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The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of grabbing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. Just as he reached for it, Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and made off with the coveted belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was actually the pro wrestler Bullit, acting as an enforcer, 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 pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its peak in the 1980s. Recently, WWE landed a massive deal with Netflix, valued at an eye-watering sum, pushing the athletic spectacle deeper into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich working-class history, producing top-tier talent like international stars. Today, wrestling is expanding into performance arenas, with a range of productions across the country attracting new audiences through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even living sculpture.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Max 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 incredible, he remembers, comparing it to a larger-than-life drama of heroes and villains. As a duo, they created a production that combined comedy and grappling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't making fun of the sport and getting comedians to take risks. First called The Wrestling, it won a major comedy award and has grown in popularity ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, the show previously featured comedians defeating fellow comics at a large arena. Coming soon, it will take over a famous London theater, making its first independent appearance. The lineup includes grapplers like popular fighters and comedians such as well-known acts, with one comic issuing an public invitation to anyone. Joining the excitement, hosts like Nish Kumar will cheer on the villains, while another host supports the heroes. Humor is key, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.

Behind the Scenes

Organizing such an event is a logistical nightmare. Comedians are enrolled to wrestling school to learn the fundamentals. Gonzalez explains, it's similar to how TV programs train celebrities for particular performances. Olesker adds that, akin to those shows, there's lots of drama among the cast, which helps the event run smoothly.

Wrestling is drag – you have an alter ego, you're getting the crowd on your side

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling constantly walks a fine line between authenticity and pretence. An expert, who runs Fist Club, describes it as training to be an competitor and a gymnast, with parts of dangerous moves. There's pain involved, particularly when mastering basic moves like the bump. The danger is real, even if planned sequences minimize harm. Live performance heightens this, as events mix scripted and spontaneous moments. As one creator says, the crowd's reaction directly influences what happens, unlike stage plays.

She discovered wrestling by accident and became captivated with the freedom it offered. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been inclusive for female performers, so she founded Fist Club with drag kings like these artists. In their view, wrestling and variety performance are a perfect match, as both involve building an character and winning over the crowd.

New Audiences and Art Forms

The event is for LGBTQ+ and women wrestlers and sells out quickly across the UK. Some fans have even been motivated to try the sport themselves. With mostly performers, the show restricts male wrestlers to a minority, mirroring the reality of underrepresented groups in traditional events. The organizer stresses the aim of attracting people who've never seen wrestling.

A successful match relies on the performance – convincing the audience believe in the drama. Safety are paramount, but injuries occur. Olesker broke his ankle in an initial performance, and Bandenberg injured both toes during training, though she says it could have been worse.

Wrestling as Art

In Glasgow, the sport is being transformed through performance art. Creators George and Kok created Still Lives using shibari, hanging people to create living sculptures. They've featured sportspeople in different locations, tailoring the piece to each place. In the city, they're using grapplers to explore stamina and physical limits.

Bondage and wrestling both require reliance and dialogue, navigating power dynamics and care. George explains that fighters signal during fights to achieve a storyline, demonstrating cooperation even in conflict.

The Heart of Wrestling

While wrestling's popularity may ebb and flow, committed participants remain steadfast. Long periods are dedicated preparing for events, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the patience involved. Through different styles, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, attract supporters, and show that it goes beyond gender, shape, or form.

Bandenberg sums it up: There's so much happening live, performed by people who are passionate. They're not getting rich; they see it as a creative expression that spreads happiness.