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Phil Wang was on the verge of securing the title prize during Clash of the Comics. At the moment he made his move, Ed Gamble stormed in, knocked everyone out, and made off with the coveted belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was in fact Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a devastating move. Olesker insists he might have beaten Gamble one-on-one.

The Evolution of Professional Wrestling

The popularity in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the eighties. Recently, the wrestling giant landed a record-breaking deal with the streaming service, valued at billions, pushing the muscle-bound sport further into the public eye. In the UK, wrestling has a rich working-class background, producing world-class competitors like Will Ospreay. Today, wrestling is branching out into performance spaces, with several of shows across the country attracting fresh fans through humor, queer cabaret, and even living sculpture.

Comedy Meets Combat

Max Olesker, who previously was known as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Ivan Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The atmosphere was incredible, he remembers, comparing it to a over-the-top drama of good versus evil. As a duo, they developed a show that merged comedy and wrestling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't making fun of the discipline and encouraging comedians to take risks. Originally titled their hit show, it earned a prestigious comedy award and has expanded in popularity ever since.

Now known as Clash of the Comics, the show recently featured Rosie Jones defeating fellow comics at a large arena. Coming soon, it will headline Hammersmith Apollo, marking its first independent appearance. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like Simon Miller and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with one comic throwing down an public invitation to anyone. Joining the fun, hosts like a familiar face will cheer on the villains, while another host backs the good guys. Comedy is central, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

Putting together such an production is a logistical nightmare. The performers are sent to wrestling school to learn the basics. Gonzalez explains, it's like how TV programs train stars for particular performances. Another notes that, much like those shows, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the cast, which helps the event run smoothly.

Grappling resembles drag – you have an character, you're getting the crowd on your side

Reality and Pretence

Wrestling constantly balances on a fine line between reality and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who organizes Fist Club, explains it as preparing to be an competitor and a acrobat, with parts of dangerous moves. There's pain involved, particularly when mastering fundamentals like the impact fall. Risk is present, though choreography minimize injuries. The liveness heightens this, as events blend prepared and spontaneous elements. Olesker notes, the crowd's reaction shapes what happens, unlike stage plays.

She found wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the space it offered. Traditional shows hadn't been welcoming for women, so she founded Fist Club with drag kings like these artists. For them, wrestling and cabaret are a natural fit, as both involve creating an character and winning over the audience.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event is for queer and female wrestlers and fills up quickly across the country. Some fans have even been motivated to start wrestling. With mostly performers, the night restricts male wrestlers to a minority, mirroring the reality of underrepresented groups in traditional events. Bandenberg emphasizes the goal of attracting people who've never seen wrestling.

Great wrestling relies on the sell – making the audience feel in the drama. Precautions are top priority, but injuries occur. One creator broke his ankle in an initial performance, and another broke both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

Wrestling as Art

Up in Scotland, wrestling is being transformed through artistic expression. Creators Luke George and Daniel Kok created Still Lives using rope bondage, suspending participants to form art pieces. They've featured sportspeople in various cities, tailoring the work to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring pro wrestlers to showcase stamina and physical limits.

Bondage and wrestling both involve reliance and dialogue, handling control and safety. George explains that fighters signal during matches to create a narrative, showing mutual support even in combat.

Dedication and Joy

While wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, committed fans and performers remain devoted. Months are dedicated training for events, and artistic projects like Still Lives highlight the perseverance involved. By different approaches, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in new fans, and prove that it goes beyond gender, shape, or form.

One organizer sums it up: A lot going on in real time, done by people who love it. They're not in it for money; it's viewed as a artistic expression that spreads happiness.