Saturday GLOWcase: Cheryl Rusa: Lightning's Electrifying Journey Through GLOW and Beyond

This week's Saturday GLOWcase shines a spotlight on someone truly remarkable—the fast, fierce and unforgettable Cheryl Rusa, known to fans as Lightning from GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). But Cheryl is far more than the flashy lights, spandex costumes and wrestling fame you might associate with her. My connection with Cheryl goes deeper, to the shared laughter, camaraderie and unforgettable experiences that have made her a true friend.

Our paths first crossed during the inaugural GLOW cruise in 2016, and from the moment we met, I knew there was something special about Cheryl, aside from seeing her on TV as a kid. Since that day, life has brought us together for four incredible cruises, each one packed with laughter echoing across the waves, late-night phone calls and memories that I’ll never forget. She told great behind the scenes stories as well as shared some great stories of adventures with other GLOW girls, including a time where she accidentally ran over a woman in a park. The lady didn't sustain injuries that required an ambulance but it made for an epic story for sure. I ran over her glasses while we raced go-karts high above the ocean, played like kids on waterslides and chuckled over Cheryl’s unapologetic indulgence in "less-than-healthy" ship restaurant treats while attempting to school me on clean eating. These moments didn’t just highlight her fun side—they showed the depth of her warmth, energy and authenticity.

Standing at just under 100 pounds, Cheryl may be petite, but don't let that fool you. She’s a force of nature, a determined competitor both inside and outside the ring and someone I admire endlessly for her strength, tenacity and infectious spirit. Her story is one of passion, grit and unrelenting determination—a journey that took her from California to the ring as Lightning, one of GLOW’s most beloved characters. And trust me, the road that led her there is just as electric as she is.

Cheryl with Matt Cimber & MTV

Before Cheryl became Lightning, her life was a whirlwind of creativity and determination. As a personal trainer at Future Fitness in Redondo Beach, she worked alongside bodybuilding icons like Ray and Mike Mentzer. But Cheryl wasn’t just focused on fitness—her artistic talents flourished in window paintings, airbrushed T-shirts and even acting classes. She was a true Renaissance woman, channeling her energy into every creative endeavor she could find.

The discovery of GLOW was pure Cheryl—playful banter mixed with an undeniable spark of defiance. When the show first aired on Saturday mornings, her boyfriend urged her to watch, but Cheryl dismissed it as “stupid.” His response? “You’re just jealous they’re on TV and you’re not.” That playful jab lit a fire in her. After watching the show a week later, Cheryl thought, "I can do that." She told her boyfriend, who laughed and said, “They’d kick your ass!” Her resolute response—“Nah Ah!”—was the start of something extraordinary.

Soon after, Cheryl spotted a casting call at the end of the show and decided to take action. She threw together her resume and photo, sent it in and received the call that would change her life. After multiple auditions, Cheryl found herself in Las Vegas, immersed in grueling wrestling training that combined physicality with acting exercises and constant character development. The early days were chaotic, with cast changes and challenges, but Cheryl’s unique mix of strength and agility made her hard to categorize. They floated the name “Lightning Bug”—but Cheryl quickly vetoed it.

Cheryl doing Johnny C's makeup, I had to share this one

Cheryl’s transformation into Lightning was nothing short of serendipity. Sally the Farmer’s Daughter, who made her return to GLOW in season 3 after stepping away before season 2 was filmed, brought her friend Dana along for auditions. Dana ultimately took on the persona of Thunderbolt and writer Steve Blance—drawing inspiration from the movie Thunderbolt and Lightfoot—conceived the perfect pairing of Thunderbolt and Lightning.

For Cheryl, embracing the Lightning character was second nature. A devoted fan of campy classics like Batman and Robin, she infused the role with playful, goodie-two-shoes charm and a spark of electricity. Not one to hold back, Cheryl even dove into graphic novels to refine and expand her character’s persona, pouring her creativity into every detail. With Dana as Thunderbolt by her side, the duo electrified the GLOW ring and became a memorable tag-team sensation.

