1 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:05,972 [intense music] 2 00:00:06,006 --> 00:00:07,507 - On your mark... 3 00:00:07,540 --> 00:00:09,409 - I'm ready to turn up the speed. 4 00:00:09,442 --> 00:00:10,810 - Get set... 5 00:00:10,844 --> 00:00:13,346 - Side by side, it's crazy. 6 00:00:13,380 --> 00:00:14,614 - Go! 7 00:00:14,647 --> 00:00:16,383 - There's no room for an error here. 8 00:00:16,416 --> 00:00:18,485 - This is wilder than ever. 9 00:00:18,518 --> 00:00:21,021 - Tonight on "American Ninja Warrior," 10 00:00:21,054 --> 00:00:23,356 every run is a race. 11 00:00:23,390 --> 00:00:24,357 Win your race, 12 00:00:24,391 --> 00:00:25,792 and you stay alive. 13 00:00:25,825 --> 00:00:27,127 This is gonna be a race! - This is gonna turn out-- 14 00:00:27,160 --> 00:00:28,294 Oh, my goodness! 15 00:00:28,328 --> 00:00:29,696 - Actually having to race someone, 16 00:00:29,729 --> 00:00:30,797 that's very intimidating. 17 00:00:30,830 --> 00:00:33,366 - No hard feelings. - No! 18 00:00:33,400 --> 00:00:36,803 - A shot at a million dollars is on the line. 19 00:00:36,836 --> 00:00:37,937 - I ain't going easy. 20 00:00:37,971 --> 00:00:39,406 - You're gonna be eating my dust if you do. 21 00:00:39,439 --> 00:00:41,708 OK? - Let's go. 22 00:00:41,741 --> 00:00:44,177 - Ah! Hold on for dear life! 23 00:00:45,979 --> 00:00:49,482 - Universal Studios is about to be fast and furious, 24 00:00:49,516 --> 00:00:52,852 because we're going racing on the first night of semifinals 25 00:00:52,886 --> 00:00:55,121 on "American Ninja Warrior." 26 00:00:55,155 --> 00:00:56,589 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 27 00:00:56,623 --> 00:00:59,159 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 28 00:00:59,192 --> 00:01:02,062 Matt, this tower is gonna be rocking! 29 00:01:02,062 --> 00:01:03,797 You cannot believe the excitement 30 00:01:03,830 --> 00:01:05,398 of the head-to-head races. 31 00:01:05,432 --> 00:01:07,701 - Now, the winners tonight move on to the national finals 32 00:01:07,734 --> 00:01:09,769 in Vegas, but they're gonna have to go fast. 33 00:01:09,803 --> 00:01:11,971 And for a look at our two-lane race course, 34 00:01:12,072 --> 00:01:14,074 let's go down to Zuri Hall. 35 00:01:14,074 --> 00:01:16,776 - Guys, this is where it all begins. 36 00:01:16,810 --> 00:01:19,312 The ninjas will be side by side as they sprint through 37 00:01:19,346 --> 00:01:21,981 six obstacles to reach the buzzer. 38 00:01:22,082 --> 00:01:24,451 The agility test of Home Run leads it off. 39 00:01:24,484 --> 00:01:27,087 That's followed by the upper body obstacles 40 00:01:27,087 --> 00:01:32,325 Spring Forward, Beehive, and Hopscotch. 41 00:01:32,359 --> 00:01:34,594 Then the ninjas have to bounce across the bungees 42 00:01:34,627 --> 00:01:38,398 on Slingshot, and finally climb 18 feet up 43 00:01:38,431 --> 00:01:39,899 the rope to finish the course. 44 00:01:39,933 --> 00:01:41,201 [buzzer blares] 45 00:01:41,234 --> 00:01:43,103 Hit a buzzer, and you can guarantee yourself 46 00:01:43,103 --> 00:01:45,472 a spot in Vegas, guys. 47 00:01:45,505 --> 00:01:48,308 - We'll be punching tickets to Vegas all evening long. 48 00:01:48,341 --> 00:01:50,010 - Our seedings for tonight's races 49 00:01:50,110 --> 00:01:51,945 are based on how far or how fast 50 00:01:51,978 --> 00:01:53,146 they went in qualifying. 51 00:01:53,179 --> 00:01:54,614 - And those rankings have created 52 00:01:54,647 --> 00:01:57,017 some very interesting matchups, 53 00:01:57,117 --> 00:01:59,219 like this first one. - Yeah. 54 00:01:59,252 --> 00:02:01,888 We're starting with two of our little big men. 55 00:02:01,921 --> 00:02:04,524 There's the Muscle Ball, 37-year-old "Ninja" veteran 56 00:02:04,557 --> 00:02:06,326 Tyler Yamauchi. 57 00:02:06,359 --> 00:02:08,094 He'll be racing against 16-year-old 58 00:02:08,128 --> 00:02:10,530 Iowa high schooler Ben Behrends, 59 00:02:10,563 --> 00:02:12,532 who's known as the Hype Guy. 60 00:02:12,565 --> 00:02:13,700 [dramatic music] 61 00:02:13,733 --> 00:02:15,201 - Ty Yamauchi. 62 00:02:15,235 --> 00:02:16,770 - Whoa! 63 00:02:16,803 --> 00:02:18,972 - We have a similar build. 64 00:02:20,306 --> 00:02:21,574 I look up to him. 65 00:02:21,608 --> 00:02:23,076 2017. 66 00:02:23,076 --> 00:02:24,811 * * 67 00:02:24,844 --> 00:02:27,781 He was my favorite ninja, and we watched him run. 68 00:02:27,814 --> 00:02:30,083 - Oh! - Oh, no! 69 00:02:30,083 --> 00:02:33,920 Great save by Yamauchi, the Muscle Ball, 70 00:02:33,953 --> 00:02:35,889 coming up big. 71 00:02:35,922 --> 00:02:37,457 * * 72 00:02:37,490 --> 00:02:39,159 - Ben is a firecracker. 73 00:02:39,192 --> 00:02:41,861 - Yeah, boy! Yeah! 74 00:02:41,895 --> 00:02:43,730 - He is his own hype man here. 75 00:02:43,763 --> 00:02:45,965 I love the energy out of Ben Behrends. 76 00:02:45,999 --> 00:02:47,233 - He's shorter, like me, 77 00:02:47,267 --> 00:02:48,668 so I thought, "Hey, that's not bad." 78 00:02:48,702 --> 00:02:50,403 But then I realized he's a teen, 79 00:02:50,437 --> 00:02:52,405 and teens don't get tired. 80 00:02:52,439 --> 00:02:53,907 So now I'm like, "Oh, no." 81 00:02:53,940 --> 00:02:56,609 * * 82 00:02:56,643 --> 00:02:57,977 No matter who wins this, 83 00:02:58,011 --> 00:02:59,446 it's a victory for the short guys. 84 00:02:59,479 --> 00:03:01,414 * * 85 00:03:01,448 --> 00:03:03,516 - And that's what's so crazy 86 00:03:03,550 --> 00:03:05,452 about these head-to-head races. 87 00:03:05,485 --> 00:03:07,787 You might have to send your heroes home. 88 00:03:07,821 --> 00:03:11,057 - Tyler's family is watching back in the Chicago area. 89 00:03:11,091 --> 00:03:12,492 - Yeah, Ben! 90 00:03:12,525 --> 00:03:14,728 - And Ben's got a rowdy group of Iowa ninjas, 91 00:03:14,761 --> 00:03:17,630 including his dad Scott, who'll run later. 92 00:03:17,664 --> 00:03:20,900 [countdown clock beeping] 93 00:03:20,934 --> 00:03:23,636 Got to bound across the first obstacle, Home Run. 94 00:03:23,670 --> 00:03:25,872 - And you can see they're both doing the little double step. 95 00:03:27,073 --> 00:03:29,075 Nice. Here we go to Spring Forward. 96 00:03:29,075 --> 00:03:30,310 - They are light. 97 00:03:30,343 --> 00:03:32,145 - You got to be fast on this one. 98 00:03:32,178 --> 00:03:34,080 Got to pull up. Yeah! Yeah! 99 00:03:34,080 --> 00:03:35,081 Let's see it! 100 00:03:35,081 --> 00:03:36,483 - Behrends first off. 101 00:03:36,516 --> 00:03:38,084 - That's the spirit of racing. 102 00:03:38,084 --> 00:03:40,487 But now Behrends out ahead, got on the Beehive first. 103 00:03:40,520 --> 00:03:43,356 - It is dead even. What a race! 104 00:03:43,390 --> 00:03:44,858 - Ooh! 105 00:03:44,891 --> 00:03:47,260 - These two, pushing each other. 106 00:03:47,293 --> 00:03:49,763 Yamauchi, first off. That's huge. 107 00:03:49,796 --> 00:03:51,731 If they both fall on an obstacle, 108 00:03:51,765 --> 00:03:54,501 the winner is whoever finished the previous obstacle first, 109 00:03:54,534 --> 00:03:56,770 so Yamauchi has the edge right now. 110 00:03:56,803 --> 00:04:00,507 - And it's very easy to fall on this obstacle, Hopscotch. 111 00:04:00,540 --> 00:04:02,676 They're landing on these teeny, tiny ledges. 112 00:04:02,709 --> 00:04:04,110 - Slightly pulling ahead! 113 00:04:04,144 --> 00:04:07,147 - Ooh! Making music. 114 00:04:07,180 --> 00:04:09,482 - And Behrends, the first off. 115 00:04:09,516 --> 00:04:11,651 The pressure back on Yamauchi. 116 00:04:11,685 --> 00:04:14,554 If neither finishes Slingshot, Behrends would win. 117 00:04:14,587 --> 00:04:16,756 - Matt, this back and forth is driving me crazy! 118 00:04:16,790 --> 00:04:18,425 - Oh, what a race! 119 00:04:18,458 --> 00:04:21,261 - It's like a tennis match. 120 00:04:21,294 --> 00:04:23,630 You want to get to Vegas, you're gonna have to earn it. 121 00:04:23,663 --> 00:04:26,199 - Oh! Yamauchi leaps ahead! 122 00:04:26,232 --> 00:04:28,268 Behrends matching him. 123 00:04:28,301 --> 00:04:29,936 Oh! - Oh, Behrends is down! 124 00:04:29,969 --> 00:04:31,805 - No! - Oh! 125 00:04:31,838 --> 00:04:35,241 - But Yamauchi must complete the obstacle! 126 00:04:36,843 --> 00:04:38,545 - Oh, no! - And he falls! 127 00:04:38,578 --> 00:04:42,482 Ben Behrends was the first to complete Hopscotch, 128 00:04:42,515 --> 00:04:44,884 which means Behrends is moving on. 129 00:04:44,918 --> 00:04:46,519 - Wow! 130 00:04:46,553 --> 00:04:49,356 [cheers and applause] 131 00:04:49,389 --> 00:04:51,991 - What a race! 132 00:04:52,092 --> 00:04:54,361 The 16-year-old is going to Vegas. 133 00:04:54,394 --> 00:04:56,363 His little sister can't believe it. 134 00:04:56,396 --> 00:04:58,198 [upbeat music] 135 00:04:58,231 --> 00:05:00,100 - These guys are the same size, 136 00:05:00,133 --> 00:05:02,469 and they were in sync most of the way. 137 00:05:02,502 --> 00:05:04,671 But Behrends finished Hopscotch first, 138 00:05:04,704 --> 00:05:07,841 so even though they both fell on Slingshot, 139 00:05:07,874 --> 00:05:10,710 the teenager gets the win. 140 00:05:10,744 --> 00:05:12,679 - And his dad could be joining him in Vegas. 