The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim of grabbing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. At the moment he reached for it, Ed Gamble stormed in, knocked everyone out, and made off with the coveted belt. Co-founder Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was in fact the pro wrestler Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who delivered the blow with a powerful clothesline. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.
The Changing Fortunes of Pro Wrestling
The popularity in sports entertainment has fluctuated widely since its golden era in the eighties. Earlier this year, WWE landed a massive agreement with Netflix, worth an eye-watering sum, pushing the muscle-bound spectacle deeper into the mainstream. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a deep-rooted working-class background, producing top-tier competitors like international stars. Today, wrestling is branching out into theatrical spaces, with several of shows across the country attracting fresh fans through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even living sculpture.
Comedy Meets Combat
Max Olesker, who once held the title as the UK's youngest pro wrestler, brought his collaborator Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The energy was incredible, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a over-the-top pantomime of good versus evil. As a duo, they developed a production that combined comedy and wrestling, persuading athletes they weren't mocking the discipline and getting performers to take risks. First called their hit show, it won a major prize and has grown in appeal ever since.
Now known as Clash of the Comics, the event previously featured comedians defeating Greg Davies at a large arena. Up next, it will take over a famous London theater, making its first independent appearance. The cast includes pro wrestlers like Simon Miller and comedians such as well-known acts, with James Acaster throwing down an open challenge to anyone. Adding to the fun, commentators like Nish Kumar will root for the villains, while another host backs the heroes. Comedy is key, but the real draw is the spectacle in the squared circle.
The Logistical Challenge
Organizing such an event is a logistical nightmare. The performers are sent to wrestling school to learn the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's similar to how reality shows teach stars for specific routines. Olesker adds that, much like those shows, there's plenty of drama among the participants, which makes the event run smoothly.
Grappling resembles drag – you have an alter ego, you're getting the audience on your team
Reality and Pretence
The sport always balances on a fine line between reality and performance. An expert, who runs Fist Club, describes it as preparing to be an athlete and a acrobat, with elements of dangerous moves. There's pain involved, especially when learning fundamentals like the bump. The danger is present, though planned sequences reduce injuries. Live performance adds to this, as events mix scripted and spontaneous moments. Olesker notes, the audience response directly influences what happens, unlike stage plays.
She discovered wrestling unexpectedly and fell in love with the space it provided. Traditional shows wasn't inclusive for women, so she created Fist Club with drag kings like these artists. In their view, wrestling and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve building an character and winning over the crowd.
Inclusivity and Innovation
Fist Club caters to queer and female wrestlers and fills up rapidly across the country. Audience members have even been inspired to try the sport themselves. Featuring primarily drag kings, the show limits straight male participants to a small percentage, mirroring the experience of underrepresented groups in mainstream wrestling. The organizer stresses the goal of attracting newcomers.
A successful match depends on the performance – convincing the audience feel in the action. Precautions are paramount, but injuries occur. One creator suffered a fracture in an initial performance, and Bandenberg broke both big toes during training, though she considers herself lucky.
The Artistic Side
In Glasgow, wrestling is being transformed through performance art. Artists Luke George and Daniel Kok developed Still Lives using rope bondage, hanging people to form art pieces. They've worked with athletes in different locations, adapting the work to local culture. In Glasgow, they're featuring pro wrestlers to showcase endurance and what the body can do.
Bondage and grappling both involve reliance and communication, handling control and care. George explains that fighters signal during fights to achieve a narrative, demonstrating mutual support even in conflict.
The Heart of Wrestling
While interest in the sport may ebb and flow, dedicated participants remain devoted. Long periods are dedicated training for shows, and artistic projects like the installation highlight the patience involved. By different approaches, artists aim to honor wrestling, bring in new fans, and show that it transcends gender, shape, or form.
One organizer sums it up: There's so much going on in real time, performed by people who love it. They're not in it for money; they see it as a artistic expression that brings joy.
