PROJECT: UNDERGROUND III | JANUARY 4TH, 2022: THE IN-BETWEEN

OPENING
A live feed of fans entering the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, can be seen as the sounds of “Enemy” by Imagine Dragons featuring J.I.D. begins to play gently at first. The sound of the fans chatter and excitement can be heard for several moments, before the first verse swings around.

I wake up to the sounds of the silence that allows
For my mind to run around with my ear up to the ground
I'm searching to behold the stories that are told
When my back is to the world that was smiling when I turned
Tell you you're the greatest
But once you turn they hate us

One by one in a swift motion, the letters for the words M.A.N. VERSUS JUPITER appears in large uppercase letters. M.A.N. appears first on the left side of the screen, seemingly fixated on adjusting his wrist tape. Meanwhile, Jupiter appears on the right side, flexing in a low motion while baring his teeth with a roar. There's purple flames that seemingly burn the motion match card away as the next one fades into transition.

Oh, the misery
Everybody wants to be my enemy
Spare the sympathy
Everybody wants to be my enemy
(Look out for yourself)
My enemy (look, look, look, look)
(Look out for yourself)
But I'm ready

Christopher Graves appears next, on the left side of the screen, arms crossed over his chest as he leans back slightly. There's a look of pure determination on his face. Before Gin Kuromiya appears next, he's posing with a ridiculously large anime sword. Slinging it over his right shoulder, he extends his right hand, index and thumb pointed like a finger gun, before he turns it sideways. More purple flames as we soon transition to the next card.

Your words up on the wall as you're praying for my fall
And the laughter in the halls and the names that I've been called
I stack it in my mind and I'm waiting for the time
When I show you what it's like to be words spit in a mic
Tell you you're the greatest
But once you turn they hate us
(Huh)

Chloe XO appears on the screen with Danielle holding a mirror in front of her. She's fixing her make up, while Danielle seemingly praises her with compliments. Meanwhile, Joseph Blaze appears on the right, dropping to his knees in prayer before a dark grin crosses his lips. Purple flames engulf the screen a moment later.

Uh, look
Okay, I'm hoping that somebody pray for me
I'm praying that somebody hope for me
I'm staying where nobody 'posed to be
P-P-Posted, being a wreck of emotions
Ready to go whenever, just let me know

Meatball appears on the left side of the screen, smoke spilling from his lips, as a cigar is clutched between his teeth. He looks to not be in a good mood, though when is he ever in a good mood? Trafalgar Law comes onto the right side, posing with arms crossed over his chest as he leans towards the left. Purple flames engulf the scene as we head into the headliner graphic.

The road is long, so put the pedal into the floor
The enemy on my trail, my energy unavailable
I'ma tell 'em hasta luego
I know they wanna plot on my trot to the top
I've been outta shape, thinkin' out the box, I'm an astronaut
I blasted off the planet rock to cause catastrophe
And it matters more because I had it not

Kurtis Slayne appears on the left, head rolling in a circle, before he glares daggers at the camera. There's a dark and cold look in his eyes, as GLUM appears on the right side. The clown is downing a bottle of whiskey, no cares given as he stumbles onto the scene. Purple flames engulf the scene again as we head into our final graphic of the night.

Had I thought about wreaking havoc on an opposition
Kinda shocking they wanted static with precision, I'm automatic
Quarterback, I ain't talkin' sacking
Pack it, pack it up, I don't panic
Batter, batter up, who the baddest?
It don't matter 'cause we at ya throat

R.C. Sterling comes onto the scene dressed to the nines, a three piece suit that looks far too expensive covers his body. He adjusts the cuffs of the suit, a smug look on his face as he glances at the camera. Virgil Barrick appears on the right, a stern look on his face as he curls both hands into fists. He shifts slightly, leaning at an angle as purple flames engulf the scene one final time.

Everybody wants to be my enemy
Spare the sympathy
Everybody wants to be
My enemy
Oh, the misery
Everybody wants to be my enemy
Spare the sympathy
Everybody wants to be my enemy

As we head back to the arena, the camera pans over the electric crowd that cheers wildly. It’s a sold out show and they’re all packed in and ready to go as the music slowly fades out.

