[The Brotherhood] Nick Spoils Magical Mystery Tour, Part 1

[Nick Spoils]

The video opens with a shaky-cam segment taped at a house show after King of Deathmatch II. We see Ragnarok posing in the center of the ring, getting the crowd riled up as he makes his standard cocky cover on what appears to be one of the Ripcord Brothers. The man he is covering kicks out, and then everything seems to start going wrong for Armageddon. Ragnarok tries to grab the Ripcord by the ankle, but misses, and the hot tag is made. The second Ripcord jumps in the ring and hits a DDT out of nowhere on the big man, dropping him to the mat hard. Gehenna rushes the ring to try to stunt that momentum, but is cut off and made to go back to his corner by the referee Mustang Peter. This allows the Ripcords to hit a huge double-team move on Ragnarok, and a rollup draws the attention of the referee who counts a steady 1-2-3. There is a stunned silence in the crowd for a long moment, with the camera focusing on Nick Spoils' face of disbelief. And then, as the referee raises the hands of the Ripcord Brothers, the crowd erupts into cheers, sending the fallen Armageddon to the back with defeated postures.

The scene changes. It is now obviously at least a day later, as we are in a weight room that is letting in the afternoon sun. Ragnarok, Gehenna, and Zero are in the room, but none of them are currently working out. Ragnarok isn't even in workout clothes, instead wearing jeans and a dark t-shirt. All three men sit silently, that same look of depression on each of their faces. A couple times, Zero looks like he's going to say something, but shakes his head and closes his mouth again without speaking.

The door slams open just off camera, and Nick Spoils makes his way into the frame. He looks at the dour faces that barely glance at him and nods ever so slightly to himself. He grabs a folding chair and sets it up, settling himself facing the other three with his legs straddling the back of the chair.

NICK: So.

As if he has broken the seal, the other men in the little circle react. Ragnarok's face shifts from depression to anger, and it seems like much of it is focused on Spoils. Gehenna sports a look of morbid curiosity, as if to see what new hell is about to be visited upon him. Zero again looks to speak, but shakes his head negatively, and leans back against a wall with his arms crossed.

NICK: We've had a rough go of it lately, without question. Nakamura's betrayal...I've had clients betray me before, but it never stings any less. But that wasn't the start of it. We, none of us, have had that fire lately. Armageddon is 3-time Tag Team champs for Christ's sake. Zero, you've held championships in every independent place you've been. I've managed champions numerous times. All of us, we are world-class. But we don't have...it...any longer. I thought taking on Dinkle at King of Deathmatch would turn things around. Getting revenge on Nakamura for the way he ditched us. Ditched his brothers. But no, that didn't seem to do it. Then, I got you guys a match with the Ripcords. Figured a quick and easy win would get things going again. That...didn't work.

NICK: So, it's time to reach into my bag of tricks. First and foremost -- if any of the three of you want to jump ship right here right now, whether to sign on with Dinkle or go it alone, I'll let you. No hard feelings, no regrets. You want to be your own men, just say so, and I'll terminate your contracts right here right now. But if you still trust me, if you think I can still get it done, then you have to agree to double down and let me take the lead. What do you say?

Zero shrugs, and looks to the other two to see what they are going to do. Ragnarok and Gehenna stare at each other in silence for a long time, long enough that the silence starts to get uncomfortable. Finally, it is Gehenna who speaks.

GEHENNA: Nick find Ragnarok. Nick find Gehenna. Armageddon cannot fight without Nick. Gehenna stay with Nick.

ZERO: Hey man, if he's staying, I'm staying. Black never would have given me the time of day if you hadn't brought me in. You think he's gonna let me stay without you? I'm in all the way.

Ragnarok, still silent, stands up. He moves up to Nick Spoils, and stares down at him. He briefly looks at the door, then at his still packed duffel. With a heavy sigh, he nods.

RAGNAROK: Da, Nick. Brotherhood.

NICK: Excellent. I thought you'd say as much. Pack your bags, boys. I've booked us a bit of a world tour...

The shot cuts suddenly, and the words "To Be Continued" fade in, and then out.

[Nick Spoils]

The shot opens up inside a van in motion. The cameraman is obviously sitting in the passenger seat, filming the rear two rows that are occupied with the members of The Brotherhood. All four men are moving slightly from the motion, and in the back row, Zero looks to be completely asleep. A caption appears on the screen, identifying the location as "74 KM outside Omsk, Siberia, Russia". Nick Spoils to Ragnarok, the two of them sitting in the front row, and they begin speaking in Russian. A handy closed caption appears to translate.

