Tag: American Gladiators

WWE Reportedly Upset Over AEW Talent Appearing Alongside The Miz on American Gladiators Reboot

The revival of American Gladiators on Amazon Prime Video is generating a lot of buzz — and some behind-the-scenes tension. The show, which features former WWE Champion The Miz as its host, has cast several wrestlers as modern-day Gladiators, including former WWE Superstar Rick Boogs, OVW’s J-Rod, and former TNA Tag Team Champion Jessie Godderz. But what’s causing the biggest stir is the involvement of current AEW talent: Kamille and Wardlow.

According to Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE isn’t thrilled that one of their marquee personalities, The Miz, is sharing the screen with wrestlers still under AEW contract — even if Kamille and Wardlow haven’t been actively featured on AEW programming for a while. The concern reportedly centers on potential brand crossover, especially if the AEW stars are promoted on-air alongside Miz, or worse, if The Miz ends up in segments that could inadvertently shine a spotlight on AEW.

The tension illustrates WWE’s longstanding policy of keeping its talent (and by extension, its brand) distinct from rival promotions — a stance that’s being tested more often as wrestlers branch out into mainstream entertainment.

This isn’t the first time WWE has found itself in a promotional tug-of-war. Just last week on the June 16 episode of RAW, WWE took issue with Netflix airing a trailer for Happy Gilmore 2 — which prominently features MJF, a top AEW star, in a major role as one of Gilmore’s sons. WWE stars Becky Lynch and Nikki Bella also appear in the film, though in smaller roles.

WWE reportedly pushed for a customized trailer that completely omits MJF, which Netflix agreed to air during RAW. Despite Netflix’s desire to market Happy Gilmore 2 as one of its biggest summer titles, WWE is unwilling to indirectly promote AEW by giving screen time to one of its breakout stars.

From AEW’s perspective, there’s less cause for concern. Sources suggest that AEW isn’t bothered by Lynch and Bella being involved in the same project as MJF. While it’s unlikely that AEW will do a full promotional push for Happy Gilmore 2 — especially since Netflix isn’t a direct partner — the exposure MJF gains from the film is likely seen as a net positive, especially following the success of The Iron Claw last year.

As mainstream media continues to embrace pro wrestlers from all promotions, expect more crossover complications like these. While fans enjoy seeing their favorite stars in new arenas, promotions like WWE remain hyper-aware of where and how their brand — and their competitors’ — is represented.

Other Pro Wrestlers to Join The Miz for Amazon Prime’s ‘American Gladiators’ Reboot

The arena is about to get a lot more intense — and a whole lot more jacked — as professional wrestling meets classic ‘90s nostalgia in the upcoming American Gladiators reboot.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, five pro wrestlers have been tapped to star in the new American Gladiators series, which is coming soon to Amazon Prime’s FAST Channels. While a premiere date has yet to be announced, the cast already has fans buzzing thanks to its heavy dose of wrestling star power.

Leading the charge is none other than WWE’s A-Lister himself, The Miz, who will serve as the show’s main host. Joining him from the world of wrestling are:

  • Eric Bugenhagen (formerly known as Rick Boogs in WWE)
  • Wardlow, the AEW powerhouse and former TNT Champion
  • Jessie Godderz, a former TNA Wrestling standout and reality TV alum
  • Kailey Latimer, better known to AEW and NWA fans as Kamille

Rounding out the broadcast team will be 106 & Park alum Rocsi Diaz as sideline reporter and veteran sports broadcaster Chris Rose handling play-by-play duties.

The reboot promises to blend both modern flair and retro thrills, bringing back fan-favorite challenges from the original series — including “Gauntlet,” “Hang Tough,” and of course, the ultimate test of endurance: “The Eliminator.”

While this isn’t the first attempt to revive American Gladiators, this version might just have the right mix of athleticism, entertainment, and star power to stick the landing. With The Miz at the helm — no stranger to reality TV or over-the-top competition — and a roster filled with legit in-ring talent, the show looks poised to bridge generations of fans.

For now, there’s no official launch date, but expect more updates to drop soon as Amazon ramps up promotion. Wrestling fans and ‘90s kids alike might want to start prepping for battle — because American Gladiators is about to suit up for a new era.

The Miz Tapped to Host Amazon’s Reboot of American Gladiators

WWE’s resident A-Lister is heading back to reality TV — this time, as the face of a legendary competition series. Mike “The Miz” Mizanin has officially been named the host of Amazon Prime Video’s upcoming American Gladiators reboot.

The revival, which is being developed by Amazon in partnership with producers John Ferraro and Daniel Calin, marks a modern comeback for the classic series that originally ran from the late ’80s through the ’90s. Amazon is looking to deliver more than just nostalgia — they’re aiming for a full-fledged cultural moment.

“We’re excited to officially welcome WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin to the American Gladiators family,” said Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment. “He’s the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise.”

The new version will spotlight a diverse lineup of athletic competitors, including CrossFit stars, bodybuilders, Division I athletes, and elite fitness trainers from around the globe. These gladiators-in-the-making will face revamped challenges designed to test both physical prowess and on-screen charisma — two areas The Miz knows a thing or two about.

While Miz will lead the charge, don’t be surprised if more WWE faces pop up along the way. Past reports have suggested that other wrestlers could eventually join the show, either as contestants or special guests, bridging the gap between pro wrestling and mainstream athletic entertainment.

For Miz, this is another notch on his already stacked entertainment résumé. Before becoming a WWE Champion, he cut his teeth in reality TV on The Real World and The Challenge. Since then, he’s hosted everything from Cannonball to Champs vs. Stars, and starred in multiple films and WWE-related projects.

With Amazon throwing serious weight behind the reboot — including a live tour and a 24/7 Gladiators streaming channel — the return of American Gladiators is shaping up to be a massive event. And with The Miz holding the mic, the show’s larger-than-life energy is practically guaranteed.

Stay tuned — American Gladiators is about to get awesome.