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The comedian Phil Wang was on the verge of grabbing the championship belt during Clash of the Comics. Just as he made his move, fellow comic Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and walked away with the coveted belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was actually Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a powerful clothesline. He maintains he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.

The Evolution of Professional Wrestling

Public interest in sports entertainment has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the eighties. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant secured a massive agreement with Netflix, worth billions, pushing the muscle-bound spectacle deeper into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a deep-rooted working-class background, producing world-class competitors like international stars. Today, wrestling is expanding into theatrical spaces, with several of shows across the country attracting new audiences through comedy, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Olesker, who previously held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his comedy partner Ivan Gonzalez to the sport during their college days. The atmosphere was electric, he remembers, describing it as a larger-than-life drama of heroes and villains. Together, they created a production that combined stand-up and grappling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the discipline and getting performers to jump off the ropes. First called The Wrestling, it earned a prestigious prize and has expanded in popularity ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, the event previously featured Rosie Jones defeating Greg Davies at a large arena. Up next, it will take over Hammersmith Apollo, making its first standalone run. The cast includes grapplers like Simon Miller and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with James Acaster issuing an public invitation to anyone. Joining the excitement, hosts like a familiar face will root for the villains, while Sara Pascoe backs the good guys. Comedy is key, but the main attraction is the spectacle in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

Putting together such an production is a logistical nightmare. The performers are enrolled to wrestling school to pick up the basics. As one organizer says, it's similar to how reality shows train celebrities for specific performances. Olesker adds that, much like those series, there's lots of drama among the participants, which helps the show flow.

Grappling resembles performance art – there's an alter ego, and you work to get the crowd on your team

The Fine Line in Wrestling

The sport always balances on a tightrope between authenticity and pretence. An expert, who organizes an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as training to be an competitor and a acrobat, with parts of dangerous moves. It hurts, especially when learning basic moves like the bump. Risk is real, even if choreography minimize harm. Live performance heightens this, as shows mix scripted and improvised moments. Olesker notes, the audience response directly influences what unfolds, unlike stage plays.

She found wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the space it provided. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been welcoming for female performers, so she created Fist Club with performers Rich Tea. For them, wrestling and cabaret are a natural fit, as both involve creating an character and winning over the crowd.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event caters to queer and female fighters and sells out rapidly across the UK. Some fans have even been inspired to start wrestling. Featuring primarily performers, the show limits male participants to a minority, reflecting the experience of underrepresented groups in mainstream wrestling. The organizer stresses the goal of welcoming newcomers.

Great wrestling relies on the sell – convincing the viewers believe in the action. Precautions are paramount, but injuries do happen. Olesker broke his ankle in an initial performance, and another injured both toes during training, though she says it could have been worse.

Wrestling as Art

In Glasgow, wrestling is being reimagined through performance art. Artists George and Kok developed an installation using shibari, hanging people to create living sculptures. They've featured athletes in different locations, adapting the piece to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring 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 create a storyline, demonstrating cooperation even in conflict.

Dedication and Joy

Although interest in the sport may rise and fall, dedicated fans and performers stay devoted. Months are dedicated training for events, and artistic projects like the installation emphasize the patience involved. Through these varied approaches, artists aim to honor wrestling, attract supporters, and prove that it goes beyond gender, shape, or style.

One organizer sums it up: There's so much happening live, done by people who are passionate. They're not in it for money; it's viewed as a artistic art form that spreads happiness.