Wrestling:
Is it Sport or Theatrical Entertainment?
62. One of the defining problems in respect of British professional wrestling, is quite literally definitional. Whether wrestling should be classified as theatrical entertainment or as a sport is a debate which remains unresolved. Indeed, wrestling is known colloquially as ‘sports entertainment’ despite being “a sport that is not, in the literal sense of the word, sporting; a theatrical entertainment that is not theatre”. Though this might appear a superficial problem at first, the consequences are significant and wide ranging, with implications for licencing, medical and other best practice, COVID-19 regulations and access to funding.
64. We received a number of submissions, ranging in detail, about how best to define
professional wrestling, indeed it was suggested that such a determination would be
important in relation to any legislative or regulatory framework. We would say it is
critical.
68. There were other variations on this theme. One submission suggested wrestling fell under ‘TV production’. “Live shows have in essence become televised experiences” we were told. “Like theatre, opera or other live events in the UK and across the world, they are in a state of audience decline and technology must be used to increase audiences. Therefore, wrestling should be considered a performance art such as film or TV, not sports as it is after all predetermined, and cannot be classed as theatre, because it is most often filmed and distributed as a TV show or PPV. Another example of the way industry is changing is the advent of cinematic wrestling, showcasing the merging of wresting into as a short or feature film experience.
70. It might therefore appear to be most straightforward to label wrestling as artistic, theatrical or performance based. However, in correspondence with Alex Davies-Jones MP about potential industry support during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chief Executive of the Arts Council stated: “I do not dispute the creative or artistic elements of wrestling, however I’m afraid that it does not fall within our supported artforms, and wrestling promotions would therefore not be eligible to apply for any of our funding streams.”
76. In an oral evidence session with promoters, trainers and talent that we held, we were told that such confusion can be used to advance individual or organisational agendas, and that it was “convenient” for some to push one or the other narrative. We were also warned that though it had improved, the lack of definition had been “a minefield” in respect of insurance and licencing several years ago.
77. The prevailing view amongst fans and talent is that wrestling is theatrical and yet according to the key Arts body in England, it is evidently viewed as a sport. The major sporting body in England is considered within the industry to be hostile but has in fact sought to embrace at least one company that organises wrestling events. The situation is muddled to the extent that institutions in both sectors remain unclear on their wrestling remit.
78. Unfortunately, the historic difficulty in classifying professional wrestling meant that when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the Government, through no fault of its own, found itself in a difficult position having to advise promotions and training schools on what to do. APPG Co-chairs Alex Davies-Jones MP and Mark Fletcher MP wrote on numerous occasions to Ministers seeking clarification. In the first instance, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Rt Hon Oliver Dowden MP referenced both entertainment performance shows, and sports shows at the grassroots level in respect of the guidance. Subsequently, Parliamentary UnderSecretary of State, Nigel Huddleston MP, explained that professional wrestling was ‘tricky to define’ and a final letter from Minister for Culture Caroline Dinenage MP appeared to suggest straddling both sporting and theatrical guidance depending on a given context.
79. According to Scottish promotion ICW, the position in that devolved administration was similarly unhappy. Despite contact with SportScotland (the national sports agency for Scotland) and communication through other networks there was little detail on which guidelines to follow, until the company was ultimately told it was considered to be under the ‘performance art’ bracket.
83. In summary, the position is not simple but resolving this question of sport, theatre or art is imperative if the industry in Britain is to advance. We will come to discussion about a governing body, but our considered view is that certainty is required. We therefore strongly recommend that wrestling training schools be considered as ‘sporting’ and shows, promotions and associated activity be considered ‘theatrical’ or ‘artistic’ or ‘performative’. This is our recommendation to Government for future guidance, legislation and regulation. We recommend the relevant Minister write to the Arts Council and Sport England accordingly and ask that Ministers in devolved administrations do the same with their respective bodies.
84. We see this as the first step in what may be a three-stage unlocking process. This is step one and key to most of our other recommendations including the aforementioned COVID-19 recovery fund(s). Defining training schools as sporting might allow a second step, namely a form of governance or at least representation. It would, for example, enable schools or a collective thereof to join the Sport and Recreation Alliance, secure funding from Sport England and find more competitive insurance. In respect of safeguarding, for example, it would enable contact with Sport Resolutions UK which has a disputes process. For promotions, definition as theatrical entertainment opens up conversations about licencing, representation and governance and then the third step which would be improved policies and procedures. One of these steps does not necessarily prevent the others from being explored simultaneously but it is our belief that our recommendation will help guide and shape future reforms. In other words, schools or promotions can commit to stage three reforms whilst awaiting confirmation that step one is being implemented. We hope many will grasp the opportunity for change.