The American Gladiators

[Howard Allan]

The New American Gladiators show starts on Jan. 2 on NBC. Just saw the first commercial for it.

[Xevious]

Are they using the same events from our series? I heard something about them making it like the British one. I like ours more.

[Renzo]

:D

This makes me smile. And it's on NBC? Wow.

[Jared]

I'm wondering if the new Gladiators will be tested for roids.

[The Zapper]

Awesome. American Gladiators was the pinnacle of American television. It's about time they brought it back.

[Nate Grey]

I'm wondering if the new Gladiators will be tested for roids.

Why? And how is that any of our business? Whether they have it or not Preperation H can take care of it.

Wait...oh, STERoids. Nevermind.

[BYC]

I'm thinking that Japanese physical game shows (Sasuke especially), along with lower costs in production, as well as the writer's strike probably brought this back. And to a minor point, NBC has been treading water ever since Friends, so even more reality or game shows.

[Renzo]

I just hope they bring back a lot of the old events like Joust, the sphere one (forgot the name), and the one where the gladiator shot the tennis balls at the contestant and the contestants have to make it from base to base trying to shoot the target above the gladiator's head. Plus some new events would rock too.

[maczero]

Why? And how is that any of our business? Whether they have it or not Preperation H can take care of it.

Wait...oh, STERoids. Nevermind.I can't be the only one who got a chuckle out of this.:D

[The Zapper]

I just hope they bring back a lot of the old events like Joust, the sphere one (forgot the name), and the one where the gladiator shot the tennis balls and the contestant and the contestants have to make it from base to base trying to shoot the target above the gladiator's head. Plus some new events would rock too.

That was my favorite!

[BoosterBronze]

I dont have cable, and I changed my gym routine from mornings to evenings just to watch Gladiators on ESPN classic.

Its interesting that in the early episodes, the Gladiator's play up being 'bad guys' like they were pro wrestlers. This faded later on, but I thought it was fun.

(Atlasphere, and Assault were the events)

[Nate Grey]

I just remember joust.

I always watched the original AG for one thing: hopes that one of the "everyman" contestants turned out to be a match for the gladiators. Happened a few times, but not often.

Oh and judging from the commercial at least one of the originals is back. Blonde dude. Can't think of his name. But I get the feeling he'll just be the host or something.

[BYC]

Assault is highly popular for obvious reasons. It's very cool to run around simulating being shot at and then firing back.

This reminds me during the 90s on and off, there was similar shows to American Gladiator. Including one with "T-Money" the actor/performer who has appeared in many movies and shows since then. That show was basically American Gladiators with wrestling storylines for the gladiators.

This also reminds me of the horrible WMAC Masters that was heavily influnced by Mortal Kombat movie.

[BoosterBronze]

This reminds me during the 90s on and off, there was similar shows to American Gladiator. Including one with "T-Money" the actor/performer who has appeared in many movies and shows since then. That show was basically American Gladiators with wrestling storylines for the gladiators.



Battledome.

Let's also remember "Knights and Warriors" a saturday mornings Gladiator rip off with a medieval fantasy gimmick.

[Renzo]

I dont have cable, and I changed my gym routine from mornings to evenings just to watch Gladiators on ESPN classic.

Its interesting that in the early episodes, the Gladiator's play up being 'bad guys' like they were pro wrestlers. This faded later on, but I thought it was fun.

(Atlasphere, and Assault were the events)

Ah yes, thanks for the names of the events.


I just remember joust.

I always watched the original AG for one thing: hopes that one of the "everyman" contestants turned out to be a match for the gladiators. Happened a few times, but not often.

Oh and judging from the commercial at least one of the originals is back. Blonde dude. Can't think of his name. But I get the feeling he'll just be the host or something.

There are commercials out already? Sweet! I don't really remember the blonde gladiator though. I remember Nitro, Blaze, and Ice.

[Jared]

I remember how Gladiators used to pop up in other shows from time to time, like Married with Children and Who's The Boss.

If they redo assault, maybe they can replace the tennis balls and silly nerf guns with paintballs. I want to see pain when they get hit! :evilsmile

[The Zapper]

the tennis balls can actually hurt if you get hit in a bad spot.

[Renzo]

Yeah, those things went over 100mph.

[monkeysweat]

I've heard they're gonna make it more like a reality show. Like the Contender. With a lot of backstory and training footage and talking heads. Then they compete towards the end of the episode.

If true, I hope it will be an abject failure until they do it right.

[Black Atom]

I've heard they're gonna make it more like a reality show. Like the Contender. With a lot of backstory and training footage and talking heads. Then they compete towards the end of the episode.



BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

That is all.

[kmeyers]

I've heard they're gonna make it more like a reality show. Like the Contender. With a lot of backstory and training footage and talking heads. Then they compete towards the end of the episode.

If true, I hope it will be an abject failure until they do it right.

Wow, that would be a terrible idea. Didn't NBC cancel The Contender after one season?

[DonC]

One of the guys in the commercial was running with a Joust stick, so it looks like that will be back.

[Royal]

Oh and judging from the commercial at least one of the originals is back. Blonde dude. Can't think of his name. But I get the feeling he'll just be the host or something.

Malibu!?

Battledome.

Let's also remember "Knights and Warriors" a saturday mornings Gladiator rip off with a medieval fantasy gimmick.

There was a western version as well.

[Nate Grey]

Malibu!?

My mistake, its Michael O'Hearn from Battledome that's going to be in it.

Here's the commercial (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py-cf0Ktj3k) by the way.

[Royal]

O'Dell!?

Understandable. He's been the most active.

[Blueferret]

Here is, without a doubt, the greatest moment on American Gladiator.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un1O6ZaZdJc

[Jettison]

That clip is AWSOME! HahAHaHa

[mistervader]

Hogan's hosting this, right?

[Serik]

Anyone remember Coz Worthington from the original series? That guy was friggn' nuts.

Other highlights:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=VGDwScgb_Y0
http://youtube.com/watch?v=t7WiJj3wOp0 (8 minutes, but it's worth it if you like this sorta stuff)

[Howard Allan]

Hogan's hosting this, right?

