From outspoken stand up comedian, to regular star of children's television and even a BAFTA to his name, it is safe to say that over the past few years, Glasgow based Billy Kirkwood has been making a name for himself in. To many however, he is better known as simply: Billy Kirkwood, pro-wrestling fan. Having toured with WWE legends Mick Foley and William Regal, and assuming the role of colour commentator for Insane Championship Wrestling and the Scottish Wrestling Alliance, Billy has become one of the most recognisable figures in Scottish wrestling. Not content to leave this at the commentary desk however, Billy and fellow stand up Chris Brooker have embarked on a mission to bring pro-wrestling comedy to the world renound Edinburgh Festival with their new show: I Am the Tag Team Champions. This past week, WhatCultures Simon Cassidy had the chance to speak to Mr Kirkwood about wrestling, comedy and whence the two shall meet.
So youre returning to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year with a wrestling based comedy show, could you tell us a bit about that? I am indeed, its going to be the first ever I Am the Tag Team Champions. Its myself and fellow funny man Chris Brooker, and its a show by real wrestling fans for real wrestling fans, not like a lot of these pretender shows that are on at the Fringe this year (we wont name any names). Were trying to do something different, you know were not going to sit there and lecture people or anything like that: its going to be a safe place for wrestling fans to come and have a bit of fun, because you know probably more than any sport in the world, wrestling fans need to have a sense of humour about themselves and wrestling. So were just going to have a bit of fun with it. Weve been inspired by lots and lots of different things and its in the very early stages: this is a long term project.
So what kind of things should people expect from a wrestling based comedy show? I think wrestling based comedy would be the first thing. But just a good time more than anything else. Someone once said that when you love something so much, you see all of its faults and that is the basis of every joke. Were all wrestling fans, and how many things do we watch that are just hysterically bad? Or hysterically cringe worthy? Just think about the Ultimate Warrior getting his feet set on fire, is that not ridiculous? Or all the talk about fire in wrestling just now, remember that time Kane set fire to a camera man and it flashed up on screen this is a stunt? And I can tell you right now, there is going to be an entire section on wrestlers Twitters. I mean, comedians talk a lot of guff on Twitter but my god, wrestlers are really bad. I mean the other day someone was literally posting pictures of their protein shake before and afterand not even in an ironic way. Its just horrible. You know, you used to go to Edinburgh when people were developing shows with a blank piece of paper. We kind of dont know what this isI mean weve got ideas obviously, Ive kind of made that sound like were going with a blank piece of paper and were just wingin it. Were going to be developing it as we go, its going to be a very organic thing and theres talk of taking it across the pond next year, so hopefully well get some news on that shortly. You know like the live Nerdist shows? Its going to be kind of like that, thats the vibe were going for. Its going to take a while because no one else has done it with a wrestling show, and thats not to cast aspersions on $5 Wrestling or anything like that, this is very different.
Theres quite a lot of wrestling popping up at the Fringe this year Yeah, and we want to encourage people to go and see the likes of Colt Cabana and Brendon Burns at the Stand 2 every night. Theyve got guests on, its looking like Im going to be on a couple of times. I met Colt for the first time yesterday actually.
Whats he like? Lovely. I was in the middle of munching a hamburger and he came up behind me and introduced himself, which I thought was really nice that he came along and did that, we had a little chat about comedy; we had a little chat about wrestling. And obviously hes going to be on Insane Championship Wrestling on the 25th as well. But I mean, if you really just want to head to one show, then head to ours: were one night only. I Am the Tag Team Champions.
So youre doing the show with Chris Brooker, what can you tell us about your co-host for the evening? Chris, first and foremost, is a lifelong professional wrestling fan and a wonderful stand-up comedian. One of my best friends, an absolute gentleman. We connected on wrestling a long time ago, kind of before wed even started gigging together. He was the guy that first brought Mick Foley to the UK to do his stand-up show, I know that everyone is doing that now, but he is also the guy that is behind William Regals tour and is running a special one off Q&A with Jay Lethal down in Manchester this week. He also trains for Future Shock Wrestlingyou should follow him on Twitter @TheBrookerMan. Brilliant comedian.
So I Am the Tag Team Champions: when is it, where is it, how can you get tickets? Its at Studio 24 on Saturday the 24/08 in Edinburgh, the best way you can get tickets at the moment is from www.edfringe.com, go on find us. In fact, put wrestling into the search engine and were the first one that comes up! Its going to be a lot of fun, come along for the journey because I guarantee the next time this rolls around it will be completely different. You never know, theres going to be a couple of challenges and what not, you might find yourself getting involved in the show.