141 00:05:12,712 --> 00:05:14,047 He'll run later. 142 00:05:14,047 --> 00:05:15,682 [cheers and applause] 143 00:05:15,715 --> 00:05:17,650 Those cute babies on the sideline 144 00:05:17,684 --> 00:05:19,285 belong to two best friends 145 00:05:19,319 --> 00:05:21,454 who are about to race each other. 146 00:05:21,488 --> 00:05:23,490 Here's four-time veteran Mady Howard, 147 00:05:23,523 --> 00:05:25,125 who's a nurse from Utah. 148 00:05:25,158 --> 00:05:27,594 And on the other side is a physician assistant 149 00:05:27,627 --> 00:05:30,163 also from Utah, Ally Tippetts Wootton, 150 00:05:30,196 --> 00:05:32,465 who's known as the Flipper Ninja. 151 00:05:32,499 --> 00:05:35,168 Oh! - They're both flipping. 152 00:05:35,201 --> 00:05:38,538 - These two do almost everything together. 153 00:05:38,571 --> 00:05:40,740 - Want to see the ducks? 154 00:05:40,774 --> 00:05:42,909 Look at how cute the ducks are. 155 00:05:42,942 --> 00:05:45,745 It's actually crazy how much Ally and I have in common. 156 00:05:45,779 --> 00:05:47,380 We live in the same area. 157 00:05:47,414 --> 00:05:48,948 We both have cute babies. 158 00:05:48,982 --> 00:05:50,784 We work in the medical field. 159 00:05:50,817 --> 00:05:52,252 We're kind of like the same person. 160 00:05:52,285 --> 00:05:54,187 * * 161 00:05:54,220 --> 00:05:56,423 - When Mady and I are doing Ninja together, 162 00:05:56,456 --> 00:05:58,291 usually I'm asking her for tips. 163 00:05:58,324 --> 00:05:59,626 - Whoo! 164 00:05:59,659 --> 00:06:01,561 Looking strong. 165 00:06:01,594 --> 00:06:04,030 - So it's her fault if I do good tonight. 166 00:06:04,030 --> 00:06:05,598 [laughs] 167 00:06:05,632 --> 00:06:07,600 - There's gonna be a competition 168 00:06:07,634 --> 00:06:10,403 for cuteness on the sidelines with both of our babies there. 169 00:06:10,437 --> 00:06:12,806 But we can't focus on that, because we've just got 170 00:06:12,839 --> 00:06:14,307 to keep our eyes on the course. 171 00:06:14,341 --> 00:06:16,376 This is a best friend showdown. 172 00:06:18,078 --> 00:06:19,446 [cheers and applause] 173 00:06:19,479 --> 00:06:21,081 - They're gonna have half of Utah 174 00:06:21,114 --> 00:06:23,283 on the sideline with Ally's son Greyson 175 00:06:23,316 --> 00:06:24,818 on the left with her husband, 176 00:06:24,851 --> 00:06:28,121 and Mady's son Beckham with her husband on the right. 177 00:06:28,154 --> 00:06:30,223 [countdown clock beeping] 178 00:06:30,256 --> 00:06:31,725 - A lot of these match-ups tonight 179 00:06:31,758 --> 00:06:33,693 are gonna pit friend versus friend. 180 00:06:33,727 --> 00:06:35,495 And somebody is gonna get sent home. 181 00:06:35,528 --> 00:06:38,698 - See a similar pace there, on now to Spring Forward. 182 00:06:38,732 --> 00:06:41,067 Both these women, good upper body strength. 183 00:06:41,067 --> 00:06:44,170 - Mady was a college gymnast at Southern Utah University, 184 00:06:44,204 --> 00:06:47,240 and Ally was a college diver at BYU. 185 00:06:47,273 --> 00:06:48,775 - And Mady linked it. 186 00:06:48,808 --> 00:06:50,710 Mady, first up to the Beehive. 187 00:06:50,744 --> 00:06:52,979 - Mady Howard has got a couple of years 188 00:06:53,079 --> 00:06:55,315 in experience over Ally. 189 00:06:55,348 --> 00:06:57,450 - Mady started competing four years ago, 190 00:06:57,484 --> 00:06:59,386 has made it to Vegas two times. 191 00:06:59,419 --> 00:07:02,022 - Ally, it's her rookie campaign, 192 00:07:02,022 --> 00:07:03,456 but she's got a chance to make it 193 00:07:03,490 --> 00:07:05,258 to the national finals. 194 00:07:05,291 --> 00:07:08,094 She'll need to outrace her friend to get there. 195 00:07:09,129 --> 00:07:12,032 And Mady Howard is off first. 196 00:07:12,032 --> 00:07:13,400 - Nice. 197 00:07:13,433 --> 00:07:16,036 - They're really keeping the pressure on, big man. 198 00:07:16,036 --> 00:07:17,771 - Mady's Hopscotching. 199 00:07:19,539 --> 00:07:21,708 But Ally's got to get it. She's got to hustle. 200 00:07:21,741 --> 00:07:23,777 She's got an opportunity to level it up. 201 00:07:23,810 --> 00:07:26,046 - Hurry up! Let's go! 202 00:07:26,046 --> 00:07:27,714 - Absolutely. 203 00:07:27,747 --> 00:07:29,149 And nothing is guaranteed in these races. 204 00:07:29,182 --> 00:07:30,483 - Ooh. 205 00:07:30,517 --> 00:07:33,053 - One misstep, and you saw Mady Howard-- 206 00:07:33,086 --> 00:07:35,088 that left arm was close. - Yeah. 207 00:07:35,121 --> 00:07:38,058 You can see Mady Howard already starting to get away. 208 00:07:38,058 --> 00:07:40,160 She pulling away. 209 00:07:40,193 --> 00:07:42,295 - And that is big. 210 00:07:42,328 --> 00:07:43,596 [cheers and applause] 211 00:07:43,630 --> 00:07:45,832 Beckham and Daddy sending kisses to Mommy, 212 00:07:45,865 --> 00:07:47,434 and she's sending them back, 213 00:07:47,467 --> 00:07:51,338 but Mady needs to watch out because here comes Ally. 214 00:07:51,371 --> 00:07:53,807 - Come on, Ally! Yes, Ally! 215 00:07:54,974 --> 00:07:56,843 - Mady goes up first on Slingshot. 216 00:07:56,876 --> 00:07:58,812 She has the advantage because she finished 217 00:07:58,845 --> 00:08:00,714 the previous obstacle first. 218 00:08:02,015 --> 00:08:03,283 Now Ally is up. 219 00:08:03,316 --> 00:08:04,818 She has to finish this obstacle 220 00:08:04,851 --> 00:08:06,920 to have any chance of moving on. 221 00:08:07,020 --> 00:08:10,023 If they both fall, Mady wins. 222 00:08:10,023 --> 00:08:13,026 - As we've seen, this is a very tough obstacle. 223 00:08:13,059 --> 00:08:15,495 - Hold tight! You got it! Come on! 224 00:08:16,429 --> 00:08:18,031 - Whew! 225 00:08:18,064 --> 00:08:19,366 Boy, if this was a movie, 226 00:08:19,399 --> 00:08:21,034 this would be an action-packed movie. 227 00:08:21,034 --> 00:08:23,837 - It is neck and neck. Oh! 228 00:08:23,870 --> 00:08:25,939 And Ally is done. 229 00:08:26,039 --> 00:08:28,441 Mady Howard gets the win. 230 00:08:28,475 --> 00:08:30,577 She outlasts her friend. 231 00:08:30,610 --> 00:08:33,446 Only fitting she falls on Slingshot too. 232 00:08:33,480 --> 00:08:35,715 These two do everything together. 233 00:08:35,749 --> 00:08:38,318 But Mady wins this mama match-up. 234 00:08:38,351 --> 00:08:41,755 Tonight, good friends will go head-to-head, 235 00:08:41,788 --> 00:08:44,357 and one's about to send the other home. 236 00:08:44,391 --> 00:08:46,793 - We're both pretty competitive This is right up our alley. 237 00:08:46,826 --> 00:08:49,896 - Plus, we've got two father-son duos 238 00:08:49,929 --> 00:08:51,831 trying to make history. 239 00:08:51,865 --> 00:08:54,467 One son's already punched his ticket to Vegas. 240 00:08:54,501 --> 00:08:56,136 Can his dad join him? 241 00:08:56,169 --> 00:08:57,370 - Let's do it. 242 00:08:57,404 --> 00:08:59,139 - And teen phenom Taylor Greene 243 00:08:59,172 --> 00:09:01,074 tries to make history of her own. 244 00:09:01,107 --> 00:09:03,143 She could be the first female rookie 245 00:09:03,176 --> 00:09:05,011 with two straight buzzers. 246 00:09:05,011 --> 00:09:09,082 It's the semifinals on "American Ninja Warrior." 247 00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:16,489 - It's a night of racing on our semifinals. 248 00:09:16,523 --> 00:09:19,259 Up next is the battle of Chicago. 249 00:09:19,292 --> 00:09:21,494 Mike Silenzi and Chris DiGangi 250 00:09:21,528 --> 00:09:23,697 are both good friends and training partners 251 00:09:23,730 --> 00:09:25,131 back in the Windy City. 252 00:09:25,165 --> 00:09:27,934 Silenzi, who is known as the Stallion, 253 00:09:28,034 --> 00:09:30,136 made DiGangi a part of his herd 254 00:09:30,170 --> 00:09:32,138 as soon as he arrived in Chicago. 255 00:09:32,172 --> 00:09:33,473 [upbeat music] 256 00:09:33,506 --> 00:09:35,442 - We've known each other for a long time, 257 00:09:35,475 --> 00:09:37,510 really, ever since Jesse and I started dating. 258 00:09:37,544 --> 00:09:39,512 And when we moved to the Chicago area, I mean, 259 00:09:39,546 --> 00:09:41,881 Mike is basically like family for us. 260 00:09:41,915 --> 00:09:43,049 - Dodge ball! 261 00:09:43,049 --> 00:09:45,051 - Get Mike! Get Mike! 262 00:09:45,051 --> 00:09:46,052 - Ah! 263 00:09:46,052 --> 00:09:47,287 - We got history. 264 00:09:47,320 --> 00:09:48,588 - That's code for we're old. - Yeah. 265 00:09:48,621 --> 00:09:50,256 [sighs] Shh. 266 00:09:50,290 --> 00:09:51,257 - Hit it! 267 00:09:51,291 --> 00:09:54,260 * * 268 00:09:54,294 --> 00:09:56,563 - Our personalities are a little different. 269 00:09:56,596 --> 00:09:57,797 - Polar opposites. 270 00:09:57,831 --> 00:09:59,065 I mean, this guy, he's walking around 271 00:09:59,065 --> 00:10:00,400 with sleeveless shirts on all the time. 272 00:10:00,433 --> 00:10:02,035 He's absolutely ripped. 273 00:10:02,068 --> 00:10:03,870 He's wakeboarding out on the boat. 274 00:10:03,903 --> 00:10:05,872 * * 275 00:10:05,905 --> 00:10:08,008 I'm, like, software developer nerd, 276 00:10:08,041 --> 00:10:09,409 sits at his desk all day. Oh, see? 277 00:10:09,442 --> 00:10:10,610 - There you go. - Almost there. 