American Gladiators Reboot: WWE Star Hosting New Series!
The iconic competition show, American Gladiators, is making a comeback, 17 years after a previous attempt, and this time it will be hosted by a major WWE star! This revival promises a mix of nostalgic challenges and brand-new events, bringing the classic competition to a new generation.
The Prime Video reboot of American Gladiators will be hosted by none other than The Miz, a well-known figure in the world of sports entertainment. This upcoming series is currently in development and will be available on Prime Video, though the exact release date is yet to be announced.
The new series will feature both the classic challenges that fans remember from the original series and entirely new events designed to test the strength, agility, and endurance of the contestants.
Before his wrestling career took off, Michael Gregory Mizanin, known as The Miz, participated in several reality TV shows. His appearance on the WWE competition series *Tough Enough* in 2004 marked the beginning of his successful journey in professional wrestling. Since then, he has become a prominent figure in the WWE, known for his persona as a confident and skilled villain.
Beyond wrestling, The Miz has also starred in four action films produced by WWE as part of *The Marine* franchise. He also appeared in the reality show *Miz and Mrs.* alongside his wife, Maryse Mizanin, who is also a wrestler. He previously hosted the game show *Cannonball* and competed on *Dancing With the Stars*, finishing ninth.
A Look Back at American Gladiators History
The connection between *American Gladiators* and professional wrestling isn't new. Hulk Hogan co-hosted the short-lived 2008 revival of the show alongside former boxer Laila Ali. This highlights the show’s long association with prominent figures in the world of competitive sports and entertainment.
Originally created in 1989, *American Gladiators* contestants competing against the show's Gladiators in a series of over-the-top athletic competitions. The Gladiators were a group of male and female athletes and bodybuilders with memorable stage names like Nitro, Siren, and Laser.
Hosted by well-known sports personalities like Larry Csonka and Joe Theismann, the original series enjoyed a successful run in syndication for several years before being canceled in 1996. A previous revival attempt in 2008 lasted only two seasons on NBC.
Classic Challenges Return in the New American Gladiators
The new *American Gladiators* series will bring back several classic events, including The Gauntlet, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator. These challenges were fan favorites and are sure to provide plenty of excitement in the reboot.
The Gauntlet involves contestants racing through a half-pipe while Gladiators try to impede their progress. Hang Tough requires contestants to swing from one platform to another using gymnastic rings, testing their upper body strength and coordination. And The Eliminator, which concluded every episode, is an extensive obstacle course race that tests every aspect of the contestants' athletic abilities.
The new Gladiators lineup will feature an all-star roster of "professional bodybuilders, former D1 athletes, pro crossfit champions, and pro fitness trainers," promising a high level of competition and athleticism.
Recent Interest in American Gladiators
Interest in *American Gladiators* has surged in recent years. The Netflix documentary *Muscles & Mayhem: An Unauthorized Story of American Gladiators*, which explored the behind-the-scenes drama of the original series, premiered in 2023.
Furthermore, a revival of the British version of *Gladiators* premiered on the last year and was met with great success. Prime Video has also launched a FAST channel featuring classic episodes of the original *American Gladiators* series, further demonstrating the show's enduring appeal.
Prime Video's reboot of American Gladiators is highly anticipated, and while a release date is still pending, fans can expect a thrilling revival of this iconic competition show.
In conclusion, the return of American Gladiators on Prime Video, hosted by a WWE star, signals a promising revival of a beloved competition series. With classic challenges and new events, it's poised to capture the attention of both longtime fans and a new generation of viewers.