Ep 1. Ninotchka's Reign, Part One
- January 15, 1988
- 48 min
As the first episode of Original Ladies of Wrestling, viewers are introduced to the world of women's wrestling in the late 1980s. The episode is titled "Ninotchka's Reign, Part One" and focuses on the arrival of a new wrestler, Ninotchka, who immediately causes a stir among the other competitors.
The show begins with footage from a previous match between wrestlers Vine and Hollywood, which ends in a dramatic win for Hollywood. The two women exit the ring, both clearly exhausted and emotional from the intense bout. It's clear from the beginning of the episode that there is a lot of pressure on these women to succeed in the highly competitive world of wrestling.
As the wrestlers prepare for their next match, a new competitor arrives on the scene. Ninotchka is a Soviet wrestler who is highly skilled and experienced in the ring. She makes her entrance dressed in traditional Soviet attire, complete with a hammer and sickle emblem on her jacket. The other wrestlers are immediately wary of her and her intimidating presence.
As the episode progresses, tensions rise between the seasoned wrestlers and the new arrival. Vine, Hollywood, and others are determined to maintain their rank as top competitors in the league, and they are threatened by Ninotchka's obvious talent and skill. At the same time, they can't help but be intrigued by her, and they begin to wonder about her background and motivations. Meanwhile, Ninotchka is equally determined to succeed, but she is faced with prejudice and mistrust from the other wrestlers.
Throughout the episode, there are several scenes that showcase the training and preparation that go into a wrestling match. The women work out, practice their moves, and strategize for their upcoming bouts. There are also scenes of drama and conflict outside of the ring, as the wrestlers deal with personal issues that are affecting their performances.
The episode ends with a series of matches between the female wrestlers, with Ninotchka emerging as a dominant force in the ring. However, her victory is tainted by accusations that she has cheated, and the other wrestlers are quick to point fingers and cast doubt on her achievements.
Overall, "Ninotchka's Reign, Part One" is a compelling introduction to the world of women's wrestling in the late 1980s. The episode sets the stage for a season full of drama, competition, and intense athleticism, with viewers left wondering what will happen next for the Original Ladies of Wrestling.