278 00:10:10,643 --> 00:10:11,711 - Yeah, look. 279 00:10:11,745 --> 00:10:12,746 - Wow, I just got to fix those two pieces. 280 00:10:12,779 --> 00:10:14,314 - Yeah. 281 00:10:14,347 --> 00:10:17,650 - We're both pretty competitive on everything we do. 282 00:10:17,684 --> 00:10:19,652 * * 283 00:10:19,686 --> 00:10:22,322 We turn it into a competition, so this is right up our alley. 284 00:10:22,355 --> 00:10:24,324 [laughter] 285 00:10:24,357 --> 00:10:26,993 * * 286 00:10:27,027 --> 00:10:28,328 - This new format is crazy because 287 00:10:28,361 --> 00:10:30,964 you are going to send home somebody. 288 00:10:30,997 --> 00:10:32,032 - Ooh, baby. 289 00:10:32,065 --> 00:10:33,533 - One of our dreams ends here. 290 00:10:33,566 --> 00:10:35,168 - Get up there! - Come on! 291 00:10:35,201 --> 00:10:37,070 - It's gonna be a blast out there to race you, 292 00:10:37,103 --> 00:10:38,972 but, hey, I ain't going easy. 293 00:10:39,005 --> 00:10:40,073 - Chris, you better not go easy on me, man. 294 00:10:40,106 --> 00:10:41,608 - [laughs] 295 00:10:41,641 --> 00:10:43,176 - Because you're gonna be eating my dust if you do. 296 00:10:43,209 --> 00:10:45,512 OK? - Let's go. 297 00:10:45,545 --> 00:10:47,881 - Matt, this is the tough part of the races. 298 00:10:47,914 --> 00:10:50,583 Sometimes you're gonna have to finish your homie's season. 299 00:10:50,617 --> 00:10:52,819 - Here we go. - Let's have some fun, baby. 300 00:10:52,852 --> 00:10:55,088 - Normally they're on each other's sideline. 301 00:10:55,121 --> 00:10:58,758 Tonight the Chicago ninjas are cheering for both of them. 302 00:10:58,792 --> 00:11:00,794 Silenzi's girlfriend also over there. 303 00:11:00,827 --> 00:11:03,096 Flex is watching back in Illinois, 304 00:11:03,129 --> 00:11:05,298 along with Silenzi's students. 305 00:11:05,331 --> 00:11:08,935 Got to love how the ninjas support each other. 306 00:11:08,968 --> 00:11:11,671 [countdown clock beeping] 307 00:11:11,705 --> 00:11:14,140 Silenzi has been having a career resurgence. 308 00:11:14,174 --> 00:11:17,210 He made it to stage two in Vegas the past two seasons, 309 00:11:17,243 --> 00:11:20,080 but it's DiGangi out front on Spring Forward. 310 00:11:20,080 --> 00:11:22,849 Can they link these moves? DiGangi is doing it. 311 00:11:22,882 --> 00:11:24,451 - Ooh, look at DiGangi. 312 00:11:24,484 --> 00:11:27,087 - These are two of "Ninja's" elder statesmen. 313 00:11:27,120 --> 00:11:30,090 Both started competing 11 years ago. 314 00:11:30,123 --> 00:11:31,891 - Mike Silenzi's all over the place 315 00:11:31,925 --> 00:11:33,626 trying to catch up to his boy. 316 00:11:33,660 --> 00:11:35,462 Oh, he caught up! - Look at that. 317 00:11:35,495 --> 00:11:37,163 Silenzi's done it. 318 00:11:40,166 --> 00:11:43,536 Oh, DiGangi just a half step ahead. 319 00:11:43,570 --> 00:11:45,572 They go right into Hopscotch. 320 00:11:45,605 --> 00:11:48,808 They're slowing down a little, bit still pushing each other. 321 00:11:51,144 --> 00:11:53,279 The Windy City! 322 00:11:53,313 --> 00:11:55,181 What a race! 323 00:11:55,215 --> 00:11:56,750 - Oh, side by side. 324 00:11:56,783 --> 00:11:58,485 Oh, we got some action right now. 325 00:11:58,518 --> 00:12:01,087 Gotta hold it. Nice. - Whoa, whoa! 326 00:12:01,121 --> 00:12:02,655 Just neck and neck! 327 00:12:04,057 --> 00:12:07,327 - Chris DiGangi is not giving up the lead! 328 00:12:07,360 --> 00:12:09,062 Oh! - And look! 329 00:12:09,062 --> 00:12:11,431 Silenzi, first off, 330 00:12:11,464 --> 00:12:14,267 puts the pressure back on DiGangi. 331 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:16,536 He now has to get through Slingshot 332 00:12:16,569 --> 00:12:17,904 to have a chance to win. 333 00:12:17,937 --> 00:12:20,140 Silenzi has a gymnastics background. 334 00:12:20,173 --> 00:12:22,942 DiGangi was a college track athlete. 335 00:12:22,976 --> 00:12:25,578 Who's better suited to finish Slingshot? 336 00:12:25,612 --> 00:12:27,514 - Ooh. 337 00:12:27,547 --> 00:12:31,785 - You have to be so careful or the bar will slide off. 338 00:12:31,818 --> 00:12:33,687 - I love the focus that they have. 339 00:12:33,720 --> 00:12:35,088 - What a race! 340 00:12:35,088 --> 00:12:36,489 - You don't see them looking at each other. 341 00:12:36,523 --> 00:12:37,957 They're running their own race, 342 00:12:37,991 --> 00:12:39,192 not against each other. 343 00:12:39,225 --> 00:12:41,327 - They move like shadows! 344 00:12:42,595 --> 00:12:44,097 - Oh! 345 00:12:44,097 --> 00:12:46,700 - And his grip gives out! - Wow. 346 00:12:46,733 --> 00:12:49,135 - The stallion has galloped to a win! 347 00:12:49,169 --> 00:12:50,804 - Wow. 348 00:12:50,837 --> 00:12:52,572 - Come on! 349 00:12:52,605 --> 00:12:54,908 - What a race. 350 00:12:54,941 --> 00:12:56,876 Came down to the end. 351 00:12:56,910 --> 00:12:59,112 - And you see Silenzi, he's gassed out. 352 00:12:59,112 --> 00:13:00,580 He's got to get out of there. 353 00:13:00,613 --> 00:13:02,382 [laughter] 354 00:13:02,415 --> 00:13:03,850 He is so gassed. 355 00:13:03,883 --> 00:13:05,852 - Silenzi's gonna get the buzzer. 356 00:13:05,885 --> 00:13:07,487 - He's so good. 357 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:08,822 - Pauses to give a little fist bump 358 00:13:08,855 --> 00:13:10,390 to his buddy, DiGangi. 359 00:13:10,423 --> 00:13:12,892 Silenzi's going to the national finals! 360 00:13:14,694 --> 00:13:17,063 [buzzer blares] 361 00:13:17,063 --> 00:13:18,898 - Looks good to me! 362 00:13:18,932 --> 00:13:21,968 [cheers and applause] 363 00:13:22,936 --> 00:13:24,404 Good man. 364 00:13:24,437 --> 00:13:27,374 - DiGangi's down, but he's not out yet. 365 00:13:27,407 --> 00:13:29,175 He could still move on if he's one 366 00:13:29,209 --> 00:13:31,077 of our fastest non-winners. 367 00:13:31,077 --> 00:13:33,213 The Stallion! - Yeah. 368 00:13:33,246 --> 00:13:34,714 He's got some horsepower, Matt. 369 00:13:34,748 --> 00:13:35,915 - I love it. 370 00:13:35,949 --> 00:13:37,183 - He's got some horsepower, Matt, 371 00:13:37,217 --> 00:13:38,952 and I can't wait to see it in Vegas. 372 00:13:38,985 --> 00:13:41,955 [cheers and applause] 373 00:13:41,988 --> 00:13:43,356 [bell rings] 374 00:13:43,390 --> 00:13:45,825 Matt, you know I'm a big wrestling fan, 375 00:13:45,859 --> 00:13:48,395 and WWE's biggest event of the summer 376 00:13:48,428 --> 00:13:51,097 happens Saturday. It's SummerSlam. 377 00:13:51,097 --> 00:13:54,100 - One of WWE's superstars you'll see at SummerSlam 378 00:13:54,134 --> 00:13:56,302 joins us now, Baron Corbin. 379 00:13:56,336 --> 00:13:58,171 Man, You are a big dude, man. - What's going on? 380 00:13:58,204 --> 00:13:59,572 What's going-- I'm up there a little bit, 381 00:13:59,606 --> 00:14:00,874 but you guys are-- you guys are not small, either. 382 00:14:00,907 --> 00:14:02,042 - I want to get in the ring with you, man. 383 00:14:02,042 --> 00:14:03,043 I want to get in the ring with you. 384 00:14:03,043 --> 00:14:04,177 - Let's go. 385 00:14:04,210 --> 00:14:05,311 There's plenty of things down here we could 386 00:14:05,345 --> 00:14:06,312 slam each other on, I'm sure. - OK. 387 00:14:06,346 --> 00:14:07,313 All right. All right. 388 00:14:07,347 --> 00:14:08,648 - Well, listen. 389 00:14:08,682 --> 00:14:11,618 You got the title of WWE United States Champion. 390 00:14:11,651 --> 00:14:14,354 We wanted to show you our reigning champion, 391 00:14:14,387 --> 00:14:16,890 Kaden Lebsack, 17 years old, 392 00:14:16,923 --> 00:14:19,526 squaring off against Glenn Albright. 393 00:14:19,559 --> 00:14:21,461 - Kaden's been the Last Ninja Standing 394 00:14:21,494 --> 00:14:24,197 the last two years, just missed out on winning 395 00:14:24,230 --> 00:14:25,699 the million dollars. 396 00:14:25,732 --> 00:14:29,135 He's a number 2 seed racing against the 23rd seed, 397 00:14:29,169 --> 00:14:32,238 Glenn Albright, who has his work cut out for him. 398 00:14:32,272 --> 00:14:35,742 - Kaden Lebsack has never faltered on a "Ninja" course. 399 00:14:35,775 --> 00:14:37,510 Can he keep his streak alive? 400 00:14:37,544 --> 00:14:39,112 [countdown clock beeping] 401 00:14:39,145 --> 00:14:40,113 - It's like a rage in the cage. 402 00:14:40,146 --> 00:14:41,314 - Oh! 403 00:14:41,348 --> 00:14:42,315 - Check out the agility, Baron. 404 00:14:42,349 --> 00:14:43,483 - There we go. 405 00:14:43,516 --> 00:14:44,484 - And Glenn's off to a good start, 406 00:14:44,517 --> 00:14:45,719 but Kaden's pulling ahead. 407 00:14:45,752 --> 00:14:47,087 - Now, this is a little different. 408 00:14:47,087 --> 00:14:48,488 You're going side by side, not wrestling. 409 00:14:48,521 --> 00:14:50,090 But this course is physical. - This is amazing. 410 00:14:50,090 --> 00:14:51,825 Because the grip strength, the upper body strength-- 411 00:14:51,858 --> 00:14:53,760 I mean, you've got to be special to be able to do this. 412 00:14:53,793 --> 00:14:55,128 I'd be in the water already. It's insane. 