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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 burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and made off with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, a comedian, notes that it was in fact Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who delivered the blow with a devastating move. Olesker insists he might have beaten Gamble in a fair fight.

The Evolution of Pro Wrestling

Public interest in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the eighties. Recently, the wrestling giant secured a record-breaking agreement with the streaming service, worth billions, elevating the muscle-bound spectacle further into the public eye. In the UK, wrestling has a deep-rooted working-class history, nurturing top-tier competitors like Will Ospreay. Today, wrestling is branching out into theatrical arenas, with a range of shows across the country drawing in fresh fans through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Olesker, who once held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his collaborator Gonzalez to the sport during their college days. The energy was incredible, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a larger-than-life pantomime of heroes and villains. As a duo, they developed a production that combined stand-up and wrestling, persuading athletes they weren't making fun of the discipline and encouraging comedians to jump off the ropes. First called their hit show, it won a major comedy award and has grown in popularity ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, the event previously featured Rosie Jones defeating Greg Davies at a major venue. Up next, it will take over a famous London theater, marking 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 all contenders. Adding to the excitement, commentators like Nish Kumar will root for the villains, while another host backs the heroes. Comedy is central, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.

Behind the Scenes

Putting together such an event is a logistical nightmare. The performers are sent to training facilities to learn the fundamentals. Gonzalez explains, it's like how reality shows teach stars for particular routines. Olesker adds that, akin to those series, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the participants, which makes the event flow.

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

The Fine Line in Wrestling

The sport constantly balances on a tightrope between reality and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who runs Fist Club, explains it as preparing to be an athlete and a acrobat, with parts of dangerous moves. It hurts, especially when mastering fundamentals like the impact fall. Risk is real, though planned sequences minimize harm. Live performance adds to this, as shows blend prepared and improvised elements. As one creator says, the audience response shapes what happens, unlike traditional theater.

Bandenberg found wrestling by accident and became captivated with the space it provided. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been welcoming for female performers, so she created her own event with drag kings Rich Tea. In their view, the sport and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve building an alter ego and engaging the crowd.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event is for queer and female fighters and fills up rapidly across the UK. Some fans have even been motivated to try the sport themselves. With mostly performers, the night restricts straight male wrestlers to a minority, mirroring the reality of underrepresented groups in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg stresses the aim of welcoming newcomers.

A successful match relies on the sell – making the viewers feel in the drama. Precautions are paramount, but injuries occur. One creator suffered a fracture in an initial performance, and another injured both toes during practice, though she says it could have been worse.

The Artistic Side

In Glasgow, the sport is being transformed through artistic expression. Creators George and Kok developed an installation using shibari, hanging participants to create living sculptures. They've worked with athletes in various cities, tailoring the work to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring pro wrestlers to showcase stamina and what the body can do.

Rope work and grappling both require reliance and dialogue, navigating control and safety. George explains that wrestlers signal during matches to achieve a storyline, showing mutual support even in combat.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, dedicated fans and performers stay devoted. Long periods are spent training for events, and artistic projects like Still Lives emphasize the perseverance involved. Through these varied styles, artists aim to honor wrestling, bring in supporters, and show that it transcends identity, body type, or form.

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