Two faces from the “Big Brother” universe are stepping into an entirely new arena—and a newly released trailer is giving fans their first look at what’s ahead.
Prime Video dropped the official trailer on March 31 for its upcoming reboot of “American Gladiators,” previewing the high-intensity competition series ahead of its April 17 premiere.
Among the Gladiators are Faysal “Fessy” Shafaat, who first appeared on “Big Brother” season 20, and Jessie “Mr. PEC-Tacular” Godderz, known for his appearances on seasons 10 and 11.
Inside the ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot
Amazon MGM StudiosHosted by WWE star Mike “The Miz” Mizanin, the new series brings back the original competition format from the U.K. with updated production and new events.
“The greatest games on Earth are back,” The Miz says at the start of the trailer. “And the Gladiators are bigger and better.”
The preview shows a series of physically demanding challenges inside a large arena, with a live audience watching the action.
According to Prime Video, 24 contenders from across the U.S. will compete against 16 Gladiators. Events include returning fan-favorites such as Joust, Powerball, Hang Tough, and The Wall, along with newer additions like The Ring and Collision.
“Contenders from across the country will go head-to-head for $100,000,” Mizanin says in the trailer, adding that they’ll face “the most ridiculously ripped human specimens you’ve ever seen.”
Amazon MGM StudiosThe footage shows contestants battling on elevated platforms, making their way through obstacle-based courses, and facing off in strength-focused matchups.
“Ever wonder what the top of the food chain looks like?” The Miz says. “Gear up for all-out war.”
Each episode will end with the Eliminator, which determines who advances. By the end of the season, one male and one female competitor will win $100,000 and “and the title, proving their strength, speed, and determination through grueling physical challenges that test every athletic ability,” according to Prime Video.
‘Big Brother’ Stars Enter the Arena
Amazon MGM StudiosShafaat and Godderz are among the confirmed Gladiators featured in the reboot.
When announcing his involvement on social media, Shafaat wrote, “BIG NEWS 🚨 I am officially an American Gladiator!! Finally able to talk about it, this one’s been on the low for a while.”
He added, “No voting, no politics, no alliances. Just power, speed, and straight head-banging action in the arena.”
Mr. PEC-Tacular shared a similar message on Instagram, calling himself fans’ “new favorite American Gladiator.”
The full cast includes athletes from a range of disciplines, including wrestling, football, bodybuilding, and CrossFit. Each Gladiator will compete under a designated persona; Godderz will be known as “Steel” and Shafaat’s alias is “Mayhem.”
Amazon MGM StudiosThe trailer ends with Mizanin asking, “You ready for it, America?”
“American Gladiators” premieres April 17 on Prime Video.
‘American Gladiators’ Season 1 Cast
Amazon MGM StudiosHere’s a look at the confirmed Gladiators, according to TV Insider.
- 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