413 00:14:55,161 --> 00:14:56,229 - Well, that's a--of course. 414 00:14:56,262 --> 00:14:57,997 You're 6' 8", 280 pounds. - Yeah. 415 00:14:58,098 --> 00:14:59,466 Yeah. - That's gonna be difficult. 416 00:14:59,499 --> 00:15:01,901 - As expected, Kaden Lebsack is leading the way. 417 00:15:01,935 --> 00:15:04,204 But Glenn Albright is hanging around. 418 00:15:04,237 --> 00:15:06,239 The way these ninjas fly around the course, 419 00:15:06,272 --> 00:15:08,341 is this like going off the top rope, Baron? 420 00:15:08,375 --> 00:15:09,709 - Absolutely. Absolutely. 421 00:15:09,743 --> 00:15:11,077 But you don't want to land in this water. 422 00:15:11,111 --> 00:15:12,312 I mean, they got to hang on. 423 00:15:12,345 --> 00:15:13,680 They got to get to the next obstacle, 424 00:15:13,713 --> 00:15:15,281 and compete and become champion. 425 00:15:15,315 --> 00:15:17,917 - One mistake, and you're not going to Vegas. 426 00:15:17,951 --> 00:15:19,052 It's Vegas or bust! - Ooh! 427 00:15:19,052 --> 00:15:20,086 - Oh! - He's down! 428 00:15:20,120 --> 00:15:21,488 - It's Glenn Albright. - He's down! 429 00:15:21,521 --> 00:15:22,689 - Body slam! 430 00:15:22,722 --> 00:15:24,057 - Oh, my goodness. 431 00:15:24,090 --> 00:15:26,359 - Albright goes out on Hopscotch. 432 00:15:26,393 --> 00:15:29,129 So Kaden Lebsack is assured of the win. 433 00:15:29,162 --> 00:15:31,097 - But credit to Glen Albright, 434 00:15:31,131 --> 00:15:33,500 going up against one of the all time greats, 435 00:15:33,533 --> 00:15:35,268 and he pushed it. 436 00:15:35,301 --> 00:15:36,770 - Now Kaden Lebsack can be careful 437 00:15:36,803 --> 00:15:38,204 on the final few moves. 438 00:15:38,238 --> 00:15:40,073 - And, remember, this bro has never hit 439 00:15:40,106 --> 00:15:42,075 the H2O in his "Ninja" career. 440 00:15:42,075 --> 00:15:43,977 - The two fastest will race at the end 441 00:15:44,077 --> 00:15:45,845 of the night for the Safety Pass, 442 00:15:45,879 --> 00:15:47,447 which gives you a second chance 443 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:48,982 if you fall in Vegas. 444 00:15:49,082 --> 00:15:50,684 And he'll have the fastest time 445 00:15:50,717 --> 00:15:51,785 by far tonight 446 00:15:51,818 --> 00:15:53,086 [buzzer blares] 447 00:15:53,119 --> 00:15:55,422 And he's almost a minute faster than Silenzi. 448 00:15:55,455 --> 00:15:58,224 [cheers and applause] 449 00:15:58,258 --> 00:16:00,226 And with that time, there's a good chance 450 00:16:00,260 --> 00:16:02,429 we'll see him running for the Safety Pass 451 00:16:02,462 --> 00:16:03,797 at the end of the night. 452 00:16:03,830 --> 00:16:06,199 But we're gonna say goodbye to our guest. 453 00:16:06,232 --> 00:16:08,101 Be sure to catch Baron Corbin 454 00:16:08,134 --> 00:16:11,338 and other WWE superstars on SummerSlam. 455 00:16:11,371 --> 00:16:13,707 Maybe Akbar will make an appearance in the ring. 456 00:16:13,740 --> 00:16:15,041 It streams live... - You and me. 457 00:16:15,075 --> 00:16:16,343 - This Saturday... - It's you and me. 458 00:16:16,376 --> 00:16:18,712 - It's going down. - Only on Peacock. 459 00:16:18,745 --> 00:16:20,280 Hold it back, fellas! 460 00:16:20,313 --> 00:16:23,850 And we've got more semifinals races coming up. 461 00:16:28,855 --> 00:16:30,256 - Welcome back to the semifinals, 462 00:16:30,290 --> 00:16:32,826 where minutes ago we had another exciting race 463 00:16:32,859 --> 00:16:35,328 with Chicago's Cam "The Bomb" Baumgartner 464 00:16:35,362 --> 00:16:38,231 taking on Tatsumi Yanaba. 465 00:16:38,264 --> 00:16:40,567 Yanaba, competing in his first semifinals, 466 00:16:40,600 --> 00:16:43,169 stayed within striking distance early on. 467 00:16:43,203 --> 00:16:45,605 - I mean, he went right into it, wasting no time. 468 00:16:45,638 --> 00:16:47,273 - But he couldn't handle Hopscotch. 469 00:16:47,307 --> 00:16:48,775 - No! 470 00:16:48,808 --> 00:16:51,077 - That meant Baumgartner, a five time veteran 471 00:16:51,077 --> 00:16:53,613 who made it to stage three last season, 472 00:16:53,646 --> 00:16:55,081 could coast the rest of the way. 473 00:16:55,115 --> 00:16:56,750 [buzzer blares] 474 00:16:56,783 --> 00:16:58,985 He's going to Vegas for the third straight year. 475 00:16:59,085 --> 00:17:00,487 [cheers and applause] 476 00:17:00,520 --> 00:17:03,456 Then it was a battle of small but mighty ninjas, 477 00:17:03,490 --> 00:17:06,493 with 5-foot-tall college student Maggie Owen 478 00:17:06,526 --> 00:17:10,230 facing 5' 1" high schooler Violet Kepo'o. 479 00:17:10,263 --> 00:17:13,700 Owen, who trains in Chicago with Ninja great Flex Labreck, 480 00:17:13,733 --> 00:17:15,101 jumped out to an early lead. 481 00:17:15,135 --> 00:17:18,271 - Yeah. Maggie is owning the race. 482 00:17:18,304 --> 00:17:20,440 But Kepo'o, the 15-year-old from Utah, 483 00:17:20,473 --> 00:17:23,176 slowly worked her way back into contention. 484 00:17:23,209 --> 00:17:25,845 - She's fighting back! OK, Kepo'o. 485 00:17:25,879 --> 00:17:27,914 - Owen was first off Hopscotch, 486 00:17:27,947 --> 00:17:29,149 and that gave her the edge. 487 00:17:29,182 --> 00:17:31,651 So when they both fell on Slingshot... 488 00:17:31,685 --> 00:17:33,186 - Oh! 489 00:17:33,219 --> 00:17:36,523 - It meant Maggie Owen got the win. 490 00:17:36,556 --> 00:17:39,626 She's going back to Vegas for the second straight year. 491 00:17:39,659 --> 00:17:41,294 [cheers and applause] 492 00:17:41,327 --> 00:17:44,898 Well, the dogs are barking, which can only mean one thing. 493 00:17:44,931 --> 00:17:48,068 It's time for the Canine Ninja, Roo Yori. 494 00:17:48,068 --> 00:17:50,870 The 46-year-old from Minnesota always runs 495 00:17:50,904 --> 00:17:53,373 to raise awareness for dog adoption. 496 00:17:53,406 --> 00:17:56,643 And tonight he's going against a 27-year-old rookie 497 00:17:56,676 --> 00:17:58,912 from Pittsburgh, Barry Boyd, 498 00:17:58,945 --> 00:18:01,781 who's had quite a journey to get here. 499 00:18:01,815 --> 00:18:04,184 [soft dramatic music] 500 00:18:04,217 --> 00:18:07,387 - When me and my brothers were placed into foster care, 501 00:18:07,420 --> 00:18:09,155 I was seven or eight. 502 00:18:09,189 --> 00:18:11,091 Oh! Oh. 503 00:18:11,124 --> 00:18:13,493 Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. 504 00:18:13,526 --> 00:18:16,396 Keeping three boys together, it's just so important. 505 00:18:16,429 --> 00:18:17,497 Oh! 506 00:18:17,530 --> 00:18:19,099 - Bro. - What? 507 00:18:19,132 --> 00:18:20,233 - Come on. 508 00:18:20,266 --> 00:18:21,768 - [laughs] 509 00:18:21,801 --> 00:18:23,069 It was tough. 510 00:18:23,103 --> 00:18:25,038 It's kind of just us versus the world, 511 00:18:25,038 --> 00:18:27,173 and we just have to take it on together. 512 00:18:27,207 --> 00:18:29,309 * * 513 00:18:29,342 --> 00:18:30,477 I'm sorry. 514 00:18:30,510 --> 00:18:32,946 I was just-- just thinking about it. 515 00:18:33,046 --> 00:18:35,081 * * 516 00:18:35,115 --> 00:18:37,584 A year after we moved in with the final foster home, 517 00:18:37,617 --> 00:18:41,454 we finally was able to be reunited back with our mother. 518 00:18:41,488 --> 00:18:43,723 - H. G. - Perfect. 519 00:18:43,757 --> 00:18:45,258 Being able to have my own family now... 520 00:18:45,291 --> 00:18:47,460 Whoa! 521 00:18:47,494 --> 00:18:48,661 It makes me so happy. 522 00:18:48,695 --> 00:18:51,164 - Ah! - Ah! 523 00:18:51,197 --> 00:18:53,700 I love the fact that I get to give them, 524 00:18:53,733 --> 00:18:56,469 like, the life that I kind of like, craved. 525 00:18:56,503 --> 00:18:57,604 [upbeat music] 526 00:18:57,637 --> 00:19:00,407 Whoa. That was awesome. 527 00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:03,677 My mom and brothers, they come up and visit. 528 00:19:03,710 --> 00:19:06,012 It's so exciting to see them love on each other. 529 00:19:06,012 --> 00:19:07,781 - Jump! - Jump! 530 00:19:07,814 --> 00:19:09,015 Jump! 531 00:19:09,015 --> 00:19:10,050 - This is pretty much the thing 532 00:19:10,083 --> 00:19:11,618 that I've always dreamed of. 533 00:19:11,651 --> 00:19:14,354 And I'm so glad that I'm now living out my dreams. 534 00:19:14,387 --> 00:19:17,824 * * 535 00:19:17,857 --> 00:19:20,126 [cheers and applause] 536 00:19:20,160 --> 00:19:21,361 - Two great guys. 537 00:19:21,394 --> 00:19:23,797 And Barry has his family on the sideline, 538 00:19:23,830 --> 00:19:25,498 as will Roo. 539 00:19:25,532 --> 00:19:27,500 [countdown clock beeping] 540 00:19:27,534 --> 00:19:30,370 Roo Yori, now in his eighth season on "Ninja," 541 00:19:30,403 --> 00:19:32,372 doing it at 46 years old. 542 00:19:32,405 --> 00:19:34,941 And Barry Boyd was so impressive in qualifying, 543 00:19:35,041 --> 00:19:38,244 he got a buzzer in his first time on the course. 544 00:19:38,278 --> 00:19:40,313 Roo Yuri jumps out in front. 545 00:19:40,347 --> 00:19:41,915 The old dog can still move. 546 00:19:41,948 --> 00:19:43,750 - Nice. OK, Roo Yori. 547 00:19:43,783 --> 00:19:45,251 [cheers and applause] 548 00:19:45,285 --> 00:19:47,053 - He's pausing for a moment, 549 00:19:47,087 --> 00:19:50,357 and here comes Barry Boyd, both now onto Beehive. 