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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, fellow comic Ed Gamble stormed in, sent everyone flying, and walked away with the coveted belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was actually Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who took them down with a powerful clothesline. He maintains he could have handled Gamble one-on-one.

The Changing Fortunes of Professional Wrestling

The popularity in sports entertainment has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the eighties. Recently, the wrestling giant landed a massive agreement with Netflix, valued at an eye-watering sum, elevating the muscle-bound spectacle deeper into the mainstream. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich working-class history, producing world-class competitors like Will Ospreay. Today, wrestling is branching out into performance spaces, with a range of productions across the country drawing in fresh fans through humor, queer cabaret, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Max Olesker, who once held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his collaborator Ivan Gonzalez to the sport during their college days. The energy was electric, he remembers, comparing it to a over-the-top pantomime of good versus evil. Together, they developed a production that merged comedy and grappling, persuading athletes they weren't mocking the discipline and encouraging comedians to jump off the ropes. Originally titled The Wrestling, it earned a prestigious comedy award and has grown in popularity ever since.

Now known as the comedic clash, the event previously featured comedians beating fellow comics at a large arena. Coming soon, it will headline Hammersmith Apollo, making its first standalone run. The lineup includes grapplers like popular fighters and comedians such as well-known acts, with one comic issuing an open challenge to anyone. Joining the excitement, commentators like a familiar face will root for the bad guys, while another host supports the good guys. Humor is central, but the real draw is the spectacle in the squared circle.

Behind the Scenes

Putting together such an production is a huge challenge. The performers are sent to training facilities to learn the basics. Gonzalez explains, it's similar to how reality shows teach celebrities for particular routines. Olesker adds that, much like those series, there's lots of backstage excitement among the cast, which makes the show flow.

Grappling resembles drag – you have an character, you're getting the audience on your team

Reality and Pretence

Wrestling always balances on a fine line between reality and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who runs an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as preparing to be an competitor and a acrobat, with parts of dangerous moves. There's pain involved, especially when mastering fundamentals like the impact fall. Risk is real, even if choreography reduce injuries. Live performance adds to this, as events blend scripted and improvised elements. Olesker notes, the crowd's reaction shapes what unfolds, unlike stage plays.

Bandenberg discovered wrestling by accident and became captivated with the freedom it offered. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been inclusive for female performers, so she created her own event with performers Rich Tea. For them, wrestling and variety performance are a perfect match, as both involve creating an alter ego and winning over the crowd.

Inclusivity and Innovation

Fist Club caters to LGBTQ+ and women fighters and sells out rapidly across the country. Audience members have even been inspired to start wrestling. Featuring mostly drag kings, the show limits male wrestlers to a minority, mirroring the experience of minorities in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg emphasizes the aim of attracting newcomers.

A successful match depends on the sell – convincing the audience believe in the action. Safety are paramount, but injuries occur. Olesker broke his ankle in an initial performance, and another broke both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

In Glasgow, the sport is being reimagined through artistic expression. Artists George and Kok developed Still Lives using rope bondage, hanging people to form living sculptures. They've worked with athletes in different locations, tailoring the piece to local culture. In Glasgow, they're featuring pro wrestlers to explore endurance and what the body can do.

Bondage and wrestling both involve trust and dialogue, handling power dynamics and safety. George explains that wrestlers signal during matches to create a storyline, showing cooperation even in combat.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, committed participants remain steadfast. Months are spent training for events, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the perseverance involved. Through these varied styles, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, attract supporters, and prove that it transcends identity, body type, or form.

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