MPs grapple to get wrestling to submit to safety crackdown

MPs grapple to get wrestling to submit to safety crackdown and drive out ‘cowboy operators’

• A Westminster debate will discuss wrestling regulation to improve its safety
• It comes after a growth in ‘cowboy operators’ and dangerous events across UK 

It is a physical clash without violence and with a pre-arranged result – made famous by the likes of Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy of 1970s and ’80s TV fame.

But now MPs say all is not well in the mock battle world of professional wrestling.

In a debate at Westminster this week, Ministers will be told how wrestling is desperately in need of proper regulation to drive out ‘cowboy operators’ and to improve safety.

MPs also want a definitive answer to a burning question: is wrestling a sport or theatre?

Calls for regulation come just over a year since a wrestling event in County Durham – advertised as suitable for children – featured a hard-core ‘death match’ in which two bloodstained opponents reportedly smashed glass lighting tubes over each other.

MPs also want a definitive answer to a burning question: is wrestling a sport or theatre? Pictured: WWE British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith in 1992

This week Labour MP Charlotte Nichols will warn of chaotic nationwide administration of popular wrestling events.

She said one local authority will insist a doctor is present at a show while a nearby council makes no such demand.

Ms Nichols, vice-chairman of the all-party parliamentary group on wrestling, raised fears that despite bouts having to be licensed by local councils, it was a ‘wholly unregulated industry’.

The Warrington North MP also recalled how a previous inquiry by the parliamentary group was warned about ‘illegal practices ranging from tax malpractice and fraud, to dangerous health and safety arrangements and sexual harassment’. 

She said: ‘We were also warned about lack of adequate medical supplies and supervision.’ She will tell Ministers that ‘medics are a must’ at wrestling matches.

She will also suggest uncertainty over how wrestling is defined – either as a sport or theatre – causes problems for events licensed at local level.

In a debate at Westminster this week, Ministers will be told how wrestling is desperately in need of proper regulation to drive out ‘cowboy operators’ and to improve safety. Pictured: Professional boxer Big Daddy in the 1980s

Two years ago, the all-party group called for wrestling training schools to be considered ‘sporting’ but said wrestling promotions should be labelled ‘theatrical’, ‘artistic’ or ‘performative’.

Last night wrestling promoter Ricky Knight – who runs the Norwich-based World Association of Wrestling – hit out at ‘dodgy companies’ and ‘cowboys’ in the industry.

He said: ‘There are rules but a lot of the companies aren’t abiding by these rules.’ However Mr Knight, who described wrestling as ‘illusional fighting’, said he would welcome better regulation.

As to why crowds flocked to watch what everyone knew was a pre-determined contest, he said: ‘The fans don’t know the result. You go to see a top magician and you know it’s a trick. But you still go and see him and say: wow! How did he do that!’

Government sources said normal wrestling entertainment was classed as a ‘licensable activity’ but not a sport under the Licensing Act 2003.

Although there were different kinds of authorisation required, regulating local authorities must take into account issues such as public safety, protecting children and preventing disorder.

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