550 00:19:54,828 --> 00:19:57,664 - Matt, Roo hasn't been to Vegas since season eight. 551 00:19:57,697 --> 00:19:59,165 That was his rookie year. 552 00:19:59,199 --> 00:20:00,767 - And that was seven years ago. 553 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:02,635 You know he wants this. 554 00:20:02,669 --> 00:20:04,371 Roo seems to have a plan. 555 00:20:04,404 --> 00:20:06,439 He's getting off the obstacles first 556 00:20:06,473 --> 00:20:08,375 then resting, while Barry Boyd 557 00:20:08,408 --> 00:20:10,276 is usually the first on the obstacle. 558 00:20:10,310 --> 00:20:11,878 Both up now on Hopscotch. 559 00:20:11,911 --> 00:20:14,447 - Go, son! Go! 560 00:20:14,481 --> 00:20:17,717 - Looks like the 46-year-old Roo is slowing down. 561 00:20:17,751 --> 00:20:19,052 And look at Barry. 562 00:20:19,085 --> 00:20:20,387 He's steady. 563 00:20:20,420 --> 00:20:22,022 Looks like he's been doing this for a minute. 564 00:20:22,055 --> 00:20:23,189 - Wow. 565 00:20:23,223 --> 00:20:24,791 He is looking locked-in. 566 00:20:24,824 --> 00:20:27,594 Good moves by Roo. 567 00:20:27,627 --> 00:20:29,329 So impressive, keeping that-- 568 00:20:29,362 --> 00:20:32,399 - Oh! - But Roo York goes down! 569 00:20:32,432 --> 00:20:34,067 And he is out. 570 00:20:34,100 --> 00:20:36,036 So Barry Boyd gets the win. 571 00:20:36,069 --> 00:20:37,837 But he wants another buzzer. 572 00:20:37,871 --> 00:20:40,240 - Let's go back and look at what happened to Roo. 573 00:20:40,273 --> 00:20:41,975 He was running a smart race, 574 00:20:42,008 --> 00:20:43,510 but on the last tile of Hopscotch, 575 00:20:43,543 --> 00:20:48,014 got his fingers on the handles but couldn't hang on. 576 00:20:48,048 --> 00:20:49,649 - But the rookie from Pittsburgh 577 00:20:49,683 --> 00:20:51,084 is still going. 578 00:20:51,117 --> 00:20:53,553 - Barry Boyd has overcome so much in his life. 579 00:20:53,586 --> 00:20:55,221 I am so excited for him. 580 00:20:55,255 --> 00:20:57,857 - And Barry Boyd on the rope climb, 581 00:20:57,891 --> 00:21:00,226 going to Vegas with a buzzer 582 00:21:00,260 --> 00:21:01,961 [buzzer blares] 583 00:21:02,062 --> 00:21:04,698 - This rookie continues to impress. 584 00:21:04,731 --> 00:21:08,201 Two buzzers from his first two runs on the course. 585 00:21:08,234 --> 00:21:09,936 He has come out of nowhere, 586 00:21:09,969 --> 00:21:11,905 and hit a buzzer in qualifying, 587 00:21:11,938 --> 00:21:13,473 and followed it up with another one 588 00:21:13,506 --> 00:21:15,909 tonight in the semis. 589 00:21:15,942 --> 00:21:18,178 And the family can pack their bags. 590 00:21:18,211 --> 00:21:19,646 They're going to Vegas. 591 00:21:19,679 --> 00:21:22,315 - Aw, look at that moment. 592 00:21:22,349 --> 00:21:24,117 Look at that! 593 00:21:24,150 --> 00:21:28,121 - This next matchup features two teenage rookies, 594 00:21:28,154 --> 00:21:31,925 Colorado's Emily Keener and Michigan's Riley Porter. 595 00:21:31,958 --> 00:21:34,594 They faced each other in local Ninja competitions. 596 00:21:34,627 --> 00:21:37,163 And as you can see, they've become good friends. 597 00:21:39,466 --> 00:21:41,267 Emily is an artist who uses spray paint 598 00:21:41,301 --> 00:21:43,403 to create artwork inspired 599 00:21:43,436 --> 00:21:45,305 by her favorite music. 600 00:21:45,338 --> 00:21:47,607 Riley and her family run a business 601 00:21:47,640 --> 00:21:49,509 called Yard Card Ninjas, 602 00:21:49,542 --> 00:21:52,512 where they surprise people with elaborate displays 603 00:21:52,545 --> 00:21:54,214 for special occasions. 604 00:21:54,247 --> 00:21:56,483 Both girls run track in high school, 605 00:21:56,516 --> 00:21:58,852 and now they're facing each other for a spot 606 00:21:58,885 --> 00:22:00,453 in the national finals. 607 00:22:00,487 --> 00:22:01,855 - I'm really good friends with Emily, 608 00:22:01,888 --> 00:22:03,456 so it's gonna be kind of tough. 609 00:22:03,490 --> 00:22:05,558 I really wish I could see her in Vegas, 610 00:22:05,592 --> 00:22:08,061 but I just want to get my hands on that course. 611 00:22:08,061 --> 00:22:09,295 - It feels so amazing to be here in semis, 612 00:22:09,329 --> 00:22:10,797 and I can't wait to see what I can do. 613 00:22:10,830 --> 00:22:12,298 - Yeah, Riley! 614 00:22:12,332 --> 00:22:14,467 - Both girls have big groups of family and friends 615 00:22:14,501 --> 00:22:15,502 on the sidelines. 616 00:22:15,535 --> 00:22:16,936 [cheers and applause] 617 00:22:16,970 --> 00:22:19,706 [countdown clock beeping] 618 00:22:19,739 --> 00:22:22,275 - And these good friends are perfectly in sync 619 00:22:22,308 --> 00:22:23,810 as they run through Homerun. 620 00:22:23,843 --> 00:22:26,146 Keener's got a 3-inch height advantage, 621 00:22:26,179 --> 00:22:28,982 but Riley Porter matching her move for move. 622 00:22:29,082 --> 00:22:30,316 Wow. 623 00:22:30,350 --> 00:22:31,518 Look at them linking! 624 00:22:31,551 --> 00:22:33,186 - Ooh, nice linkage. 625 00:22:33,219 --> 00:22:35,188 - That was dead even off of there. 626 00:22:35,221 --> 00:22:36,356 - I liked that one. 627 00:22:36,389 --> 00:22:38,258 All right, now Beehive. - Oh, my! 628 00:22:38,291 --> 00:22:39,726 And they're being very aggressive, 629 00:22:39,759 --> 00:22:41,361 especially Riley Porter. 630 00:22:41,394 --> 00:22:43,897 - Porter said she was gonna have to run a fast race, 631 00:22:43,930 --> 00:22:45,131 and she's doing it. 632 00:22:45,165 --> 00:22:46,966 Both these girls still in high school, 633 00:22:47,000 --> 00:22:49,602 but showing such poise in a huge moment. 634 00:22:49,636 --> 00:22:51,471 - Porter is not letting up. 635 00:22:51,504 --> 00:22:54,240 She wants to keep that pressure on Emily Keener. 636 00:22:54,274 --> 00:22:56,843 - I'm so impressed with these 15-year-olds. 637 00:22:56,876 --> 00:22:58,845 What great races they're running, 638 00:22:58,878 --> 00:23:01,047 pushing each other. 639 00:23:01,047 --> 00:23:03,817 And now Keener moves ahead, both of them fighting 640 00:23:03,850 --> 00:23:05,385 hard for that spot in Vegas. 641 00:23:05,418 --> 00:23:06,720 Back and forth. 642 00:23:06,753 --> 00:23:09,189 Oh, Keener falls! 643 00:23:10,357 --> 00:23:14,594 So Riley Porter gets the win, and she's finishing Hopscotch. 644 00:23:14,627 --> 00:23:16,363 [cheers and applause] 645 00:23:16,396 --> 00:23:18,598 She's going to the national finals 646 00:23:18,631 --> 00:23:20,066 in her rookie season, 647 00:23:20,066 --> 00:23:21,968 and she's gonna go for a buzzer. 648 00:23:22,068 --> 00:23:24,437 Now she gets to have a little fun, big man. 649 00:23:24,471 --> 00:23:26,172 - Oh! 650 00:23:26,206 --> 00:23:27,907 Falls on Slingshot. 651 00:23:27,941 --> 00:23:31,211 But no matter, she punched her ticket to Vegas. 652 00:23:31,244 --> 00:23:33,713 - Good job, Riley! 653 00:23:33,747 --> 00:23:36,116 - These two friends were side by side 654 00:23:36,149 --> 00:23:37,884 through the first three obstacles. 655 00:23:37,917 --> 00:23:39,919 And then Emily jumped out in front 656 00:23:39,953 --> 00:23:42,856 on Hopscotch, only to have her hands slip 657 00:23:42,889 --> 00:23:45,992 right off on the final tile. 658 00:23:46,092 --> 00:23:48,628 - These two may have been competitors tonight, 659 00:23:48,661 --> 00:23:50,296 but they are still friends. 660 00:23:50,330 --> 00:23:52,766 The Ninja community is so supportive. 661 00:23:52,799 --> 00:23:54,167 [cheers and applause] 662 00:23:54,200 --> 00:23:56,903 Coming up, one member of the Behrends family 663 00:23:56,936 --> 00:23:58,271 has punched his ticket. 664 00:23:58,304 --> 00:24:00,373 Can his dad do the same, 665 00:24:00,407 --> 00:24:02,208 or will the Beckstrands be the first 666 00:24:02,242 --> 00:24:04,611 father-son duo in Vegas? 667 00:24:04,644 --> 00:24:07,947 That's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 668 00:24:12,819 --> 00:24:14,254 - Moments ago, it was another race 669 00:24:14,287 --> 00:24:15,955 with a huge age difference, 670 00:24:16,056 --> 00:24:18,692 as 18-year-old college student Max Feinberg 671 00:24:18,725 --> 00:24:22,862 took on 44-year-old firefighter Brian Beckstrand, 672 00:24:22,896 --> 00:24:27,767 a father of five, including his son Kai, who runs next. 673 00:24:27,801 --> 00:24:29,169 - Old school versus new school. 674 00:24:29,202 --> 00:24:31,438 - Though Beckstrand was 26 years older, 675 00:24:31,471 --> 00:24:33,807 he stayed right on the heels of Feinberg, 676 00:24:33,840 --> 00:24:35,842 and kept it close as they raced 677 00:24:35,875 --> 00:24:37,844 through the second, the third, 678 00:24:37,877 --> 00:24:39,412 and the fourth obstacles. 679 00:24:39,446 --> 00:24:41,581 - Can Max Feinberg handle the pressure? 680 00:24:41,614 --> 00:24:43,817 - And both competitors made it to Slingshot. 681 00:24:43,850 --> 00:24:45,151 - Oh! 682 00:24:45,185 --> 00:24:47,687 - That's where Beckstrand splashed down, 683 00:24:47,721 --> 00:24:49,689 and Feinberg was able to reach the buzzer. 