Lightning’s journey didn’t stop with her tag-team matches. Cheryl ventured into singles wrestling, mastering her skills and building confidence with each match. Though GLOW’s fourth season marked an initial “ending,” Cheryl’s wrestling career continued in surprising ways. She wrestled in Japan, transitioned into Indie Wrestling circuits and ultimately evolved into “Lightning the Party Animal” for a GLOW pay-per-view event, blending her musical background and natural charisma. Cheryl became the AIWA & PCCW Women’s Champion and found herself wrestling across the world.

But Cheryl is someone who thrives on challenges and when wrestling took a back seat, she ventured into Hollywood stunts—a career she still flourishes in today. Her impressive credits include work on shows like Criminal Minds and 24 and films like Spiderman and The Devil’s Rejects. Alongside her Hollywood adventures, she’s also an accomplished Group X-Trainer and a lifelong artist, creating everything from window paintings to pumpkin artistry.

Cheryl’s incredible journey proves that passion, determination and laughter can take you anywhere. She’s a true inspiration, a loyal friend and a woman who lights up every room she enters. What are your favorite memories of Lightning? Do you have memories of Cheryl from her time on GLOW or beyond? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you! And if you enjoy these GLOWcase spotlights and feel inspired by the stories, consider sending a spark of appreciation to keep the lights shining. Every little bit helps to keep the blog alive and the stories coming.

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits

Saturday GLOWcase: David McLane: The Creative Force Who Revolutionized Women's Wrestling

Hey there, GLOW fans! Welcome to another exciting edition of the Saturday GLOWcase, where I spotlight the unforgettable moments, people and legacies from the world of GLOW. This week’s spotlight is on none other than David McLane, one of the original creators of GLOW and a key figure who left his mark on every single episode from the pilot until the end of season two. When McLane departed, he didn’t leave alone—many of the talented women who had been with GLOW from the start followed him to embark on a brand-new venture: POWW (Powerful Women of Wrestling). Buckle up, because McLane’s story is a whirlwind of creativity, determination and trailblazing innovation that forever changed the wrestling and entertainment landscape.

I always enjoyed watching David interact with the ladies on GLOW—he had such a natural way of connecting with them and it was clear he genuinely loved working alongside the cast and contributing to the show’s success. While David has never been part of the GLOW cruises that the ladies and fans, like myself, have enjoyed over the years, I did have a surprise encounter with him once aboard the Queen Mary. Several of us—fans and the ladies of GLOW—had gathered there for a fun night of hanging out and partying. Completely by coincidence, David happened to be on the same ship with a colleague. It was such an unexpected and happy surprise to cross paths with him! Among the group of ladies on board that night, Angel was the only one who had worked directly with David on GLOW.

David McLane’s love for professional wrestling began in his hometown of Indianapolis, where he and his brothers would watch larger-than-life matches unfold on TV. But McLane wasn’t content just being a fan. While most teenagers were dreaming about the future, he was already building one. Launching the Dick the Bruiser Fan Club, he sold photographs of wrestling stars through mail order, mastering the art of promotion at a young age. His ingenuity caught the attention of none other than Dick the Bruiser, who brought McLane into the World Wrestling Association (WWA). There, he sharpened his skills in marketing, promotion and commentary—laying the foundation for a career that would rewrite the rules of sports entertainment.

In 1986, McLane made history by creating GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling), the first-ever all-women's wrestling TV series. Set against the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas’ Riviera Hotel and Casino, GLOW combined athleticism, comedy and high-energy storytelling. From its unforgettable characters like Hollywood, Sally the Farmer's Daughter and Matilda the Hun to its over-the-top drama, GLOW captured the hearts of audiences everywhere, often surpassing WWF programs in ratings. McLane didn’t just stay behind the scenes—he was a prominent on-screen personality, hosting and announcing matches with his signature style. David also participated in various sketches and even had his own rap. However, by the end of GLOW’s second season, McLane had creative differences with the show’s producers, leading him to leave GLOW and start a new chapter.

