Phil Wang was on the verge of grabbing the title prize during Clash of the Comics. Just as he made his move, fellow comic Ed Gamble stormed in, knocked everyone out, and walked away with the shiny belt. Max Olesker, one of the show's creators, notes that it was actually Bullit, acting as an enforcer, who took them down with a devastating move. He maintains he could have handled Gamble one-on-one.
The Evolution of Professional Wrestling
The popularity in sports entertainment has fluctuated widely since its peak in the eighties. Recently, the wrestling giant secured a massive deal with the streaming service, valued at billions, pushing the muscle-bound sport further into the public eye. In the United Kingdom, wrestling has a rich blue-collar history, producing top-tier competitors like international stars. Today, wrestling is branching out into performance spaces, with several of shows across the country drawing in new audiences through humor, LGBTQ+ performance, and even living sculpture.
When Humor Enters the Ring
Olesker, who once held the title as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his collaborator Ivan Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The atmosphere was incredible, he remembers, comparing it to a over-the-top drama of good versus evil. Together, they created a production that merged comedy and grappling, persuading pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the sport and getting comedians to take risks. First called The Wrestling, it won a prestigious prize and has grown in appeal ever since.
Renamed Clash of the Comics, the show recently showcased Rosie Jones defeating Greg Davies at a major venue. Coming soon, it will take over a famous London theater, making its first independent appearance. The cast includes grapplers like Simon Miller and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with one comic throwing down an public invitation to all contenders. Adding to the excitement, commentators like a familiar face will root for the villains, while another host supports the heroes. Humor is central, but the main attraction is the action in the ring.
Behind the Scenes
Putting together such an event is a logistical nightmare. Comedians are enrolled to wrestling school to learn the fundamentals. As one organizer says, it's similar to how TV programs train celebrities for specific performances. Olesker adds that, akin to those shows, there's plenty of backstage excitement among the cast, which helps the show flow.
Wrestling is drag – there's an alter ego, you're getting the crowd on your team
The Fine Line in Wrestling
Wrestling constantly balances on a fine line between authenticity and performance. An expert, who organizes an LGBTQ+ cabaret night, describes it as training to be an competitor and a acrobat, with elements of dangerous moves. There's pain involved, particularly when mastering fundamentals like the bump. Risk is present, even if choreography minimize injuries. Live performance adds to this, as shows blend prepared and improvised moments. As one creator says, the audience response shapes what unfolds, unlike traditional theater.
Bandenberg found wrestling by accident and fell in love with the space it offered. Traditional shows wasn't inclusive for women, so she created her own event with performers Rich Tea. For them, wrestling and cabaret are a natural fit, as both involve building an character and winning over the crowd.
New Audiences and Art Forms
The event is for queer and female wrestlers and fills up quickly across the UK. Audience members have even been motivated to try the sport themselves. With mostly drag kings, the night limits male wrestlers to a small percentage, reflecting the reality of minorities in mainstream wrestling. The organizer emphasizes the aim of welcoming newcomers.
Great wrestling relies on the sell – making the viewers believe in the drama. Safety are paramount, but accidents occur. One creator broke his ankle in an early show, and another broke both big toes during practice, though she says it could have been worse.
Wrestling as Art
In Glasgow, the sport is being reimagined through artistic expression. Artists Luke George and Daniel Kok created an installation using shibari, hanging people to create living sculptures. They've featured athletes in various cities, tailoring the piece to each place. In the city, they're featuring grapplers to explore endurance and what the body can do.
Bondage and wrestling both require reliance and dialogue, navigating power dynamics and care. One artist says that fighters communicate during matches to create a narrative, showing cooperation even in conflict.
The Heart of Wrestling
While interest in the sport may ebb and flow, dedicated fans and performers remain steadfast. Long periods are spent training for events, and creations like Still Lives emphasize the perseverance involved. By different approaches, artists aim to honor wrestling, bring in supporters, and show that it transcends identity, body type, or style.
Bandenberg sums it up: A lot happening live, performed by people who love it. No one's getting rich; it's viewed as a artistic art form that brings joy.
