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Phil Wang was on the verge of grabbing the championship belt during the comedic wrestling showdown. At the moment he made his move, Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and made off with the shiny belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was in fact Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who took them down with a powerful clothesline. He maintains he might have beaten Gamble in a fair fight.

The Changing Fortunes of Pro Wrestling

The popularity in sports entertainment has seen ups and downs since its peak in the eighties. Recently, WWE secured a massive agreement with the streaming service, valued at billions, elevating the muscle-bound sport further into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a deep-rooted working-class history, producing top-tier competitors like international stars. Now, wrestling is expanding into theatrical arenas, with a range of shows across the country drawing in new audiences through comedy, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Olesker, who once was known as the UK's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Ivan Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their college days. The energy was electric, he remembers, comparing it to a over-the-top drama of good versus evil. Together, they developed a show that merged stand-up and grappling, convincing pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the sport and getting performers to jump off the ropes. Originally titled their hit show, it earned a major comedy award and has grown in popularity ever since.

Renamed the comedic clash, the event recently showcased Rosie Jones beating fellow comics at a large arena. Coming soon, it will take over a famous London theater, marking its first standalone appearance. The cast includes pro wrestlers like popular fighters and comedians such as well-known acts, with one comic issuing an open challenge to anyone. Adding to the fun, commentators like a familiar face will cheer on the bad guys, while Sara Pascoe supports the good guys. Comedy is key, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

Putting together such an event is a huge challenge. Comedians are sent to training facilities to pick up the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's like how reality shows train celebrities for specific routines. Olesker adds that, akin to those shows, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the participants, which helps the event run smoothly.

Grappling resembles performance art – there's an alter ego, and you work to get the audience on your side

Reality and Pretence

Wrestling always balances on a fine line between authenticity and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who organizes an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as training to be an athlete and a gymnast, with parts of stunt work. It hurts, especially when learning fundamentals like the bump. Risk is present, even if planned sequences minimize injuries. The liveness heightens this, as shows blend prepared and improvised elements. As one creator says, the audience response shapes what happens, unlike stage plays.

She found wrestling by accident and became captivated with the freedom it provided. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been welcoming for women, so she founded her own event with drag kings like these artists. In their view, wrestling and variety performance are a natural fit, as both involve building an character and winning over the crowd.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event is for queer and female fighters and fills up quickly across the UK. Some fans have even been motivated to start wrestling. Featuring primarily performers, the night restricts male participants to a small percentage, mirroring the experience of underrepresented groups in traditional events. Bandenberg emphasizes the aim of welcoming people who've never seen wrestling.

Great wrestling depends on the sell – making the audience feel in the drama. Precautions are paramount, but accidents do happen. One creator suffered a fracture in an early show, and another broke both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

In Glasgow, wrestling is being reimagined through performance art. Creators George and Kok created an installation using shibari, hanging people to form art pieces. They've worked with sportspeople in different locations, adapting the piece to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring pro wrestlers to showcase stamina and physical limits.

Rope work and wrestling both require trust and dialogue, handling control and safety. George explains that wrestlers signal during fights to create a storyline, demonstrating cooperation even in conflict.

Dedication and Joy

Although wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, dedicated fans and performers stay devoted. Long periods are dedicated preparing for shows, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the perseverance involved. Through these varied approaches, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, attract supporters, and prove that it transcends identity, body type, or style.

One organizer concludes: There's so much happening live, done by people who are passionate. They're not in it for money; it's viewed as a artistic art form that brings joy.