Prepare for the Action: How Wrestling Escaped of the Ring and into the Spotlight

The comedian Phil Wang was about to claim 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, sent everyone flying, and walked away with the coveted belt. Max Olesker, a comedian, notes that it was actually the pro wrestler Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a devastating move. He maintains he could have handled Gamble in a fair fight.

The Evolution of Professional Wrestling

The popularity in pro wrestling has fluctuated widely since its peak in the 1980s. Earlier this year, WWE landed a record-breaking agreement with Netflix, worth billions, elevating the muscle-bound spectacle deeper into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a deep-rooted blue-collar background, nurturing world-class talent like Will Ospreay. Now, wrestling is branching out into theatrical spaces, with a range of shows across the country drawing in fresh fans through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Max Olesker, who once held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, introduced his collaborator Gonzalez to the world of wrestling during their college days. The atmosphere was electric, Gonzalez recalls, describing it as a over-the-top drama of good versus evil. As a duo, they created a production that combined stand-up and grappling, convincing athletes they weren't mocking the sport and getting comedians to jump off the ropes. Originally titled their hit show, it won a major comedy award and has expanded in appeal ever since.

Renamed the comedic clash, the show previously showcased Rosie Jones beating Greg Davies at a large arena. Coming soon, it will take over Hammersmith Apollo, making its first standalone run. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like popular fighters and funny people such as well-known acts, with James Acaster throwing down an open challenge to anyone. Adding to the excitement, hosts like Nish Kumar will cheer on the bad guys, while Sara Pascoe backs the good guys. Humor is central, but the main attraction is the action in the squared circle.

The Logistical Challenge

Putting together such an production is a logistical nightmare. Comedians are enrolled to training facilities to pick up the basics. As one organizer says, it's like how reality shows train celebrities for specific routines. Another notes that, akin to those series, there's lots of backstage excitement among the cast, which helps the event run smoothly.

Wrestling is performance art – you have an character, you're getting the crowd on your side

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling constantly balances on a fine line between reality and performance. Heather Bandenberg, who organizes Fist Club, explains it as preparing to be an athlete and a acrobat, with parts of dangerous moves. It hurts, especially when learning basic moves like the bump. The danger is real, even if planned sequences minimize injuries. Live performance adds to this, as events blend prepared and spontaneous elements. Olesker notes, the audience response directly influences what unfolds, unlike stage plays.

Bandenberg discovered wrestling by accident and fell in love with the space it provided. Traditional shows hadn't been inclusive for female performers, so she created her own event with drag kings Rich Tea. In their view, the sport and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve creating an character and engaging the audience.

New Audiences and Art Forms

Fist Club is for LGBTQ+ and women wrestlers and sells out quickly across the country. Some fans have even been inspired to try the sport themselves. With primarily drag kings, the night limits straight male participants to a small percentage, reflecting the reality of minorities in mainstream wrestling. Bandenberg emphasizes the aim of welcoming people who've never seen wrestling.

A successful match depends on the performance – making the viewers feel in the action. Precautions are top priority, but accidents do happen. One creator suffered a fracture in an early show, and Bandenberg broke both toes during practice, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

Up in Scotland, wrestling is being transformed through artistic expression. Artists George and Kok created an installation using shibari, hanging participants to create living sculptures. They've featured athletes in different locations, adapting the piece to local culture. In the city, they're featuring grapplers to showcase stamina and physical limits.

Rope work and wrestling both involve reliance and communication, handling control and safety. George explains that wrestlers signal during fights to achieve a storyline, demonstrating mutual support even in combat.

The Heart of Wrestling

Although interest in the sport may ebb and flow, dedicated participants stay devoted. Months are spent training for shows, and creations like the installation highlight the patience involved. Through these varied styles, creators aim to celebrate wrestling, bring in new fans, and show that it transcends identity, body type, or style.

Bandenberg concludes: There's so much going on in real time, done by people who love it. They're not getting rich; they see it as a artistic expression that spreads happiness.