WWE’s Mike (The Miz) Mizanin will front the upcoming American Gladiators reboot on Prime Video. He’ll be joined by 106 & Park alum Rocsi Diaz reporting from the sidelines, and sportscaster Chris Rose on play-by-play.
Originating as a weekly U.S. syndicated show, American Gladiators burst onto screens in 1989 and quickly became the #1 watched sports entertainment show in the world. The show returns with an exciting new take, and an All-Star cast of Gladiators for the modern era. It marks the franchise’s first American revival since NBC’s 2008 series.
Mike “The Miz” Mizanin is best known for his long-running WWE career and his early breakout on MTV’s The Real World: Back to New York. He’s also a two-time Grand Slam Champion in WWE and a fan-favourite both in and out of the ring. Beyond WWE, additional television credits include reality hits like Miz & Mrs. and competition shows such as Dancing with the Stars.
In a statement on Instagram, Mike “The Miz” Mizanin said:
The 10-year-old me is absolutely SCREAMING—this show was such a huge part of my childhood. I used to watch it with my dad, and being part of its return is bringing back so many amazing memories… To the fans, we are working hard to create something truly incredible that honours the original while bringing fresh energy to a whole new generation.
Mike “The Miz” Mizanin
Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment, commented on the revival:
We’re excited to officially welcome WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin to the American Gladiators Family. He’s the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise. The US reboot, combined with our epic success in the UK, our Live Nation Tour, and the launch of our 24/7 Gladiators FAST channel, this isn’t just a comeback, it’s a cultural revival. Fans, old and new, are going to love this evolution in sports entertainment.
Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative
What We Know So Far:
- New and Classic Events: The series will introduce brand-new events while bringing back fan favourites from the original show such as Gauntlet, Hang Tough and The Eliminator.
- New Gladiators: The upcoming series will feature 16 professional bodybuilders, former D1 athletes, CrossFit champions, and global fitness trainers.
- Broadcast Information: No release date has been announced but it will be available to stream on Prime Video.
- Streaming Access: Original seasons of American Gladiators are available to stream on the newly launched American Gladiators FAST Channel via Prime Video.
Introducing the 16 Gladiators:
Prime Video and the Hollywood Reporter have revealed a full roster of 16 Gladiators – eight men and eight women – ranging from 5 ft 5 in to 6 ft 5 in, and weighing between 63 kg and 122 kg. All were selected for their sporting backgrounds, fitness, and screen presence.
Whilst their Gladiator names are still to be confirmed, here are the athletes who will become the next American Gladiators:
The Men
Ayinde Warren (Silver Springs, MD) – Athlete, coach and fitness model. @swolepatrol_
Drew Aggouras (Boston, MA) – Fitness and Life coach. @drew__aggouras
Eric Bugenhagen (Milwaukee, WI) – Former WWE wrestler Rick Boogs; graduated collegiate wrestler turned YouTuber and fitness personality. @ericbugenhagenofficial
Fessy Shafaat (Orlando, FL) – Former Division I football player who is a two-time finalist on MTV’s The Challenge and appearances on CBS’ Big Brother and American Ninja Warrior. @fessyfitness
Jason Peele (Southern Pines, NC) – Sporting background currently remains undisclosed.
Jessie Godderz (Weed, CA) – 12x Pro wrestling champion and fitness personality, also recognised as Mr PEC‑Tacular with appearances on CBS’ Big Brother, E!’s House of Villians and Netflix’s Wrestlers. @mrpec_tacular
Joseph Hall (Sacramento, CA) – Former American Football player and bodybuilder. @trendingjoey
Michael Wardlow (Middlefield, OH) – Former three-time AEW TNT Champion known as Wardlow, also has a background in boxing and jujitsu. @realwardlow
The Women
Abigail Lay (Springfield, MI) – Fitness trainer. @pbt.fitness
Dani Means (Los Angeles, CA) – IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, World Champion Powerlifter and Pro 7’s rugby player. @daniellameans
Dani Speegle (Houston, TX) – Seven-time CrossFit Games athlete and Titan Games season 2 champion. @dellespeegle
Emily Nelson (Mesa, AZ) – 6’3″ Personal Trainer and Former NCAA athlete. @big_e_tallz
Jessica Roden (Mount Vernon, OH) – Professional wrestler known as “J-Rod The Ultimate Athlete”. @jsroden
Kailey Latimer (Durham, NC) – AEW/NWA pro wrestler known as Kamille, with a softball, football and bodybuilding background. @kamillebrickhouse
Lu Faustin (Brooklyn, NY) – IFBB Figure Pro bodybuilder. @lufaustinpro
Sydney Hunter (Sacramento, CA) – Former track athlete and now elite-level powerlifter. @sydbarbz
A Brief History of American Gladiators Hosts
Mike “The Miz” Mizanin joins a list of iconic names who have presented American Gladiators over the years. Most were paired with ex-athletes, sportscasters, or former Gladiators themselves.
Mike Adamle was the most recognisable and longest-serving host in the show’s U.S. history, appearing across all seven original syndicated seasons. A former NFL player and NBC sportscaster, Adamle was seen by many as the voice of American Gladiators during its peak in the early 90s.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Season 1 – First Half (1989)
Season 1 – Second Half (1990)
Seasons 2–4 (1990–1993)
Seasons 5–6 (1994–1995)
Season 7 (1995)
NBC reboot – Seasons 8–9 (2008)
Further information about the new series of American Gladiators – including the full list of Gladiator names, Contender details, event line-up, and broadcast schedule – will be released in due course. We’ll share updates as soon as they’re confirmed.
