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Phil Wang was on the verge of securing the championship belt during Clash of the Comics. Just as he reached for it, fellow comic Ed Gamble stormed in, sent everyone flying, and made off with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was in fact Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who delivered the blow with a powerful clothesline. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.

The Changing Fortunes of Pro Wrestling

Public interest in pro wrestling has fluctuated widely since its peak in the eighties. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant secured a massive agreement with Netflix, worth billions, pushing the athletic spectacle further into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich blue-collar background, producing top-tier competitors like Will Ospreay. Now, wrestling is branching out into theatrical spaces, with several of shows across the country attracting new audiences through comedy, queer cabaret, and even art installations.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Olesker, who once held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his comedy partner Gonzalez to the sport during their college days. The atmosphere was incredible, he remembers, describing it as a over-the-top pantomime of heroes and villains. Together, they created a production that merged stand-up and grappling, convincing athletes they weren't making fun of the sport and getting performers to jump off the ropes. First called The Wrestling, it earned a prestigious prize and has grown in popularity ever since.

Now known as Clash of the Comics, the show recently showcased comedians defeating fellow comics at a major venue. Up next, it will take over Hammersmith Apollo, making its first independent run. The lineup includes grapplers like popular fighters and funny people such as Aisling Bea, with James Acaster throwing down an public invitation to all contenders. Adding to the fun, commentators like Nish Kumar will cheer on the bad guys, while another host backs the good guys. Humor is central, but the real draw is the action in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

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

Wrestling is performance art – you have an character, and you work to get the crowd on your team

The Fine Line in Wrestling

The sport 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 bump. The danger is real, though planned sequences reduce injuries. Live performance heightens this, as shows blend prepared and spontaneous elements. As one creator says, the audience response directly influences what unfolds, unlike stage plays.

Bandenberg found wrestling by accident and fell in love with the space it provided. Mainstream wrestling wasn't welcoming for female performers, so she founded Fist Club with drag kings Rich Tea. In their view, wrestling and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve creating an character and winning over the crowd.

Inclusivity and Innovation

Fist Club caters to queer and female wrestlers and fills up rapidly across the UK. Some fans have even been inspired to try the sport themselves. Featuring mostly performers, the night restricts straight male wrestlers to a minority, reflecting the experience of underrepresented groups in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg stresses the goal of attracting people who've never seen wrestling.

Great wrestling depends on the performance – making the viewers believe in the drama. Precautions are top priority, but injuries do happen. Olesker broke his ankle in an initial performance, and Bandenberg injured both big toes during practice, though she says it could have been worse.

The Artistic Side

Up in Scotland, the sport is being reimagined through artistic expression. Creators George and Kok developed Still Lives using shibari, hanging people to form art pieces. They've worked with athletes in different locations, tailoring the piece to each place. In Glasgow, they're using pro wrestlers to explore stamina and physical limits.

Rope work and grappling both involve trust and dialogue, navigating control and care. One artist says that wrestlers signal during fights to create a narrative, demonstrating cooperation even in conflict.

The Heart of Wrestling

While wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, dedicated participants remain steadfast. Months are spent preparing for events, and artistic projects like Still Lives highlight the patience involved. By these varied styles, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in new fans, and show that it goes beyond gender, body type, or form.

One organizer concludes: A lot happening live, done by people who love it. They're not in it for money; it's viewed as a creative expression that spreads happiness.