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The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of securing the title prize during Clash of the Comics. At the moment he made his move, fellow comic Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, sent everyone flying, and made off with the shiny belt. Max Olesker, a comedian, notes that it was actually the pro wrestler Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who delivered the blow with a devastating move. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.

The Changing Fortunes of Pro Wrestling

The popularity in pro wrestling has seen ups and downs since its peak in the 1980s. Recently, the wrestling giant secured a massive deal with Netflix, worth billions, pushing the athletic spectacle further into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a rich working-class background, nurturing world-class talent like international stars. Now, wrestling is expanding into performance arenas, with a range of shows across the country attracting new audiences through humor, queer cabaret, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Max Olesker, who previously held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The atmosphere was electric, he remembers, describing it as a larger-than-life pantomime of good versus evil. Together, they created a show that combined stand-up and grappling, convincing pro wrestlers they weren't making fun of the discipline and encouraging comedians to take risks. First called The Wrestling, it earned a prestigious comedy award and has expanded in appeal ever since.

Now known as the comedic clash, the show previously featured comedians defeating fellow comics at a major venue. Up next, it will take over Hammersmith Apollo, making its first independent run. The lineup includes grapplers like popular fighters and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with James Acaster issuing an open challenge to all contenders. Joining the fun, hosts like a familiar face will root for 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. The performers are enrolled to training facilities to pick up the basics. As one organizer says, it's similar to how TV programs teach stars for specific performances. Another notes that, much like those series, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the participants, which makes the event run smoothly.

Grappling resembles performance art – you have an alter ego, you're getting the audience on your team

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling always balances on a tightrope between authenticity and performance. Heather Bandenberg, who runs Fist Club, explains it as preparing to be an athlete and a acrobat, with elements of dangerous moves. It hurts, especially when learning fundamentals like the bump. The danger is present, though choreography reduce injuries. Live performance adds to this, as events mix scripted and spontaneous moments. Olesker notes, the audience response shapes what unfolds, unlike traditional theater.

She discovered wrestling by accident and became captivated with the space it offered. Traditional shows wasn't welcoming 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 alter ego and engaging the crowd.

New Audiences and Art Forms

The event caters to queer and female wrestlers and sells out rapidly across the country. Audience members have even been motivated to try the sport themselves. Featuring mostly performers, the night limits straight male wrestlers to a small percentage, mirroring the experience of minorities in mainstream wrestling. The organizer stresses the aim of attracting people who've never seen wrestling.

Great wrestling depends on the performance – convincing the viewers feel in the action. Safety are top priority, but injuries occur. One creator suffered a fracture in an early show, and another injured both big toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

Wrestling as Art

In Glasgow, the sport is being transformed through artistic expression. Creators Luke George and Daniel Kok developed an installation using shibari, hanging participants to create living sculptures. They've worked with athletes in different locations, tailoring the work to each place. In the city, they're using grapplers to explore stamina and physical limits.

Rope work and grappling both require trust and communication, navigating control and care. George explains that wrestlers communicate during fights to create a narrative, showing cooperation even in conflict.

The Heart of Wrestling

While wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, committed participants remain steadfast. Long periods are dedicated preparing for shows, and creations like the installation emphasize the perseverance involved. By these varied approaches, artists aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in supporters, and prove that it goes beyond gender, shape, or form.

Bandenberg sums it up: There's so much happening live, performed by people who are passionate. No one's getting rich; it's viewed as a creative art form that spreads happiness.