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Phil Wang was on the verge of securing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. Just as he made his move, Ed Gamble stormed in, sent everyone flying, and walked away with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, a comedian, clarifies that it was in fact the pro wrestler Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a powerful clothesline. He maintains he could have handled Gamble one-on-one.

The Evolution of Pro Wrestling

Public interest in pro wrestling has fluctuated widely since its golden era in the 1980s. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant secured a massive agreement with the streaming service, valued at an eye-watering sum, pushing the athletic spectacle further into the public eye. In the UK, wrestling has a deep-rooted working-class history, nurturing top-tier talent like international stars. Today, wrestling is branching out into performance spaces, with a range of productions across the country drawing in fresh fans through comedy, LGBTQ+ performance, and even living sculpture.

Comedy Meets Combat

Olesker, who once held the title as the UK's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his collaborator Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The atmosphere was incredible, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a larger-than-life drama of good versus evil. As a duo, they created a production that combined comedy and wrestling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the discipline and encouraging comedians to take risks. Originally titled The Wrestling, it won a prestigious prize and has grown in popularity ever since.

Renamed the comedic clash, the show previously showcased Rosie Jones defeating fellow comics at a large arena. Up next, it will take over a famous London theater, making its first standalone run. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like popular fighters and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with James Acaster throwing down an public invitation to anyone. Joining the excitement, hosts like Nish Kumar will cheer on the bad guys, while another host supports the heroes. Humor is central, but the main attraction is the spectacle in the squared circle.

Behind the Scenes

Organizing such an production is a huge challenge. Comedians are sent to wrestling school to pick up the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's similar to how TV programs train stars for particular routines. Olesker adds that, much like those shows, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the participants, which makes the show run smoothly.

Grappling resembles drag – there's an alter ego, and you work to get the crowd on your side

Reality and Pretence

Wrestling constantly balances on a tightrope between reality and performance. An expert, who organizes an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, explains it as preparing to be an competitor and a gymnast, with elements of dangerous moves. It hurts, particularly when learning basic moves like the bump. Risk is real, though planned sequences minimize injuries. The liveness adds to this, as events mix scripted and spontaneous elements. As one creator says, the audience response shapes what unfolds, unlike traditional theater.

She discovered wrestling unexpectedly and fell in love with the space it offered. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been inclusive for female performers, so she created Fist Club with drag kings Rich Tea. For them, wrestling and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve creating an alter ego and winning over the audience.

New Audiences and Art Forms

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 restricts straight male wrestlers to a minority, reflecting the reality of minorities in traditional events. The organizer stresses the aim of attracting newcomers.

Great wrestling depends on the sell – making the audience feel in the drama. Precautions are paramount, but injuries occur. Olesker broke his ankle in an early show, and Bandenberg injured both big toes during practice, though she says it could have been worse.

The Artistic Side

In Glasgow, the sport is being reimagined through artistic expression. 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 local culture. In the city, they're featuring grapplers to showcase stamina and what the body can do.

Bondage and grappling both require reliance and communication, navigating control and safety. One artist says that wrestlers signal during fights to create a narrative, demonstrating cooperation even in combat.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, committed fans and performers remain devoted. Months are dedicated preparing for shows, and creations like the installation emphasize the perseverance involved. Through different styles, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in supporters, and prove that it transcends gender, body type, or style.

One organizer sums it up: A lot happening live, done by people who are passionate. No one's in it for money; it's viewed as a artistic expression that brings joy.