Saturday GLOWcase: The Glow of Friendship: Vanessa Bello's Journey with GLOW

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In February 2017, the vibrant city of New Orleans was the starting point of a remarkable adventure—a cruise with the ladies of GLOW. It was on this neon-lit journey that I first met Vanessa Bello. Amid the excitement and celebration of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), our shared passion for the 1980's wrestling show ignited a friendship that would endure the years. From that initial encounter, our bond grew stronger, culminating in another exhilarating cruise in March 2024 from Miami, where we, along with stars of GLOW and fellow fans, created memories that will last a lifetime. GLOW isn’t just a show to us; it’s a community, a connection, a shared passion.

Vanessa (in white) at dinner with Tina Ferarri, MTV & Lightning

Vanessa grew up on the quiet side of a very churchy town in central Massachusetts. Her street wound its way between two busy highways—one leading to Sterling, the home of "Mary Had A Little Lamb," and the other to Clinton, a once-thriving industrial city now more known for its abundance of bars. Her childhood home was an old, mossy green, single-level house nestled amidst rolling, thickly forested hills, next to a decaying red dairy barn. The barn, owned by neighbors living in a house built in 1776, had seen better decades but was still operational. Vanessa's house, constructed in 1830, was originally a sheep farmer's residence, complete with a large, spacious barn.

A young Vanessa, on the right, with her sister and dad

In this serene neighborhood, traffic was rare, and life was peaceful. Vanessa's parents were very conservative and deeply devoted to the Catholic Church at the center of town. They sang in the choir, and her father often read the gospel from the pulpit on Sundays. Television, with its perceived smut and violence, was frowned upon in their household.

Young Vanessa watching the TV she discovered GLOW on

Despite this, Vanessa found fascination in the world of wrestling. Rare were the times she could see women actually wrestle on their old TV with its rabbit ear antenna. Wrestling became a rare treat, a luxury she savored whenever she could. The arrival of cable television in 1989, after a neighborhood lawsuit, opened up new possibilities, but women's wrestling remained a rare gem. Her exposure was limited to wrestling magazines at grocery stores, where she eagerly flipped through pages to catch glimpses of her favorite wrestlers.

Vanessa in 2009, a time she struggled with her identity

As Vanessa grew older, she grappled with her identity. Her fascination with women's clothing and femininity clashed with her parents' conservative beliefs. Dressing up in glamorous dresses and frilly gowns as a child was initially seen as cute but quickly became unacceptable. Vanessa learned to hide her true self, living a lie and harboring resentment towards her situation. The Sears and JCPenney catalogs that arrived in the mail became both a source of excitement and depression, as she dreamt of a future where she could wear those outfits openly.

Vanessa with Melody Trouble Vixen MTV & Roxy Astor

Amidst these personal struggles, the debut of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) offered Vanessa a ray of hope. The all-women wrestling program became a symbol of empowerment and a connection to a community that celebrated strong, fierce women. GLOW represented more than just entertainment; it was a lifeline for Vanessa, offering a sense of belonging and identity.

When asked what does G.L.O.W. mean to her, Vanessa's answer: Everything!

For Vanessa, GLOW is not just a wrestling show—it's a testament to resilience and self-discovery. It represents a world where she can embrace her true self, free from judgment and societal constraints. Through the highs and lows of her journey, GLOW has been a constant source of inspiration, reminding her that she is not alone. The friendships forged on those cruises, including ours, are a testament to the power of community and the indomitable spirit of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
Tina Ferarri, Vanessa, Sunny, me, Ashley Cartier & Natalia in Cozumel

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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