American Gladiators (2008 TV series) season 1

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American Gladiators
Season 1
Hosted by Hulk Hogan
Laila Ali
No. of contestants24
Winners Evan Dollard
Monica Carlson
No. of episodes8
Release
Original network NBC
Original releaseJanuary 8 (2008-01-08) 
February 17, 2008 (2008-02-17)
Season chronology
Next 
Season 2

The first season of the 2008 American Gladiators revival premiered on January 8, 2008, and concluded on February 17 of the same year, airing on NBC in the United States and Citytv in Canada.

Contents

Format

Season 1 of the revival featured 24 contenders (12 male, 12 female). Men and women compete in separate tournaments, with two men and two women competing in each episode. In each episode, contenders take part in several events against the Gladiators, trying to earn as many points as possible before the final event, the Eliminator. Each point separating the contenders translates into a half-second advantage for the leader (or a half-second handicap for the trailing contender). Preliminary round matches consisted of four events plus the Eliminator; semifinals and finals matches were extended to five events plus the Eliminator (by comparison, the original series had either six or seven events plus the Eliminator).

The four male contenders and the four female contenders who won their respective preliminary matches with the fastest Eliminator times advanced to the semifinals; the winners of the two semifinals matches competed in the finals.

The grand prize was $100,000, a 2008 Toyota Sequoia, and the right to become a Gladiator for Season 2.

Gladiators

FemalesMales
Gladiator NameBirth NameHeight & WeightGladiator NameBirth NameHeight & Weight
Crush Gina Carano 5'8", 150 lbs (1.70 m, 68 kg)JusticeJesse "Justice" Smith, Jr.6'8", 290 lbs (2.03 m, 131 kg)
Fury Jamie Reed 5'8", 150 lbs (1.70 m, 68 kg).MayhemWilliam Romeo6'6", 230 lbs (1.98 m, 104 kg)
Hellga Robin Coleman 6'1", 205 lbs (1.83 m, 93 kg)MilitiaAlex Castro6'3", 220 lbs (1.88 m, 99.7 kg)
Siren Valerie Waugaman 5'9", 145 lbs (1.73 m, 66 kg)Titan Michael O'Hearn 6'3", 263 lbs (1.91 m, 119 kg)
Stealth Tanji Johnson 5'2", 100 lbs (1.55 m, 56 kg)Toa Tanoai Reed 6'3", 240 lbs (1.91 m, 108 kg)
VenomBeth Horn5'8", 137 lbs (1.70 m, 62 kg)WolfDon "Hollywood" Yates6'4", 225 lbs (1.94 m, 102 kg)

Reserves

FemalesMales
Gladiator NameBirth NameGladiator NameBirth Name
BlastJennifer BarryHammerMichael Briehler

Contenders

Female contenders

Contender NameHeight & WeightOccupationQuarterfinalsSemifinalsFinals
HeatResultHeatResult
Monica Carlson5'7", 130 lbsFitness Model41st2AdvancedWinner
Shannay Norvell5'5", 141 lbsYouth Counselor22nd1AdvancedRunner-up
Venus Ramos5'4", 125 lbsRehab Physician14th2Eliminated
Siene Silva5'4", 127 lbsGymnastics Coach33rd1Eliminated
Toni Oppliger5'5", 121 lbsHigh School Athletic Director65th
Jennifer Blum5'6", 155 lbsLawyer56th
Kim Marciniak5'3", 116 lbsCheerleader6Eliminated
Christine Kim5'3", 117 lbsMortgage Broker5Eliminated
Belinda Gavin5'7", 130 lbsBull Rider4Eliminated
Christie Philips5'7", 130 lbsKarate Instructor3Eliminated
Bonnie Blanco5'7", 138 lbsRetired Marine2Eliminated
Koya Webb5'10", 145 lbsLife Coach1Eliminated
Jessie Adams5'5", 140 lbsSales Rep1Injured

Male contenders

Contender NameHeight & WeightOccupationQuarterfinalsSemifinalsFinals
HeatResultHeatResult
Evan Dollard5'10", 160 lbsRetail Manager51st1AdvancedWinner
Alex Rai5'8", 150 lbsHistory Teacher62nd2AdvancedRunner-up
Andy Konigsmark5'10", 185 lbsYouth Minister43rd2Eliminated
Anthony Abbatemarco5'10", 190 lbs New York City Firefighter14th1Eliminated
Molivann Duy5'7", 155 lbsDare Care Provider25th
Adonis Lockett6'0", 196 lbsEngineer36th
Mark Baker5'11", 185 lbsChiropractor6Eliminated
Son Nguyen6'0", 165 lbsFirefighter5Eliminated
Sharaud Moore5'11", 205 lbsAlgebra Teacher4Eliminated
Adam Levin5'9", 175 lbsShark Fisherman4Injured
Jeff Chapman6'4", 248 lbsRadiation Control Technician3Eliminated
Jeff Keller5'11", 208 lbsAd Sales2Eliminated
Chad Knight5'10", 180 lbsPro Skateboarder1Eliminated

Events

The following is a list of events featured on American Gladiators. Descriptions of events that were played on the original version of American Gladiators contain only the changes made in the revival and the season the event was introduced in is shown in brackets. Season 1 featured a total of ten events, including the Eliminator.