He's supposed to be hosting it. Maybe his divorce proceedings will stop us from having to seeing his bald head on it. We can only hope.

[KenK]

Here is, without a doubt, the greatest moment on American Gladiator.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un1O6ZaZdJc

Yeah, and Breakthrough and Conquer was always one of those challenges that was pretty tought for a lot of competitors, so when that dude just flipped over the gladiator, my just was just on the floor!

[Renzo]

Here is, without a doubt, the greatest moment on American Gladiator.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un1O6ZaZdJc


Holy crap! :D

[Blueferret]

He's supposed to be hosting it. Maybe his divorce proceedings will stop us from having to seeing his bald head on it. We can only hope.

According to TMZ, he was filming it yesterday at Universal Studios.

[kmeyers]

According to TMZ, he was filming it yesterday at Universal Studios.

Apparently he needs some money, His evil bitch wife thinks she owns half for some reason.

[BYC]

Apparently he needs some money, His evil bitch wife thinks she owns half for some reason.

Really?

If so, Hogan is definitely coming back to WWE soon. And his divorce will come up. And "Mr. Mahon" will mock him and challenge him. Wrestlemania is coming up again. I wouldn't bet against it.

Oh man, I just had a great/horrible idea (depending on your point of view). Hogan and Flair tag teaming agains Vince and Shane at WM. I cannot remember Hogan and Flair EVER teaming. It might turn out horrible since both are old as hell now.

[Jared]

Rumor has it that the divorce simply be a way to split their assets in case Hogan is sued by the family of Nick's friend who was left comatose by the car accident.

[kmeyers]

Rumor has it that the divorce simply be a way to split their assets in case Hogan is suited by the family of Nick's friend who was left comatose by the car accident.

I don't know how that would work, couldn't they just sue them both?

[BYC]

Rumor has it that the divorce simply be a way to split their assets in case Hogan is suited by the family of Nick's friend who was left comatose by the car accident.

Oh man, that'd be great TV.

"Mr. Bollea..."

"Call me the Hulkster, brother!"

"Ookay. Hulkster. Was this divorce created just to split your assets to protect you and your family from our lawsuit?"

"Well ya know something brother? Our divorce is real. I still love my wife, but she doesn't see it my way. You can see all our martial problems right here on VH1's Hogan Knows Best"

"HOGAN!"

*suddenly, Vince power struts into the courtroom*

and etc etc etc

[BoosterBronze]

Really?

If so, Hogan is definitely coming back to WWE soon. And his divorce will come up. And "Mr. Mahon" will mock him and challenge him. Wrestlemania is coming up again. I wouldn't bet against it.

Oh man, I just had a great/horrible idea (depending on your point of view). Hogan and Flair tag teaming agains Vince and Shane at WM. I cannot remember Hogan and Flair EVER teaming. It might turn out horrible since both are old as hell now.

Hulkster had said he wanted to start his own promotion. I'm bummed that he seems distracted by these events.

[Athena Bast]

Ah yes, thanks for the names of the events.




There are commercials out already? Sweet! I don't really remember the blonde gladiator though. I remember Nitro, Blaze, and Ice.

His name is/was Hawk (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0716817/). He's done quite well for himself since AG. Always working.

[DoubleWide]

Blond Gladiators: Malibu, Thunder, Hawk, Sunny, Lace, Zap, Gold, Siren, Sky, & Lace II.

The event with the Sphere was called Atlasphere.

[Toreador]

Blond Gladiators: Malibu, Thunder, Hawk, Sunny, Lace, Zap, Gold, Siren, Sky, & Lace II.

The event with the Sphere was called Atlasphere.

You forgot my favorites, Electra and Diamond.

[Jared]

Electra, ah yes, I remember her. There was another female named Siren, who was deaf. Was Storm black?

[DoubleWide]

You forgot my favorites, Electra and Diamond.

You're right! I also forgot about Dallas, she was only on a few times. :o

[Black Atom]

So I went to a taping of the show yesterday at Sony Stuidos. They had a bunch of us lined up outside in the parking garage in the cold (well, cold for L.A.) for a pretty unseemly amount of time. When we did finally get into the studio, we could see the set-up for a couple of the events and even some of the gladiators walking around. Anyone who's been to a taping knows it's a lot of repititon and a lot of waiting around between takes. During set-up for takes, a PR guy would remind us when we're supposed to go crazy (when someone falls in the water, when someone mentions the prize money, etc.) and played games to keep everyone psyched up while waiting for the next take. There was a trivia contest and even an impromptu "Who can do the best Michael Jackson" contest that I regret not entering after I saw how bad the other entrants were.

People went nuts when Hulk Hogan (and to a lesser extent, Lela Ali) showed up, but the initial excitement wore off after about 10 takes of the intro that required everyone in the audience to "go crazy" (clapping, stamping feet and hollering) each time. People got really psyched up again when the contestants and gladiators all came out. Apparently, "Helga", a gladiator with blonde pigtails is already a fan-favorite--the audience chanted "Hel-ga!" between takes for promos. She became a favorite of our group too and we joined in on the chanting, even tossing out other phrases of affection in German.

I stayed around long enough for the "Hangin' Tough" competition (the one with a bunch of rings suspended from the cieling) with one of the female contestants and Siryn, one of the gladiators, who happened to be a favorite of some of the male contestants. The contestant got taken down and, as promised, "Another One Bites the Dust" began to play which was the audience's cue to, again, go crazy while jerking our thumbs down. Unfortunately, I had made other plans (we were expecting it to be over by 6 and the page said they'd be going until 10) so I had to leave not long after that. All in all, not a bad experience, although it would've been more fun with a bunch of buddies instead of a group of people I really didn't know. Doesn't seem like they've changed too much from the old show, from what little I've seen. I'm looking forward to the premiere. Maybe I'll see myself.

[Magneto_X]

Rumor has it that the divorce simply be a way to split their assets in case Hogan is sued by the family of Nick's friend who was left comatose by the car accident.

Huh? Shouldn't Nick be the only one getting sued?

[StoneGold]

Huh? Shouldn't Nick be the only one getting sued?

He is a minor. Parents are liable.

