American Gladiators is back, and a release date has been finalized.
Amazon announced on Thursday that the latest installment of the legendary 1990s hit series will premiere on April 17 on Prime Video. Hosted by WWE star and Real World alum Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, the physical competition series will have a staggered roll out. The first three episodes debut April 17, followed by three more on April 24, then completing the 10-episode series with the final four arriving on May 1.
The rock ’em sock ’em reboot introduces 16 new Gladiators while brings back classic events like Joust, Powerball, Hang Tough, and The Wall. There will also be a set of new challenges such as The Ring and Collision. Each episode will follow a co-ed group of contenders from across the United States as they face off against the show’s sweet 16 in high-intensity strength, endurance, and even strategy-based events for a $100,000 grand prize and the title of American Gladiator Champion.
Who Are the New American Gladiators?
For the new season of American Gladiators on Prime Video, the competition will again center on a roster of powerful athletes stepping into the arena as modern Gladiators. The athletes come from a wide of range athletic backgrounds, including professional wrestling, football, CrossFit, powerlifting, and physique sports, the new lineup is designed to blend name recognition with serious athletic pedigree.
Men’s roster
Michael Wardlow: Professional wrestler best known for his run in AEW
Eric Bugenhagen: Former WWE star who performed under the ring name “Rick Boogs”
Jessie Godderz: Reality TV personality from Big Brother and veteran pro wrestler
Fessy Shafaat: Former Division I football player and competitor on The Challenge
Joseph Hall: Former professional football player bringing gridiron experience to the arena
Ayinde Warren: Fitness professional with a background in strength and conditioning
Drew Aggouras: Fitness coach known for his training expertise
Jason Peele: Competitive athlete and arena contender
Women’s roster
Kailey Latimer: Professional wrestler known to fans as “Kamille”
Dani Speegle: High-profile CrossFit athlete and Titan Games competitor
Jessica Roden: Independent professional wrestler who performs as “J-Rod”
Dani Means: Powerlifter and IFBB professional bodybuilder
Emily Nelson: 6’3″ trainer and multi-sport athlete
Sydney Hunter: Competitive powerlifter
Lu Faustin: IFBB Figure Pro with a strong physique-sport background
Abigail Lay: Fitness trainer and conditioning specialist
Gladiators Then and Now: Icons and the New Roster
The original American Gladiators show first premiered in national syndication on September 9, 1989, and ran for seven seasons through 1996. During its original run, American Gladiators became known as much for its cast and events as for its rotating hosts. Mike Adamle served as the primary anchor throughout the series, partnered with Joe Theismann in 1989; the late Todd Christensen in 1990; Larry Csonka from 1990 to 1993; Lisa Malosky from 1993 to 1995; and Dan “Nitro” Clark from 1995 to 1996. A 2008 NBC revival brought the brand back to prime time, hosted by the late Hulk Hogan and Laila Ali. Over more than a decade and multiple iterations, the franchise established itself as a durable blend of sports, entertainment, and character-driven storytelling.
The show’s enduring appeal was fueled by its larger-than-life Gladiators. Laser (Jim Starr) was the only Gladiator to appear in all seven original seasons, while Nitro (Dan Clark) became one of the most recognizable figures before moving on to moved into co-hosting and producing duties for the 2008 revival. Gemini (Michael Horton), the original team captain, was known for his “split personality” persona across 80 episodes. Zap (Raye Hollitt), a fan favorite, appeared in six of the seven seasons and later transitioned into an action film actress. Turbo (Galen Tomlinson) was a fixture from Season 2 through Season 7, known for his intense competitiveness. Siren (Shelley Beattie) stood out as the only hearing-impaired Gladiator in the show’s history, while Ice (Lori Fetrick) became a key presence from Season 2 onward. Malibu (Deron McBee), with his surf-inspired persona, helped define the colorful tone of the show’s early years.