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The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of securing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. Just as he made his move, fellow comic Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, sent everyone flying, and made off with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was actually Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a devastating move. Olesker insists he might have beaten Gamble one-on-one.

The Changing Fortunes of Pro Wrestling

Public interest in sports entertainment has seen ups and downs since its golden era in the 1980s. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant landed a massive deal with Netflix, worth billions, pushing the athletic spectacle deeper into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich blue-collar history, producing world-class competitors like Will Ospreay. Today, wrestling is expanding into theatrical arenas, with a range of productions across the country drawing in fresh fans through comedy, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Olesker, who previously was known as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his collaborator Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The energy was electric, he remembers, comparing it to a larger-than-life drama of heroes and villains. As a duo, they created a show that merged comedy and wrestling, convincing pro wrestlers they weren't making fun of the sport and getting performers to take risks. Originally titled their hit show, it won a prestigious prize and has grown in appeal ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, the show recently showcased Rosie Jones beating Greg Davies at a large arena. Coming soon, it will headline a famous London theater, making its first standalone appearance. The cast includes grapplers like popular fighters and funny people such as Aisling Bea, with one comic throwing down an open challenge to all contenders. Adding to the excitement, commentators like a familiar face will root for the bad guys, while another host backs the heroes. Humor is central, but the real draw is the action in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

Putting together such an production is a logistical nightmare. Comedians are sent to training facilities to pick up the fundamentals. Gonzalez explains, it's like how TV programs train celebrities for specific performances. Another notes that, much like those series, there's plenty of drama among the participants, which helps the show flow.

Wrestling is performance art – there's an character, you're getting the audience on your team

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling constantly walks a fine line between reality and pretence. An expert, who organizes Fist Club, describes it as training to be an athlete and a gymnast, with parts of stunt work. There's pain involved, particularly when mastering fundamentals like the bump. The danger is real, though planned sequences reduce injuries. Live performance heightens this, as events blend scripted and spontaneous elements. As one creator says, the crowd's reaction shapes what happens, unlike traditional theater.

Bandenberg found wrestling unexpectedly and fell in love with the freedom it offered. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been inclusive for female performers, so she founded her own event with drag kings Rich Tea. In their view, wrestling and variety performance are a natural fit, as both involve building an character and winning over the audience.

Inclusivity and Innovation

Fist Club is for LGBTQ+ and women wrestlers and sells out quickly across the UK. Audience members have even been inspired to start wrestling. Featuring primarily performers, the night restricts male wrestlers to a minority, mirroring the reality of minorities in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg stresses the aim of welcoming people who've never seen wrestling.

A successful match relies on the performance – making the viewers feel in the drama. Precautions are top priority, but injuries do happen. Olesker broke his ankle in an initial performance, and another broke both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

Up in Scotland, wrestling is being reimagined through performance art. Creators George and Kok developed an installation using rope bondage, hanging participants to form living sculptures. They've featured athletes in different locations, adapting the piece to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring pro wrestlers to showcase endurance and physical limits.

Bondage and wrestling both require reliance and communication, handling power dynamics and safety. One artist says that wrestlers signal during fights to create a storyline, demonstrating mutual support even in conflict.

The Heart of Wrestling

While wrestling's popularity may ebb and flow, dedicated participants stay devoted. Months are spent training for events, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the patience involved. By these varied approaches, creators aim to honor wrestling, attract new fans, and prove that it goes beyond identity, shape, or style.

Bandenberg concludes: There's so much going on in real time, done by people who are passionate. They're not getting rich; they see it as a artistic expression that brings joy.