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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 actually the pro wrestler Bullit, Gamble's henchman, who took them down with a devastating move. Olesker insists he might have beaten Gamble one-on-one.

The Evolution of Pro Wrestling

The popularity in sports entertainment has seen ups and downs since its peak in the eighties. Earlier this year, the wrestling giant secured a massive agreement with Netflix, worth an eye-watering sum, elevating the athletic sport further into the public eye. In the UK, wrestling has a rich working-class background, producing world-class competitors like international stars. Today, wrestling is expanding into performance spaces, with several of shows across the country attracting fresh fans through humor, queer cabaret, and even art installations.

Comedy Meets Combat

Max Olesker, who previously was known as the Britain's youngest pro wrestler, brought his comedy partner Gonzalez to the sport during their university days. The atmosphere was incredible, he remembers, comparing it to a larger-than-life drama of heroes and villains. Together, they created a show that merged stand-up and wrestling, convincing pro wrestlers they weren't mocking the sport and getting comedians to jump off the ropes. Originally titled The Wrestling, it earned a prestigious prize and has grown in popularity ever since.

Renamed the comedic clash, the show previously featured Rosie Jones beating fellow comics at a major venue. Up next, it will headline a famous London theater, marking its first standalone appearance. The lineup includes pro wrestlers like Simon Miller and comedians such as Aisling Bea, with James Acaster throwing down an open challenge to all contenders. Joining the excitement, commentators like a familiar face will root for the villains, while another host supports the heroes. Humor is central, but the real draw is the action in the ring.

Behind the Scenes

Organizing such an production is a logistical nightmare. Comedians are sent to training facilities to pick up the fundamentals. Gonzalez explains, it's like how TV programs train stars for particular performances. Another notes that, akin to those series, there's lots of backstage excitement among the participants, which makes the event flow.

Wrestling is performance art – there's an alter ego, and you work to get the audience on your side

The Fine Line in Wrestling

Wrestling constantly walks a fine line between reality and pretence. Heather Bandenberg, who organizes Fist Club, describes it as preparing to be an competitor and a acrobat, with parts of dangerous moves. There's pain involved, especially when learning fundamentals like the bump. Risk is present, though choreography minimize injuries. The liveness adds to this, as shows mix scripted and improvised elements. As one creator says, the crowd's reaction shapes what happens, unlike traditional theater.

She found wrestling unexpectedly and became captivated with the space it provided. Mainstream wrestling wasn't welcoming for female performers, so she founded her own event with drag kings like these artists. In their view, the sport and cabaret are a perfect match, as both involve creating an character and engaging the audience.

Inclusivity and Innovation

The event is for queer and female wrestlers and sells out quickly across the UK. Some fans have even been inspired to start wrestling. With primarily drag kings, the night restricts male wrestlers to a minority, mirroring the experience of underrepresented groups in traditional events. The organizer emphasizes the aim of attracting people who've never seen wrestling.

Great wrestling relies on the performance – convincing the viewers believe in the action. Safety are top priority, but accidents do happen. One creator broke his ankle in an early show, and Bandenberg injured both big toes during training, though she considers herself lucky.

The Artistic Side

In Glasgow, the sport is being transformed through artistic expression. Creators George and Kok developed an installation using rope bondage, hanging participants to create art pieces. They've worked with athletes in different locations, adapting the work to each place. In the city, they're using grapplers to showcase endurance and what the body can do.

Bondage and grappling both involve reliance and communication, handling power dynamics and safety. George explains that wrestlers communicate during fights to achieve a storyline, showing mutual support even in conflict.

Dedication and Joy

Although interest in the sport may ebb and flow, dedicated fans and performers remain devoted. Months are dedicated training for events, and creations like the installation emphasize the patience involved. Through these varied approaches, creators aim to honor wrestling, bring in new fans, and prove that it goes beyond identity, shape, or form.

One organizer sums it up: There's so much going on in real time, performed by people who are passionate. No one's in it for money; it's viewed as a artistic expression that brings joy.