Two familiar faces from the “Big Brother” universe are stepping into a very different kind of competition.
Faysal “Fessy” Shafaat (season 20) and Jessie “Mr. PEC-Tacular” Godderz (seasons 10 and 11) have officially joined the cast of Prime Video’s reboot of “American Gladiators,” bringing their reality TV experience into the high intensity arena. The new series, hosted by WWE star Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, premieres April 17.
Both stars shared the news on Instagram, confirming their involvement after keeping it under wraps.
“BIG NEWS 🚨 I am officially an American Gladiator!!” wrote Shafaat, who also competed on MTV’s “The Challenge.” “Finally able to talk about it, this one’s been on the low for a while. No voting, no politics, no alliances. Just power, speed, and straight head-banging action in the arena.”
Godderz, who also appeared on “House of Villains,” echoed the excitement in his own post, calling himself fans’ “new favorite American Gladiator.”
Inside the ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot on Prime Video
CBSThe new series is a reboot of the iconic competition format, revived following the success of the U.K. version.
Each episode features everyday contenders from around the country entering the arena to face off against 16 Gladiators. Challenges include fan-favorites like Joust, Powerball, Hang Tough, and The Wall, and new events including The Ring and Collision.
Only one male and one female competitor will ultimately win a $100,000 prize.
Show host “The Miz” shared his excitement for the upcoming Prime Video show on social media.
“If you grew up in the 80s and 90s like I did… you watched ‘American Gladiators.’ … So to not only be a [WWE] Superstar for the past 20 years… but to now be the host of this reboot… I’m incredibly proud and honored,” the 45-year-old icon wrote.
“Everyone brought their best to honor what you remember… and take it to a whole new level,” he added. “It’s a privilege to be part of it. … Trust me… this is most must-see.”
‘American Gladiators’ Season 1 Cast
CBSHere’s a look at the confirmed Gladiators, according to TV Insider. Each competitor will get their own Gladiator name, which have yet to be revealed.
- Abigail Lay — fitness coach
- Ayinde Warren — fitness coach and model
- Dani Means — bodybuilder and rugby player
- Dani Speegle — “The Titan Games” competitor, gymnast, CrossFit athlete
- Drew Aggouras — fitness coach
- Emily Nelson — personal trainer
- Eric “Rick Boogs” Bugenhagen — former WWE wrestler, YouTuber
- Faysal “Fessy” Shafaat — football player, “Big Brother,” “The Challenge”
- Jessie “Mr. Pec-Tacular” Godderz — TNA champion, “Big Brother,” “House of Villains”
- Jessica “J-Rod” Roden — wrestling, softball, volleyball
- Joseph Hall — football
- Kailey Latimer — AEW wrestler
- Lu Faustin — professional bodybuilder
- Michael Wardlow — AEW wrestler, TNT Champion
- Sydney Hunter — powerlifting, track athlete
