Professional wrestling is easy to write off from a distance, but a live EPW show in the Albert Halls a few months ago showed me just how much more there is to it.
It often gets dismissed with a single word, “fake.”
It’s a criticism that’s both true and completely misleading. Yes, the outcomes are predetermined, and the rivalries are scripted. But what happens in the ring is very real.
More Than ‘Fake’
The athleticism, the timing, and the physical toll on the performers are undeniable. In reality, wrestling sits somewhere between sport and theatre, a form of live storytelling told through movement, character, and crowd interaction.
That blend was on full display throughout the night in Stirling.
From the opening match, the audience was already invested in the classic good-versus-evil dynamic. El Eccentrico, a masked luchador, had the crowd on his side from the moment he stepped through the curtain, clapping along and encouraging chants.
His opponent, The Power Dragon, leaned fully into his villainous role, drawing boos before the match had even begun.
What followed was fast-paced and energetic, but it was the crowd’s reaction, cheering every comeback and groaning at every cheap shot, that brought it to life.
The Crowd Is Part of the Show
That sense of participation is a huge part of wrestling’s appeal. Unlike most sports, the audience isn’t just watching, they’re part of the show.
Wrestlers respond directly to chants, gestures, and even insults, creating a feedback loop that makes every event feel unique.
It’s not unlike a football crowd, live gig, or even a pantomime, where atmosphere can completely shape the experience.
The variety on display is another strength. Over the course of the night, the show moved seamlessly between different styles and tones. One match might lean into comedy, the next into a more serious and dramatic tone.
A tag team contest featuring the crowd-favourite pairing of Bobby Roberts and his much smaller partner played into their size difference, mixing humour with underdog storytelling
Whilst a no-rules hardcore match later in the night saw kendo sticks, ladders, and steel chairs come into play in a much more intense contest.
Even the villains, or “heels” as they’re called in professional wrestling, play a crucial role. Wrestlers like Hannah, the self-proclaimed “Goddess,” thrived on provoking the crowd, mocking fans and relying on outside interference to secure victory.
Characters, Chaos and Community
These exaggerated characters might seem over the top, but they’re essential to the storytelling. Without them, there’s no one for the audience to rally against, and no emotional payoff when the hero finally wins.
The night’s main event, a Royal Rumble-style match, brought everything together. Wrestlers entered at timed intervals, the crowd counting down each arrival in unison.
Favourites returned for one last appearance, and the match built towards a chaotic, crowd-pleasing finale.
What makes wrestling, particularly at this level in Britain, so compelling is its accessibility. It’s close, interactive, and deeply community-driven.
After the show, fans were invited to meet the wrestlers, a reminder that, despite the larger-than-life personas, those inside the squared circle share the exact same passion as those outside.
For those who have never experienced it live, wrestling can be easy to overlook. But nights like this show why it continues to thrive.
It’s not about pretending it’s real, it’s about appreciating what it actually is, a unique mix of athleticism, storytelling, and crowd energy that you won’t quite find anywhere else.
Featured Image Credit: Deaglán Murray
2nd year journalism and sport student at the University of Stirling, with a particular interest in music and sports. Sport editor for Brig Newspaper.
