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The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of securing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. At the moment he reached for it, Ed Gamble stormed in, knocked everyone out, and walked away with the shiny belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was actually the pro wrestler Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who delivered the blow 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 fluctuated widely since its golden era in the 1980s. Earlier this year, WWE landed a record-breaking deal with the streaming service, worth an eye-watering sum, elevating the muscle-bound sport deeper into the mainstream. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a deep-rooted blue-collar history, nurturing top-tier competitors like international stars. Today, wrestling is expanding into theatrical spaces, with a range of shows across the country attracting new audiences through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Olesker, who previously was known as the UK's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his collaborator Ivan Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their university days. The atmosphere was electric, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a larger-than-life drama of good versus evil. Together, they created a production that merged stand-up and wrestling, persuading athletes they weren't mocking the sport and encouraging comedians to take risks. Originally titled The Wrestling, it earned a prestigious comedy award and has grown in popularity ever since.

Now known as Clash of the Comics, the show recently showcased Rosie Jones beating Greg Davies at a major venue. Up next, it will headline Hammersmith Apollo, marking its first standalone run. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like Simon Miller and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with one comic issuing an open challenge to all contenders. Joining the excitement, commentators like Nish Kumar will cheer on the villains, while another host supports the good guys. Humor is key, but the real draw is the action in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

Putting together such an event is a huge challenge. Comedians are enrolled to wrestling school to pick up the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's like how TV programs train celebrities for specific routines. Another notes that, much like those shows, there's lots of drama among the participants, which helps the show flow.

Wrestling is drag – you have an character, you're getting the audience on your side

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling always walks a fine line between authenticity and performance. An expert, who organizes an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, explains it as preparing to be an competitor and a gymnast, with parts of dangerous moves. There's pain involved, especially when mastering fundamentals like the bump. The danger is present, even if planned sequences minimize harm. Live performance adds to this, as shows mix prepared and spontaneous elements. Olesker notes, the crowd's reaction directly influences what happens, unlike traditional theater.

She found wrestling unexpectedly and fell in love with the freedom it offered. Traditional shows wasn't inclusive for female performers, so she founded Fist Club with drag kings like these artists. In their view, the sport and variety performance are a perfect match, as both involve creating an character and winning over the crowd.

New Audiences and Art Forms

Fist Club caters to queer and female wrestlers and fills up rapidly across the UK. Audience members have even been motivated to start wrestling. With mostly drag kings, the night restricts straight male wrestlers to a small percentage, reflecting the reality of minorities in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg emphasizes the aim of attracting people who've never seen wrestling.

A successful match relies on the performance – making the audience feel in the drama. Precautions are paramount, but injuries do happen. Olesker broke his ankle in an early show, and Bandenberg broke both toes during training, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

Up in Scotland, the sport is being transformed through artistic expression. Creators George and Kok created Still Lives using shibari, hanging people to form art pieces. They've featured athletes in different locations, tailoring the piece to local culture. In the city, they're using pro wrestlers to showcase endurance and what the body can do.

Bondage and wrestling both involve reliance and communication, navigating power dynamics and care. George explains that wrestlers signal during fights to achieve a narrative, demonstrating cooperation even in conflict.

Dedication and Joy

While wrestling's popularity may ebb and flow, committed participants stay devoted. Long periods are dedicated training for events, and creations like Still Lives emphasize the perseverance involved. By these varied styles, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, attract new fans, and show that it goes beyond gender, shape, or style.

Bandenberg concludes: A lot happening live, performed by people who love it. They're not in it for money; they see it as a creative art form that brings joy.