[Lord of Denial]

I see that Gina Carano, a MMA fighter who has really become the face of women's MMA in this country is one of the Gladiators.

From the commercials I also recognized Mike O Hearn a former bodybuilder.

[Renzo]

Don't forget to watch this on Sunday, January 5th, guys!

[Lord of Denial]

Don't forget to watch this on Sunday, January 5th, guys!

It's the 6th.

[Xevious]

tonight at nine, right? I hope it's awful in a good way.

[Renzo]

NBC sure is advertising the hell out of it. Probably won't get the numbers they are hoping for, but I am too excited to care. Should be sweet! And yes, it is at 9pm EST.

[Howard Allan]

NBC sure is advertising the hell out of it. Probably won't get the numbers they are hoping for, but I am too excited to care. Should be sweet! And yes, it is at 9pm EST.

Tomorrow at 8PM Too.

[Renzo]

Tomorrow at 8PM Too.

Yes, Mondays will be its normal night after tonight.

[Xevious]

I'll watch it. I wonder if they'll play the nightrider commercial during every break.

[BYC]

Good reminder. Almost forgot. Watching it now. Hoping it doesn't suck.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Well if we wanted to know if these Gladiators were gonna actually hurt someone we just saw it in the 1st contest. Poor Jesse I think she just hurt her leg with that fall.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

And Anthony wins and man those guys are f-ckin hittin hard.


Jesse gets elminated due to her leg injury. Thu far I am in love and reliving my childhood with American Gladiators.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

The ring remade now to be an up in the air event is pretty fun. The old event was an amatuer wrestling type thing where the Gladiators tried getting you outta the ring on the ground. Now being in the air and it floating sideways at times makes it a harder event.

[SUPERECWFAN1]

Jeff 14 years ago did a tryout for the original show. But being stuck in traffic ruined his chance. Now he's trying...again.....damn Jeff is just gettin in Wolf's face !

[maczero]

Not bad. A couple changes I would make:

1) Cut down on the cheese. As Black Atom pointed out, it looks like the audience is being totally directed in their responses.

2) The Eliminator seems to take too much out of the contestants. It's not as fun if all the contestants have to crawl to the finish line.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

Favorite Gladiators

Male - Titan. Liked him in Battledome, like him here. Plus, he destroyed that asian guy. (but unlike Wolf, didn't do a Canadian Destroyer). And he talks so much smack!

Female - Helga or Crush. Out of the "beastly" women, Helga wins. But overall, Crush. Special mention to that awesome move Fury did in Hang Tough. If it had worked, it would have been great.

This show is still awesome!

[BYC]

Venom and Fury are kinda hot.

The new Eliminator is brutal.

Stop doing so many multi-angle shots in rapid succession. It makes the show look stupid. If the show was a person, I would call it a douchebag.

[Howard Allan]

Hit & Run was a nice event. Liked the fact that they put the handbike and the travelator at the end of the eliminator. That eliminator is long and brutal. Tone it down just slightly Hogan.

[DonC]

I really didn't care who won the first competetion, but I was rooting for that little dude in the second one. I'm glad he won.

I was expecting more new events. What were there, two?

Of the Gladiators, I have to root for Siren. She's from Cleveland.

Overall, I give this a "Meh." I'll watch if nothing else is on, but it isn't appointment TV for me.

[StoneGold]

I have to agree with the masses, the show is a bit too slick and overproduced. Really, cheap it up a little bit, and it would be a lot better.

Also, I miss the old theme song.

Still, the show isn't bad. A little tweaking, make it a little less hyperactive, a little less post-produced. As it is, it feels a little too much like a 48 minute WWE recap video. Now granted, I think that for whatever their ills, the WWE video production team is one of the very best in the business. But that said, it isn't usually 48 minutes plus commercials.

[Tequilamokinbrd]

I enjoyed it, but like I said to my wife, it's like I'm watching a rerun of American Gladiators with "turn it into a '00-'08 style reality show" goggles on.



All the dramatic pauses, all the dramatic music, all the cameras needlessly spinning around. Every show is like that these days however, and I can't really hold it against AG specifically I suppose.



The best Gladiator as others have said is Titan, he's like a cocky jock villain from an 80's movie, and the Events are as cool as ever.



But can we please tone down the Eliminator? Holy crap I thought the older guy was gonna die.



I'll be watching as long as it's on.

[StoneGold]

Is it me, or would the contestants just save time on the course skipping the hand bike, taking the jump and climbing up the ladder?

[kmeyers]

Is it me, or would the contestants just save time on the course skipping the hand bike, taking the jump and climbing up the ladder?

I'm also wondering why they don't dive headfirst after the rope climb and make it a continuous swim under the firey poles...

[Lord of Denial]

It's called the eliminator for a reason. I like it that they have to give it everything they have to make it to the end. You want a shot at 100,000 K prove it or go home.

[DonC]

I'm also wondering why they don't dive headfirst after the rope climb and make it a continuous swim under the firey poles...


The pool probably isn't very deep. For safety reasons they're probably made to go in feet first.

[Lord of Denial]

Is it me, or would the contestants just save time on the course skipping the hand bike, taking the jump and climbing up the ladder?

I would think that in the rules you have to give an honest attempt at doing the course as it is laid out. If you could skip the hand bike you might as well skip the treadmill hill in the final part and run up the side next to it.

Both options defeat the intention of the course.

[KenK]

It's called the eliminator for a reason. I like it that they have to give it everything they have to make it to the end. You want a shot at 100,000 K prove it or go home.

Couldn't agree more!! Venus fought like hell to get up that treadmill at the end, after it looked like Koya was gonna win. Besides, Venus was pretty much ahead the whole competition. When Crush picked her up and suplexed her in the wrestling challenge and STILL stayed on the platform, I was pretty impressed.

[Sheldon]

This was so many levels of awful it became awesome.

Titan's mugging was so homerotic.
Wolf's makeup is pretty horrible too.
I think Helga was the biggest disapointment.
The Fat ref is my favorite character

Poor Koya, how the hell did she lose that?.....Venus showed a ton of heart. I didn't think she'd be able to finish.

I'm with Stonegold, if there is no penalty they should definitely skip the handbike.