684 00:24:49,723 --> 00:24:51,157 [buzzer blares] 685 00:24:51,191 --> 00:24:54,294 He's going back to Vegas for the third straight year, 686 00:24:54,327 --> 00:24:56,629 but Brian Beckstrand won't be joining him. 687 00:24:56,663 --> 00:24:59,099 His time's not fast enough to be one of our two 688 00:24:59,099 --> 00:25:01,735 non-winners moving on. 689 00:25:01,768 --> 00:25:03,903 His son, Kai, though, still has a chance 690 00:25:03,937 --> 00:25:06,339 to punch his ticket to Vegas. 691 00:25:06,373 --> 00:25:09,075 Kai was the fastest in all of qualifying, 692 00:25:09,109 --> 00:25:11,111 so he's the top seed tonight. 693 00:25:11,144 --> 00:25:13,747 And getting the unlucky task of going against him 694 00:25:13,780 --> 00:25:17,784 is the Natty Ninja, Cincinnati's James Wilson. 695 00:25:17,817 --> 00:25:19,953 Kai is coming in on a hot streak. 696 00:25:20,053 --> 00:25:22,589 He was the first to conquer the taller Mega Wall 697 00:25:22,622 --> 00:25:25,091 in qualifying. [buzzer blares] 698 00:25:25,125 --> 00:25:27,293 James Wilson is an eight time veteran, 699 00:25:27,327 --> 00:25:29,596 but he's never hit a buzzer. 700 00:25:29,629 --> 00:25:31,064 [countdown clock beeping] 701 00:25:31,064 --> 00:25:32,565 - The crazy thing about competition 702 00:25:32,599 --> 00:25:33,833 is it can bring the best out of you. 703 00:25:33,867 --> 00:25:35,301 James Wilson has a chance. 704 00:25:35,335 --> 00:25:37,437 But Kai Beckstrand, pulling the weight. 705 00:25:37,470 --> 00:25:39,673 - Oh, my goodness, Kai is linking everything 706 00:25:39,706 --> 00:25:40,907 on Spring Forward. 707 00:25:40,940 --> 00:25:42,275 - Oh, my God. 708 00:25:42,308 --> 00:25:44,678 This is like Rocky going up against Drago. 709 00:25:44,711 --> 00:25:46,579 And Kai looks like Ivan Drago. 710 00:25:46,613 --> 00:25:49,816 - At this point, it's likely gonna take a fall out of Kai. 711 00:25:49,849 --> 00:25:52,085 My goodness, he's been flawless! 712 00:25:52,118 --> 00:25:53,086 Whoa. 713 00:25:53,119 --> 00:25:55,255 And skips the first ledge! 714 00:25:55,288 --> 00:25:58,391 The two fastest from tonight will race for the Safety Pass 715 00:25:58,425 --> 00:25:59,826 at the end of the night. 716 00:25:59,859 --> 00:26:02,195 Kai, running like he wants to be in that race. 717 00:26:02,228 --> 00:26:04,864 A Safety Pass gives you a second chance in Vegas. 718 00:26:04,898 --> 00:26:06,566 Wow. - He's going too fast. 719 00:26:06,599 --> 00:26:09,202 - Kai Beckstrand-- well, at this point, 720 00:26:09,235 --> 00:26:11,371 James Wilson will need a miracle. 721 00:26:11,404 --> 00:26:12,605 Oh! 722 00:26:12,639 --> 00:26:15,041 And Wilson is out. 723 00:26:15,075 --> 00:26:17,344 So Kai Beckstrand has the win, 724 00:26:17,377 --> 00:26:18,745 but he's still flying, 725 00:26:18,778 --> 00:26:20,747 now almost through Slingshot. 726 00:26:20,780 --> 00:26:22,282 And look at the clock. 727 00:26:22,315 --> 00:26:25,251 He could beat Kaden Lebsack for the fastest time. 728 00:26:26,286 --> 00:26:28,154 Kai Beckstrand... 729 00:26:28,188 --> 00:26:29,589 [buzzer blares] 730 00:26:29,622 --> 00:26:32,726 By far the best time of the night. 731 00:26:32,759 --> 00:26:34,894 [cheers and applause] 732 00:26:34,928 --> 00:26:36,896 - You did that in under a minute. 733 00:26:36,930 --> 00:26:38,098 - For real? 734 00:26:38,131 --> 00:26:39,632 - You did that in under a minute, man. 735 00:26:39,666 --> 00:26:40,867 - Shoot. 736 00:26:40,900 --> 00:26:42,168 I knew I was moving, but not that quick. 737 00:26:42,202 --> 00:26:44,537 - Well, that's the fastest time of the night. 738 00:26:44,571 --> 00:26:46,239 And if it holds up, you're racing 739 00:26:46,272 --> 00:26:47,841 for the Safety Pass, buddy! 740 00:26:47,874 --> 00:26:50,076 - Let's go! 741 00:26:50,076 --> 00:26:52,912 - He was linking moves all the way across the course. 742 00:26:52,946 --> 00:26:55,949 Kai Beckstrand is on a tear this season. 743 00:26:55,982 --> 00:26:57,417 [cheers and applause] 744 00:26:57,450 --> 00:26:59,886 - Papa Beckstrand may not be in Vegas, 745 00:26:59,919 --> 00:27:02,255 but Kai will be. 746 00:27:02,288 --> 00:27:06,126 And remember, Ben Behrends won his race earlier. 747 00:27:06,159 --> 00:27:08,895 So the two sons from our father-son duos 748 00:27:08,928 --> 00:27:11,898 have punched their ticket to the national finals. 749 00:27:11,931 --> 00:27:15,335 Now Ben's dad, Scott, will try to join him, 750 00:27:15,368 --> 00:27:18,204 and make "Ninja" history as the first father-son duo 751 00:27:18,238 --> 00:27:19,806 in Vegas. 752 00:27:19,839 --> 00:27:23,510 Scott is 41, the leader of that big group of Iowa Ninjas, 753 00:27:23,543 --> 00:27:25,278 which includes his family. 754 00:27:25,311 --> 00:27:27,714 His son Ben is the hype guy, but his daughter Lia 755 00:27:27,747 --> 00:27:29,549 gets pretty loud, too. 756 00:27:29,582 --> 00:27:31,851 - Oh, man, she gets so into these races. 757 00:27:31,885 --> 00:27:35,488 - But Dad's gonna be racing 29-year-old Derrick Pavoni, 758 00:27:35,522 --> 00:27:38,124 known as the Pizza Ninja because his family 759 00:27:38,158 --> 00:27:39,659 runs a pizza restaurant. 760 00:27:39,693 --> 00:27:41,528 And he is the heart and soul 761 00:27:41,561 --> 00:27:43,196 of the Chicago Ninja family, 762 00:27:43,229 --> 00:27:44,364 many of whom are on the sidelines. 763 00:27:44,397 --> 00:27:46,433 - Let's go! 764 00:27:46,466 --> 00:27:49,736 - Matt, the sidelines are gonna be going crazy. 765 00:27:49,769 --> 00:27:52,072 We could see the first father-son duo quality 766 00:27:52,072 --> 00:27:53,940 for the national finals. 767 00:27:53,973 --> 00:27:56,710 - Pavoni, bounding out. Boy, look at that. 768 00:27:56,743 --> 00:27:58,411 - Great control of momentum. 769 00:27:58,445 --> 00:28:00,380 - Pavoni, rolling out like pizza dough. 770 00:28:00,413 --> 00:28:02,415 - But Scott Behrends makes it. - Ooh! 771 00:28:02,449 --> 00:28:04,050 Scottie ain't messing around! 772 00:28:04,084 --> 00:28:06,252 - That was impressive. And goes right into Beehive. 773 00:28:06,286 --> 00:28:09,055 - Whoa, that 41-year-old's got that fountain of youth. 774 00:28:09,089 --> 00:28:11,791 He says, "You know what, I've been training with my kids." 775 00:28:11,825 --> 00:28:14,127 - Well, credit to him, he's pulling away from Pavoni 776 00:28:14,160 --> 00:28:17,130 who has shockingly come to a stop on the trampoline. 777 00:28:17,163 --> 00:28:18,531 - I did not see that one coming. 778 00:28:18,565 --> 00:28:20,633 [cheers and applause] 779 00:28:20,667 --> 00:28:21,901 - But his son, Ben Behrends, 780 00:28:21,935 --> 00:28:23,636 still his hype man on the sidelines. 781 00:28:23,670 --> 00:28:27,540 - He's hoping he and his dad can pull of a "Ninja" first. 782 00:28:27,574 --> 00:28:29,342 - You thought 41 maybe move slower. 783 00:28:29,376 --> 00:28:31,044 No, no, no, not here. 784 00:28:31,044 --> 00:28:32,278 - But here comes Pavoni. 785 00:28:32,312 --> 00:28:34,080 - Don't let Pavoni back in. 786 00:28:34,114 --> 00:28:36,149 You got to go, Scott! Ooh. 787 00:28:36,182 --> 00:28:38,284 - It's never over in racing, big man. 788 00:28:38,318 --> 00:28:40,453 - Keep them Ls. - Behrends, slowing down. 789 00:28:40,487 --> 00:28:41,788 - Ooh, boy. 790 00:28:41,821 --> 00:28:43,356 I don't know the last time Scott Behrends 791 00:28:43,390 --> 00:28:45,225 was hopscotching, but he looks good. 792 00:28:45,258 --> 00:28:46,526 - Look at this. 793 00:28:46,559 --> 00:28:48,795 Scott Behrends. - Are you kidding me? 794 00:28:48,828 --> 00:28:50,563 [cheers and applause] 795 00:28:50,597 --> 00:28:52,665 - Behrends goes up on the Slingshot, 796 00:28:52,699 --> 00:28:53,967 but here comes Pavoni. - Yes! 797 00:28:54,067 --> 00:28:55,402 - Derrick, you got it! Get it! 798 00:28:55,435 --> 00:28:58,071 - So, Lindsay, telling him he's got to finish. 799 00:28:58,071 --> 00:28:59,906 And remember, he's never hit a buzzer. 800 00:29:00,006 --> 00:29:02,676 Now he likely has to do it to beat Behrends. 801 00:29:02,709 --> 00:29:05,211 - Oh, boy. - This could drop. 802 00:29:05,245 --> 00:29:06,413 - Nice. 803 00:29:06,446 --> 00:29:09,015 And Scott Behrends is 155 pounds, 804 00:29:09,015 --> 00:29:11,351 and he's carrying it well. 805 00:29:11,384 --> 00:29:13,853 - But seems to be gassing out. 806 00:29:13,887 --> 00:29:15,555 - Oh, he's barely making the moves. 807 00:29:15,588 --> 00:29:17,023 And here comes Pavoni. 808 00:29:17,023 --> 00:29:18,024 - Oh! 809 00:29:18,024 --> 00:29:19,325 - And Pavoni is down! 810 00:29:19,359 --> 00:29:21,861 Ninja history has been made. 811 00:29:21,895 --> 00:29:24,464 Scott Behrends has done it! 812 00:29:24,497 --> 00:29:26,866 He's going to Vegas! - Oh! 813 00:29:26,900 --> 00:29:30,270 - The first time ever, we'll have a father-son duo 814 00:29:30,303 --> 00:29:32,439 at the national finals. 815 00:29:32,472 --> 00:29:34,441 - Here's the key moment. 