James Acaster issues an open wrestling challenge

James Acaster has issued an open challenge to fight ‘absolutely anyone’ after years of avoiding offensive manoeuvres in the high-profile comedians’ Wrestling matches.

The format is returning as Clash Of The Comics at London's Eventim Apollo on October 8 with Maisie Adam taking on pro Nina Samuels and champion Phil Wang Wrestling Ed Gamble.

Today – among a string of new announcements about the night – Acaster vowed to take on ‘any comedian or wrestler in the country’ to put an end to ‘years of humiliation’ in another fight on the card, while vowing to make ‘the greatest entrance you’ve ever seen.’

It has also been announced today that  Sara Pascoe joins Greg James and Nish Kumar on the  commentary team  and  that Joe Lycett has  become CEO, having purchased the company while drunk. 

He said: ‘I was enjoying a crisp Riesling on a summer’s eve, and awoke the next day to discover that I had purchased, amongst other things (condoms, eggs, etc), the world’s leading comedy-and-wrestling promotion.’

‘I take my newfound role of CEO incredibly seriously - the world of Clash of the Comics is about to discover that with great power comes great irresponsibility.'

Rose Matafeo - formerly a commentator cheering on the rulebreakers - will be stepping into the ring and Wrestling as the heroic Rose Mata-slay-o. ‘After a walk on the dark side, I have since seen the light,’ she says. ‘I now fight to rid the world of evil through low impact Wrestling and high impact attitude.’

 Kiell Smith-Bynoe is also to debut as The King of Barbados, announcing: ‘I’m the man of steel (drums), and much like the drums, my opponent is going to get beat. Potentially tunefully, if I can work out how.’

As previously announced comedian and YouTube star Max Fosh will be debuting as Max ‘The Dosh’ Fosh - ‘the perfect combo of old money and new media –   alongside Rosie ‘Daddy’ Jones, Max & Ivan, ‘The Ringfluencer’ Abi Clarke, Olga ‘Rock Hard’ Koch, Matthew ‘The Pacifist’ Crosby, Jazz Emu and Flo & Joan.  Comedians have been trained at Wrestling school PlayFight.

They’ll be joined by a roster of elite professional wrestlers, including former WWE superstar ‘The Beast of Belfast’ Big Damo, Simon Miller, Cara Noir,‘The Phoenix’ Jody Fleisch, Bullit, La Cyclonica, Adam Maxted, and the ‘Prince of Mumbai’ Rishi Ghosh.

The event is in aid of Comic Relief and tickets are available here.

Published: 24 Jul 2025