Pray it away, I swear
I'll never be a saint, no way
My enemy
Pray it away, I swear
I'll never be a saint

---

OPENING MATCH
M.A.N. VERSUS JUPITER
SINGLES MATCH

In back and forth action, both men are looking to add another W to their column. But, only one of them can come out on top. Jupiter uses brute strength and pure skill to try to overpower M.A.N. But, after an attempted Jupiter's Red Spot to M.A.N., the Running Legdrop only managed to collect a mere two count for the brute giant. Much to his chagrin, M.A.N. uses dirty tactics and claws at his opponents eyes while the referee turns away for a mere moment. The moment is all it takes for M.A.N. to turn the tides against his adversary.

After taking the brunt of Jupiter's attacks for a majority of the match, M.A.N. manages to bring the comeback. M.A.N. whips Jupiter into a far corner, charging forward to nail him with a wicked Running Big Boot to the jaw! Bull Kick connects and Jupiter is seeing stars. M.A.N. takes advantage of this, looking to put an end to this. Mustering up all of his strength, M.A.N. manages to lift Jupiter for the Going Global! The duo practically collapse in the middle of the ring as M.A.N. connects with the Sit-Out Powerbomb. M.A.N. manages to end up the victor of this hard fought match up in the end.

VERA KNIGHT: Here is your winner via Pinfall... MMMAAARRRCC AAAAAARRROOONNN NNNEEEWWWTTTOOONNN! 

---

MATCH TWO
CHRISTOPHER GRAVES VERSUS GIN KUROMIYA
SINGLES MATCH

Two men who have a near equal amount of wins and losses are looking to battle it out to prove who can come out on top. Gin comes in hot with a newly found rage, firing away with lefts and rights and tossing caution to the wind. He's surprisingly taking the top fight here. But, Christopher puts that fire out with quite ease. A Spear cuts Gin in half nearly and Christopher drives him into the center of the canvas. It's quick and easy lights out here for Gin as Christopher slides to his feet. He's not done just yet, he's looking to go big or go home.

Christopher collects Gin from the canvas, wrapping him up between his legs, and driving him right back into the mat face first with the GOAT! Christopher makes a flashy way of dropping onto his opponent, hooking both legs as the referee makes the three count. Christopher slowly removes himself from his opponent, hand held out post-match for a handshake. But, Gin merely shakes his head before sliding out of the ring.

VERA KNIGHT: Here is your winner via Pinfall... CCCHHHRRRIIISSSTTTOOOPPPHHHEEERRR GGGRRRAAAVVVEEESSS!

---

MATCH THREE
JOSEPH BLAZE VERSUS CHLOE XO
SINGLES MATCH

Things are not looking good this week for miss Chloe XO. In fact, she's been taking quite a beating during this match up. While her loyal best friend, Danielle, tries to even the odds every so often. It doesn't look like it's enough to keep Chloe in the game. Chloe is absolutely reeling after just barely managing to dodge a Blaze of Glory! Handspring Lariat is avoided as Chloe ducks beneath the arm. She swings back around with the momentum and takes Joseph down with a Jumping Ripcord Knee! But, no! Joseph is still on his feet, merely grinning and laughing maniacally as Chloe backs up against the ropes.

Before she has the chance to do much else, Joseph charges in and nails her with multiple Machine Gun Chops across the chest. My god, he's trying to cave her chest in with those chops. With Chloe left gasping for air, Joseph is ready to put her down like Old Yeller. He yanks her off the mat by her pretty blonde locks and takes her out with the Amazing Grace! Over the Shoulder Backbreaker into a Piledriver seals the lights out for Chloe! Joseph stands victorious as Danielle yanks Chloe from the ring to check on her friend.

VERA KNIGHT: Here is your winner via Pinfall... JJJOOOSSSEEEPPPHHH BBBLLLAAAZZZEEE!

---

MATCH FOUR
TRAFALGAR LAW VERSUS MEATBALL
SINGLES MATCH

Meatball is in no mood to play any games here tonight. There's a fight as soon as the bell rings and Trafalgar is the one coming in hot swinging. Multiple forearms to the face backs Meatball into a corner and Trafalgar goes for a European Uppercut that connects! Meatball shoves his opponent away from him, looking more pissed off than anything else. Meatball fires away left and right strikes, to the face to the jaws to the ribs and midsection. It's hard for Trafalgar to focus or cover up and when Meatball backs his opponent into a corner, he's right back on the attack. Corner Body Press has Trafalgar winded as Meatball gives him just a tad bit of breathing space.