[Lord of Denial]

Couldn't agree more!! Venus fought like hell to get up that treadmill at the end, after it looked like Koya was gonna win. Besides, Venus was pretty much ahead the whole competition. When Crush picked her up and suplexed her in the wrestling challenge and STILL stayed on the platform, I was pretty impressed.


Right.

The Eliminator is not only designed to test your athletic ability but to test the contestants will and drive to win. In order to do that it has to be as tough as it is.

Did anyone really think Venus had a shot of taking down Koya?

The girl was 5'4 and 100 and nothing pounds and won because she wanted it more in the end.

That was awesome.

[Lord of Denial]

This was so many levels of awful it became awesome.

Titan's mugging was so homerotic.
Wolf's makeup is pretty horrible too.
I think Helga was the biggest disapointment.
The Fat ref is my favorite character

Poor Koya, how the hell did she lose that?.....Venus showed a ton of heart. I didn't think she'd be able to finish.

I'm with Stonegold, if there is no penalty they should definitely skip the handbike.


Then why not skip the treadmill at the end and run up the side?

It defeats the point of the course.

[maczero]

Then why not skip the treadmill at the end and run up the side?

It defeats the point of the course.I think my biggest problem with the Eliminator is how the course is laid out.

The net climb seems to take the most out of the contestants and it's not that exciting. I'm not sure that I want it gone though.

I would definitely eliminate the pyramid and the barrel roll portions of the eliminator. Totally boring.

The hand bike seems to be a killer for the contestants. Perhaps it should be near the beginning. Also there should be some sort of penalty or difficulty if you don't complete the hand bike.

Here's how I would lay out the course:

1) Hand bike across a ball pit. If you fall in then you wade through the balls and have to climb up a wall.
2) Swim under the fire
3) Net climb
4) Run down the balance beam (time penalty for falling off)
5) Get past a gladiator
6) Up the treadmill ramp to the finish line.

[Jettison]

The Eliminator is great, because almost all the contestants seem to face plant at the foot of that big pyramid, lol.

[Ottmeister X]

It was nostalgic for me. American Gladiators first debuted when we were just past 18 and drinking up a storm every weekend. Along with the usual assortment of drinking games, we incorporated AG into a drinking game by picking a contestant and drinking when they took a biff (not to say we didn't drink in-between that). So it's up to you youngsters to carry on the tradition.

Wolf reminded me of Malibu -- a cheesy Gladiator character that makes it easy to root against.

I didn't find any of the contestants really endearing, so I was pretty much rooting against all of them. The guy with tats was an easy pick to suck even though he almost came back in the Eliminator.

[BYC]

Speaking of the ref, did anybody notice it was the same as the ref from Dodgeball? I was joking that he was obviously a professional fake ref.

[Sheldon]

Speaking of the ref, did anybody notice it was the same as the ref from Dodgeball? I was joking that he was obviously a professional fake ref.

The ref was awesome. I loved it when he stopped the gauntlet and took things soo seriously. The fat ref is the Big Bossman of American Gladiator. He represents law and order!

[Lord of Denial]

The ref was awesome. I loved it when he stopped the gauntlet and took things soo seriously. The fat ref is the Big Bossman of American Gladiator. He represents law and order!

"I saw you giving him the business". Yeah it was good cheesy fun.

[StoneGold]

Then why not skip the treadmill at the end and run up the side?

It defeats the point of the course.

Only because the option of falling off the handbikes is obviously there. If memory serves, in the original show, if you fell off something like the handbikes, the Gladiators were at the bottom to act as lumberjacks and make sure you had something of a time penalty. Although, if memory serves, the handbikes were originally like the second obstacle after the treadmills.

[Kid Kamikaze10]

Best moment of the night: Canadian Destroyer!!!!

http://i10.tinypic.com/8btnj49.gif

[The Zapper]

The Eliminator is easy compared to Ninja Warrior. I don't think it needs to be made easier.

[BYC]

The Eliminator is easy compared to Ninja Warrior. I don't think it needs to be made easier.
Two different shows.

Ninja Warrior doesn't pit the contestants against bigger faster humans. Also, Ninja Warrior has plenty of rest spots or challenges with chance to rest, until 19, where the course was so long that only 3 people made it to stage 2. Even the all-stars weren't prepared for the length of the first stage. So they make it near the end, and the exhaustion finishes them off.

[Lord of Denial]

Only because the option of falling off the handbikes is obviously there. If memory serves, in the original show, if you fell off something like the handbikes, the Gladiators were at the bottom to act as lumberjacks and make sure you had something of a time penalty. Although, if memory serves, the handbikes were originally like the second obstacle after the treadmills.

You have to at least try. To just jump downbelow is a total cheat and not in the spirit of the course.

[The Zapper]

Two different shows.



I realize that, and perhaps it wasn't a fair comparison, but I don't think the Eliminator needs to be made any easier. It's the Eliminator, it's made to eliminate.

[Lord of Denial]

I realize that, and perhaps it wasn't a fair comparison, but I don't think the Eliminator needs to be made any easier. It's the Eliminator, it's made to eliminate.


Something called The Eliminator should be totally easy and it should require no will or determination and it should just test how long it takes someone to complete it, instead of an athletic gutcheck.

[BYC]

Heh, I forgot it's on again tonight. No wonder Vince McMahon or Hogan wasn't thrilled with Hogan showing up on Raw to plug Gladiators. I wouldn't be thrilled with somebody showing up on my show to promote their show in the same time frame as a direct competitor.

[StoneGold]

You have to at least try. To just jump downbelow is a total cheat and not in the spirit of the course.

So crank the bars twice and take the drop. Without the time penalty of the Gladiators at the bottom, it's a less taxing, potentially faster method.

[KenK]

So crank the bars twice and take the drop. Without the time penalty of the Gladiators at the bottom, it's a less taxing, potentially faster method.

Not really. The point of using the handbike is to reach the next platform. You fall in the pit, you've still gotta climb up to the platform, which could take just as long, if not longer, since you've gotta walk over all those padding blocks instead of a flat solid surface. It's like pulling yourself out of a ball pit.

