🔗 Share this article

The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of grabbing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. Just as he made his move, fellow comic Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, sent everyone flying, and walked away with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was in fact Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a powerful clothesline. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble one-on-one.

The Changing Fortunes of Pro Wrestling

Public interest in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the 1980s. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant secured a massive deal with Netflix, worth billions, pushing the athletic spectacle deeper into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a deep-rooted blue-collar background, producing world-class competitors like international stars. Now, wrestling is expanding into theatrical arenas, with several of shows across the country drawing in new audiences through comedy, LGBTQ+ performance, and even living sculpture.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Olesker, who previously held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his comedy partner Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their university days. The energy was incredible, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a larger-than-life drama of good versus evil. As a duo, they created a production that combined comedy and grappling, convincing athletes they weren't mocking the sport and getting performers to take risks. Originally titled The Wrestling, it won a major prize and has expanded in appeal ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, 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 appearance. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like popular fighters and funny people such as Aisling Bea, with one comic throwing down an open challenge to anyone. Joining the excitement, commentators like a familiar face will cheer on the bad guys, while Sara Pascoe supports the good guys. Humor is central, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

Organizing such an production is a huge challenge. The performers are sent to wrestling school to pick up the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's similar to how TV programs train stars for particular performances. Another notes that, much like those shows, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the cast, which helps the show flow.

Wrestling is performance art – there's an character, and you work to get the audience on your side

The Fine Line in Wrestling

The sport always walks a fine line between reality and pretence. An expert, who runs an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as training to be an competitor and a acrobat, with parts of stunt work. It hurts, particularly when learning fundamentals like the bump. The danger is real, though choreography minimize injuries. Live performance heightens this, as events blend prepared and spontaneous moments. Olesker notes, the audience response directly influences what happens, unlike stage plays.

Bandenberg discovered wrestling unexpectedly and fell in love with the freedom it provided. Traditional shows hadn't been welcoming for women, so she founded Fist Club with performers Rich Tea. For them, wrestling and variety performance are a perfect match, as both involve building an alter ego and engaging the audience.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event is for queer and female fighters and fills up quickly across the UK. Some fans have even been inspired to try the sport themselves. Featuring primarily drag kings, the night restricts male participants to a minority, mirroring the experience of minorities in mainstream wrestling. The organizer emphasizes the aim of welcoming newcomers.

A successful match relies on the performance – convincing the audience believe in the action. Precautions are paramount, but accidents do happen. Olesker suffered a fracture in an early show, and Bandenberg injured both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

Wrestling as Art

Up in Scotland, wrestling is being reimagined through artistic expression. Artists Luke George and Daniel Kok developed an installation using shibari, hanging people to form art pieces. They've worked with sportspeople in various cities, adapting the work to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring pro wrestlers to showcase endurance and what the body can do.

Bondage and grappling both require trust and dialogue, navigating control and care. One artist says that wrestlers signal during fights to create a storyline, showing mutual support even in combat.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, dedicated participants stay devoted. Months are spent training for shows, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the perseverance involved. By different styles, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, attract supporters, and prove that it transcends identity, shape, or form.

Bandenberg concludes: There's so much happening live, done by people who are passionate. No one's in it for money; it's viewed as a artistic expression that spreads happiness.