The comedian Phil Wang was on the verge of securing the title prize during the comedic wrestling showdown. Just as he made his move, fellow comic Ed Gamble stormed in, sent everyone flying, and walked away with the shiny belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was in fact Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a devastating move. Olesker insists he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.
The Changing Fortunes of Professional Wrestling
The popularity in pro wrestling has fluctuated widely since its golden era in the eighties. Recently, the wrestling giant secured a massive deal with the streaming service, valued at billions, pushing the athletic spectacle deeper into the mainstream. In the UK, wrestling has a rich blue-collar background, nurturing top-tier competitors like international stars. Today, wrestling is expanding into theatrical arenas, with a range of shows across the country attracting fresh fans through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.
Comedy Meets Combat
Olesker, who once held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Gonzalez to the sport during their college days. The energy was electric, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a over-the-top pantomime of heroes and villains. Together, they developed a show that merged stand-up and wrestling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't making fun of the discipline and encouraging comedians to take risks. Originally titled their hit show, it earned a major prize and has expanded in appeal ever since.
Now known as Clash of the Comics, the show previously showcased comedians beating fellow comics at a large arena. Up next, it will take over Hammersmith Apollo, making its first independent appearance. The cast includes pro wrestlers like popular fighters and funny people such as well-known acts, with James Acaster issuing an public invitation to all contenders. Adding to the fun, hosts like a familiar face will root for the villains, while Sara Pascoe backs the good guys. Comedy is central, but the real draw is the spectacle in the squared circle.
The Logistical Challenge
Putting together such an event is a huge challenge. The performers are enrolled to wrestling school to pick up the basics. As one organizer says, it's like how TV programs teach celebrities for specific routines. Olesker adds that, akin to those shows, there's lots of drama among the participants, which makes the show run smoothly.
Grappling resembles performance art – there's an character, you're getting the crowd on your side
Reality and Pretence
The sport constantly walks a tightrope between authenticity and pretence. An expert, who runs Fist Club, describes it as training to be an competitor and a gymnast, with parts of stunt work. It hurts, especially when mastering basic moves like the bump. Risk is real, even if choreography minimize injuries. The liveness heightens this, as events blend scripted and improvised elements. As one creator says, the crowd's reaction shapes what happens, unlike stage plays.
She found wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the space it offered. Traditional shows hadn't been inclusive for women, so she founded Fist Club with performers Rich Tea. In their view, the sport and variety performance are a natural fit, as both involve creating an character and winning over the crowd.
Inclusivity and Innovation
The event caters to queer and female fighters and fills up rapidly across the UK. Audience members have even been inspired to try the sport themselves. Featuring primarily drag kings, the night limits male wrestlers to a minority, mirroring the experience of minorities in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg stresses the aim of welcoming people who've never seen wrestling.
A successful match depends on the sell – making the audience feel in the action. Precautions are paramount, but injuries do happen. One creator suffered a fracture in an initial performance, and Bandenberg injured both toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.
Wrestling as Art
In Glasgow, wrestling is being transformed through performance art. Artists Luke George and Daniel Kok created Still Lives using rope bondage, hanging people to create art pieces. They've featured athletes in various cities, tailoring the piece to local culture. In Glasgow, they're featuring grapplers to explore endurance and physical limits.
Bondage and wrestling both involve trust and communication, handling control and care. George explains that fighters communicate during matches to create a narrative, showing mutual support even in combat.
Dedication and Joy
Although wrestling's popularity may rise and fall, committed fans and performers stay steadfast. Months are spent preparing for events, and creations like the installation highlight the perseverance involved. Through these varied approaches, creators aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in supporters, and prove that it transcends identity, body type, or style.
Bandenberg sums it up: A lot happening live, performed by people who are passionate. No one's getting rich; it's viewed as a creative expression that brings joy.