[The Zapper]

I want to see more of Helga. I hope she crushes someone tonight. There seems to be a lot of things happening in my life lately that make me feel like a kid again.

[Lord of Denial]

I want to see more of Helga. I hope she crushes someone tonight. There seems to be a lot of things happening in my life lately that make me feel like a kid again.

Helga scared me. Now Venom and Crush I could let wrestle me to the ground.

[maczero]

Not really. The point of using the handbike is to reach the next platform. You fall in the pit, you've still gotta climb up to the platform, which could take just as long, if not longer, since you've gotta walk over all those padding blocks instead of a flat solid surface. It's like pulling yourself out of a ball pit.For a guy falling in the pit may not be the best strategy, but for the women contestants it may be worth it. It takes them at least twice as long on the handbike so walking across a spongy surface and climbing the next platform may very well be a quicker option.

[Sheldon]

I want to see more of Helga. I hope she crushes someone tonight. There seems to be a lot of things happening in my life lately that make me feel like a kid again.

Helga was a huge let down, she really stunk in the last part of the gauntlet. She have very little mobility. I wonder what other events she's part of...

[Black Atom]

I want to see more of Helga. I hope she crushes someone tonight. There seems to be a lot of things happening in my life lately that make me feel like a kid again.

i.e., giant women crushing people?

http://www.bu.edu/mih/images/Freud.jpg Interezting...

[The Zapper]

i.e., giant Norse women crushing people?


What can I say? I love it. Seriously, she needs a viking helmet.

[StoneGold]

Not really. The point of using the handbike is to reach the next platform. You fall in the pit, you've still gotta climb up to the platform, which could take just as long, if not longer, since you've gotta walk over all those padding blocks instead of a flat solid surface. It's like pulling yourself out of a ball pit.

Except from what I've seen of the four times the Eliminator has been run, it seems as if people climb up the ladder faster than they go across the bike. The bike might be a shorter distance, but it seems to be much, much tougher, and expend a lot more energy, and take more time. Especially if you are already wasted from the cargo net.

[Acecool]

Who would loved to see some of the Saske all stars appear on American gladiators? I would especially love to see makoto nagano. I bet he could win even if he tanked each event and simply kicked but on the eleiminator.

Actually how fast do you think makoto nagano could take the eleminator?

[Renzo]

Helga scared me. Now Venom and Crush I could let wrestle me to the ground.


I will second that about Crush.

[Superbeast]

I will second that about Crush.

You're in luck Mr Gracie, she broke up her with boyfriend Kit Cope at the end of last year.

[BYC]

Christie is a MILF. Siene is pretty nice too. Travelator is a horribly stupid name. And damn, the Eliminator is freakin brutal. We might get a death on it one of these days.

[maczero]

Except from what I've seen of the four times the Eliminator has been run, it seems as if people climb up the ladder faster than they go across the bike. The bike might be a shorter distance, but it seems to be much, much tougher, and expend a lot more energy, and take more time. Especially if you are already wasted from the cargo net.
Agreed. If you just don't have the energy to do the handbike, it just makes more sense to drop and climb. Hell, skipping the handbike may be the key to making it through the eliminator.

[DonC]

It was obvious that both female contestants completed the climb out of the handbike fall quicker than they could have actually done the challenge. Just from a strategic point of view, it makes more sense to fall. The producers should do something about that once they can.

[Renzo]

Damn, the ladies worked the guy's times on the Eliminator tonight.

[ScottDMSimmons]

Goofy hokey FUN! I've always liked this show.

And, wow, CRUSH is hot.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/acerino3/GinaCarano.jpg

[StoneGold]

Apparently the show is doing really well in the ratings. At least for the first ep.

[StoneGold]

Holy crap, blondie tonight was a machine. But honestly, she's looking only a couple injections away from being a Gladiator already. Except with more stamina than I would expect from a bodybuilder. Girl had it working.

[Black Atom]

I think that guy Adonis installed my car stereo. It might not be the same guy, but how many dudes named Adonis could there be running around?

[JCAll]

Heh, I forgot it's on again tonight. No wonder Vince McMahon or Hogan wasn't thrilled with Hogan showing up on Raw to plug Gladiators. I wouldn't be thrilled with somebody showing up on my show to promote their show in the same time frame as a direct competitor.

Really? Cause here, Gladiators comes on at 7, and I go straight into RAW at 8.

[PaidHero]

I'm thinking that Japanese physical game shows (Sasuke especially), along with lower costs in production, as well as the writer's strike probably brought this back. And to a minor point, NBC has been treading water ever since Friends, so even more reality or game shows.

Isn't Heroes on NBC? Thats a big hitter.

[PaidHero]

I think that guy Adonis installed my car stereo. It might not be the same guy, but how many dudes named Adonis could there be running around?

lol. You might be wrong with that unless he installed it years ago. He said he was an engineer and is winning the money for his parents.

[PaidHero]

Goofy hokey FUN! I've always liked this show.

And, wow, CRUSH is hot.

http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s242/acerino3/GinaCarano.jpg

Yeah she is! She's like the least muscular woman and shes got it going on, but Helga on the other hand i believe to be a man.

"I've got a crush on Crush"

[Jack Zodiac]

Crush is hot, and she could probably kick the shit out of everyone on that show. She's a mixed martial artist, which is why she's built and limber lookin' at the same time.

Y'know, I hate reality shows, but I loved "American Gladiators" back in the day, so I watched it, and it wasn't bad if you leave it on mute. :p Seriously, I can only take The Hulkster screamin' "brother" so much before I have to tap out.

[kmeyers]

Crush is hot, and she could probably kick the shit out of everyone on that show. She's a mixed martial artist, which is why she's built and limber lookin' at the same time.

Y'know, I hate reality shows, but I loved "American Gladiators" back in the day, so I watched it, and it wasn't bad if you leave it on mute. :p Seriously, I can only take The Hulkster screamin' "brother" so much before I have to tap out.

HA! Seriously he said it AT LEAST four times in one sentence, and at least once in every other sentence.

The other announcer/voice over guy is TERRIBLE. This show is pre-recorded, but the "announcer" sounds like he has no idea what the hell is going on.

[BYC]

I kinda want Hogan and Flair doing the show for some reason...

