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Phil Wang was about to claim of securing the championship belt during Clash of the Comics. Just as he made his move, Ed Gamble stormed in, knocked everyone out, and walked away with the shiny belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was in fact the pro wrestler Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who took them down with a powerful clothesline. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble one-on-one.

The Changing Fortunes of Professional Wrestling

The popularity in pro wrestling has fluctuated widely since its peak in the eighties. Earlier this year, WWE landed a massive agreement with Netflix, worth an eye-watering sum, elevating the athletic sport further into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a rich working-class background, nurturing world-class talent like Will Ospreay. Today, wrestling is expanding into theatrical spaces, with several of productions across the country drawing in new audiences through humor, queer cabaret, and even living sculpture.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Max Olesker, who previously held the title as the UK's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Ivan Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their university days. The atmosphere was electric, he remembers, comparing it to a over-the-top drama of heroes and villains. Together, they developed a show that combined stand-up and wrestling, convincing pro wrestlers they weren't making fun of the discipline and encouraging performers to jump off the ropes. Originally titled their hit show, it won a prestigious prize and has grown in popularity ever since.

Now known as the comedic clash, the event previously showcased Rosie Jones beating fellow comics at a large arena. Coming soon, it will headline a famous London theater, marking its first independent run. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like Simon Miller and comedians such as well-known acts, with James Acaster throwing down an open challenge to anyone. Joining the fun, hosts like Nish Kumar will root for the bad guys, while Sara Pascoe supports the heroes. Comedy is key, but the real draw is the action in the ring.

Behind the Scenes

Putting together such an event is a huge challenge. The performers are enrolled to training facilities to pick up the basics. Gonzalez explains, it's similar to how reality shows teach stars for particular performances. Olesker adds that, akin to those shows, there's lots of drama among the participants, which makes the event run smoothly.

Grappling resembles drag – you have an character, and you work to get the audience on your team

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling constantly balances on a tightrope between reality and pretence. An expert, who runs an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as preparing to be an athlete and a gymnast, with elements of stunt work. There's pain involved, particularly when mastering fundamentals like the impact fall. The danger is present, even if choreography reduce harm. The liveness heightens this, as shows blend scripted and improvised moments. As one creator says, the audience response directly influences what unfolds, unlike traditional theater.

Bandenberg discovered wrestling by accident and fell in love with the freedom it offered. Traditional shows wasn't inclusive for female performers, so she created Fist Club with drag kings Rich Tea. For them, wrestling and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve creating an character and engaging the audience.

New Audiences and Art Forms

Fist Club is for LGBTQ+ and women fighters and sells out rapidly across the UK. Some fans have even been inspired to start wrestling. With primarily performers, the night restricts straight male participants to a minority, mirroring the experience of underrepresented groups in mainstream wrestling. The organizer emphasizes the aim of attracting newcomers.

Great wrestling depends on the sell – convincing the audience feel in the drama. Safety are top priority, but accidents occur. Olesker suffered a fracture in an initial performance, and Bandenberg injured both big toes during practice, though she says it could have been worse.

The Artistic Side

In Glasgow, the sport is being transformed through artistic expression. Creators George and Kok created Still Lives using shibari, suspending participants to form living sculptures. They've featured athletes in different locations, tailoring the work to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring grapplers to explore endurance and physical limits.

Rope work and grappling both involve trust and dialogue, handling power dynamics and safety. George explains that fighters signal during matches to achieve a storyline, demonstrating mutual support even in conflict.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although wrestling's popularity may ebb and flow, dedicated participants remain steadfast. Months are dedicated training for shows, and creations like Still Lives emphasize the patience involved. By different styles, artists aim to honor wrestling, bring in new fans, and show that it transcends identity, shape, or style.

Bandenberg concludes: A lot happening live, performed by people who love it. No one's getting rich; they see it as a creative art form that spreads happiness.