For fans of GLOW, Godiva needs no introduction. This unforgettable character, hailing from Coventry, England, captivated audiences as she rode into the ring on horseback. With her long blonde hair and fearless barefoot wrestling, Godiva, played by Dawn Maestas during seasons 3-4, exuded confidence and a touch of arrogance that perfectly captured the British flair.
As I've stated in the past, I became a fan of GLOW towards the end of the second season. When season 3 began to air, I caught the first episode and was completely awestruck by some of the newer characters added to the show. One in particular was a character from Coventry, England, who was led to the ring on a horse by a new character that looked like a sister of Chainsaw and Spike named Beastie. Godiva was beautiful, had long blond hair, and was one of a few GLOW wrestlers who wrestled barefoot, something that not many wrestlers are comfortable doing considering there would be no protection from foot or ankle injuries. I truly believed Godiva was from England and also believed her attitude and arrogance reflected upon the British people I'd known up to that point in my life as they had seemed very much like her. While she was not one of the characters that I connected with, I very much loved her ring persona as well as her signature moves like the Buckingham Bounce which she would occasionally use to cheat a little bit in her matches, though to hear Dawn's kayfabe recollection, she never cheated. lol.
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| My friend Manny with Godiva during the tour of GLOW |
Before her days on GLOW, Dawn graduated from UNLV with a BFA in sculpture. Out of nowhere, her old friend Ann LeBree (who played the good girl Debbie Debutante during seasons 1 and 2) managed to track her down in the pre-internet era and offered her a chance to audition for a quirky TV show. Ann, who was slated to continue the role of Debbie Debutante in the third season but left before taping, thought Dawn would be perfect for the show. At the time, Dawn was waitressing in LA. Eager for a new adventure, she packed up her truck and headed back to Vegas. I would have LOVED to have seen the two childhood friends wrestle each other in singles matches. Their friendship would have made a great storyline, with the two having a rivalry turned friendship in the ring. It could have even tempted Godiva to turn face from heel to babyface during a match, perhaps in a tag-team scenario like Vicky Victory and Debbie Debutante vs. Beastie and Godiva. At least, that's how it would play out in my head.
Dawn didn’t even have to audition for GLOW. She met Matt Cimber and Jackie Stallone at La Scala, who hired her on the spot. Assigned the character Godiva, Dawn poured her heart into research and perfected a British accent. Her commute from Hollywood to Vegas became an opportunity to study dialect tapes and truly embody Godiva’s regal persona. She even convinced the show to let her ride an Arabian horse named General in several Las Vegas performances.
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| A recent pic of Dawn as Godiva. She's still got it!!! |
Godiva’s presence in the ring was magnetic. Memorable moments included her dramatic showdown with Cheyenne Cher for the GLOW crown, where she initially lost her cool but eventually backed down to avoid suspension. Beyond the ring, Godiva hosted an advice show, dealt with prank calls from a pervert (voiced by Matt Cimber himself), and became one of the spokeswomen for Faberge Organics with the catchphrase, “The most important part of my wardrobe are Faberge Organics.” Inspired by Lady Godiva, she wore a peach-colored bodysuit adorned with flowers that gave her the appearance that she was nude under the flowers. She even appeared on Family Feud, where the GLOW cast faced off against WCW.
As GLOW’s final season approached, Dawn and Matt Cimber butted heads. Dawn says she got fired, but Matt says she quit. Either way, they both admit her outspoken nature caused some friction. Despite that, they patched things up later and even worked on another project together. Now, they’re close friends.
After GLOW, Dawn spent some time in Vegas before moving to California. The transition wasn’t easy, especially after going through a divorce and life as a single mom. Dawn, a third-degree black belt, has taught self-defense classes to women. She is an outreach pastor and artist and, unlike her beautiful yet cocky GLOW character, she's an absolute sweetheart. She hopes her legacy will be one of love, service, and joy despite life's challenges.
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| Dawn & General led to the ring by Beastie |
Over the years, Dawn has also become a passionate advocate for animals in need. She works closely with an animal shelter in Orange County and has even recruited her former GLOW rival, Roxy Astor, to join the cause. Additionally, Dawn has developed a close friendship with Little Egypt, who appeared in 21 matches in the previous season of GLOW before Godiva made her debut.
I had the chance to meet Dawn and her son on the Queen Mary during a party in 2016. That night, I not only got to meet Dawn but was also treated to her in-ring persona of long ago—the bad girl Godiva. It was an unforgettable experience to see her bring that character to life once more, if only just for a few moments at a party. Dawn is one of two GLOW girls that I’ve met but never had the chance to get her autograph on any of my items or a photo. However, I do have an awesome selfie with her taken the night we met.
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| Dawn and I on the Queen Mary 2016 |
As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of GLOW. Whether you met any of the wrestlers in person, watched their mesmerizing performances, or were inspired by their strength and charisma, I would love to hear from you. Feel free to leave comments and share your memories of GLOW. Let's honor these incredible women, crew, and fans together! If you feel inspired to support our efforts in keeping the spirit of GLOW alive, your contributions in any form are greatly appreciated. Every little bit helps me continue sharing these stories and celebrating the legacy of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful community!
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