2008 is coming to a whirlwind conclusion which means its time once again for the year end awards. It was a year full of suspense, trechery, climatic moments, bitter rivalries, and final battles. It was a year where competitors such as Christian Savior and Orlando Cruze achieved their personal milestones by winning the World Heavyweight title. It was a year where the legendary Johnny Kingdom came out of retirement and once again set the world on fire with a series of phenomenal performances, as well as waged a bitter rivalry with Desolation. 2008 saw the debuts of new athletes, like the controversial Porno Lad, the rough and tough Kaelen Storm, and the somewhat troubled David Freak. Therefore, as we head into 2009 we celebrate the biggest moments of this past year and reward not only the stars of today but honor the stars of tommorrow. Who will walk into the new year with a trophy in hand and their head held high?
Best Newcomer:
David Freak
It's safe to say that neither David Freak nor the IWC knew what to expect when he first set foot in a wrestling ring. Since his debut David has had quite the unusual year. On top of competing in a number of stellar matches, including an epic ladder encounter for the Ttag Team Titles and a brutal singles bout with Desolation, Freak has been involved in some truly perplexing moments. Moments such as his forced marriage to Aurora Rose, which has actually spawned quite a proficient tag team. Moments such as Jean Lafette's debut where he surrounded Freak with a protective circle of salt. Moments like a huge victory in his very first Paranoia match. David has done a lot in 2008, and has acted with true professionalism throughout it all. While athletes like Porno Lad and Kaelen Storm have recently made a splash on the IWC scene, Freak made his debut almost at the beginning of 08 and has demonstrated a great work ethic as well as proven his dedication to the federation throughout the year. For his involvement in so many awkward moments, his participation in a number of tremendous encounters, and his devotion, David is awarded 2008's Newcomer of the Year award.
Most Improved:
Riggs
Perhaps nobody in the history of the IWC has had as big of a turn around in the span of a year as Riggs. The Painted Warrior made his return at the commencement of 2008, and since his return has totally redefined himself. His in ring aptitude has impressed and astonished even his staunchest defactors. He demonstrated his toughness by gritting it through a World title match even while sporting a badly injured arm. He stood up for his principles by staring down the former General Manager AWOL and keeping him from blindsiding Psycho at Paranoia. And he's demonstrated just how devoted to the IWC that he is by refusing to join the Conspiracy, and aligning himself with rival Psycho to stand against that very stable. His return has garnished a great deal of attention and for good reason, as he's seemingly improved not only every aspect of his wrestling persona, but his personal life as well. The Painted Warrior has shown that he stands for something, and that may be the greatest improvement of them all.
Angle of the Year:
The Conspiracy & Who's the Boss
What a year it's been for the Conspiracy, who tied with themselves ironically for Angle of the Year. It's only fitting that Dan Douglas' reveal as the owner won this award alongside the Conspiracy, as the group would not be in existance without the former commentator's shocking announcement. For over a year, since the IWC opened, mystery surrounded the new owner, the individual who purchased the ULW once it closed its door. Finally, after Johnny Kingdom defeated Silencer at Paranoia V the owner was forced to reveal himself, and to everyone's shock it turned out to be long time commentator Dan Douglas. It didn't end there, as Douglas immediately announced the formation of the Conspiracy, consisting of Pat Evans, Silencer and Christian Savior, three men who were working in conjunction with Dan to set up the IWC. No group in the history of the IWC has twisted and distorted the principles that the company has stood for and operated with more secrecy. A great deal of paranoia has been generated from the Conspiracy, due to the fact that absolutely anyone on the roster could be a member of the group, which was demonstrated when refere Alex Ingelson gave into the allure of power. There has been perhaps no other stable with as much strength as the Conspiracy, and with as much cunning to boot. Therefore, alongside Douglas, they receive the trophy for angle of the year. Who knows what we'll all be in store for from the Conspiracy come 2009.
Show of the Year:
Paranoia V
For the second straight year in a row IWC's annual Spring blockbuster Paranoia has achieved yet another momentous honor. Beating out the Overbooked Extravaganza and Extinction by a slim margin, Paranoia V has laid claim to Show of the Year, and with good reason. Although a number of pay-per-views had their respective charms, this year's Paranoia was perhaps the biggest of them all, and really, how can you compete with that? Paranoia V will be fondly remembered for a multitude of reasons, rather it be the high flying, death defying triangle ladder match, or the 4 on 4 tag team contest featuring non-stop action. It could be recognized for the bout where Johnny Kingdom beat Silencer and as thus forced the owner to reveal his identity. Maybe fans will remember it for the epic Cartel title confrontation where Desolation took the gold away from Axl Evermore, or for the Submission title match where Pat Evans barely out lasted Jason Wheeler to keep hold of his belt. The moment that will undeniably be etched in the memories of most IWC loyalists was the culmination of a World Championship match a year in the making. This main event saw Orlando Cruze overcome insurmountable odds and send the crowd into a frenzy upon forcing Hurse to tap out thus winning back the World title belt that had been denied to him for so very long. Paranoia V had a number of unbelievable matches and moments that will transcend time itself.