[StoneGold]

Is it me, or does the announcer sound a bit like McMahon back in his old announcing days?



Makes you miss Mike Adamle, doesn't it?

[BYC]

I'm waiting for Todd Christensen and Larry Csonka to show up. Especially since Csonka and the Dolphins can't do the stupid undefeated thing anymore. I also miss Christensen's mullet.

[Jettison]

Would be funny if the guy winner, who will go on to become one of the gladiators himself, turns out to be small......there has never been a small, wiry, scrappy gladiator.......WOLF! TITAN! MILITIA! SPIDER MONKEY!

[Lord of Denial]

I wonder if the producers of the show told Jeff to be the biggest hick alive or if that is just truly how he is.

"Well you know, it's just like pig wrasslin at the county fair!"

He annoyed the crap out of me.

[Lord of Denial]

I did not know Mike O'Hearn that play's Titan starred in a very popular series fan-made videos on youtube as Superman. He even did a trailer for World's Finest. Not high art but with the budget they had to work with not bad at all.

[KenK]

I wonder if the producers of the show told Jeff to be the biggest hick alive or if that is just truly how he is.

"Well you know, it's just like pig wrasslin at the county fair!"

He annoyed the crap out of me.

It's just one regional stereotype after another. Chad the skater talked about running from security guard's 'cause he's a skater, Anthony talked about dodging cabs on whatever street in Brooklyn, etc. I agree, it's annoying as hell.

[PaidHero]

I wonder if the producers of the show told Jeff to be the biggest hick alive or if that is just truly how he is.

"Well you know, it's just like pig wrasslin at the county fair!"

He annoyed the crap out of me.

HAHAHAHA Yeah when he did Earthquake, he was like, "Yeah we got mud-wrestling back home in Tennessee."

[handOFfate]

Anybody with a few minutes should go read the section on espn.com's page 2 about a writer who gets his ass kicked by Crush in one of the games. pretty funny stuff. And I agree with everyone, Crush is HOT

[marshal99]

Anybody with a few minutes should go read the section on espn.com's page 2 about a writer who gets his ass kicked by Crush in one of the games. pretty funny stuff. And I agree with everyone, Crush is HOT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rON3sv9eLw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHJ9NAtXoi0

Mike O'Hearns gladiators tryout
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo1xbT2rYiE

[DoubleWide]

After seeing the Eliminator, its easy to see why some of the events seem easier than they were before. Perhaps its my Scandinavian roots but I like Hellga, that's how its spelled. What annoyed me, at least a little, were Siren and Titan because the first Siren was deaf & blond and Titan originally African-American. Oh, well, can't have everything. :p I'll keep watching, just wish they would fire Hulk Hogan and bring back Mike Adamly. ;)

[Jared]

Anyone see Hogan on Late Night last week? Apparently, Titan hates having the wear that spandex man-bra thing, and begged the Hulkster to help him out. If that bad dye-job has also been forced on him by the producers, I'll have more respect for Titan.

And yes, Crush is hot. As is Venom.

[Ronald Bryan]

Did she just say she's used to strapping herself to a 2,000 pound enema?

[Jared]

Did she just say she's used to strapping herself to a 2,000 pound enema?

Maybe it was some kind of slang term for a bull? Anyway, that soccer mom kicked ass. Cute, too.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Anyway, that soccer mom kicked ass. Cute, too.

Agreed on both counts. Best score of anyone on the Eliminator, too.

The guy they got to replace the Hebrew Hammer annoyed the heck out of me. American Gladiators as a platform for Christianity? Really?

[Jack Zodiac]

What? Damnit, I hate network television! I never remember to watch it. Who'se their Christian gladiator? Whoever it is, he doesn't hold a candle to The Hammer!

[KenK]

Did she just say she's used to strapping herself to a 2,000 pound enema?

She probably said "animal".

[Jared]

What? Damnit, I hate network television! I never remember to watch it. Who'se their Christian gladiator? Whoever it is, he doesn't hold a candle to The Hammer!

It was a Christian Contender, actually; The Preacher of Pain, the Reverend of...something. He's an alternate who replaced the Hebrew Hammer after he was injured in the first event.

[Jack Zodiac]

Oh! Well, screw that. I could give two tugs of a dead dog's dick about the contenders in this show, I just like seeing ridiculous circus strongmen beating the crap out of people with Nerf gear. :D

[BYC]

Oh! Well, screw that. I could give two tugs of a dead dog's dick about the contenders in this show, I just like seeing ridiculous circus strongmen beating the crap out of people with Nerf gear. :D
Well said. Violence not resulting in death = ratings!

[GozertheGozarian]

I guess softcore pornstar didn't look good on Belinda's application. A rather long filmography, including a scene with Candace Michelle.

[Jared]

Belinda the bull-rider? Meh. If only it had been the supercute soccer mom.

Did anyone else see the story about the original Gladiators on Extra (or maybe it was Access Hollywood). All the ones they showed seem to be doing pretty well for themselves. Tower and Sabre look like they could still give the new guys a run for their money. And apparently Ice is a lesbian, and used to compete with one of the guys in putting notches on the belt.

Also, it's been picked up for a second season.

[Rod G]

I don't know if this has been mentioned,but . . .


Toa (who,along with Wolf,plays up the bad@$$ quotient) happens to be a cousin of none other than Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Man, Evan made it all look easy on Monday's show.

[GozertheGozarian]

Everything is easier compared to the old show.

[Serik]

Haven't been keeping up with the show since the first two episodes. Do they still talk way too much?

[maczero]

Everything is easier compared to the old show.I disagree. There have been 2 contestants seriously injured and the show has only been on 3 weeks. I don't remember contestants getting injured that often in the old show. Assault seems to be unnecessarily harder than the original version. Also, I don't remember people crawling to the finish line in the old eliminator as often as they do on the new show.

[GozertheGozarian]

Assault switched out tennis balls for Nerf. The eliminator used to have gladiators in the pits to delay you if you fell. I remember some contestants never finishing at all.

[kmeyers]

Haven't been keeping up with the show since the first two episodes. Do they still talk way too much?

They really have to do something about Hulk Hogan. His interviews are just terrible, and he says "brother" every other word.