816 00:29:34,474 --> 00:29:37,043 Scott Behrends linked his moves on Spring Forward 817 00:29:37,077 --> 00:29:38,345 to surge ahead 818 00:29:38,378 --> 00:29:40,714 and never gave up the lead after that. 819 00:29:40,747 --> 00:29:43,550 - First of all, 41 years old, 820 00:29:43,583 --> 00:29:45,618 out here looking like the teenagers. 821 00:29:45,652 --> 00:29:47,420 How are you feeling out there? 822 00:29:47,454 --> 00:29:48,421 - Not like a teenager. 823 00:29:48,455 --> 00:29:50,156 [laughter] 824 00:29:50,190 --> 00:29:52,392 - I mean, it was so impressive to see you do your thing, 825 00:29:52,425 --> 00:29:53,593 in all seriousness. 826 00:29:53,626 --> 00:29:55,095 You guys are making history-- 827 00:29:55,128 --> 00:29:57,464 the first father-son duo to make it 828 00:29:57,497 --> 00:29:59,065 to the national finals. 829 00:29:59,099 --> 00:30:00,333 Congratulations, y'all. 830 00:30:00,367 --> 00:30:02,669 [cheers and applause] 831 00:30:02,702 --> 00:30:05,505 - But there's more history in the making. 832 00:30:05,538 --> 00:30:08,341 Taylor Greene's was only woman to hit a buzzer in qualifying. 833 00:30:08,375 --> 00:30:09,909 If she hits another tonight, 834 00:30:09,943 --> 00:30:13,146 she'd be the first female rookie to hit two in a row. 835 00:30:13,179 --> 00:30:16,549 She's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 836 00:30:21,121 --> 00:30:22,255 - Welcome back to our first night of racing 837 00:30:22,288 --> 00:30:23,623 in the semifinals. 838 00:30:23,656 --> 00:30:25,759 Moments ago, we saw two Ninjas 839 00:30:25,792 --> 00:30:27,927 who had memorable runs in qualifying, 840 00:30:27,961 --> 00:30:30,196 as 27-year-old Jawon Turner-- 841 00:30:30,230 --> 00:30:32,532 who serves up hot wings at a restaurant in Wisconsin-- 842 00:30:32,565 --> 00:30:35,268 took on 16-year-old high school student 843 00:30:35,301 --> 00:30:38,371 Hans Hertz, who runs for his brother, Harper. 844 00:30:38,405 --> 00:30:40,640 Hertz surged ahead on Spring Forward. 845 00:30:40,674 --> 00:30:42,575 - Hans ain't messing around. 846 00:30:42,609 --> 00:30:44,044 - And the impressive teenager kept up 847 00:30:44,077 --> 00:30:46,346 the pace on the middle part of the course. 848 00:30:46,379 --> 00:30:48,048 - Now Hans is separating! 849 00:30:48,081 --> 00:30:49,416 - Turner fell on Slingshot... 850 00:30:49,449 --> 00:30:50,717 - Oh. 851 00:30:50,750 --> 00:30:52,052 - As Hertz was climbing 852 00:30:52,085 --> 00:30:53,987 to the second buzzer of his rookie campaign. 853 00:30:54,020 --> 00:30:56,356 [buzzer blares] 854 00:30:56,389 --> 00:30:58,158 - Hertz so good. 855 00:30:59,426 --> 00:31:02,362 - Then it was Hertz's Colorado training partner, 856 00:31:02,395 --> 00:31:05,331 26-year-old Austin Gray, who squared off 857 00:31:05,365 --> 00:31:07,167 against the Blue Jean Ninja, 858 00:31:07,200 --> 00:31:09,836 Iowa farmer Cade Perkins, a rookie. 859 00:31:09,869 --> 00:31:13,173 Gray, who's been the runner up twice on "Ninja Warrior," 860 00:31:13,206 --> 00:31:14,574 jumped out to an early lead. 861 00:31:14,607 --> 00:31:16,109 - Whoo! 862 00:31:16,142 --> 00:31:18,545 And, remember, Austin was a six time veteran, Matt. 863 00:31:18,578 --> 00:31:21,414 - But Perkins stayed within striking distance. 864 00:31:21,448 --> 00:31:22,882 - Cade Perkins is not backing down. 865 00:31:22,916 --> 00:31:24,250 He ain't intimidated. - Go, Cade! 866 00:31:24,284 --> 00:31:25,752 Way to go! 867 00:31:25,785 --> 00:31:28,188 - The two competitors stayed close throughout, 868 00:31:28,221 --> 00:31:31,491 and both made it to the fifth obstacle, Slingshot. 869 00:31:31,524 --> 00:31:32,826 - Whoa! 870 00:31:32,859 --> 00:31:35,362 - Perkins' fall gave the win to Austin Gray, 871 00:31:35,395 --> 00:31:37,197 who capped it off with a buzzer. 872 00:31:37,230 --> 00:31:38,765 [buzzer blares] 873 00:31:38,798 --> 00:31:40,900 But Perkins' speed means he still has 874 00:31:40,934 --> 00:31:44,270 a shot to move on as one of the fastest non-winners. 875 00:31:44,304 --> 00:31:46,406 - That was a good race. 876 00:31:47,741 --> 00:31:50,810 - Well, now Austin gets to watch his protégé face off 877 00:31:50,844 --> 00:31:52,545 against his girlfriend 878 00:31:52,579 --> 00:31:55,648 because up next is teen phenom Taylor Greene, 879 00:31:55,682 --> 00:31:58,585 who will be trying to make history as the first woman 880 00:31:58,618 --> 00:32:01,121 to hit buzzers in her first two runs. 881 00:32:01,154 --> 00:32:03,356 But she'll have to do it against her good friend 882 00:32:03,390 --> 00:32:05,492 Jaelyn Bennett. 883 00:32:05,525 --> 00:32:07,460 - Come on, Tay. You got it. Easy wall. 884 00:32:07,494 --> 00:32:08,895 Come on! 885 00:32:08,928 --> 00:32:11,231 - I probably met Jaelyn when I was eight or nine. 886 00:32:11,264 --> 00:32:13,233 And she was actually my gymnastics coach 887 00:32:13,266 --> 00:32:15,368 before she ever even got into Ninja. 888 00:32:15,402 --> 00:32:17,604 She's also Austin's girlfriend, 889 00:32:17,637 --> 00:32:20,073 who has been my coach and training partner 890 00:32:20,106 --> 00:32:21,574 for many years. 891 00:32:21,608 --> 00:32:23,943 It's a little nerve-racking to compete against my heroes. 892 00:32:25,378 --> 00:32:27,547 - Taylor is one of the best female athletes 893 00:32:27,580 --> 00:32:29,082 in the sport right now. 894 00:32:29,082 --> 00:32:30,650 We've become very close. 895 00:32:30,684 --> 00:32:34,087 And now I have to race against her. 896 00:32:34,087 --> 00:32:37,257 - I am not gonna let up until I get to that buzzer. 897 00:32:39,926 --> 00:32:41,127 [cheers and applause] 898 00:32:41,161 --> 00:32:42,362 - Teacher versus student. 899 00:32:42,395 --> 00:32:43,897 Class is in session. 900 00:32:43,930 --> 00:32:46,132 All of this could be "Ninja" history in the making 901 00:32:46,166 --> 00:32:47,667 for Taylor Greene. 902 00:32:47,701 --> 00:32:49,235 - And for Austin Gray, either his girlfriend 903 00:32:49,269 --> 00:32:51,471 or his prized pupil will be joining him 904 00:32:51,504 --> 00:32:53,273 at the national finals. 905 00:32:53,306 --> 00:32:56,710 He'll be watching with other ninjas and Taylor's parents. 906 00:32:56,743 --> 00:32:58,812 [countdown clock beeping] 907 00:32:58,845 --> 00:33:00,480 - Ooh, OK. Ooh. 908 00:33:00,513 --> 00:33:01,915 - And Jaelyn, a little quicker start. 909 00:33:01,948 --> 00:33:03,116 - Yeah. 910 00:33:03,149 --> 00:33:04,684 Jaelyn said, "All right, I'm ready." 911 00:33:04,718 --> 00:33:06,586 - That's pretty even, right there. 912 00:33:06,619 --> 00:33:07,921 - Whoo! 913 00:33:07,954 --> 00:33:09,422 - But a little hesitation--oh! 914 00:33:09,456 --> 00:33:10,824 - Oh, wow. 915 00:33:10,857 --> 00:33:14,094 - And just like that, Jaelyn Bennett is out. 916 00:33:14,127 --> 00:33:16,062 And she can't believe it. 917 00:33:16,062 --> 00:33:18,198 So Taylor Greene gets the win. 918 00:33:18,231 --> 00:33:20,467 She's already flying through Beehive. 919 00:33:20,500 --> 00:33:22,802 Gonna keep going towards that buzzer. 920 00:33:22,836 --> 00:33:24,504 - Come on, Tay! - Yeah. 921 00:33:24,537 --> 00:33:26,873 Let's go back and take a look at what happened to Jaelyn. 922 00:33:26,906 --> 00:33:30,076 She just didn't get a good bounce off the trampoline 923 00:33:30,076 --> 00:33:32,612 and came up short on Spring Forward. 924 00:33:35,148 --> 00:33:39,085 - And Taylor Greene continues her march towards history. 925 00:33:39,085 --> 00:33:40,653 She's finishing up Hopscotch. 926 00:33:40,687 --> 00:33:43,723 [cheers and applause] 927 00:33:45,859 --> 00:33:48,228 And goes right up to Slingshot, 928 00:33:48,261 --> 00:33:51,664 looking like nothing is going to stop her. 929 00:33:51,698 --> 00:33:54,868 This crowd knows they're watching something special. 930 00:33:54,901 --> 00:33:56,936 With all the women who've competed on "Ninja Warrior," 931 00:33:56,970 --> 00:33:59,105 Greene could be the first to hit a buzzer 932 00:33:59,105 --> 00:34:00,507 in her first two runs. 933 00:34:00,540 --> 00:34:02,042 - Taylor! Taylor! 934 00:34:02,042 --> 00:34:03,243 Taylor! 935 00:34:03,276 --> 00:34:04,811 [cheers and applause] 936 00:34:04,844 --> 00:34:06,046 - And look at this. 937 00:34:06,046 --> 00:34:08,615 - You see her eyes? She is determined. 938 00:34:08,648 --> 00:34:11,084 - She came to us as the sweet ninja girl, 939 00:34:11,117 --> 00:34:12,585 but you called it. 940 00:34:12,619 --> 00:34:14,754 It is Mean Taylor Greene 941 00:34:14,788 --> 00:34:16,222 who is getting her second buzzer... 942 00:34:16,256 --> 00:34:18,458 [buzzer blares] 943 00:34:18,491 --> 00:34:19,926 And punching her ticket to Vegas. 944 00:34:19,959 --> 00:34:22,929 [cheers and applause] 945 00:34:22,962 --> 00:34:26,066 Her perfect rookie season continues. 946 00:34:26,066 --> 00:34:30,170 - What a start for Taylor Greene. 947 00:34:30,203 --> 00:34:33,573 - She came into the season with a lot of hype, 948 00:34:33,606 --> 00:34:35,742 and she has lived up to it. 949 00:34:35,775 --> 00:34:37,610 Of all the great Ninja women, 950 00:34:37,644 --> 00:34:41,081 none hit buzzers their first two times on the course. 