NICK: I'd forgotten how cold it was here.

RAGNAROK: I hadn't. When you grow up here, the temperature kind of grows into you. I could be away for decades, and I'd still remember the cold.

NICK: You looking forward to seeing home?

RAGNAROK: Home is...difficult. Small Russian town, someone of my size? I was a freak then. I'll still be a freak now. But my mother will be happy. That will have to be enough, won't it?

Nick falls silent with a nod. The shot does a cut, and we see that it is now night time. The caption says "4 hours later". The van rolls to a stop. The four members of The Brotherhood start stretching, and when the door opens, they get out. They look around, and the camera is able to show that they have arrived in a small village, no more than a dozen buildings in about a half mile area. The light is on in a few of them, but one in particular seems to be the hub of activity in the village for the evening. Then, a female voice comes from off camera. Fortunately, the translation captions are still on the job.

VOICE: Is that my little Vasily? Have you come home?

We see Ragnarok smile, for perhaps the first time in PWA history, a true wide genuine smile. He turns towards the voice.

RAGNAROK: Mama, it's good to see you. And you know I haven't been your little Vasily since I was 8.

MAMA: You'll always be my little boy, no matter how big you get. Get over here, boy, and give your mama a hug.

Mama comes into frame. She's a shade under five feet, and Ragnarok absolutely towers over her. Nevertheless, he wraps his arms around her tightly, the joy evident on his face.

MAMA: Come. You've had a long trip. The whole town came out for you tonight. There's lots of food, and lots of drink. Come eat. Bring your friends.

The shot cuts again, this time to inside, and after an apparent feast has taken place. There are still a few townspeople hanging around, but the focus is on The Brotherhood and Ragnarok's mother. All five are relaxing and well fed.

MAMA: So, you've had a rough go of it lately? That's why you came home?

RAGNAROK: It's not like...wait, how did you know?

MAMA: We've got the internet now, Vasily. I've been watching you. And it's entirely like that. He wanted to recenter all of you, so he's taking each of you home. Am I wrong?

NICK: You're not wrong. I thought a little taste of home, of what gave them each the first inklings of why they wanted to fight, might give them the push they all need to get to the next level.

MAMA: Well, I'm not about to complain. You boys can stay for as long as you need to. Anything to help my little Vasily. And Mr. Spoils?

NICK: Yes, ma'am?

MAMA: If you ever do wrong by my boy, so help me god, I will hunt you down and I will end you.

NICK: Of course. I always do what's right for my clients.

MAMA: Good. Now that's settled. I've got some beds made up for you all. Whenever you're ready, Vasily can take you home.

Mama walks out of the frame, and Ragnarok watches her go. Then he leans back with a sigh and another smile.

RAGNAROK: Thanks, boss.

To Be Continued...

[Nick Spoils]

We find ourselves in an airport, as the caption on the screen indicates "Bandara Internasional Raden Intan II, Bandar Lampung, Indonesia". The Brotherhood is seen walking through the airport, their luggage in tow. We zoom into the group, where Nick Spoils is talking to Gehenna. As they speak, the translation algorithms are in force, indicating that they are translating from Indonesian.

GEHENNA: I'm not sure about this, Nick. You know I didn't leave home unwillingly. I escaped, plain and simple. Returning home for me is not...not something I want to do.

NICK: Relax, son. I know your history. I know what your life was like. And, I think I know exactly what you need. And if you'll trust me, I think you'll find that I can provide it for you.

GEHENNA: I trust you. It's just...it's been a long time since I've been home. And if I'd had my way, it'd be a much longer time.

NICK: I think you'll find that this experience will provide a bit of contrast to what you remember.

With that said, the pair step outside, where a stretch limousine is waiting, with a driver holding a sign that reads "The Brotherhood". Gehenna pauses, and gives Nick a glance, before climbing into the car. He's followed by the others, and a pair of valets ensure their luggage is put away. The car drives off, leaving the cameraman behind.

The scene cuts to the inside of a hotel room...or rather, an expansive luxury suite inside a hotel. The Brotherhood is obviously on the top floor of a high rise, and we see Gehenna standing at the window. A close-up shows that he is looking down over the city and the environs. Nick comes up to stand slightly behind him.

