Sussexstrongman's blog
London Wrestling Scene heading into crises ! The UK watches on !
It's starring us all in the face. Male session wrestlers, Wrestling promotions, Media companies,Matt space, Ring closures and energy bills. These are the challenges facing us all on here today. A form of industry liberalisation. I came into this via the female session wrestling scene and my desire to escape and cosplay in Pro wrestling. Females session wrestlers charged money, this seemed to be acceptable and now there are male session wrestlers. I got in touch with one such member who considered himself as royalty and I thought He was joking that He wanted me to pay him for a session. Incredible I thought. Then I learned there are quite a few of them and some even produce videos and turn them out on a regular basis too. I have no problem with any of these facts, demand, supply and all that.
However, with the ever shrinking supply of mat and ring space regular or underground wrestlers now face a struggle to get a space booked. Space has reduced by 75% in London whilst arguably demand has increased. There is no easy answer to this as wrestlers find a way to counter act this latest move outside of their control.
To think its just a London issue is naive, Manchester needs to take heed as well. We may need to look at more local alternatives that could be used such a struggling gyms or martial arts centres in our towns. Perhaps Hotels and airbnbs may come into play too. They certainly used as 'apartment' matches back in the day.
Will We tap out or go for the ropes to break the current hold ?
Shadow Knight (82 )
1/05/2023 10:48 PMWe will never tap out…….we are a strong community of wrestling buddies. We. Will. Survive
Churd (83 )
1/08/2023 12:38 PM(In reply to this)
I fully agree. I ran group meets from my flat 2001 to 2012. We will always find a way. I am looking at a space in Epsom that may be suitable. Keep the faith, stay strong and (quote) "Never tap out".
Sussexstrongman (3)
1/08/2023 9:08 PM(In reply to this)
Good !! This would be a terrific result when secured.
Shapeshifter (27)
1/06/2023 11:14 AMAs someone who's 99% used hotel rooms (with the remainder being kind hosts) I wasn't aware of this at all, thank you for the post Sussexstrongman!
Ironbull (94)
1/06/2023 12:19 PMI am am a regular member of a London boxing club in Clapham (which is not a cheap part of town) and it sees perhaps an average 40 fee-paying boxers per day, 7 days per week. I estimate that this translates into a turnover of £8,000 per week. Admittedly, out of that, they pay professional coaches for whom this is their livelihood, and I have no idea how financially stable they are, but they are still here and have survived this way for 10+ years. If you fail to turn up for a class, tough, you paid and you don't get a refund. How many prime slots get wasted through no-shows in this wrestling world?
The truth is that we have been content to let this sit on the shoulders of a few aficionados. Few of us have ever put their hands in their pockets beyond paying for when we do actually make it. Until and unless we, or a group of us, approach this in a business-like way (which means putting money on the table), the fortunate position we have all enjoyed up to now is going to carry on fading to nothing. Sussex Strongman's point about the women is well made. For all there are indeed a few pay-to-wrestle men, the market is smaller which is why none of those men have opened a venue. The stronger market position of the women gives them a better opportunity to make the numbers work. Two men wrestling on their mats on a Saturday afternoon cannot surely be attractive to them and we risk being pushed back by them of necessity.
Let's face it guys. This wrestling thing is fantasy, erotic, sex; whatever. NSFW. Look at the businesses that successfully work that energy. Gay bars, sex clubs, fetish shops. They are ruthless, hard-nosed, fiercely competitive and well capitalised. Here's the bottom line. We don;t get our fun unless we commit to being just as business-like as they are.
But I have to say I would not be willing to put my hand in my pocket unless Admin drops the prohibition against promoting a community venue. Why would I invest in something where marketing is effectively blocked int he one forum where it counts?
WW (17)
1/06/2023 7:15 PM(In reply to this)
Well said ironbull
WW (17)
1/06/2023 7:17 PMFar be it from me to point out, there is Manchester. The world doesn't revolve around London
Sussexstrongman (3)
1/06/2023 10:16 PM(In reply to this)
Correct, but the point of the post is the rate at which London is losing mat/ring space may be an indicator for the rest of the country.
HalfGuard (59)
1/06/2023 10:48 PM(In reply to this)
I'm not sure how it translates from residential rent to business/industrial rent but London is infamous for having insanely high rates compared to up north.
I'm not saying Manchester venues are invincible but there's probably some more tolerance.
Centaur (49 )
1/09/2023 10:32 PMLet’s not forget that 90% won’t group meet it’s one on one grapple and grope.
Or it’s a grapple and go situation
Either way, venues out side the two “hub” cities are rare, Birmingham may be something that is up and coming with a couple of venues but as have been mentioned before,
This site doesn’t allow much in the way of venue advertisements