The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of securing the title prize during Clash of the Comics. At the moment he reached for it, fellow comic Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, sent everyone flying, and made off 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 devastating move. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble one-on-one.
The Evolution of Professional Wrestling
Public interest in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the 1980s. Recently, WWE landed a massive deal with Netflix, valued at billions, pushing the athletic sport further into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich blue-collar background, producing world-class talent like international stars. Now, wrestling is branching out into performance arenas, with a range of productions across the country drawing in new audiences through humor, queer cabaret, and even living sculpture.
When Humor Enters the Ring
Max Olesker, who previously held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their university days. The energy was incredible, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a larger-than-life drama of heroes and villains. Together, they developed a show that merged comedy and wrestling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the sport and getting comedians to take risks. Originally titled The Wrestling, it earned a major comedy award and has grown in appeal ever since.
Now known as Clash of the Comics, the show previously featured Rosie Jones defeating Greg Davies at a large arena. Up next, it will headline Hammersmith Apollo, marking its first independent run. The cast includes pro wrestlers like Simon Miller and funny people such as well-known acts, with one comic throwing down an open challenge to all contenders. Joining the fun, commentators like Nish Kumar will root for the bad guys, while Sara Pascoe supports the good guys. Comedy is key, but the real draw is the action in the ring.
The Logistical Challenge
Putting together such an production is a logistical nightmare. The performers are enrolled to training facilities to pick up the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's like how TV programs teach celebrities for specific routines. Another notes that, akin to those series, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the cast, which makes the event flow.
Wrestling is drag – you have an alter ego, and you work to get the audience on your side
The Fine Line in Wrestling
The sport always balances on a fine line between authenticity and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who runs an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as training to be an competitor and a acrobat, with elements of stunt work. There's pain involved, especially when mastering basic moves like the impact fall. The danger is present, though choreography minimize harm. Live performance heightens this, as events mix scripted and spontaneous elements. As one creator says, the crowd's reaction shapes what happens, unlike traditional theater.
Bandenberg discovered wrestling by accident and fell in love with the space it provided. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been welcoming for women, so she founded Fist Club with drag kings Rich Tea. For them, the sport and variety performance are a perfect match, as both involve building an alter ego and engaging the audience.
New Audiences and Art Forms
Fist Club is for LGBTQ+ and women fighters and fills up quickly across the UK. Some fans have even been motivated to try the sport themselves. Featuring mostly performers, the show restricts male wrestlers to a minority, reflecting the reality of underrepresented groups in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg emphasizes the aim of welcoming newcomers.
Great wrestling depends on the sell – convincing the audience feel in the drama. Precautions are top priority, but injuries do happen. 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
Up in Scotland, wrestling is being reimagined through artistic expression. Artists Luke George and Daniel Kok created Still Lives using shibari, suspending participants to form art pieces. They've featured sportspeople in various cities, adapting 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 dialogue, handling control and care. George explains that fighters communicate during matches to create a storyline, demonstrating mutual support even in combat.
The Heart of Wrestling
While interest in the sport may ebb and flow, committed participants stay devoted. Long periods are spent training for shows, and artistic projects like Still Lives highlight the patience involved. By these varied styles, creators aim to honor wrestling, bring in supporters, and show that it transcends gender, shape, or form.
One organizer concludes: There's so much happening live, performed by people who love it. No one's getting rich; they see it as a creative art form that spreads happiness.