The voice over announcer is pretty bad too.

[Jared]

I don't know if this has been mentioned,but . . .


Toa (who,along with Wolf,plays up the bad@$$ quotient) happens to be a cousin of none other than Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson.

That's cool. Do people of Samoan heritage ever do something besides sports/ enterainment?

I think the old Eliminator was easier. Either that, or the new crop of contenders is woefully out of shape compared to the originals, which seems unlikely. The Gladiator imposed penalty may have been more hurtful to someone's time, but it certainly didn't make the event more difficult. And it only applied to one section (the handbike?).
Most contenders seems near exhaustion by the time they get to the pyramid.

I think Hulk would be better as just an MC, with somebody else doing interviews. But the play-by-play announcer is easily the worst thing about the show right now. I could do a better job than that guy. But ideally, they'd borrow Joey Styles. WWE already does work with NBC Universal after all.

[GozertheGozarian]

The new eliminator is longer. There was no swimming or pyramid before.

[maczero]

Assault switched out tennis balls for Nerf. The eliminator used to have gladiators in the pits to delay you if you fell. I remember some contestants never finishing at all.The new Assault is needlessly harder than the old one because now they have to waste time loading the weapons. Not to mention the part about finding the arrow in the sandbox. As for the old eliminator vs. new eliminator comparisons, I believe a lot of people aren't finishing the new eliminator either. You notice you hardly ever see the losers make it up the travelator. Besides on the old show, you had several people breeze through the eliminator. So far we've only had two people who didn't look like there were on death's door when they completed the course.


I think the old Eliminator was easier. Either that, or the new crop of contenders is woefully out of shape compared to the originals, which seems unlikely. The Gladiator imposed penalty may have been more hurtful to someone's time, but it certainly didn't make the event more difficult. And it only applied to one section (the handbike?).
Most contenders seems near exhaustion by the time they get to the pyramid.That's exactly what I've noticed. Hell, they look like they're about to drop after going up the cargo net.

[BYC]

Wow, Titan just owned that guy in Joust. They should always do male Joust.

[JCAll]

They really have to do something about Hulk Hogan. His interviews are just terrible, and he says "brother" every other word.

The voice over announcer is pretty bad too.

Hogan always talked like that. I wouldn't want him to stop calling people "Brother".

What I want him to do is stop saying "'Insert randon failure here'-Mania". Tony-Mania, Steve-Mania, You just got your butt whooped-Mania.

There's only 1 Hulkamania. Brother.

[Crowley]

I think Crush and Hellga are hot as hell... they're both memorable, whereas the other female gladiators seems interchangeable.

Titan, Toa and Wolf are pretty interesting... I feel bad for Titan having to wear that stupid costume.

[kmeyers]

Hogan always talked like that. I wouldn't want him to stop calling people "Brother".

What I want him to do is stop saying "'Insert randon failure here'-Mania". Tony-Mania, Steve-Mania, You just got your butt whooped-Mania.

There's only 1 Hulkamania. Brother.

Yes, I know he's always talked like that, especially when excited. It's one of the main reasons he has no business interviewing people.

But to be fair...He has RARELY said "brother" on his show Hogan Knows Best, so I'm thinking he could stop himself, but he gets into character and too excited and goes into BROTHER MODE!

[StoneGold]

What the hell? I haven't watched Raw in ages... Mike Adamle is a member of the announce team, now? Is that McMahon trying to get back at Gladiators for invading Monday nights somehow???

[BYC]

What the hell? I haven't watched Raw in ages... Mike Adamle is a member of the announce team, now? Is that McMahon trying to get back at Gladiators for invading Monday nights somehow???

Yeah...it's...well...let's not talk about it.

[Acecool]

Titan for whatever reason seems to be the biggest and baddest gladiator out there and he doesn't seem like he is roid raged out. He has a cool confidence that seems more intimidating than Wolf's. Besides, he owned on joust. That was cool.

The eliminator now is as tough as it was before if not tougher if only because of the cargo net and the longer travelator. Really the hand bike and the barrel roll shouldn't even be a factor where as they were in the old elimintor because of the time penalty.

I still think that Nagano would breeze through it in about a minute flat. Still that evan guy did pretty well.

[Lord of Denial]

Titan for whatever reason seems to be the biggest and baddest gladiator out there and he doesn't seem like he is roid raged out. He has a cool confidence that seems more intimidating than Wolf's. Besides, he owned on joust. That was cool.

The eliminator now is as tough as it was before if not tougher if only because of the cargo net and the longer travelator. Really the hand bike and the barrel roll shouldn't even be a factor where as they were in the old elimintor because of the time penalty.

I still think that Nagano would breeze through it in about a minute flat. Still that evan guy did pretty well.

He's not. Mike O'Hearn AKA Titan is a well known advocate of natural bodybuilding and has won several Mr. Universe titles.

[Howard Allan]

I notice that Helga is never used except in Challenges where she doesn't have to move fast much. When I see her on the Wall or in Hang On, then I'll say she should be there. I think she wouldn't be any good on the Wall or Trying to catch someone trying get from one platform to the other on the rings. Let's have her in Power Ball even. Until then, in my mind, she isn't a real Gladiator. Gladiators should be able to do all the events.

[The Zapper]

I notice that Helga is never used except in Challenges where she doesn't have to move fast much. When I see her on the Wall or in Hang On, then I'll say she should be there. I think she wouldn't be any good on the Wall or Trying to catch someone trying get from one platform to the other on the rings. Let's have her in Power Ball even. Until then, in my mind, she isn't a real Gladiator. Gladiators should be able to do all the events.

Certain people are better for different events. She's not going to do hang tuff for example. If you're looking for perfection, I suggest looking for another show. Ninja Warrior maybe?

[Kid Kamikaze10]

Certain people are better for different events. She's not going to do hang tuff for example. If you're looking for perfection, I suggest looking for another show. Ninja Warrior maybe?

Or Crush....

Sorry, my bias is showing...

[Acecool]

Or Crush....

Sorry, my bias is showing...

No you are right, she is the most competent of the new female gladiators.