Assault

In Assault, the contenders begin the course holding the ball for use in the first weapon, a slingshot. The second station is a rotating turret that contenders must rotate into position and load themselves. The third station is a sandpit where an arrow is hidden for the crossbow waiting at station four (they complete the station by finding the arrow). Contenders are given a smokescreen at station three to assist in moving to station four. The fifth station consists of throwing three balls at the target. If the contenders hit any part of the target, they earn 10 points. Hitting the target or pushing the button at the end of the course triggers pyrotechnics at the Gladiator's platform, and the Gladiator is rapidly pulled off the platform by a pulley and harness fly system across the arena and into the water tank. If time runs out, or contenders are hit by a ball fired by the Gladiator before hitting the target, they earn one point for each station completed.

Earthquake

In Earthquake, the contender and Gladiator wrestle on a 12-foot-diameter (3.7 m) platform that is suspended above the floor and is moved during the event. If the Contender takes the Gladiator off the platform, he or she is declared the winner, even if he or she also comes down in the process. A Contender gets 10 points if he or she pulls the Gladiator down, and 5 points if he or she lasts the entire 30 seconds. Holding on to the wires supporting the Earthquake ring is legal, but kicking or otherwise using the foot to remove the Contender from the ring is not. The event is similar in concept to "Conquer", the second part of "Breakthrough and Conquer".

Gauntlet

In Gauntlet, the contenders earn two points for each of four Gladiators they pass within the 30-second time limit and an additional two points if they can break through a foam wall 10 feet beyond the final Gladiator, for a maximum of 10 points. The rule change is similar to the seventh and eighth seasons of the UK Series. In addition, the Gauntlet is enclosed, so contenders cannot be pushed "out of bounds."

Hang Tough

In Hang Tough the course is shorter, situated over a pool of water, and has much smaller platforms. Further, the Gladiator is allowed to use the contender's equipment (such as the straps holding the backpack) to pull the contender in. As in the original version, contenders receive 5 points if they are still on the course when the 60-second time limit expires.

Hit & Run

In Hit & Run, which was first introduced in the UK version, the contender traverses a 50-foot suspension bridge hanging above the water tank. Four Gladiators, two on each side of the bridge, attempt to knock the contender off using 100-pound demolition balls. Contenders receive two points for each successful trip across the bridge within the 60-second time limit, and must press a button on the platform to register the points (a difference from the UK version, which required contenders to touch the rail at the back of the platform). Furthermore, there is no penalty for crawling on the suspension bridge, as there was in the UK version, though the referee has instructed contenders to return to their feet in some instances after significant crawling.

Joust

In Joust, the platforms are situated over a pool of water. Gladiators, but not contenders, may be disqualified if both their knees touch the platform simultaneously. Both gladiators and contenders will be disqualified if they step on their opponents' platform. If gladiator is knocked off by contender the contender will earn 10 points. If the contestant does not get hit off by 30 seconds then the contender will receive 5 points.

Powerball

In Powerball, the time limit is now 60 seconds. In addition, the playing field is lined with padded walls, which means there is no "out of bounds," and the scoring bins have much wider openings, making tossed balls more effective than the original. For Season 2, caps have been added to the scoring pods to narrow the opening and prevent the contenders from scoring by shooting the ball and the course has been enlarged. [1]

Pyramid

In Pyramid, Modified UK Gladiators rules have been adopted. Contenders earn 5 points for getting their feet atop the Pyramid tier marked with a white dotted line. Pressing the button at the top within the 60-second time limit is worth 5 more points, for a total of 10, and immediately ends the event.

The Wall

The Wall uses the original format, with a three-section Wall, and contestants are given a seven-second head start. The Wall was 40 feet high in Season 1 (an eight-foot increase over the Wall in the original American Gladiators). Contenders and Gladiators cross floating platforms to reach the Wall (the same platforms were used at the beginning of the Eliminator). Once the Gladiators begin their pursuit, the platforms are retracted. Contenders that are pulled or fall from the Wall drop into the water. Unlike previous editions, however, contenders earn 5 points if they are still on the Wall when the 60-second time limit expires.

