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Phil Wang was on the verge of grabbing the title prize during Clash of the Comics. Just as he made his move, Ed Gamble stormed in, sent everyone flying, and walked away with the coveted belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was in fact Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who delivered the blow with a powerful clothesline. He maintains he might have beaten Gamble one-on-one.

The Evolution of Professional Wrestling

Public interest in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its peak in the eighties. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant landed a massive agreement with Netflix, valued at an eye-watering sum, pushing the athletic spectacle further into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich blue-collar background, nurturing top-tier competitors like Will Ospreay. Today, wrestling is expanding into theatrical spaces, with a range of shows across the country attracting new audiences through comedy, queer cabaret, and even living sculpture.

Comedy Meets Combat

Max Olesker, who once was known as the UK's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Ivan Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The energy was electric, he remembers, comparing it to a larger-than-life drama of good versus evil. As a duo, they developed a production that merged stand-up and grappling, convincing pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the sport and encouraging performers to jump off the ropes. Originally titled The Wrestling, it won a major prize and has grown in popularity ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, the event previously showcased Rosie Jones beating fellow comics at a major venue. Up next, it will headline Hammersmith Apollo, making its first independent appearance. The cast includes pro wrestlers like popular fighters and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with James Acaster throwing down an open challenge to anyone. Joining the excitement, hosts like a familiar face will cheer on the villains, while Sara Pascoe supports the good guys. Humor is central, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.

Behind the Scenes

Putting together such an production is a huge challenge. Comedians are sent to training facilities to learn the basics. As one organizer says, it's like how TV programs teach celebrities for specific routines. Olesker adds that, much like those shows, there's lots of drama among the participants, which helps the event run smoothly.

Wrestling is drag – you have an alter ego, and you work to get the crowd on your team

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling always walks a fine line between authenticity and performance. Heather Bandenberg, who organizes an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as training to be an athlete and a acrobat, with parts of stunt work. There's pain involved, especially when mastering basic moves like the impact fall. The danger is present, though choreography reduce harm. The liveness adds to this, as events blend prepared and spontaneous elements. As one creator says, the audience response directly influences what unfolds, unlike traditional theater.

Bandenberg found wrestling by accident and fell in love with the freedom it provided. Traditional shows hadn't been welcoming for female performers, so she created her own event with performers like these artists. In their view, the sport and cabaret are a natural fit, as both involve creating an alter ego and winning over the crowd.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event caters to queer and female fighters and sells out quickly across the country. Audience members have even been inspired to start wrestling. With primarily drag kings, the night limits straight male participants to a small percentage, reflecting the experience of minorities in traditional events. The organizer emphasizes the goal of attracting people who've never seen wrestling.

A successful match depends on the performance – convincing the audience believe in the drama. Safety are top priority, but injuries occur. One creator broke his ankle in an early show, and Bandenberg injured both toes during training, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

Up in Scotland, the sport is being transformed through performance art. Creators Luke George and Daniel Kok developed Still Lives using shibari, hanging participants to form art pieces. They've worked with sportspeople in various cities, adapting the work to local culture. In the city, they're featuring pro wrestlers to explore stamina and physical limits.

Bondage and grappling both require reliance and communication, navigating power dynamics and care. One artist says that fighters communicate during matches to create a storyline, showing mutual support even in conflict.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although interest in the sport may ebb and flow, committed participants remain devoted. Months are spent preparing for shows, and creations like Still Lives emphasize the perseverance involved. By these varied styles, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in supporters, and show that it transcends identity, body type, or style.

Bandenberg concludes: There's so much going on in real time, done by people who love it. They're not getting rich; it's viewed as a artistic art form that brings joy.