23! It was a fitting end to the exciting reunion of partners who'd split when DaMo revealed his allegiances to The Immortals. Thought the pair have never won the titles, their status as contenders is almost always assumed.
Marz & Violent`J - Solo pursuits obscured the tandem strength of the only team that went undefeated throughout 2012! A 10-0 record earned the pair bracket victories over Tournament 18 and 22, as well as an Olympic Gold Medal in Duo Competition (for Canada). As charter members of the The Immortals, they posed one of the greatest threats to The Union -- widely believed to be sure-things had they had the chance to challenge for the Duo Division titles!
Artanix & foahchon - Another stalwart pairing of the Duo Division; Artanix & foahchon found differing degrees of solo success in 2012, but remained one of the most competitive tandems in the league. Constant satellite contenders, they narrowly missed a second reign as Duo Division Champions, but enjoyed enough success to remain in the Top 5 team rankings!
Oozaru & Banging - Another invading combo from the force known as The Immortals; these Champions of another age added the Duo Division titles to their list of accolades, in 2012. Only an All-Star team-up could stop them terrorizing The Great Arena! Along with their title win, they were runners-up to Immortal rivals (Marz & Violent`J) at Tournament 22.
2012 Most Improved
"The Prodigy" nface - The Prodigy produced by Project Goldberg; nface earned himself the #1 ranking in 2012 by nearly achieving the impossible! His goal was to win 100 matches without a loss - a feat he missed out on by a single victory! By claiming 87 of his 99 career wins, nface dramatically improved on a 2011 that promised big things!
Year of the DaMo - An explosive performance during Battle Royale 2012 created the phenomenon of the Year of the DaMo! Four eliminations and face-offs with some of the biggest names in the league brought DaMo to a new level in his career. A stint with The Immortals created mixed results, but when DaMo reunited with long-time ally DeathScepter, the Year of the DaMo was confirmed. Victorious at Tournament 23 (with DS), he earned himself a second shot at the Undisputed Championship. At the Olympic Games, he claimed Bronze for New Zealand in the Solo Elimination contest.
CaTigeReptile - With a drive to succeed that practically assured nomination for this award - CaTigeReptile increased her profile proportionate to her power! Building on small victories of the past, she launched into a new career as a spotlight player and one of the KFL's finest! KFL dominance brought her three reigns as KFL Champion, months as the KFL #1, and one of her two Olympic Medals! Representing China, CTR took Gold in 3way Battle, and Silver from the KFL competition.
foahchon - Although best known for his partnership with Artanix; foahchon showed significant signs of individual improvement in 2012! foahchon began the year with a Quarter Finals appearance in Tournament 11 -- experience that bolstered his Duo efforts with similar results!
VenoMark - Having appeared very little since debut in the seminal tournaments; VenoMark made a conceited entry into the League late in 2012. Rivalries with Zmoke and NovaStarr brought him to the fore in Union and KFL competition. A KFL Halloween Battle Royal win earned him a KFL title shot (he lost), and contributed to one of the best percentage records in both ranking systems!
The Next Phase (2013)
Y2Knickxasawrrrr - Few rookies can claim to have had as immediate an impact as "Y2K"! Family connections delivered him to Duo Division success, but it was in the KFL that the Y2K bug caught on! He became the first-ever KFL champion in March, winning the title once more amidst his rivalries with other contenders. Solo and Duo better beware, because the Y2K problem looks far from cured!
Nephrite - The Croatian Olympic medalist earned Silver in 3way and Bronze in KFL -- the latter indicative of his real success. The KFL helped Nephrite cut his teeth, refining the positive attitude and skills that have since made him a Supercard regular. 2012 made Nephrite a name to notice, now he just needs to follow through.
SubMan799 - Another of the KFL upstarts; SubMan799 has the distinction of a much longer history with The Great Arena. Partnered with Casselman throughout 2011, SubMan799 spent much of his career chasing Duo Division gold and rivalries with senior contenders. UGP2012 gave him a launching pad as he dominated his former-partner. The KFL brought SubMan799 close to victory many times, but he remains a fighter with an untapped potential he needs to find.
jack4813 - Bursting onto the scene - jack4813 spent a lengthy stay at the top of the KFL rankings, remaining top even after he lost the coveted KFL Championship! The rookie made a solid impression early on, brimming with the strength that comes with youth. His efforts died out late in 2012, but he remains a name to watch moving on to Year Three.
