Los Angeles — May 13, 2025
“Awesome” just found a new arena. WWE superstar Mike “The Miz” Mizanin is set to host the highly anticipated reboot of the classic competition series “American Gladiators,” Amazon Prime Video announced this week.
The revival marks a bold return for the iconic franchise, which originally aired from 1989 to 1996 and became a cultural phenomenon with its blend of extreme athleticism, personality, and high-octane challenges. The updated series will be produced by John Ferraro and Daniel Calin, with Amazon promising a modern evolution of the classic show.
A Perfect Match for a New Era
In a statement, Barry Poznick, General Manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm for the casting choice:
“We’re excited to officially welcome WWE Superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin to the American Gladiators family. He’s the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise. This isn’t just a comeback — it’s a cultural revival.”
The Miz brings with him the ideal combination of charisma, athletic pedigree, and television experience. A former WWE Champion, Mizanin is no stranger to high-pressure arenas and has built a reputation as one of WWE’s most charismatic performers. Before his wrestling fame, he launched his career in reality TV and has gone on to host shows like The Challenge, Cannonball, and Champs vs. Stars.
What to Expect From the Reboot
According to Amazon, the rebooted American Gladiators will feature a new generation of elite competitors, including CrossFit athletes, bodybuilders, NCAA Division I stars, and top fitness trainers from across the globe. While the format will retain its core DNA — one-on-one battles, over-the-top challenges, and Gladiators defending their turf — producers have teased fresh events and modern twists to raise the stakes.
The show aims to blend nostalgia with innovation, making it appealing to longtime fans as well as a new audience raised on obstacle-course competition shows like American Ninja Warrior and The Titan Games.
More WWE Involvement on the Horizon?
Speculation has already begun about whether other WWE stars might join the show as Gladiators or contestants. Past reports have suggested that wrestlers were being considered for roles in the reboot, though no official names have been confirmed. With The Miz at the helm, the door remains open for more crossover between WWE and the Gladiators universe.
A Multimedia Comeback
The revival isn’t limited to television. Amazon and its partners have big plans for the franchise’s expansion, including a Live Nation Tour, a successful run in the U.K., and the recent launch of a 24/7 Gladiators FAST streaming channel. With all this momentum, American Gladiators is being positioned not just as a nostalgic reboot, but as a major player in today’s sports entertainment ecosystem.
“American Gladiators” will premiere on Amazon Prime Video, with an official release date expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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