The ultimate ranking of wrestlers on Netflix’s GLOW

Sydelle Noel, Britt Baron in Netflix’s “GLOW” Image via Erica Parise/Netflix

1. Cherry “Junkchain” Bang

Cherry “Junkchain” Bang is the only woman of GLOW who has previously worked with director Sam Sylvia. He puts her in charge after firing the actual wrestling coach, a position that Cherry takes seriously. She has no time for shenanigans from anyone; she is tough, no-nonsense, and harsh on people — especially Sam and Melrose — who try to cross her.

As the appointed leader of the cast, Cherry strictly enforces the rules Sam and Bash have put in place for the women of GLOW, particularly the curfew. She punishes violators with hard exercise and harder threats. All the while, she bends the rules to bring her husband to The Dusty Spur when Sam refuses to acknowledge that women with family (not just kids) should not have to leave their homes to film his show.

Because of her skin color and overall look, Sam forces her into the role of “Junkchain.” Junkchain wears sweatsuits and embodies the “tough black woman” persona, which would not be far off the mark from Cherry’s usual attitude except for how blatantly racist it is. Sam is eager for Cherry to be “ghetto,” something that she clearly does not want any part of from the get-go.

Next: Daya & Aleida and Rory & Lorelai: 2 sides, 1 coin

Underneath Cherry’s tough exterior is a woman whose trauma has been used repeatedly to exploit her: Sam (and later Melrose) make light of a miscarriage she suffered some years ago. Cherry feels uncomfortable discussing it with her husband but does consider turning down the job altogether, something none of the other women seem truly willing to contemplate.

Sydelle Noel is incredible as Cherry, diving headlong into her motivations and giving her depth that is often subtlety displayed in facial expressions and body language.