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Phil Wang was about to claim of securing the title prize during Clash of the Comics. At the moment he made his move, Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and walked away with the coveted belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, clarifies that it was in fact Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a powerful clothesline. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble one-on-one.

The Changing Fortunes of Professional Wrestling

The popularity in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its peak in the 1980s. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant secured a massive agreement with the streaming service, worth billions, pushing the athletic sport further into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a deep-rooted blue-collar background, producing world-class talent like international stars. Today, wrestling is branching out into performance spaces, with several of productions across the country attracting new audiences through humor, queer cabaret, and even art installations.

When Humor Enters the Ring

Max Olesker, who once was known as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his collaborator Ivan Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their university days. The energy was electric, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a larger-than-life drama of heroes and villains. As a duo, they created a production that merged comedy and grappling, convincing athletes they weren't making fun of the sport and getting performers to jump off the ropes. First called their hit show, it earned a major comedy award and has expanded in appeal ever since.

Renamed Clash of the Comics, the show previously featured Rosie Jones defeating fellow comics at a large arena. Coming soon, it will headline a famous London theater, making its first standalone run. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like Simon Miller and funny people such as well-known acts, with one comic issuing an public invitation to anyone. Joining the fun, hosts like Nish Kumar will cheer on the villains, while another host backs the good guys. Humor is central, but the main attraction is the spectacle in the squared circle.

Behind the Scenes

Putting together such an production is a huge challenge. The performers are sent to training facilities to learn the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's similar to how reality shows teach celebrities for particular routines. Another notes that, akin to those series, there's lots of backstage excitement among the cast, which helps the show flow.

Grappling resembles performance art – you have an alter ego, and you work to get the crowd on your team

Reality and Pretence

Wrestling constantly balances on a tightrope between reality and performance. Heather Bandenberg, who runs Fist Club, describes it as preparing to be an competitor and a acrobat, with elements of stunt work. There's pain involved, especially when mastering fundamentals like the impact fall. Risk is present, even if choreography minimize harm. Live performance heightens this, as shows blend prepared and improvised elements. As one creator says, the audience response directly influences what unfolds, unlike traditional theater.

She discovered wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the freedom it provided. Traditional shows wasn't welcoming for female performers, so she founded her own event with performers Rich Tea. For them, the sport and variety performance are a natural fit, as both involve building an character and winning over the crowd.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event is for queer and female wrestlers and sells out rapidly across the country. Audience members have even been inspired to start wrestling. With mostly performers, the night limits male wrestlers to a small percentage, reflecting the reality of underrepresented groups in traditional events. The organizer stresses the aim of welcoming people who've never seen wrestling.

A successful match relies on the sell – convincing the audience believe in the drama. Safety are paramount, but injuries do happen. Olesker broke his ankle in an early show, and another injured both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

Up in Scotland, wrestling is being reimagined through artistic expression. Creators Luke George and Daniel Kok developed an installation using rope bondage, suspending people to create living sculptures. They've featured athletes in various cities, adapting the piece to each place. In Glasgow, they're featuring grapplers to explore stamina and what the body can do.

Bondage and grappling both require reliance and dialogue, handling power dynamics and care. One artist says that wrestlers communicate during matches to create a storyline, demonstrating mutual support even in conflict.

Dedication and Joy

Although interest in the sport may rise and fall, dedicated fans and performers remain steadfast. Long periods are dedicated preparing for shows, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the patience involved. By different styles, creators aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in new fans, and show that it goes beyond gender, body type, or style.

Bandenberg concludes: A lot happening live, performed by people who are passionate. No one's in it for money; they see it as a artistic art form that spreads happiness.