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 Non-Compete Clauses Are Reportedly Almost Over For Several Released Former WWE Stars

One of the more unfortunate aspects of the WWE-UFC merger earlier this year was that it led to several within WWE, both in and out of the ring, losing their jobs this past September. And while the releases will surely still sting, with the end of December quickly approaching, many of the in-ring talents will finally have a chance to get back in the ring for another promotion.

PWInsider Elite reports that the bulk of talents let go by WWE in September are set to have their noncompete clauses expire next Thursday, December 21. Among the talents that would now be available to work for any promotion they choose are Dolph Ziggler, Mustafa Ali, Shelton Benjamin, Dana Brooke, Aliyah, Rick Boogs, Mace, Mansor, Riddick Moss, Top Dolla, Elias, Dabbo-Kato, Quincy Elliot, Yulisa Leon, Shanky, and Matt Riddle.

Many of the released WWE names have already been announcing future bookings, though so far all are for events one month after their noncompetes end. The includes Ziggler, who announced over the weekend that his first match outside of WWE would take place on January 20 in Puerto Rico, where he’ll work for the World Wrestling Council. Mace and Mansoor are set to compete at Effy’s Big Gay Brunch the same day, though they have already made one non-wrestling appearance for Deadlock Pro Wrestling this past weekend. Matt Riddle has also lined up future bookings for that month, with the controversial wrestler going down to Mexico to work for The Crash Lucha Libre on January 19.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Rick Boogs Reveals WrestleMania Injury Details

Rick Boogs has revealed details on the quad tear and patella tendon tear he suffered during Night One of WrestleMania 38.

As noted, Night One of WrestleMania 38 opened up with SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos retaining over Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura. There was a moment early on where Boogs had Jey Uso on his shoulders. He went to put Jimmy Uso on his shoulders for a double Fireman’s Carry, but when Jimmy jumped up onto him, Boogs’ knee gave out and they all went down. Boogs then rolled to the floor and spent the rest of the match being checked on by trainers at ringside. Nakamura finished the match by himself and it seemed like things were cut short or changed due to the injury. After the match, trainers helped Boogs walk away from the ring but they had to carry him to the back by the time they got him up the ramp.

Michael Cole later noted during commentary that Boogs was checked out backstage and it was determined that he suffered a torn quadriceps and a torn patella tendon. It was also revealed that he will need to undergo surgery within the next few days.

In an update, Boogs took to Instagram today and revealed how the doctor told him his quad was too strong for the tendon, and it was flexing so hard that it ripped the tendon completely off the bone. Despite the injury, Boogs is incredibly grateful and says he will be back bigger, better and stronger.

“From the highest of highs to lowest of lows. Having my beautiful wife with me to experience my first Wrestlemania. Getting the incredible opportunity to open the show! Being able to demonstrate brute strength in front of millions of viewers! Unfortunately, the doctor told me my quad was too strong for the tendon and it was flexing so hard, it ripped the tendon totally off the bone. I’m still incredibly grateful for the experience and for all the love and support. History proves I will come back bigger, better, and stronger. IT’S A MINDSET,” he wrote.

Depending on the severity of the injuries, it’s believed that Boogs will be on the shelf for 6-12 months, but we should have a better timeframe after he goes under the knife.

WWE noted in their WrestleMania recap that Boogs was trying to squat both of The Usos when his already-injured knee gave out. Boogs had the same knee taped up at one point during the feud with The Usos in mid-March, but it looks like he only had the knee wrapped for one week, and just to sell an attack.

Source: Wrestling Inc.

Rick Boogs Injury Updates From WrestleMania 38 Night One

Rick Boogs is set to undergo surgery next week after suffering an injury at WrestleMania Saturday.

Night One of WrestleMania 38 opened up with SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos retaining over Boogs and Shinsuke Nakamura. There was a moment early on where Boogs had Jey Uso on his shoulders. He went to put Jimmy Uso on his shoulders for a double Fireman’s Carry, but when Jimmy jumped up onto him, Boogs’ knee gave out and they all went down.

Boogs then rolled to the floor and spent the rest of the match being checked on by trainers at ringside. Nakamura finished the match by himself and it seemed like things were cut short or changed due to the injury. After the match, trainers helped Boogs walk away from the ring but they had to carry him to the back by the time they got him up the ramp.

In an update, Michael Cole noted during commentary that Boogs was checked out backstage and it was determined that he suffered a torn quadriceps and a torn patella tendon.

Cole also reported that Boogs will need to undergo surgery in the next few days. Depending on the severity of the injuries, it’s likely that Boogs will be on the shelf for 6-12 months, but we should have a better timeframe after he goes under the knife.

WWE noted in their WrestleMania recap that Boogs was trying to squat both of The Usos when his already-injured knee gave out. Boogs had the same knee taped up at one point during the feud with The Usos in mid-March, but it looks like he only had the knee wrapped for one week, and just to sell an attack. It’s been confirmed that Boogs suffered a legitimate injury at WrestleMania last night.

Source: Wrestling Inc.