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

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!

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: Michael Karr's GLOW Story

This week’s Saturday GLOWcase features a heartfelt and inspiring story from my friend and fellow fan of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), Michael Karr.

Michael's journey with GLOW began in the late 80s, much like many others. He vividly recalls the Saturday morning when he first laid eyes on the beautiful ladies of GLOW. It was a family breakfast when he turned the TV to Channel 17, WTBS. What he saw amazed and captivated him, and he became an instant lifelong fan. For Michael, GLOW was like Wonder Woman on steroids, featuring strong, colorful, and gorgeous ladies in a magical blend of glam, glitter, camp, and athletics. Growing up in a small Southern town as a young gay guy, Michael always had mostly female friends. Seeing these ladies being unapologetically strong and beautiful resonated with him deeply. He clicked with the show instantly and made sure to watch it every Saturday morning for the next few years, often missing other childhood activities to catch GLOW. This fact resonates with me as well; I found myself obsessed with arranging my own activities around the show.

Michael showing off his copy of Hollywood's book Hooray for Hollywood!

As he continued his Saturday viewings, Michael became more familiar with the characters. Early favorites included Godiva, Hollywood, Daisy, and Vicky Victory. His playmates' Barbie dolls took on interesting makeovers, inspired by the GLOW girls. He always hoped for a GLOW doll line, much like the action figures created for WWF and other promotions, but sadly, that dream never came true. As with many fans, including myself, when GLOW disappeared from TV without any final storyline or goodbye, it left Michael heartbroken.

With the advent of the internet in the mid-90s, Michael began searching for any information about GLOW and its stars. He first connected with Johnny C, who gave him a list of incorrect names, perhaps to protect the ladies' privacy. These names were mistakenly part of the IMDB cast listing, like Amy Lind as Little Egypt, who was actually played by Angelina Altishin. The first real GLOW star Michael located via social media was Daisy. She not only shared her stories from GLOW but also helped provide correct names for the ladies. With Daisy's help, Michael connected with many GLOW stars from the 3rd and 4th seasons and updated the IMDB and Wikipedia entries.

One significant connection was with Babe The Farmer's Daughter, who owned the GLOW name. She allowed Michael to create the first-ever Official GLOW Wrestling Fan Page. This platform helped reconnect many GLOW stars with their "GLOW sisters." Over the years, Michael had meaningful conversations with the majority of the GLOW cast, playing a role in rekindling interest in the promotion and reuniting its members. Some of these ladies have become personal friends. Michael and I also collaborated on a popular GLOW page on Facebook, further cementing our shared passion for the show.

Michael's creativity also shone through as he designed t-shirts, trading cards, logos, promo photos, and many other digital designs for the GLOW ladies and the promotion. It's been an incredible journey for him to pay homage and support the women who made GLOW special. Connecting with other fans has also been a cherished part of Michael's GLOW story.

Michael with Keith Strickland from The B-52's

Michael's story is a testament to the lasting impact of GLOW and the strong, positive community it fostered. The ladies of GLOW created a magical and fun experience that will always be treasured by Michael for the rest of his life.

You can connect with Michael on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MichaelGLOW. Here's to more Saturdays filled with GLOW magic!

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!

Saturday GLOWcase: GLOW Fan Richard Hughes' GLOW Story

Richard & Alan with Dallas of GLOW

This week’s Saturday GLOWcase features a heartfelt story of my friend and fellow fan of the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW), Richard Hughes. Richard's journey with GLOW began at a young age. When he discovered GLOW, he was living in Plymouth, PA and faithfully watched every Saturday at noon. He recalls the first GLOW girl he ever saw on TV was Sally The Farmer's Daughter, battling Hollywood. From that point on, he was hooked. Every Saturday at noon, Richard eagerly awaited GLOW, always waiting until it was time to turn on the TV. While he didn't have a single favorite, he loved Sally, Amy, and Babe The Farmer's Daughters. As a kid, he appreciated all the girls for their unique characters. His excitement for the matches, especially the Battle Royals, knew no bounds. Richard even created a GLOW character for himself—a girl named Sherbert, who wore an orange costume and transformed from a bad girl to a good one.

Richard's GLOW girl persona, Sherbert

One thing Richard remembers vividly from his childhood is when GLOW came out with the 1-900 number to call and talk to GLOW Girls. This part sounds so very familiar to me, I did the same thing and unfortunately as much as we called, all we ever got were recordings of the ladies of GLOW doing reading random bits related to their characters. He got into big trouble after calling the number several times in one month, causing his grandmother's phone bill to soar over $700. Fortunately, she managed to get the charges removed, but Richard was grounded for two weeks and wasn't allowed to watch GLOW for a month. He looks back on it with a laugh now.

Richard also used to visit a local Ma and Pa candy store in his hometown every day after school. He would take out the store's garbage, and in return, the owner let him pick out a magazine and some candy each week. Richard always chose a copy of GLOW Magazine, which made those chores feel like a small price to pay.

Richard with GLOW's Godiva

Today, Richard lives in Wilton Manors, Florida. He sells on eBay as a side hustle while maintaining a regular job. You can check out his eBay store at Richard's Retro Media Odds and Ends. He fondly remembers the days leading up to the CAC event when he started talking to GLOW girls like Gremlina, Godiva, and Dallas on Facebook. Richard also manages a Facebook group dedicated to GLOW: GLOW Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling Competition Bouts. 

Richard and Alan with Gremlina from GLOW

Richard's story is a testament to the enduring passion and resilience of GLOW fans. It's a journey filled with cherished memories, lasting friendships, and a love for the unique world of GLOW. You can connect with Richard on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/richard.hughes.50. Here's to more Saturdays filled with GLOW magic!

Saturday GLOWcase: Rick Howard Jr.'s Passion for GLOW

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!