Dust off the Atlasphere and get ready to dodge hurtling tennis balls in Assault, because American Gladiators is coming back to our TV screens!
The iconic sports competition series which flexed its muscles in the 1990s returns on Prime Video on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET with a three-episode premiere. Here’s your first look at the reboot in action:
American Gladiators Trailer
What is American Gladiators?
American Gladiators debuted as a syndicated TV series in 1989, pitting contestants off the street against hulking gladiators in spandex. The competition series played off the popularity of professional wrestling at the time, albeit in a legit sports setting.
The original series ran for seven seasons and became a pop culture phenomenon, spawning video games, action figures, merchandise and live events. More recently, the series was the subject of a 30 for 30 documentary and a five-part Netflix docuseries.
The 2026 revival will bring back the tournament format, with one man and one woman each claiming the title of American Gladiator champion and $100,000. In order to earn the cash and the championship, contenders will square off against a new generation of gladiators in classic events, such as Joust, Powerball, Hang Tough, and The Wall as well as new events like The Ring and Collision.
American Gladiators Cast
There will be 16 new gladiators for the 2026 revival of American Gladiators, featuring a mix of pro wrestlers and elite athletes. They are:
Men
- Michael Wardlow (aka Fang) — AEW wrestler and three-time AEW TNT champion
- Eric Bugenhagen (aka The Bull) — Former WWE wrestler (f/k/a Rick Boogs)
- Jessie Godderz (aka Steel) — Pro wrestler, former Big Brother contestant
- Fessy Shafaat (aka Mayhem) — Former Big Brother and The Challenge contestant
- Joseph Hall (aka Lightning) — Former football player and bodybuilder
- Jason Peele (aka Eagle) — Powerlifter
- Ayinde Warren (aka Neon) — Fitness coach
- Drew Aggouras (aka Ace) — Fitness coach
Women
- Kailey Latimer (aka Hurricane) — AEW wrestler and former NWA women’s world champion
- Dani Speegle (aka Crush) — Titan Games season 2 champion and seven-time CrossFit Games competitor
- Jessica Roden (aka Supernova) — Independent pro wrestler and former OVW women’s champion
- Dani Means (aka Voltage) — World champion powerlifter
- Emily Nelson (aka Striker) — Personal trainer
- Sydney Hunter (aka Huntress) — Powerlifter
- Lu Faustin (aka Empire) — Bodybuilder
- Abigail Lay (aka Blaze) — Fitness coach
American Gladiators FAQ
Who is hosting American Gladiators?
American Gladiators will be hosted by WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin and Emmy Award-winning TV personality Rocsi Diaz.
When do new episodes of American Gladiators drop?
New episodes of American Gladiators drop on Fridays at 8 p.m. ET. The series will debut with three episodes on April 17, followed by three new episodes on April 24 and the final four episodes on May 1.
How can I watch new episodes of American Gladiators?
American Gladiators — as well as seven seasons of the original syndicated series — will be available to stream on Prime Video.
How many new episodes of American Gladiators will drop in season 1?
Season 1 of American Gladiators will include 10 episodes, with the season set to conclude on May 1, 2026.