NICK: There. What'd I tell you? I have no intentions of subjecting you to your former life. No, what you needed, Gehenna, was to be reminded of where you came from. Or more specifically, to remind you how far you have come. Look at you. In a penthouse suite, looking down on everyone who has ever done you wrong. You have escaped. You have moved on. And nothing that anyone down there can do will derail you. You, Gehenna, have it made.

Gehenna turns away from the window and gives Nick a long and not very pleasant glare. He finally relaxes, and closes his eyes with slight nod.

GEHENNA: I suppose I have. Thank you, Nick.

NICK: Any time, my boy. And I want you to know something else, too. We're only here for the night. Even from this lofty height, I wouldn't subject you to this country any longer than we needed. Get some rest. We're in the air again tomorrow.

To Be Continued...

[Nick Spoils]

We open up on a wrestling ring. The caption this time says "Special Thanks to SDCW for allowing The Brotherhood to film here." This time, it's just Nick and Zero, sitting in a fairly sparse crowd while a show goes on in the background.

ZERO: Boss, you know I'm with you. If it wasn't for you, I'd never have gotten my big break. I don't know why you wanted to drag me out here.

NICK: Because, Zero. This is what you were. What you still could be, if you make that choice. San Diego Championship Wrestling. You were champion here, weren't you?

ZERO: Three times. Twice in LA. Once more in Tijuana. Even once in Phoenix, though that didn't last long. Too far to drive.

NICK: Seven time champ, but I bet you never raised a belt in front of more than 300 people, did you?

ZERO: I think my biggest crowd came in a supershow between three differnt companies. I remember the gate being something like 550 or so. But yeah, I see your point. Never had many people see me.

NICK: You were in a tiny pond. You were a big fish, but in a tiny pond. And you still could be. I bet that if you were to stand up from the crowd tonight when the champ comes out later and start jawing, they'd change the lineup instantly to give you a match against him. Especially now that you've been on tv a few times. You could rule the indies. All up and down the west coast. I bet you that if you moved back here, you'd be a double or triple champion within the year.

There is a long pause after that, as the two of them watch the action in the ring.

ZERO: You're probably right. Former PWA talent? They'd be lining up to put me in their shows. I could command two, three times what I used to. But there's one problem with that. Former PWA Talent? All that says to me is that I couldn't cut it. When I WAS the big fish in the small pond? I felt like it was everything I could ever want. It was incredible. But now...now I've gone and jumped ponds. I've gone in the big pond. And yeah, I'm not as big comparatively now. But I've got room to grow now. I haven't hit my peak. I think I could hold a title or two still, even in the big pond. So my answer stays the same, boss. I'm with you all the way. Get me to the top. Make me a big fish in a big pond.

NICK: That's what I like to hear. You want to stick around and say anything to the guys here before we leave?

ZERO: And get pulled back into the small pond? Nah. It's time to go, boss.

To Be Continued...

[Nick Spoils]

The camera is focused on a fairly upscale house as a large black SUV pulls in front of it. A caption reads "The Spoils Estate, Kansas City, Missouri." The Brotherhood gets out, and stands in a line staring at the house. Nick breaks the line first, leading the way into the house.

We cut to a little later. The four men are sitting around a rich wooden table, bottles of beer in hand (and plenty of empties in front of them), and chatting quietly. We hear a door shut, and someone who looks like a younger version of Nick walks in. He stops in the doorway, and anger comes across his face.

MAN: How dare you? I told you the last time we spoke that I never wanted to see you again. And now you're here, and bringing your latest conquests into my house like we never had that conversation?

NICK: Mark, it's not like that. Look, we've all been doing some self-reflecting, and after helping out the guys here, I realized that it was time I came home. Time I mended fences. Time that you and I reconciled.

MARK: Reconciled. Oh, that's rich, coming from you. You, who finds the big men, runs them ragged, and then tosses them aside? You who will manage any hoss you find, but wouldn't deign to get me into the business. You, who walked away with a new client without so much as talking to me about being MY manager. What the hell, man? Seriously, what the hell?

NICK: Son, I just want to talk. To try to make you understand where I was coming from. Choosing not to take you on as a client was one of the hardest decisions of my life. The idea of having family in the business made me happier than I think anyone would want to admit. But you...you weren't going to make it. I was saving your life, son.

