Today, I want to shine a spotlight on my friend Rick Howard Jr., a devoted fan of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW) and someone I've had the pleasure of knowing online for many years. Rick and I finally met in person in March during a cruise with the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, and it's a memory I'll always hold close to my heart. Here's Rick's captivating story about being a GLOW superfan, based on the information he shared with me.
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| Rick with Hollywood |
When GLOW debuted at midnight on a Saturday night, Rick's dad waited until his mom fell asleep and woke him up to watch the new show with his firstborn son. Little did Rick's dad know that this would spark an obsession that would shape Rick's childhood and beyond. From that night on, Rick's life revolved around the vibrant, action-packed world of GLOW.
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| Rick and GLOW's Lightning |
Rick immediately fell in love with Spanish Red, who resembled his fourth-grade teacher—a woman he had a childhood crush on. It wasn't long before Rick had all the neighborhood kids hooked on GLOW, thanks to the episodes he faithfully recorded on VHS every Saturday. Every Sunday morning before church, Rick would dash to the living room to rewind the tape, ensuring they could watch the latest episode right after church.
Rick's dedication to GLOW was evident in every aspect of his life. He had his boom box ready to record every rap from the show, which he and his friends used during their reenactments. One day, Rick's dad had a special surprise for him and his siblings—he had built a wrestling ring in their basement, allowing them to transform into GLOW wrestlers more effectively. Rick's 10th birthday party was even a battle royal wrestling party, a testament to how deeply the show had integrated into his life.
Rick's favorite character recreations were Spanish Red, complete with a towel as a cape and a plastic rose, Hollywood, with a feather hair clip he won at the fair, Debbie Debutante, and Sally the Farmer's Daughter, complete with his crop top. His brother often pretended to be Ninotchka, with a fake cigar, and his little sister played Little Egypt, Little Fiji, a Southern belle, or a character they created named Ballarenor.
Despite his love for GLOW, Rick's school performance suffered. He frequently daydreamed about the show and sketched cartoon drawings of his favorite wrestlers, including Hollywood and Vine, Spanish Red, Debbie and Susie, and Sally. Even when he joined the wrestling team, Rick couldn't resist incorporating GLOW moves, which often got him into trouble for using the leg scissors.
GLOW wasn't just a show for Rick; it was a source of courage and inspiration. It taught him to stand up for the underdog and to never let anyone tear him down. Much like Rick, hundreds of miles away, I was also impersonating GLOW wrestlers as a kid, drawn into the same thrilling world. Rick's story is a testament to the profound impact that a TV show can have on a person's life, fostering creativity, resilience, and a sense of community.
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| Rick's "Mama Bear" GLOW Character |
Having shared these memories and bonded over a mutual love for GLOW, Rick and I have developed a strong friendship that will hopefully withstand the test of time. Meeting Rick in person on the GLOW cruise was a highlight, and our connection only grew stronger. I hope our friendship will always remain as robust and vibrant as the GLOW stories that brought us together.
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| Rick with our good friend James, waiting to board the Norwegian Encore |
Rick Howard Jr.'s journey as a GLOW superfan is a heartwarming reminder of the power of passion and the bonds formed through shared interests. It's been a joy to feature his story and to celebrate the incredible world of GLOW that continues to inspire fans like Rick. Our enduring friendship is a testament to the community and connections that GLOW has helped create.
I hope you enjoyed reading Rick's inspiring journey as a GLOW superfan. Do you have any memorable experiences, personal stories, or favorite GLOW memories? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Sharing your stories makes this journey all the more special. If you enjoyed this post and would like to support my storytelling journey, any small token of appreciation is always welcome. Let’s keep the joy of sharing memories and stories alive together!
