This week’s Saturday GLOWcase goes beyond the spotlight of the personalities and fans of GLOW to shine a light on something just as iconic: the unforgettable raps of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. If you’re already humming the theme song, trust me—you’re not alone!
The music of GLOW is woven into the fabric of the show’s legacy and for fans, it’s downright unforgettable. Each episode kicked off with all the ladies in the ring, reciting—or maybe singing?—the theme song to a background track that was also used for their individual raps. Fun fact: the lyrics for this intro rap were penned by Deanna Booher, who fans might better recognize as Matilda the Hun.
During Seasons 1 and 2, the show stuck with the same intro rap, though Season 2 added visuals to feature individual shots of a few of the ladies in fresh ring gear and added some newer cast members to the montage. By Seasons 3 and 4, the intro rap featured the cast of Season 3, keeping things fresh while staying true to its roots.
What set GLOW apart wasn’t just the high-energy wrestling—it was the quirky, sometimes downright cheesy raps that accompanied each wrestler’s entrance. While not every lady had their own rap, some, like Hollywood and Godiva, had an impressive lineup of character-specific raps throughout the seasons. These raps weren’t just entertaining—they were essential to the show’s charm and a huge part of what made GLOW stand out from other wrestling shows.
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes nugget for you: the ladies were tasked with writing their own raps to suit their characters. For those who struggled with the process, fellow wrestlers like Eileen O’Hara (aka Melody Trouble Vixen, or MTV) stepped in to lend their creative chops. It was a collaborative effort that brought out the best in GLOW’s colorful personalities.
Sure, in today’s world, those raps might come across as cheesy—cue the eye rolls from new fans discovering GLOW decades later—but let’s not forget the context. This was the 1980s! Silly, ridiculous, over-the-top antics were embraced as a virtue. If you remember the Super Bowl Shuffle, you’ll understand the vibe GLOW was channeling, though GLOW raps were arguably a bit more polished (and easier to stomach!).
As a kid, I loved everything about the show and the raps were no exception. I was even determined enough to learn the background music on my trusty Casio keyboard—not that I remember how to play it now. Thankfully, some brilliant soul on YouTube has recreated that music, so fans like me can enjoy it all over again. And if you’re curious, YouTube is a goldmine of uploads showcasing the original raps alongside fan-made tributes.
Talking to other GLOW fans has revealed just how important the raps were to viewers. I’ve heard stories of fans holding tape recorders up to their televisions to capture the raps so they could memorize them and some even used them for their own ring entrances during childhood “play” wrestling matches. GLOW’s influence stretched far beyond the screen—especially during GLOW cruises, where events tested fans’ knowledge of these iconic raps. My friend Andrew Zeranick still reigns as the undisputed champ of obscure GLOW rap knowledge, trust me, his rap skills are next-level including the off the beat Jackie Stallone rap.
To top it all off, here’s a little musical trivia: the background music used for the raps was composed by Hank Donig, who also co-wrote All Girls Want It by Jody Moreing. It’s details like these that highlight just how much effort went into crafting every aspect of GLOW’s unforgettable experience.
What are your favorite memories of GLOW’s raps? Did you have a favorite character’s entrance rap or maybe you were one of those fans who recorded the raps to learn them? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments—I’d love to reminisce with you and celebrate the fun, unique spirit of GLOW! And hey, if this post brought back some nostalgic joy, consider supporting my blog. Every little contribution helps keep these memories alive and fuels more GLOWcases in the future. No pressure—your continued readership means the world to me. Here’s to embracing the cheesy, the quirky, and the downright fabulous moments that made GLOW iconic. 🌟
This week's Saturday GLOWcase is all about Melody Trouble Vixen, better known as MTV, played by the incredibly talented Eileen O'Hara.
This week's Glowing Spotlight is all about Melody Trouble Vixen, better known as MTV, played by the incredibly talented Eileen O'Hara. MTV was a character who burst onto the scene with uncontained energy and a guitar in tow, becoming a memorable part of GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). From her fearless debut in season three to her willingness to take on the most daring stunts, MTV quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, making her mark alongside GLOW legends and new additions alike. In the first episode of season three, MTV made her televised ring debut alongside GLOW legend Hollywood, taking on the new country girl additions to GLOW, Babe the Farmer's Daughter, and Cowgirl Tulsa. MTV was a trip—fearless and one of the few who seemed to take bumps that most wrestlers would rather avoid. Not many ladies would agree to having Mountain Fiji lift them up over her head and toss them, lovingly, out of the ring, but MTV was all in.
Eileen O'Hara was destined for storytelling, displaying her knack for character play from a young age. Fate led her to GLOW in a serendipitous twist, crashing an audition while heading to a commercial casting. Her meeting with Matt Cimber led to a grueling training period, during which her unique rock band persona captivated the creators, giving birth to the iconic MTV. Eileen's commitment and creativity in developing Melody Trouble Vixen made her a standout character, resonating with fans and adding a fresh, dynamic energy to the show.
Eileen's Book Banners of Avalon the Return of Ealauna
Beyond GLOW, Eileen's talents extended into acting and innovation. She continued to pursue acting opportunities and even invented an e-publishing system for media artists, holding a U.S. patent for this groundbreaking technology. Eileen's passion for empowering artists and her dedication to her craft are evident in all her endeavors. She also penned a fantasy novel, "The Banners of Avalon, The Return of Ealauna," showcasing her storytelling abilities in another realm.
Terry, MTV and Myself
Meeting Eileen in person, I discovered she was much more than her MTV persona. She is incredibly intelligent, charismatic, and considerate, with a unique charm that instantly forms connections. Whether sharing anecdotes from her wrestling days or engaging in new adventures, Eileen's warmth and enthusiasm are infectious. Her time on GLOW, featuring memorable matches and enduring friendships, reflects her gratitude for the fans and the positive impact of the show. Eileen O'Hara's journey is a testament to her multifaceted talent and her ability to inspire and connect with others.