Chryo_Spyder - Yet another KFL competitor with a world of potential awaiting him! Chryo_Spyder battled identity crisis at the beginning of his career, leaving behind kamikaze-dragon tendencies to become the man known as Chryo_Spyder. He fought his way to the top of he KFL rankings, but could not claim the gold. An early enthusiasm has set him up as another name to watch, but his follow through remains to be seen.
2012 Immortal Hall of Fame Nominees
"The Y2Juggalo" Violent`J - As an Immortal, Violent`J brought a seasoned career with him to The Great Arena. A former ICWW International Champion, Heavyweight Champion, 4-Time Tag Team Champion (w/ Marz), National Champion and Hardcore Champion, he was one of the most decorated stars of the once great organization. An early induction into 2012 competition, he quickly established a rivalry with ElJobber, playing runner-up at Tournament 12. Their battles would continue, resulting in VJ's winning Tower of Power V and the Undisputed Championship. A string of defenses ended when ElJobber took him out of competition with fatal impact, but his presence will forever be remembered! Fun, energetic and enthusiastic, few deserve the recognition that nearly eluded him in his original career. "Ohhhhh, what a lovely tea party!"
Steven Oozaru - The one-time 'Golden Monkey' developed into a serious threat during the 2002-2004 reign of ICWW. Before conclusion, he reached the coveted pinnacle of the competition, reigning as a former International Champion, 3-Time Tag Team Champion (w/ Banging [2] & Pagan Freak), National Champion and 5-Time Hardcore Champion. A powerful presence who showed tremendous character throughout his career; Oozaru became a power player for The Immortals in 2012. "The Pacific Connection" claimed gold once again in his intimidating yet brief reign as Duo Division Champion. A classic rivalry with Marz couldn't undermine the presence of The Immortals, but reminds exactly why Oozaru is a worthy Hall of Famer.
Marz - Few contenders in ICWW can claim to have been as dominant as Marz! His feud as arch-rival of the dominant "Spirit of Vengeance" Michael Lucifer remains one of the most legendary rivalries known, but was just one of his star defining match-ups. For 91 days Marz was the greatest champion in the industry - a feat never approached by any world champion! He is a former 2-Time International Champion, Heavyweight Champion, 4-Time Tag Team Champion (w/ Violent J) and National Champion, and widely regarded as one of the best technical players in the game. Reunited with Violent`J in 2012, he dominated the Duo ranks once again, an intimidating force for The Immortals! Marz remains the most successful Tower of Power Challenger 7 competitor, beating his way through eight members of the Top 10! After Violent`J's untimely defeat by ElJobber, he's led the charge through The Iron Fighters of The Great Arena - defeating the biggest names in the league! Comparable to Crow, but even more Unstoppable - Marz' history is something to be in awe of!
TheNomad - Once known as the "Lord of the Table," The Nomad (or Lord Nomad as he was sometimes known) is a true legend of the game. His career in ICWW took a down turn in the later stages, but his legend was established immediately, defined by his role as a pioneering ally of Michael Lucifer and the independent outfit, and as one of the first Champions and headliners. His credits are impressive, a former International Champion, 3-Time Heavyweight Champion, Tag Team Champion (w/ Rockey Rakesh), National Champion, Eurasian Champion and Hardcore Champion. As an ICWW Original he was a natural presence as one of the first Immortals to be revealed. One of the greats - he teamed with Statix in one of the most interesting periods of the 2004 era, and will be remembered for his classic feuds with Rhyno, Michael Lucifer and more.