Shortly after his departure from GLOW, McLane founded POWW (Powerful Women of Wrestling) in 1987. While GLOW leaned heavily on camp and variety-show humor, POWW took a more wrestling-focused approach, showcasing the skills of its talented roster. Many GLOW fan favorites joined McLane in this new endeavor, including Matilda the Hun (rebranded as Queen Kong), Tina Ferrari (known as Nina) and Angel (known as Hot Rod Andie). POWW also recruited stars from other promotions, like Luna Vachon and Madusa Miceli, creating a diverse lineup of fierce competitors. POWW joined forces with the WWA and later collaborated with the AWA, bringing its brand of women’s wrestling to new heights. The promotion even made a splash in Hollywood, with wrestlers appearing in the film American Angels: Baptism of Blood. Though POWW closed in 1990, it left an indelible mark on the wrestling world, building on the trail GLOW had blazed.

In 2000, McLane returned to his first love with WOW (Women of Wrestling). WOW carried forward the torch of empowering female athletes, blending high-octane matches with compelling storylines. Partnering with Jeanie Buss, co-owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and AJ Mendez, former WWE superstar, McLane ensured WOW’s success as both a family-friendly spectacle and a platform for talented wrestlers. The WOW roster has featured both seasoned veterans and exciting newcomers. Stars like Penelope Pink, Lana Star, Coach Campanelli and Kandi Krush have brought unmatched charisma and athleticism to the ring. This season introduced WOW’s first female referee, Paige Prinzivalli, breaking new ground for representation in wrestling. And who could forget the Miami Sweet Heat twins, Lindsey and Laurie Carlson? Their recent WOW Tag Team Tournament victory—an epic clash against the Tonga Twins—showcased everything fans love about McLane’s vision: powerful storytelling, remarkable athletes and thrilling drama. With WOW achieving unprecedented U.S. and international distribution, McLane’s creation continues to inspire audiences worldwide. From partnerships with ViacomCBS to broadcasts in Australia and Southeast Asia, WOW proves that women’s wrestling is a global phenomenon.

McLane’s career isn’t confined to the wrestling ring. His work with ESPN on the World Roller Hockey League and Pro Beach Hockey brought niche sports into the limelight, while his Triple Crown of Polo series redefined luxury sports entertainment. Always ahead of the curve, McLane turned every project he touched into a must-see event.

From GLOW to POWW and WOW, David McLane has dedicated his life to elevating women’s wrestling and expanding the horizons of sports entertainment. His work isn’t just about creating shows—it’s about creating opportunities, breaking barriers and inspiring countless athletes and fans to dream bigger.

From wrestling to roller hockey and polo, David McLane has proven himself a true trailblazer, reshaping industries and empowering performers. His vision for women’s wrestling continues to evolve through WOW, an organization that champions female athletes and captivates fans of all ages. Don’t forget to check out WOW Superheroes on their official website, wowe.com and on social media @wowsuperheroes

Share Your Thoughts! What are your thoughts on David McLane’s incredible journey? Whether you’re a lifelong fan of GLOW or new to the WOW universe, leave a comment below and share your perspective. And hey, if this story moved you to cheer for underdogs or dream bigger, every little gesture of support for content like this goes a long way. It’s all about keeping these incredible stories alive. Thanks for reading!

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits

The Many Faces of Dementia: A Tribute to GLOW’s Michelle Duze

You ever watch something and think, "Wait a minute, something feels...off?" That was me when the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling season 3 began, after I had started watching GLOW around the end of season 2. I had barely scratched the surface of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling universe—catching just a few late-season episodes and some clips from those old-school VHS tapes they sold back in the day. I wasn’t exactly a superfan…yet.

The first episode of season 3. Dementia made her eerie return, complete with that familiar makeup and over-the-top gimmick. But something was different—I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Was I imagining things? Was it just that a year had passed, or maybe my memory was playing tricks on me?
Spoiler alert: my hunch was spot on. It wasn’t just a slight shift—Dementia was completely different. That’s because the character had a whole new persona, played by someone else. And that revelation sent me down a rabbit hole to uncover the story of the original Dementia herself, Michelle Duze.

Michelle Duze wasn’t just any GLOW girl—she was the original Dementia, the unforgettable bad girl with an axe to grind (literally) and a uniquely childlike, brutal energy in the ring. After season 2 wrapped up, Michelle and a group of other wrestlers followed David McLane to Indianapolis. From there, they trained and hit the road under the banner of the Powerful Women of Wrestling (POWW).