MARK: Don't son me. And don't give me that bullshit, Nick. You walked out on me, and you damned well know it.

Mark turns and stalks away, and the sound of a door slamming reverberates through the room. The Brotherhood sits in silence for a minute or so, all staring after the retreating man. Finally, Gehenna breaks the silence.

GEHENNA: Why would your son say this?

NICK: It was twenty, thirty years ago. I'd been in the business a few years, but I hadn't gotten anyone into any big companies yet. Warlike was about three years in my future yet, my first client to make it to the big time. Mark...Mark wanted to wrestle. He wasn't good, but he had potential. He knew the moves, and training was going well.

NICK: His first match, ever, he hurt himself. Landed wrong, broke his clavicle. Ref threw up the X while I was watching. As they carted him out, I was heartbroken. I still had angles to do, and I couldn't make it to the hospital until later, after he'd been treated. It was bad, but he recovered. Rehabbed. Got another match.

NICK: This time, he got knocked out. Concussion. Docs said that one of his vertebrae had been dislocated. He'd been lucky that it hadn't severed a nerve or paralyzed him. When he woke up, I told him he was done. I wouldn't...I couldn't stand by and watch him do that to himself. He had the training. He had the heart. But the kid couldn't handle the nerves. He was going to kill himself in the ring, and I couldn't let him do that. To him, or to the hapless opponent who would have blamed himself for my son's mistake.

NICK: It hurt me more than he will ever know to crush his dreams. I told him I wouldn't represent him any longer. I wouldn't vouch for him any longer. And with two matches and two injuries on his resume and without my support...he never got another match. And he blames me.

NICK: We fought. He told me that he never wanted to see me again. I've tried, off and on, over the years, but before today I haven't spoken to my son in fifteen years. I thought...after helping all of you, after seeing what you needed and helping you? I thought I might be able to help him, too. To help him, and to help myself.

There's another long silence.

GEHENNA: You saw what was important for all of us. I think in this situation, one of us has to find what is important to you. I will go talk with him. You stay.

Gehenna stands and starts moving to the door.

NICK: Thank you, Gehenna. If you can help...I wouldn't know what to say.

The scene cuts to a while later. Ragnarok, Zero, and Nick are still at the table, but the idle chatter of earlier has dwindled, and it doesn't look like any snacks or beer is now being consumed. We hear the door open, and Gehenna walks in, followed by Mark. Nick looks up with hope obvious in his eyes.

MARK: Dad, I...I can't forgive you yet. But. But...I understand. I know why you did what you did. I don't like it. The anger I felt then? I still feel it. Maybe some day I won't. I hope I won't. But he's right. If we never talk, if we never share ourselves with each other? It will never happen. So maybe I can't forgive you yet, but we can start the process, yeah?

NICK: I'd like that, son. Mark. That would make me happy.

MARK: Ok then. Give me a bit, let me calm down. I'll go get some pizza. Everyone good with that?

There's a round of nods, and Mark turns to go. Nick gets to his feet and cuts him off, wrapping his arms around his son. Mark stiffens, but obviously forces himself to put one arm around his father. There's an awkward moment, then they separate and Mark walks out. A moment later, the door shuts, and we can hear a car start up and drive away. Nick turns to Gehenna, and wraps him in a hug that's just as strong as the one he just gave his son.

NICK: Thank you. Thank you, Gehenna. I don't know how I'll ever repay you.

GEHENNA: Suharto.

NICK: I'm sorry?

Gehenna takes a seat.

GEHENNA: I said that my name is Suharto. Vasily and I chat during flight. No more gimmicks. Ragnarok and Gehenna are not real. We are ourselves. Vasily and Suharto. You asked how you can repay? This is how.

NICK: I see. I think I can work with that. I should have realized that this would happen. That bringing you to your roots would make you want to take your own identities. Very well. So, Vasily and Suharto. What about you, Zero?

ZERO: Doesn't bother me one way or another. I almost wrestle with my real name anyway. So what the hell. Let's do this. Jerome Rivera, reporting for duty.

NICK: And the tag team's name?

SUHARTO: Black is making a trios belt, right? Brotherhood fights for that. If a tag team fight? No worry. Brotherhood works for that, too.

NICK: So be it. Thanks again, all of you.

Fin