Statix - Arguably the forerunner for "The Next Phase" phenomenon; Statix was the greatest example of making a new star. His infectious enthusiasm made him a popular participant early on, and his earnest participation made him a natural induction into the coveted world title ranks. He may have been a former International Champion, Tag Team Champion (w/ Jason Shamrock) and 2-Time Hardcore Champion, but above all else, Statix was a champion for ICWW and the best of everyone. Statix made an early induction into 2012 as part of the Championship World Tour, later earning his way into frequent contention with successful stints in various tournaments and events. His career was only taking off, but in 2012, it continued to strive for greatness.
"The Iron Man of Famine" Crow - Once known as the "Unstoppable" force; Crow finally faded out early in the 2012 Year Two cycle. His desire to claim everything with rare exception made him a natural choice to be the League's answer to "Famine," but his presence has been nigh non-existent. Early in the year, he managed to defend his record setting 7 defenses of the Undisputed title by winning the belt for a third-time. Ultimate Grand Prix rekindled his feud with Kron and the League's best, resulting in multiple Iron Man Death Matches and an unprecedented fourth reign as Undisputed Champion! Crow will always have the legacy of being one of the greatest, most successful competitors in the history of The Great Arena. He is a disappointing absence from the League and a worthy Hall of Famer, however you feel about his decline in this second year.
Best Event of 2012
Supercard 22: Ultimate Grand Prix 2012 - Test of the Best - Purported to be the biggest event on The Great Arena calendar, UGP2012 did not disappoint! It was a blockbuster line-up filled with memorable moments, not the least of which was the surprise 'April Fool' that saw Kron get an unexpected win to become Undisputed Champion! He was waved on by King Mimik - the 2012 Battle Royale winner who was unsuccessful in his main event match. UGP2012 was also the place where Ratt and ElJobber created the Iron Man Endurance Match - fighting to an exciting time limit draw that was capped off by a stunning post-match stunner by Ratt! Knickxasawrrrr proved the difference for m0s as he finally claimed the Duo Division Championships in an epic encounter with arch-rival Genku (and ShingoEX)! UGP2012 was also the beginning of The Immortals invasion, a heated rivalry for Hokey and DaMo, TonyTheTiger's learning ground, nface's proving ground, and the explosive blow-up between Casselman and SubMan799!
Supercard 27: All-Star Summer Showdown 2012 - The main event of the summer was once again a great counter balance to the first quarter phenom of UGP! Violent`J and ElJobber continued a year-long feud in the Undisputed Championship main event, but the most memorable victory had to come from the all-star team-up of Ratt & Kron defeating Immortals Oozaru & Banging for the Duo Division titles! They weren't the only all-stars teaming, Supercard 27 producing the long awaited reunion of Hokey & Ninja_Mime! The_Purple_Bunny got the best of m0s in a clash of Daruma 7 Arcade All-Stars; and DaMo and DeathScepter split in a shocking bitter feud that revealed DaMo's true colours as a member of The Immortals!
Tournament 21: The Ultimate Grand Slam - It was the rise of the phoenix! Kron finally claimed his first tournament victory in ultimate circumstances - lording over the first-ever 256-man bracket! Classic matches abound as The Great Arena got its biggest brawl ever and the most stunning shake-up of the ranks! rockey316 was a shock runner-up, reiterating the threat posed by those dastardly Immortals! A spectacle yet to be reproduced and a stunning first of its kind!
2012 Summer Olympic Games - Another event worthy of nomination for its sheer spectacle - the Olympic Games completely changed the dynamic of the game! With divisions drawn between international origins, allies became enemies, enemies became allies, and The Great Arena played host to the most diverse field it has ever seen! The United States unsurprisingly marched to victory with a Dream Team line-up, but the smaller nations were not to be outdone! Coming but once every four years, the Olympics will remain a special claim for those who've been there!
Tournament 10: The Master's Series - The final event of December 2011, it is the oldest event eligible for nomination - and well deserved! The Master's Series is intended to be an annual fixture, bringing the Top 16 competitors of the year together in Round Robin competition! Fighting out of their classes, the very best advance to elimination Semi Finals -- conditions ripe to confirm TonyTheTiger's rise into the 2012 season. This was the event that established him as a future Undisputed Champion, and kicked off the World Warrior chapter of his career, begun by the miss-assumption that victory allowed him the proclamation of Master!
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