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Phil Wang was on the verge of grabbing the title prize during Clash of the Comics. Just as he made his move, Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and made off with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was actually Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who delivered the blow with a devastating move. He maintains he might have beaten Gamble in a fair fight.

The Evolution of Pro Wrestling

The popularity in sports entertainment has fluctuated widely since its peak in the eighties. Recently, WWE landed a record-breaking agreement with Netflix, valued at an eye-watering sum, pushing the athletic spectacle deeper into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich blue-collar background, nurturing top-tier competitors like Will Ospreay. Now, wrestling is branching out into theatrical spaces, with several of shows across the country drawing in new audiences through humor, queer cabaret, and even art installations.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Max Olesker, who once was known as the UK's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their university days. The energy was electric, he remembers, describing it as a over-the-top drama of good versus evil. As a duo, they created a show that combined comedy and wrestling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the discipline and encouraging performers to take risks. Originally titled their hit show, it won a prestigious comedy award and has expanded in appeal ever since.

Now known as the comedic clash, the event previously showcased Rosie Jones beating Greg Davies at a major venue. Up next, it will take over Hammersmith Apollo, making its first independent appearance. The cast includes pro wrestlers like popular fighters and funny people such as Aisling Bea, with one comic issuing an open challenge to anyone. Adding to the excitement, 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 squared circle.

The Logistical Challenge

Organizing such an production is a logistical nightmare. Comedians are enrolled to wrestling school to learn the basics. As one organizer says, it's similar to how TV programs train celebrities for particular routines. Another notes that, much like those shows, there's plenty of drama among the cast, which helps the event flow.

Wrestling is performance art – you have an character, you're getting the crowd on your side

The Fine Line in Wrestling

The sport always walks a fine line between authenticity and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who runs Fist Club, describes it as preparing to be an competitor and a acrobat, with elements of dangerous moves. It hurts, particularly when mastering fundamentals like the bump. The danger is real, though planned sequences minimize harm. The liveness heightens this, as events blend prepared and improvised moments. As one creator says, the crowd's reaction shapes what happens, unlike traditional theater.

She discovered wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the freedom it offered. Traditional shows hadn't been welcoming for women, so she created Fist Club with drag kings like these artists. For them, wrestling and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve building an alter ego and winning over the audience.

New Audiences and Art Forms

The event is for LGBTQ+ and women fighters and sells out quickly across the country. Audience members have even been inspired to start wrestling. Featuring primarily drag kings, the night restricts straight male participants to a small percentage, mirroring the experience of underrepresented groups in traditional events. The organizer stresses the goal of welcoming people who've never seen wrestling.

Great wrestling relies on the performance – making the audience feel in the action. Safety are top priority, but injuries do happen. Olesker suffered a fracture in an early show, and Bandenberg injured both toes during practice, though she says it could have been worse.

Wrestling as Art

In Glasgow, the sport is being reimagined through performance art. Artists George and Kok developed Still Lives using rope bondage, hanging people to form art pieces. They've featured athletes in various cities, tailoring the work to local culture. In the city, they're featuring pro wrestlers to explore endurance and physical limits.

Bondage and wrestling both require trust and dialogue, handling control and safety. One artist says that fighters communicate during fights to achieve a narrative, showing cooperation even in conflict.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, dedicated fans and performers stay devoted. Long periods are dedicated training for events, and artistic projects like Still Lives highlight the patience involved. By different styles, artists aim to honor wrestling, attract new fans, and show that it transcends identity, shape, or form.

One organizer concludes: There's so much going on in real time, done by people who love it. They're not getting rich; it's viewed as a creative art form that spreads happiness.