Moment of the Year:
Dan Douglas's Reveal as President
Who can easily forget the first time that Desolation brought Spin the Wheel, Make the Deal to the IWC, or when he handed the Cartel Championship to a ladder? It's not so simple to forget the forced marriage of David Freak and Aurora Rose? Can you honestly claim that Orlando Cruze's, or Christian Savior's title victories will be forgotten years from now? 08 had it's fair share of stunning moments, ranging from first time ever encounters to ladders defending championships and Hurse forced to wrestle a rubber woman thanks to the cunning Porno Lad, but the fans have made their voices clear, deeming Dan Douglas' reveal as IWC President to be the biggest moment of them all. It was a moment that had been built to for over a year, and culminated in not only the near destruction of the Team Leader Johnny Kingdom, but the birth of the Conspiracy as well. This moment triggered a number of future events and set the tone for the rest of the year. It led to Christian Savior's title win, to Orlando Cruze and Johnny Kingdom being named co-holders of the Tag Team Championships, and Alex Ingelson's betrayal of the IWC roster. Although this incident was crowned with a big award it will not be recalled as a truly feel good moment.
Match of the Year:
The Weapon's Lair
IWC had it's plethora of memorable encounters which certainly made it difficult for the voting audience when it came time to select just one bout that stood out above all the rest. This was a year where Riggs and Psycho brutalized each other in an unforgettable Tables Are Legal match. 08 saw the epic culmination of a timeless rivalry between Axl Evermore and Desolation in both a singles encounter and a handicap match involving the participation of a ladder. There were huge tag team encounters, like the main event to Awaken, as well as technical classics like the one waged between Jason Wheeler and Pat Evans. But the one bout that defined violence earned the award for Match of the Year, the Weapon's Lair. A tradition throughout ULW history was recently ressurected to decide the new number one contender and put a stamp of finality on a year of bitter rivalries. The upper eschelon of talent here in the IWC all stepped foot inside of the harrowing steel enclosure and embarked on a war where buckets of blood were spilt, and careers were undeniably altered forever. Every weapon from barbwire, to ladders, to tables, to light-tubes were employed by the participants until one man emerged from the cage with the contender's contract in hand. The Weapon's Lair closed out 2008 with a violent bang, one that will not soon be forgotten, or easily erased from one's memory.
Tag Team of the Year:
Sex & Violence
Tag team wrestling was seemingly reborn throughout 2008, with new alliances formed and pre-existing duos cementing their legacies. Although this was a big year for new teams: Silencer & Pat Evans, Johnny Kingdom & Orlando Cruze, otherwise affectionately dubbed "Jorlandom," and David Freak & Aurora Rose, the Fully Loaded reps Axl Evermore & Max Craven were able to beat them all off with a stick and claim the honor of 2008 Team of the Year. For close to two years now in the IWC Craven & Evermore have worked as a well oiled machine, which could be a result of the thousands of dollars they've spent on hair grease. They've overcome many obstacles as a team in 08, including rivalries against Too Magnificent & Jackson Adams, and have waged wars with nearly every team on the roster, with the exception of Cruze and Kingdom. With a win here, will Max and Axl be looking to add more than trophies to their resume going into 2009? They've both already accomplished a lot in singles competition here in the IWC, but when will they step up and lay claim to the Tag Team Titles? Will 2009 be their year?
Wrestler of the Year:
Christian Savior
This was a big year for a number of IWC competitors ranging from Riggs, Orlando Cruze, and Jason Wheeler to Johnny Kingdom, Axl Evermore, Robin Brooks and Pat Evans, but ultimately one competitor was found truly befitting of Wrestler of the Year. Was it Johnny Kingdom, who returned at the beginning of 2008 and has went virtually undefeated throughout a whole calendar year? How about Orlando Cruze, who finally regained the World Championship at Paranoia V? Maybe it was Jason Wheeler who has won both the No Holds Barred and the Cartel Championships this year alone? Actually, the answer is none of the above, and the when in doubt, fill in the letter "c" rule does not apply here. The winner of competitor of the year is none other than Christian Savior, who has accomplished perhaps more than anyone throughout 2008. On two seperate occassions Christian has been a double champion. At the beginning of 08 he obtained the N.H.B and the X-Class title belts, holding them both for several months. But his hunger for gold would not be clinched as he set his sights on the World Heavyweight Championship. Nothing would stop him from obtaining the belt, which he eventually accomplished at the Overbooked Extravaganza. On top of holding multiple championships Christian has also alligned himself with the Conspiracy, provided some of the most epic matches of 08, and some of the most memorable, albiet disturbing memories. If one man truly owned 2008 it was Christian Savior.
With that 2008 comes to a close. We hope it was a year that you will fondly remember, and one that will not be easily forgotten. 2008 saw the birth of new champions, and the dawning of new stars. Who knows what the cards hold for 2009, but rest assure the IWC will once again attempt to top themselves heading into the new year.