By the time GLOW rolled into its third and fourth seasons, Michelle had already parted ways with the show. So, she never really got to know the newer cast members, including her own replacement, Nancy Daly, who stepped into the Dementia role after her departure. During her time with GLOW, Michelle’s versatility didn’t end with Dementia. She also played Sugar, the sweet Good Girl from New Orleans. And when she joined POWW, she leveled up by taking on even dual characters—becoming both the all-American patriot and Sasha, the fierce Russian competitor.

Here’s a fun behind-the-scenes twist: In GLOW at first, they tried to conceal Sugar’s true identity by giving her an enormous curly wig, hoping fans wouldn’t connect the dots. But eventually, they got more creative. A dramatic storyline involving the Heavy Metal Sisters burning Sugar’s face paved the way for her transformation into a masked character—a clever way to keep Michelle’s dual roles under wraps. Wrestling production wasn’t just about body slams—it was all about cost-effectiveness. They figured having one performer juggle two personas was easier than hiring another wrestler. Apparently, not not everyone fell for it, though. Hardcore fans could spot the similarities between Sugar’s and Dementia’s wrestling styles. While Sugar was more traditional, Dementia’s persona allowed Michelle to unleash a chaotic, almost childlike brutality in the ring.

Michelle was more than just a powerhouse in the ring—she was savvy behind the scenes, too. Rumors of shady dealings among GLOW’s producers and attorneys were no secret. Rather than signing her real name on contracts, Michelle pulled a genius move: she signed with aliases inspired by Disney characters. Talk about outsmarting the system!

Michelle also had some special connections with other GLOW stars. Ursula Hayden, who played Babe during season 3 and 4 and later on became the owner of GLOW, was a high school best friend of hers. Michelle actually introduced Ursula to GLOW during its second season. Also, Hollywood and Michelle had a shared history, working together at the Richard Simmons Anatomy Asylums in Glendale, CA. Hollywood’s boyfriend taught aerobics with Michelle. It was Hollywood who brought Michelle to the Riviera Hotel after the GLOW pilot was shot. Many girls share stories about their living conditions and roomates during their GLOW days. Michelle’s roommate during her Riviera days? None other than Matilda the Hun, played by Deanna Booher. Wrestling, as it turns out, was as much about friendships as it was about flying dropkicks.

Michelle wasn’t just handed the role of Dementia—she had to work hard to make it her own. The producers gave her a basic concept: a character inspired loosely by the tragic Lizzy Borden story. Beyond that, Michelle had the freedom to flesh out Dementia’s quirks and persona. Her entrance by being pushed out in a cage, the silence, the axe—those were all elements that evolved naturally as Michelle stepped into the character. GLOW had its fair share of challenges—there were creative disagreements, editing woes, and questionable management practices. But Michelle and her fellow wrestlers stuck together like a family, navigating the highs and lows of the wrestling world.

After leaving GLOW, Michelle joined David McLane’s new venture, a wrestling show, POWW which toured across the U.S. It was an exhilarating time, with the show following the WWF circuit during Hulk Hogan’s peak era. The only catch? GLOW owned the rights to its original characters, so everyone who joined McLane had to tweak their personas. Michelle left her wrestling career behind in the late 1980's but her legacy as the original Dementia remains unforgettable.

So there you have it—the fascinating, multi-layered story of Michelle Duze, the woman who first brought Dementia to life and left her mark on the wrestling world. Whether you remember her as the axe-wielding wild card or the sweet lady from New Orleans, Sugar, Michelle’s journey is a testament to the grit, creativity, and camaraderie that defined GLOW. What do you think of Michelle’s story? Did you know all these behind-the-scenes details, or did I just blow your mind? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And hey, if you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and want to support more stories like this, feel free to show some love in any way that feels right to you. Thanks for being part of this journey with me!

You can also find me on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/adrianduarte
https://bsky.app/profile/adriansknitwits.bsky.social
https://www.instagram.com/adriansknitwits
https://www.threads.net/adriansknitwits