When Giant Haystacks and Big Daddy took to the ring, their status as athletes seemed obvious. Every bear hug and power slam (however well rehearsed) was met with huge applause. Sporting prowess oozed from their every sweat-laden pore.

But wrestlers are now to be classed as performance artists recognised by Equity.

The trade union for “creative practitioners” has been wooing wrestlers for four years and has nearly 40 on its books. Last week it signed a code of conduct with Eve — Riot Grrrls of Wrestling, the sport’s “feminist punk-rock” organisation.

“Professional wrestlers are highly skilled performers deserving of recognition and the support that Equity. . . can provide. Wrestling combines aspects of acting, dance, physical theatre and circus,” the union said.

The agreement between