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The comedian Phil Wang was on the verge of securing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. At the moment he made his move, fellow comic Ed Gamble burst onto the scene, knocked everyone out, and walked away with the shiny belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, a comedian, clarifies that it was actually Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who delivered the blow with a powerful clothesline. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.

The Evolution 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 Netflix, worth an eye-watering sum, pushing the muscle-bound sport deeper into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a rich working-class history, nurturing top-tier talent like international stars. Today, wrestling is expanding into theatrical spaces, with several of shows across the country drawing in fresh fans through comedy, queer cabaret, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Max Olesker, who once held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Ivan Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their college days. The atmosphere was incredible, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a larger-than-life pantomime of heroes and villains. As a duo, they developed a production that merged comedy and wrestling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the discipline and encouraging performers to take risks. Originally titled The Wrestling, it won a prestigious prize and has expanded in appeal ever since.

Renamed the comedic clash, the show previously showcased comedians defeating fellow comics at a large arena. Coming soon, it will headline a famous London theater, making its first independent appearance. The lineup includes grapplers like popular fighters and funny people such as well-known acts, with one comic throwing down an public invitation to anyone. Joining the excitement, commentators like a familiar face will root for the villains, while Sara Pascoe backs the good guys. Humor is central, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.

The Logistical Challenge

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 like how TV programs train stars for particular routines. Olesker adds that, much like those shows, there's lots of drama among the cast, which helps the event run smoothly.

Grappling resembles performance art – there's an alter ego, you're getting the audience on your side

Reality and Pretence

Wrestling constantly walks a fine line between authenticity and pretence. An expert, who runs Fist Club, explains it as training to be an athlete and a gymnast, with parts of dangerous moves. It hurts, especially when mastering fundamentals like the impact fall. Risk is present, even if planned sequences minimize harm. Live performance adds to this, as events mix scripted and improvised elements. Olesker notes, the audience response shapes what happens, unlike stage plays.

Bandenberg found wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the space it offered. Mainstream wrestling hadn't been inclusive for women, so she founded Fist Club with performers Rich Tea. For them, the sport and cabaret are a natural fit, as both involve building an alter ego and winning over the audience.

Inclusivity and Innovation

Fist Club is for queer and female fighters and fills up quickly across the country. Some fans have even been motivated to start wrestling. Featuring primarily performers, the show limits male wrestlers to a minority, reflecting the experience of minorities in traditional events. The organizer stresses the goal of attracting newcomers.

Great wrestling relies on the sell – making the viewers believe in the action. Precautions are paramount, but injuries occur. Olesker suffered a fracture in an initial performance, and another broke both toes during training, though she says it could have been worse.

Wrestling as Art

Up in Scotland, wrestling is being transformed through artistic expression. Artists Luke George and Daniel Kok created an installation using shibari, suspending participants to create art pieces. They've worked with athletes in various cities, tailoring the work to local culture. In the city, they're featuring pro wrestlers to showcase stamina and what the body can do.

Rope work and wrestling both require trust and dialogue, handling control and safety. One artist says that wrestlers communicate during fights to create a storyline, showing cooperation even in combat.

Dedication and Joy

Although wrestling's popularity may ebb and flow, dedicated participants stay devoted. Long periods are dedicated preparing for events, and creations like the installation emphasize the patience involved. Through different approaches, creators aim to honor wrestling, bring in supporters, and show that it goes beyond identity, shape, or form.

One organizer sums it up: A lot happening live, performed by people who love it. No one's getting rich; they see it as a creative art form that spreads happiness.