The comedian Phil Wang was on the verge of securing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. At the moment he made his move, Ed Gamble stormed in, knocked everyone out, and made off with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was in fact the pro wrestler Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a devastating move. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.
The Changing Fortunes of Professional Wrestling
The popularity in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the eighties. Earlier this year, WWE landed a massive deal with the streaming service, worth billions, pushing the athletic spectacle further into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich working-class background, nurturing world-class competitors like Will Ospreay. Now, wrestling is expanding into theatrical spaces, with a range of shows across the country drawing in fresh fans through humor, queer cabaret, and even living sculpture.
Comedy Meets Combat
Olesker, who previously held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his collaborator Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The atmosphere was incredible, Gonzalez recalls, comparing it to a larger-than-life pantomime of good versus evil. As a duo, they developed a show that merged comedy and grappling, convincing pro wrestlers they weren't making fun of the discipline and getting performers to take risks. Originally titled their hit show, it won a prestigious prize and has expanded in appeal ever since.
Now known as the comedic clash, the event recently featured comedians defeating fellow comics at a major venue. Coming soon, it will take over Hammersmith Apollo, marking its first independent run. The lineup includes grapplers like Simon Miller and funny people such as Aisling Bea, with James Acaster throwing down an public invitation to all contenders. Joining the excitement, hosts like Nish Kumar will cheer on the bad guys, while Sara Pascoe backs the good guys. Comedy is key, but the main attraction is the action in the squared circle.
The Logistical Challenge
Organizing such an event is a huge challenge. The performers are enrolled to wrestling school to pick up the fundamentals. Gonzalez explains, it's similar to how reality shows train celebrities for specific routines. Olesker adds that, much like those series, there's lots of backstage excitement among the cast, which makes the event flow.
Grappling resembles drag – you have an alter ego, you're getting the crowd on your team
The Fine Line in Wrestling
Wrestling always walks a tightrope between reality and pretence. An expert, who runs an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as preparing to be an competitor and a gymnast, with parts of stunt work. There's pain involved, particularly when learning fundamentals like the impact fall. The danger is present, even if choreography reduce harm. The liveness adds to this, as events mix scripted and spontaneous elements. As one creator says, the audience response directly influences what unfolds, unlike stage plays.
Bandenberg found wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the space it offered. Traditional shows hadn't been inclusive for women, so she founded Fist Club with drag kings like these artists. For them, the sport and variety performance are a perfect match, as both involve building an character and engaging the crowd.
New Audiences and Art Forms
The event caters to 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 night restricts male participants to a small percentage, mirroring the experience of minorities in traditional events. The organizer emphasizes the goal of welcoming newcomers.
Great wrestling depends on the performance – making the audience feel in the action. Safety are paramount, but accidents do happen. Olesker suffered a fracture in an early show, and Bandenberg injured both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.
Wrestling as Art
Up in Scotland, the sport is being transformed through performance art. Artists Luke George and Daniel Kok created Still Lives using shibari, hanging people to create living sculptures. They've featured athletes in different locations, tailoring the piece to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring grapplers to showcase endurance and physical limits.
Bondage and wrestling both require reliance and dialogue, handling control and safety. George explains that fighters signal during matches to create a narrative, demonstrating mutual support even in conflict.
The Heart of Wrestling
Although interest in the sport may ebb and flow, committed participants stay steadfast. Months are dedicated preparing for events, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the perseverance involved. By these varied approaches, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in new fans, and prove that it transcends gender, shape, or form.
Bandenberg sums it up: A lot going on in real time, performed by people who are passionate. They're not getting rich; they see it as a artistic expression that brings joy.