[Acecool]

Much improvements over the first season, though that wasn't too difficult. Most notably the addition of obvious consequences of falling off the hand bike.

Did anyone else see the episode tonight?

[Fatguy]

Most importantly: Crush is still super hot, and obviously way cooler than all the other toolbox Gladiators.

[Jared]

I saw the first episode and some of the second. I didn't catch the finale so the new Gladiators were a suprise to me. I'm liking Jet alot.

It really took those first women forever on the Eliminator. Didn't the time say something like 9 minutes by the time someone finally won? Thank god for editing.

I'm happy for Titan. He no longer has to wear the humilating sports bra top.

[Lester C.]

Did they bring Chris Masters on the show, as that was a big rumor a while back?

[GozertheGozarian]

Did they bring Chris Masters on the show, as that was a big rumor a while back?
Matt Morgan is supposed to be a gladiator.

[Lord of Denial]

Matt Morgan is supposed to be a gladiator.


The Beast!!!!!!!

I was pissed from the promo that aired it made it sound like he would be on last night.

[Acecool]

I saw the first episode and some of the second. I didn't catch the finale so the new Gladiators were a suprise to me. I'm liking Jet alot.

It really took those first women forever on the Eliminator? Didn't the time say something like 9 minutes by the time someone finally won? Thank god for editing.

I'm happy for Titan. He no longer has to wear the humilating sports bra top.

Yeah, I noticed titan's slight costume change.

Too bad you missed Evan, the winner from season one. Guess which competition he was the gladiator on. He was practically right next to the contender before he pulled the contender off the wall.

The other new Gladiator is Phoenix. She is awesome and competent. I liked the way they introduced her by having her sorta fly in with wings on. (the wings were a little hokey looking, but the effect was kinda cool)

The new even vertigo was neat, i thought.

[Royal]

Did they bring Chris Masters on the show, as that was a big rumor a while back?

Nope. He's working with IGF.

[adoggoesmeow]

Crush is hot.

[Jettison]

crap, I missed it!

[Jared]

Crush is hot.

Yes, yes she is.

I did see Evan on the wall. He's Rocket now. I vaguely remember him and Jet from last season. Is it me, or are they both looking more cut than they were? Still kinda small for Gladiators, but maybe they'll be kinda specalists in the speedier events. I'm pretty sure I could bowl over Rocket in Powerball or Gauntlet.

[The Zapper]

Crush is hot.

Quoted for truth.

[Lord of Denial]

Quoted for truth.

Phoenix ain't to shabby either.

[DonC]

Did they drop Siren? She's from around here.

[Jared]

Crush, AKA Gina Carrano, was just profiled on ESPN. She could become the breakout star of both Gladiators and female MMA.. I've seen some youtube clips, she's not just a pretty face.

I think she fights in whatever MMA league Showtime carries, which means I've got a reason to give a damn.

I'm really surprised that a TNA guy would be a Gladiator, considering WWE works with NBC Universal.

[kmeyers]

That new Rocket ball game looked fun as hell.

I'm pretty surprised they had the one legged guy on the show. He held his own in the competitions, but the whole show I kept wondering how the hell he was going to be able to do the eliminator. Especially the cargo net, and the escalator thing at the end.

Even though they turned the escalators off for him at the end, it was still really inspiring to see him finish the course.

[titanfan]

Crush, AKA Gina Carrano, was just profiled on ESPN. She could become the breakout star of both Gladiators and female MMA.. I've seen some youtube clips, she's not just a pretty face.

I think she fights in whatever MMA league Showtime carries, which means I've got a reason to give a damn.

EliteXC (who might become big now that CBS signed them to a deal) is pretty much banking on her to become the first big female MMA star. They pretty much created a weight class just for her.

[Royal]

EliteXC (who might become big now that CBS signed them to a deal) is pretty much banking on her to become the first big female MMA star. They pretty much created a weight class just for her.

Yes...because she couldn't cut her fat ass down.

And they don't put her up with competint talent.

[Jared]

Yes...because she couldn't cut her fat ass down.
.

...wow...just... I HOPE YOU BURN!

http://i30.tinypic.com/2uxtg87.jpg



Anywhoo, I wonder is she can still do Gladiators if Elite has inked a deal with another network.

[DoubleWide]

Another improvement would be to get rid of Hulk Hogan, but since he is popular as hell, I doubt it would happen. Still love Hellga, just wish they'd use her in more events.

[Jared]

Rocket Ball looks like it would be great fun to play, but I don't like it as an event here. It's not really a test of skill or athleticism, as far as I can tell.

[DonC]

...wow...just... I HOPE YOU BURN!

http://i30.tinypic.com/2uxtg87.jpg



Anywhoo, I wonder is she can still do Gladiators if Elite has inked a deal with another network.


She better hope one of those fake boobs of hers doesn't pop during a show.

[Lord of Denial]

She better hope one of those fake boobs of hers doesn't pop during a show.

She is a pro MMA fighter so big fake boobs I doubt it.

[mgs]

She is a pro MMA fighter so big fake boobs I doubt it.


I don't like the idea of a women mma.

[Lord of Denial]

I don't like the idea of a women mma.

Why is that?

[DonC]

She is a pro MMA fighter so big fake boobs I doubt it.


That never stopped the WWE.

[mgs]

Why is that?

it's like the weight class thing. it's just my thing. I won't rant about it too much. but I take fighting seriously. not as a sport which those two things (weight, sex classing) do to all the training people are supposed to be doing.

and if it's supposed to be a sport, both sexes should be able to fight one another. like that teen girl who was a wrestler and what she was able to accomplish.

[Lord of Denial]

That never stopped the WWE.

And they work around it, and Chyna popped one.

MMA is much more hard hitting and she also is a pro Mauy Thai fighter as well.

Maybe she does but man she would have to be stupid.

[Jared]

My girl Gina "Crush" Carranno is fighting tonight on CBS. And I choose to believe they're real until proven otherwise. It would be incredibly stupid to have fake boobs in a fight. Frankly, even in pro wrestling, I surprised there haven't been more Chyna incidents.

BTW, was the other new Gladiator, Zen, a contestant last year? I was surprised they brought in another little guy, even one who can do ninja flips at will.