The Eliminator

In Season 1, The Eliminator had these tasks:

Quarterfinals

Females

Heat 1

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballJoustEarthquakePyramid
Koya Webb650011Loss
Jessie Adams/Venus Ramos2055120.5sWin

Heat 2

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
GauntletWallHang ToughHit & Run
Bonnie Blanco101050251.0sLoss
Shannay Norvell10510227Win

Heat 3

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
GauntletJoustHang ToughAssault
Christie Philips60017Loss
Siene Silva100102227.5sWin

Heat 4

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballJoustAssaultPyramid
Monica Carlson610110276.5sWin
Belinda Gavin4010014Loss

Heat 5

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
WallEarthquakeAssaultHit & Run
Christine Kim0531018Loss
Jennifer Blum05108232.5sWin

Heat 6

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballJoustHang ToughAssault
Toni Oppliger01054190.5sWin
Kim Marciniak4100418Loss

Eliminator Times

#ContenderTime
1Monica Carlson2:00.0
2Siene Silva2:22.0
3Shannay Norvell2:22.4
4Venus Ramos3:37.6
5Toni Oppliger3:44.6
6Jennifer Blum4:07.1

Males

Heat 1

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballHang ToughHit & RunPyramid
Anthony Abbatemarco12101053716.5sWin
Chad Knight20204Loss

Heat 2

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
GauntletJoustAssaultPyramid
Jeff Keller81020201.0sLoss
Molivann Duy6102018Win

Heat 3

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
GauntletWallEarthquakeHang Tough
Adonis Lockett10001020Win
Jeff Chapman810100284.0sLoss

Heat 4

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballJoustHit & RunAssault
Adam Levin/Andy Konigsmark208313Win
Sharaud Moore21081214.0sLoss

Heat 5

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
GauntletPyramidAssaultWall
Evan Dollard1001010309.0sWin
Son Nguyen601512Loss

Heat 6

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballEarthquakeHang ToughHit & Run
Mark Baker4100822Loss
Alex Rai601014304.0sWin

Eliminator Times

#ContenderTime
1Evan Dollard1:29.0
2Alex Rai1:38.0
3Andy Konigsmark2:04.1
4Anthony Abbatemarco2:10.3
5Molivann Duy2:13.4
6Adonis Lockett3:47.0

Semifinals

Females

Heat 1

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
Hit & RunHang ToughGauntletJoustWall
Shannay Norvell801050232.5sWin
Siene Silva80100018Loss

Heat 2

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballHang ToughJoustWallPyramid
Monica Carlson910101003916.0sWin
Venus Ramos700007Loss

Eliminator Times

#ContenderTime
1Shannay Norvell1:51.0
2Monica Carlson1:54.1

Males

Heat 1

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
PowerballHang ToughJoustWallPyramid
Evan Dollard6100105315.0sWin
Anthony Abbatemarco6505521Loss

Heat 2

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
Hit & RunHang ToughGauntletJoustWall
Andy Konigsmark2510105325.0sLoss
Alex Rai60601022Win

Eliminator Times

#ContenderTime
1Evan Dollard1:23.0
2Alex Rai1:49.1

Finals

Females

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
Hang ToughAssaultJoustPyramidWall
Monica Carlson0100010203.5sWin
Shannay Norvell0350513Loss

Males

ContenderEventsFinal ScoreHeadstartResult
Hang ToughAssaultJoustPyramidWall
Evan Dollard10100010309.5sWin
Alex Rai0105511Loss

Elimination Table

Females

ContenderRound
QuarterfinalsSemifinalsFinals
Heat 1Heat 2Heat 3Heat 4Heat 5Heat 6Heat 1Heat 2
MonicaWINWINWINNER
ShannayWINWINRUNNER-UP
VenusWINRISKRISKOUT
SieneWINOUT
ToniWIN
KimOUT
JenniferWIN
ChristineOUT
BelindaOUT
ChristieOUT
BonnieOUT
KoyaOUT
JessieINJ

Males

ContenderRound
QuarterfinalsSemifinalsFinals
Heat 1Heat 2Heat 3Heat 4Heat 5Heat 6Heat 1Heat 2
EvanWINWINWINNER
AlexWINWINRUNNER-UP
AndyWINOUT
AnthonyWINOUT
MolivannWINRISK
MarkOUT
AdonisWINRISK
SonOUT
SharaudOUT
AdamINJ
Jeff COUT
Jeff KOUT
ChadOUT
  The contender won their heat, and placed in the Top 4 or advanced to the next round.
  The contender won their heat, but did not finish with one of the Top 4 times on the Eliminator.
  The contender was in the Top 4 with the slowest time in the Eliminator, but was not eliminated.
  The contender was in the Top 4 with the slowest time in the Eliminator, and was eliminated.
  The contender did not compete.
  The contender was eliminated from the competition.
  The contender was injured during an event and was forced to withdraw from the competition.

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References

  1. "Photo of new Powerball pods via Flashgameshows.com" . Retrieved May 3, 2008.[ permanent dead link ]