Pennyworth’s classical music plays, and the Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the ring. Unlike last Assault, the boos follow him all the way, lasting through his genteel bows and beyond him gathering in a microphone.

PENNYWORTH: “I must say that I am completely disappointed. On the last episode of Assault, I made it clear that I was watching the Heavyweight members of the PWA roster to see if there was a genuine worthy candidate to defend this title against. And what have I seen? Brian Fury pissing his chance away. The Union agreeing not to come after me at all. Tiger Gold showing his ring rust. Crusher Sato…well, the less said about him the better. There’s a whole bunch of heavyweights that are focused on the tag team belts.

PENNYWORTH: “Who is left? I’m being quite serious about this. There is not a single heavyweight in PWA who is of a caliber to be worthy to try for the championship. To be completely honest, this hurts me. I want to fight. I haven’t trained for decades to sit on the sidelines while others do all the work in the ring. I may have to look elsewhere for worthy competition. I hear some of the other companies around have some decent competitors…”

Suddenly, Damion Black’s music plays, and the CEO comes out to the ring. He has a microphone of his own, and gets right in Pennyworth’s face before lifting it and speaking.

BLACK: “Richard, I’ve been patient. I tried to let you make a decision on your own. Unfortunately, it has become apparent to me that you will not defend that title unless I make you.”

PENNYWORTH: “Now just hold on a minute, Damion-”

BLACK: “No no, you have had plenty of time to speak your piece and you left it up to me, so let me tell you how it’s going to be. You WILL be defending the Heavyweight Championship against a man who has proven himself to be worthy in the eyes of the PWA Armada, the championship committee and myself. And before you interrupt me again, let me tell you this — you are required to be present at the next Assault. In the ring, there will be a table set up, and you and will meet face to face with your opponent to sign a contract. That contract will be for a Heavyweight Title defense at our next supercard. If you refuse to show up, or if you refuse to sign, then you will leave me no choice but to strip you of the title.”

Pennyworth scowls and looks off to the side, showing his displeasure to the crowd.

PENNYWORTH: “And who, may I ask, is this worthy challenger that has gone beyond my notice?”

BLACK: “Why, he is a man you know quite well. Indeed, the two of you have had a colorful history to say the least. Franky, as he has just defeated a former World Champion, I can think of no one better to challenge you for PWA Heavyweight title. The #1 contender for your Heavyweight Championship is… BRIAN FURY!”

Pennyworth stares at Damion Black for a long moment. He turns away briefly, then quickly and violently turns back towards Black, who flinches ever so slightly. Pennyworth smirks as he gets nose-to-nose with the boss.

PENNYWORTH: Fine. I’ll be there. But WHEN I defeat Fury…you’ll know I was right about the quality of competition in PWA. Maybe you’ll go find someone worthy of the belt then.

Pennyworth throws down the microphone and turns his back on Damion Black, walking out of the ring and up the ramp, ignoring the boos that continue to rain down. Black allows him to leave the ring, when the arena goes black. The jumbotron above the ramp flares to life.

A bell rings.

Bloomfield: “We have a new Heavyweight Champion of PWA!”

The camera flashes between an empty ring and Richard Pennyworth celebrating his victory.

The camera then stills back on the PWA ring. This time the three furthest ring posts have blue candles sitting on them letting off a dull glow. Children begin to whisper and giggle around the ring but no one is there. Richard Pennyworth’s music plays over the speakers and echoing in the dark empty arena.

The music begins to get choppy, then slow, then play backwards. A boy and a girl speak through the shadows.

GIRL: “Those who have power know not what to fear.”

BOY: “Those who have everything have nothing to gain.”

BOTH: “Those who have fallen will reclaim all.”

A dense fog rolls through masking all light but that given by the candles. As the flames flicker out, a small shimmer is seen for a split second. It’s a shimmer of a golden Rollex with a broken face..