Meatball lets him crawl from the corner, until a boot is pressed firmly on his back. Meatball stomps on his back several times until he's satisfied. He grips onto Trafalgar's hair and tosses him with a wicked Biel Toss. It's enough to get a full belly laugh out of Meatball. Meatball lifts Trafalgar up and looks to put him down for good. Package Piledriver connects a few moments later and Executing The Plan seals the deal! Meatball kicks Trafalgar out of the ring as he celebrates his win.

VERA KNIGHT: Here is your winner via Pinfall... MMMEEEAAATTTBBBAAALLL!

---

HEADLINER
KURTIS SLAYNE VERSUS GLUM
SINGLES MATCH

There's hardly any real battle here as GLUM comes to the ring too drunk for anyone's liking. He reeks of alcohol and Kurtis is in no mood for games. As GLUM honks a large clown horn in his face, Kurtis remains stoic, unreadable expression. As soon as the bell rings, all bets are off. Kurtis fires off wicked elbow strikes at GLUM as he comes out swinging. Snap German Suplex comes next and Kurtis locks in the Triangle Choke a moment later. Fingers are grasped as Kurtis twists and bends them at awkward and painful angles. GLUM cries out in pain until Kurtis lets go with a sickening snap. GLUM thrashes on the canvas as Kurtis seems to be enjoying this right now. The crowd, however, is left feeling uneasy at what is transpiring.

Kurtis drags GLUM out onto the apron, where he nails him with a F*ck You! Ring Apron DDT connects and leaves GLUM dropping to the outside of the ring. Kurtis stomps away at him as he's slumped against the barricade where the fans rain down boos loudly. Kurtis whips GLUM into the steel steps, before the referee warns that they are at a five count. Kurtis ignores him, yanking GLUM up and tossing him back into the ring where he follows swiftly behind. Kurtis sizes GLUM up, ready to put an end to it all. Kurtis charges towards GLUM and nails him with a soul crushing Eye For an Eye. Putting GLUM down for the three count.

VERA KNIGHT: Here is your winner via Pinfall... KKKUUURRRTTTIIISSS SSSLLLAAAYYYNNNEEE!

---

MAIN EVENT
VIRGIL BARRICK VERSUS R.C. STERLING
SINGLES MATCH

Virgil allows R.C. to get the first couple of strikes in, but it only ends up horribly for the younger of the two. Virgil grips onto R.C.'s neck and slams him into the corner. He fires away with wicked Knife Edge Chop after Knife Edge Chop as R.C. stumbles out of the corner gripping his chest in pain. Virgil doesn't let up on his attack, meticulously following behind as he captures R.C. for a Scoop Powerslam. It connects and leaves R.C. scrambling into one of the corners in a panic. Eyes wide and yelling at the referee who stands between the two. Virgil merely smirks, making a come on motion with index and middle finger towards R.C. who charges at him with zero thought behind it.

As Virgil side steps, R.C. calculates his next move and jumps onto his back. He locks in the Tell The Vision. Standing Dragon Sleeper is locked in tight, but swiftly transitioned into a Trademark! Rolling Cutter connects and Virgil is down on the canvas. But, it's not for long as he kicks out just before the two count is official. Virgil sits up, pops up to his feet, and cracks his knuckles. With some space put between them, R.C. charges towards Virgil. Only to be taken out with a Fixer's Favourite! Wheelbarrow Suplex connects R.C.'s head right to the canvas in a wicked way.

Virgil follows it up with a Pop-Up Powerslam, dropping R.C. on his pretty little face onto the canvas. Virgil lifts R.C. up and sets him up for the Doctor Bomb! Sit-Out Gutwrench Powerbomb connects and Virgil gets the win! R.C. rolls out of the ring, looking more furious than anything, as Virgil celebrates his win.

VERA KNIGHT: Here is your winner via Pinfall... VVVIIIRRRGGGIIILLL BBBAAARRRIIICCCKKK!

The show comes to a close with a last shot of Virgil standing tall in the ring before fading to black.