Wrestling is the single most underappreciated art form. It’s drama, violence, technical skill, athleticism, comedy and performance art all in one. Back in the 80s and 90s, wrestling was at its most mainstream, however, in recent times, it’s almost a stigma to identify as a wrestling fan. GLOW, short for Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling debuted on Netflix last year. For the first time ever, a wrestling centered TV series was produced, and to GLOW-ing success.
GLOW is a series that revolves around a fictionalization of the characters and gimmicks of the 1980s syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit, the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. The main character, Ruth (Alison Brie), is an actress who can’t even land basic day work much less something that lines up with her lofty aspirations of finding a decent female role in the 80s. One day, she auditions along with dozens of other women in a fledgling professional wrestling promotion called the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). In training to be a wrestler, she goes on a journey of self-redefinition. But she isn’t the only one. Everyone from performer to backer to director has their moment of clarity regarding wrestling. That “ah ha” moment where they get it and connect with what’s going on in the ring and realize why these types of shows put butts in seats.
Picking up from season 1, it now looks like GLOW has increased in popularity. More fans are showing up, including your typical weird fanboys. Ruth and Debbie’s (Betty Gilpin) friendship still dicey. But whatever uncertainty there is in the personal relationships, the in-the-ring action looks just as good as it’s been. Marc Maron reprises his role as eccentric, cocaine snorting wrestling promoter, Sam Sylvia. Season 2 will also see the return of Britney Young, Sydelle Noel, Kate Nash, Marianna Palka, Jackie Tohn, Sunita Mani, Kimmy Gatewood, Rebekka Johnson, Ellen Wong, Kia Stevens, and Gayle Rankin.
In season 1, there were a number of cameos by real-life wrestlers. Former WWE wrestlers Carlito, Brodus Clay (goes by Tyrus now), Alex Riley and John Morrison (goes by Johnny Impact now) all made appearances, along with Lucha Underground referee Marty Elias and Ring Of Honor wrestlers Frankie Kazarian and Christopher Daniels. Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke Hogan, famous dick wrestler Joey Ryan and his wife Laura James, better known as Joey Ryan’s hot-ass wife, also featured. Kia Stevens, who plays Welfare Queen in the show, is actually also a former wrestler who went by the ring name ‘Awesome Kong’. Expect more cameos in season 2.
GLOW is genuinely one of the best TV shows out there at the moment, not just for its story and its top-notch acting. It perfectly highlights the life of a professional wrestler and all the highs, the lows, the joy and the struggles that come with it. GLOW also perfectly portrays the 80s in all its nuances.
Season 2 of GLOW will stream on Netflix on June 29.
