American Gladiators will launch on Prime Video on Friday 17 April 2026, with the first three episodes dropping on release day.
Prime Video has confirmed that the 10-episode first series will roll out across three weeks. Episodes 4 to 6 will follow on Friday 24 April, with the final four episodes landing on Friday 1 May. The series will stream exclusively on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.
The new version of American Gladiators will see male and female Contenders from across the United States enter the Arena to face 16 new Gladiators. At the end of the competition, one man and one woman will each win $100,000 and be crowned American Gladiator Champion.
Classic events from the original series are returning, including Joust, Powerball, Hang Tough and The Wall. Prime Video has also confirmed new events including The Ring and Collision.
WWE’s Mike (The Miz) Mizanin will host the series, with Rocsi Diaz joining as sideline reporter and Chris Rose on play-by-play.
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
Originating as a weekly U.S. syndicated show, American Gladiators burst onto screens in 1989 and quickly became the most-watched sports entertainment show in the world. The series now returns with a new take and an All-Star cast of Gladiators for a modern audience. It marks the franchise’s first American revival since NBC’s 2008 series.
The 16 New American Gladiators
Prime Video have revealed the 16 athletes selected for the new series:
Men
- Ace – Drew Aggouras (Boston, MA) – Fitness coach and soccer player.
- The Bull – Eric Bugenhagen (Milwaukee, WI) – Former WWE wrestler Rick Boogs; graduated collegiate wrestler turned YouTuber and fitness personality.
- Eagle – Jason Peele (Southern Pines, NC) – Powerlifter, long distance runner and tactical U.S. Military trainer.
- Fang – Michael Wardlow (Middlefield, OH) – Former three-time AEW TNT Champion known as Wardlow, also has a background in boxing and jujitsu.
- Lightning – Joseph Hall (Sacramento, CA) – Former American Football player and bodybuilder.
- Mayhem – 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.
- Neon – Ayinde Warren (Silver Springs, MD) – Athlete, coach and fitness model.
- Steel – 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.
Women
- Blaze – Abigail Lay (Springfield, MI) – Fitness trainer.
- Crush – Dani Speegle (Houston, TX) – Seven-time CrossFit Games athlete and Titan Games season 2 champion.
- Empire – Lu Faustin (Brooklyn, NY) – IFBB Figure Pro bodybuilder.
- Huntress – Sydney Hunter (Sacramento, CA) – Former track athlete and now elite-level powerlifter.
- Hurricane – Kailey Latimer (Durham, NC) – AEW/NWA pro wrestler known as Kamille, with a softball, football and bodybuilding background.
- Striker – Emily Nelson (Mesa, AZ) – 6’3″ Personal Trainer and Former NCAA athlete.
- Supernova – Jessica Roden (Mount Vernon, OH) – Professional wrestler known as J-Rod.
- Voltage – Dani Means (Los Angeles, CA) – IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, World Champion Powerlifter and Pro 7’s rugby player.
A Brief History of American Gladiators Hosts
Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and Rocsi Diaz join 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)
Behind the Series
American Gladiators is created and executive produced by Johnny C. Ferraro.
Daniel Calin serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside Barry Poznick.
Susan Janis-Mashayekhi, Sarah Happel Jackson and Adam Cooper serve as co-executive producers.
The series is directed by Ramy Romany and produced by Amazon MGM Studios.
Further information about the new series of American Gladiators will be announced in due course.
