🔗 Share this article

The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of securing the championship belt during Clash of the Comics. Just as he reached for it, Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and made off with the shiny belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was in fact the pro wrestler Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who delivered the blow with a powerful clothesline. Olesker insists he might have beaten Gamble one-on-one.

The Changing Fortunes of Professional Wrestling

The popularity in sports entertainment has fluctuated widely since its golden era in the 1980s. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant landed a record-breaking deal with the streaming service, valued at an eye-watering sum, elevating the muscle-bound sport further into the public eye. In the UK, wrestling has a deep-rooted blue-collar history, nurturing world-class competitors like international stars. Today, wrestling is branching out into theatrical arenas, with several of shows across the country drawing in fresh fans through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Olesker, who previously was known as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his comedy partner Gonzalez to the sport during their college days. The energy was electric, he remembers, describing it as a larger-than-life pantomime of heroes and villains. As a duo, they developed a production that combined comedy and grappling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the sport and getting comedians to jump off the ropes. First called The Wrestling, it won a major prize and has grown in popularity ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, the event recently featured comedians beating Greg Davies at a major venue. Up next, it will take over a famous London theater, making 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 all contenders. Adding to the excitement, hosts like a familiar face 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.

The Logistical Challenge

Organizing such an event is a logistical nightmare. The performers are sent to wrestling school to pick up the fundamentals. Gonzalez explains, it's like how TV programs train stars for specific performances. Olesker adds that, akin to those series, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the cast, which helps the event run smoothly.

Grappling resembles performance art – there's an alter ego, you're getting the audience on your team

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling always walks a fine line between reality and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who organizes an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, explains it as training to be an athlete and a gymnast, with elements of stunt work. There's pain involved, especially when learning fundamentals like the impact fall. Risk is real, though choreography minimize injuries. The liveness heightens this, as shows mix prepared and improvised elements. As one creator says, the audience response shapes what unfolds, unlike traditional theater.

Bandenberg discovered wrestling by accident and became captivated with the freedom it offered. Mainstream wrestling wasn't welcoming for women, so she created her own event with performers like these artists. For them, the sport and variety performance are a natural fit, as both involve building an character and winning over the audience.

Inclusivity and Innovation

Fist Club caters to queer and female wrestlers and fills up rapidly across the country. Some fans have even been inspired to start wrestling. With primarily drag kings, the night limits male participants to a small percentage, reflecting the reality of underrepresented groups in traditional events. Bandenberg stresses the goal of welcoming newcomers.

A successful match depends on the sell – making the audience believe in the action. Precautions are paramount, but injuries occur. Olesker suffered a fracture in an early show, and Bandenberg injured both toes during training, though she says it could have been worse.

The Artistic Side

Up in Scotland, the sport is being reimagined through artistic expression. Artists George and Kok developed Still Lives using shibari, suspending people to create art pieces. They've featured sportspeople in various cities, tailoring the work to local culture. In the city, they're featuring grapplers to showcase stamina and physical limits.

Bondage and grappling both require trust and communication, navigating control and safety. One artist says that fighters signal during matches to achieve a storyline, showing mutual support even in combat.

The Heart of Wrestling

While wrestling's popularity may ebb and flow, dedicated participants stay devoted. Long periods are spent training for shows, and artistic projects like the installation emphasize the patience involved. Through different styles, artists aim to honor wrestling, attract new fans, and prove that it goes beyond identity, shape, or style.

Bandenberg sums it up: There's so much going on in real time, performed by people who are passionate. No one's in it for money; it's viewed as a creative expression that brings joy.