Why the New 'American Gladiators' Doubled Down on Pro Wrestlers
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The revived American Gladiators competition premieres on Amazon Prime Video, featuring everyday contestants competing against professional wrestler Gladiators in a David vs. Goliath format.
- The new 2026 version is hosted by WWE Superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and includes a Gladiators roster heavily composed of pro wrestlers from WWE, AEW, and Impact Wrestling.
- Jessie Godderz, known as “Steel,” is a prominent Gladiator with a strong wrestling background and a charismatic presence, emphasizing the show's blend of athleticism and entertainment.
- The show aims to capture the raw adrenaline and competitive spirit of the original 1990s series while maintaining a strong sense of American pride and team identity.
- Gladiators underwent two weeks of training before filming to master the rules and events, but only contenders compete in the final Eliminator obstacle course.
