Saturday GLOWcase: Celebrating G.L.O.W. Memories with Mike Rand

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This week's Saturday GLOWcase celebrates one of the biggest fans and supporters of the GLOW brand, Mike Rand. I've known Mike Rand for a very long time and our mutual love for celebrating the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (G.L.O.W.) has been a fantastic journey. Mike and I are passionate about sharing what we can for fans to enjoy regarding this iconic show from long ago and our mutual goal of introducing new fans to G.L.O.W. remains unwavering. Although we've never met in person, there was a fleeting moment in 2018 when our paths almost crossed at a charming Chinese restaurant and karaoke bar in New York City's Chinatown. I look forward to the day we finally meet and can reminisce about our G.L.O.W. adventures face-to-face.

Mike with GLOW Girls Royal Hawaiian, Lightning and Hollywood

Growing up in the '80s, Saturday mornings were Mike's favorite time of the week. It was a period filled with his beloved cartoons and thrilling wrestling shows. One memorable Saturday, as he flipped through the channels at noon on New York's WPIX Channel 11, Mike stumbled upon something extraordinary—women's wrestling! It's fascinating that WPIX is the channel where Mike discovered and faithfully watched the show. Many other fans I know also discovered and enjoyed GLOW on WPIX. This was also the channel where I got the best reception on my handheld Realistic branded PocketVision 22 with a 2-inch screen from Radio Shack during the days I was homeless back in 1992, though GLOW was long gone by then.

Mike with Little Egypt of GLOW

At that time, Mike was already a devoted WWF fan, eagerly tuning in every week to watch his favorite male wrestlers in action. However, the concept of women wrestling was entirely new to him. When he first saw these fierce ladies step into the ring, he was captivated by their athleticism and charisma. The excitement of watching them battle it out, get into intense fights, sing catchy songs, rap with swagger, and even perform hilarious comedy sketches was exhilarating. It was a thrilling and dynamic spectacle that went beyond traditional wrestling, combining elements of entertainment in a way he had never experienced before. This unique blend of athletic prowess and theatrical flair hooked him instantly, making G.L.O.W. an unmissable part of his Saturday mornings.


Mike interviewing GLOW's original Russian, Ninotchka

The characters on G.L.O.W. were not only entertaining but also undeniably gorgeous, each with their own unique flair and charisma. Choosing a favorite was nearly impossible for Mike because so many of the wrestlers stood out in their own special ways. Each woman brought something different to the ring, from their dazzling costumes and captivating personas to their impressive athletic skills and showmanship.


Mike with head GLOW writer Steve Blance

However, two of Mike's absolute favorites were Hollywood and Sally the Farmer’s Daughter. Both of these women were not just fantastic wrestlers; they looked like models with their stunning appearances and commanding presence. Hollywood's bad girl persona and Sally's wholesome, country girl charm made them natural rivals. Their matches were always electrifying and filled with intense energy.


Mike Interviewing GLOW's Godiva

Their chemistry was incredible, making every encounter in the ring a must-watch event. It wasn't until years later that Mike discovered they actually attended the same high school, which added a layer of authenticity and depth to their rivalry. Knowing that their competitive spirit was rooted in real-life connections made their in-ring battles even more genuine and exciting for fans like Mike.


G.L.O.W. (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling) was a significant part of Mike's Saturday mornings. It aired on Connecticut's WTTX Channel 20 at 10:00 am and 11:00 pm during its first two seasons, providing prime-time slots that allowed fans to immerse themselves in the thrilling action and entertainment. After the first two seasons, Mike had to rely on the New York station, WPIX Channel 11, for season 3, which continued to feed his growing passion for the show.

Unfortunately, by the time season 4 rolled around, G.L.O.W. was moved to a late Saturday/early Sunday slot at 2:00 am, a challenging time for many fans to tune in. This change in schedule led to the show struggling to maintain its viewership, and it stopped airing after just 12 episodes. Mike, like many other devoted fans, was disheartened to see G.L.O.W. quietly disappear from the airwaves, leaving a void in his Saturday morning routine.


It wasn't until the advent of the internet that Mike realized there were 14 more episodes of G.L.O.W. he had never seen. The excitement of discovering these lost episodes and finally getting to watch them brought back a flood of memories. However, it also highlighted the sadness of the show's untimely disappearance. Despite this, the legacy of G.L.O.W. continued to live on in the hearts of its fans, including Mike, who loved every moment of the show and its impact on the world of wrestling entertainment.


Mike and Lightning

Mike's list of favorite wrestlers is extensive, including Hollywood, all three Farmer's Daughters, Godiva, The California Doll, Tina Ferrari & Ashley Cartier, The Heavy Metal Sisters, The Housewives, Ninotchka, Spanish Red, Mt. Fiji, and many more. Each one brought something special to the ring. Some of his favorite segments included Tiffany’s G.L.O.W. Gossip, Godiva’s Bare Facts, Asking Ashley, and California Doll’s Points To Ponder. The battle royals were always a highlight, as were the matches between Sally & Hollywood, Americana & Ninotchka, Mt. Fiji & Big Bad Mama, and the chaotic encounters with The Heavy Metal Sisters and Godiva.

Over the years, Mike has been fortunate enough to befriend many of the incredible ladies from G.L.O.W. His passion for the show and genuine admiration for these women led to lasting friendships that he cherishes deeply. Mike's involvement with G.L.O.W. took a significant turn in 2012 when he had the opportunity to participate in the G.L.O.W. documentary. This project allowed him to share his insights and experiences, contributing to the preservation of the show's legacy.


In addition to the documentary, Mike took it upon himself to run a fan page dedicated to the G.L.O.W. ladies. This platform became a hub for fellow fans to connect, reminisce, and celebrate their favorite wrestlers. During the pandemic, Mike seized the opportunity to take his passion a step further by interviewing a few of the G.L.O.W. stars and sharing their stories on YouTube. What started as a couple of interviews quickly blossomed into a full-fledged series, with 15 interviews to date.


These interviews provided fans with a deeper understanding of each wrestler's backstory, offering unique insights into their journeys both inside and outside the ring. Through these conversations, Mike helped keep the spirit of G.L.O.W. alive, ensuring that the legacy of these trailblazing women continues to inspire and entertain new generations of fans.


Though G.L.O.W. eventually left the air, it remains special to Mike because of the wonderful memories he has of watching it and getting to know these remarkable women. They were true trailblazers, paving the way for future generations of female wrestlers, whether they realized it or not.


Mike and Hollywood

Connect with Mike Rand and dive deeper into the world of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling by following him on his social media platforms. Join the community on Facebook at facebook.com/officialmikerand, X (formerly Twitter) at x.com/mikerandcom and Instagram at instagram.com/officialmikerand. Don't miss out on his engaging interviews and content on YouTube at youtube.com/@OfficialMikeRand and visit his official website at https://mikerand.com for more updates and exclusive content.


As we celebrate these incredible memories, I invite you to share your own stories and experiences of G.L.O.W. 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 G.L.O.W. 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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