951 00:34:41,081 --> 00:34:44,217 But Taylor Greene just did it. 952 00:34:44,250 --> 00:34:46,419 - She may rewrite the women's record book 953 00:34:46,453 --> 00:34:47,854 before it's all over. 954 00:34:47,887 --> 00:34:49,656 Next stop for her, 955 00:34:49,689 --> 00:34:52,592 Vegas and the national finals. 956 00:34:52,625 --> 00:34:54,861 - This is a big one, guys. 957 00:34:54,894 --> 00:34:58,098 Two of Ninja's fan favorites are going head-to-head. 958 00:34:58,098 --> 00:35:00,100 Gnarly Nate Hansen will try to keep 959 00:35:00,133 --> 00:35:02,035 his season alive going up against 960 00:35:02,035 --> 00:35:05,372 the Cat Daddy, Jackson Twait. - Jackson! Jackson! 961 00:35:05,405 --> 00:35:07,040 - You can hear his group already. 962 00:35:07,040 --> 00:35:09,509 And Gnarly Nate's got a big group 963 00:35:09,542 --> 00:35:11,044 on his sideline, as well. 964 00:35:11,077 --> 00:35:12,712 - Gnarly Nate! Gnarly Nate! 965 00:35:12,746 --> 00:35:15,648 - These two like to have fun, and they've got lots of fans. 966 00:35:15,682 --> 00:35:17,117 [cheers and applause] 967 00:35:17,150 --> 00:35:19,719 But one of them may be going home right now. 968 00:35:19,753 --> 00:35:20,954 - Yeah, that's right, Zuri. 969 00:35:21,054 --> 00:35:22,255 They need to get serious. 970 00:35:22,288 --> 00:35:23,723 These races have stakes. 971 00:35:23,757 --> 00:35:25,458 If they want to keep their season alive, 972 00:35:25,492 --> 00:35:26,459 they've got to go. 973 00:35:26,493 --> 00:35:29,963 [countdown clock beeping] 974 00:35:30,063 --> 00:35:32,065 - This should be an epic match-up. 975 00:35:32,065 --> 00:35:33,800 Twait is almost a foot taller, 976 00:35:33,833 --> 00:35:35,301 and he's first through Homerun. 977 00:35:35,335 --> 00:35:37,070 - Might take Nate a little longer, 978 00:35:37,070 --> 00:35:39,139 but you know never to count him out. 979 00:35:39,172 --> 00:35:43,109 - And Cat Daddy makes a link then hesitates. 980 00:35:43,143 --> 00:35:45,311 And he's first off Spring Forward. 981 00:35:45,345 --> 00:35:47,180 - Yeah, Cat Daddy moving like a cat. 982 00:35:47,213 --> 00:35:49,082 - Nate Hansen, close behind. 983 00:35:49,082 --> 00:35:51,418 Despite his size, he's worked to make himself 984 00:35:51,451 --> 00:35:52,952 one of the elite ninjas. 985 00:35:52,986 --> 00:35:55,355 - Nate Hansen was on stage three 986 00:35:55,388 --> 00:35:56,956 last year in Vegas. 987 00:35:56,990 --> 00:35:58,658 You never underestimate him. 988 00:35:58,692 --> 00:36:01,895 - But Cat Daddy's staying slightly ahead. 989 00:36:03,663 --> 00:36:05,098 They're both moving quickly. 990 00:36:05,131 --> 00:36:07,467 Remember, the two fastest non-winners from tonight 991 00:36:07,500 --> 00:36:09,536 will also go to Vegas. 992 00:36:09,569 --> 00:36:10,770 - And look at this. 993 00:36:10,804 --> 00:36:12,472 Gnarly Nate has now caught up. 994 00:36:12,505 --> 00:36:15,608 I told you, never count him out. 995 00:36:15,642 --> 00:36:18,078 - Whoever gets off this obstacle first 996 00:36:18,111 --> 00:36:20,080 will have a huge advantage. 997 00:36:22,048 --> 00:36:23,249 And it's Gnarly Nate. 998 00:36:23,283 --> 00:36:24,617 - I told you! 999 00:36:24,651 --> 00:36:27,587 - Oh, my, that's a big move out of Nate. 1000 00:36:27,620 --> 00:36:30,924 Now Jackson Twait must finish Slingshot. 1001 00:36:30,957 --> 00:36:32,425 If they both fall, Nate will get the win. 1002 00:36:32,459 --> 00:36:33,960 - Uh-oh. 1003 00:36:34,060 --> 00:36:36,262 - Really put the pressure back on Jackson Twait! 1004 00:36:36,296 --> 00:36:38,365 - And Jackson Twait looks like he's 1005 00:36:38,398 --> 00:36:39,866 about to get gassed out, Matt. 1006 00:36:39,899 --> 00:36:41,301 Does he have anything left? 1007 00:36:41,334 --> 00:36:42,936 - Oh, no! - Oh, and now... 1008 00:36:42,969 --> 00:36:44,270 - Nate's gets it uneven. 1009 00:36:44,304 --> 00:36:45,805 - Nate's got to even it out. - Look at that! 1010 00:36:45,839 --> 00:36:46,973 - Ooh. 1011 00:36:47,073 --> 00:36:48,241 - He's got one string on each side. 1012 00:36:48,274 --> 00:36:49,976 - Oh, my goodness. - Can he recover? 1013 00:36:50,076 --> 00:36:51,411 - But he's only 135 pounds. 1014 00:36:51,444 --> 00:36:53,546 - And Jackson Twait is pulling away! 1015 00:36:53,580 --> 00:36:55,582 He's avoiding trouble on Slingshot 1016 00:36:55,615 --> 00:36:57,450 and now he can climb to the buzzer. 1017 00:36:57,484 --> 00:36:58,651 - Oh. 1018 00:36:58,685 --> 00:37:01,087 - Jackson Twait, getting the buzzer. 1019 00:37:01,121 --> 00:37:02,589 Nate, hung up! 1020 00:37:02,622 --> 00:37:04,090 [buzzer blares] 1021 00:37:05,658 --> 00:37:08,294 - Let's go! 1022 00:37:08,328 --> 00:37:11,364 [cheers and applause] 1023 00:37:14,067 --> 00:37:16,603 - Nate Hansen finally drops down. 1024 00:37:16,636 --> 00:37:19,606 He fought till the very end. 1025 00:37:19,639 --> 00:37:23,076 - Nate had the edge coming off Hopscotch, 1026 00:37:23,109 --> 00:37:25,211 but got hung up on the bungees. 1027 00:37:25,245 --> 00:37:27,614 And Jackson Twait went past him 1028 00:37:27,647 --> 00:37:30,050 and gets the win. 1029 00:37:30,050 --> 00:37:34,354 But Nate reached Slingshot in under 52 seconds. 1030 00:37:34,387 --> 00:37:38,358 He could still move on as our second fastest non-winner. 1031 00:37:38,391 --> 00:37:40,794 - Coming up, an all-out sprint 1032 00:37:40,827 --> 00:37:43,530 for the Safety Pass to use in Vegas. 1033 00:37:43,563 --> 00:37:46,099 - That could be a million dollar difference. 1034 00:37:46,132 --> 00:37:47,334 - We'll see it when 1035 00:37:47,367 --> 00:37:49,869 "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1036 00:37:53,940 --> 00:37:55,442 - We had another exciting semifinals race 1037 00:37:55,475 --> 00:37:58,244 while we were away, as Josh Ferguson-- 1038 00:37:58,278 --> 00:38:00,680 a father of three from Utah who's 38-- 1039 00:38:00,714 --> 00:38:03,283 took on a ninja almost 20 years younger, 1040 00:38:03,316 --> 00:38:05,919 19-year-old Jera Boyd. 1041 00:38:06,019 --> 00:38:07,821 Boyd was one of four athletes to conquer 1042 00:38:07,854 --> 00:38:09,189 the Mega Wall in qualifying. 1043 00:38:09,222 --> 00:38:11,825 - Oh, my goodness! What? 1044 00:38:11,858 --> 00:38:14,928 - And the teenager was explosive again tonight, 1045 00:38:15,028 --> 00:38:16,730 jumping out to a big lead. 1046 00:38:16,763 --> 00:38:17,731 - Now, I'ma tell you right now, 1047 00:38:17,764 --> 00:38:19,032 Jera Boyd moves so fast, 1048 00:38:19,032 --> 00:38:20,834 he is disrespecting his elder. 1049 00:38:20,867 --> 00:38:23,136 - After Ferguson fell on Hopscotch... 1050 00:38:23,169 --> 00:38:24,404 - Oh! 1051 00:38:24,437 --> 00:38:25,705 - Boyd took aim at getting one 1052 00:38:25,739 --> 00:38:27,207 of the night's fastest times. 1053 00:38:27,240 --> 00:38:28,842 [buzzer blares] 1054 00:38:28,875 --> 00:38:31,144 But he finished just a second slower than Kaden Lebsack, 1055 00:38:31,177 --> 00:38:35,115 and missed out on racing for the Safety Pass. 1056 00:38:35,148 --> 00:38:38,385 So Jera Boyd ended up with the third fastest time, 1057 00:38:38,418 --> 00:38:40,587 and Kai Beckstrand and Kaden Lebsack 1058 00:38:40,620 --> 00:38:42,522 will now race for the Safety Pass. 1059 00:38:42,555 --> 00:38:44,691 All of tonight's winners will move on 1060 00:38:44,724 --> 00:38:46,326 to the national finals. 1061 00:38:46,359 --> 00:38:49,295 Scott and Ben Behrens will be our first father-son duo 1062 00:38:49,329 --> 00:38:51,231 to compete together in Vegas. 1063 00:38:51,264 --> 00:38:53,066 And our two fastest non-winners 1064 00:38:53,066 --> 00:38:54,367 will be joining them. 1065 00:38:54,401 --> 00:38:56,803 That's Tyler Yamauchi and Nate Hansen. 1066 00:38:56,836 --> 00:38:59,873 The women's side is dominated by teenagers, 1067 00:38:59,906 --> 00:39:02,676 including history maker Taylor Greene. 1068 00:39:02,709 --> 00:39:05,111 And we're gonna end the night with a race 1069 00:39:05,145 --> 00:39:07,013 for the Safety Pass, which gives you 1070 00:39:07,013 --> 00:39:08,782 a second chance if you fall in Vegas. 1071 00:39:08,815 --> 00:39:10,684 And that is huge. 1072 00:39:10,717 --> 00:39:13,586 We've switched up the course with new obstacles 1073 00:39:13,620 --> 00:39:16,122 to challenge our two fastest competitors. 1074 00:39:16,156 --> 00:39:18,024 And here they come. 1075 00:39:18,058 --> 00:39:20,293 Well, we've seen some great races, 1076 00:39:20,326 --> 00:39:24,431 but this is a heavyweight championship bout. 1077 00:39:24,464 --> 00:39:26,833 It is our two-time reigning champion 1078 00:39:26,866 --> 00:39:30,036 Kaden Lebsack taking on an absolute beast 1079 00:39:30,070 --> 00:39:33,173 in 17-year-old Kai Beckstrand. 1080 00:39:33,206 --> 00:39:35,241 [dramatic music] 1081 00:39:35,275 --> 00:39:37,043 - I've known Kai for a while. 1082 00:39:37,043 --> 00:39:38,478 I actually met him at one of the first 1083 00:39:38,511 --> 00:39:40,780 Ninja competitions I've ever done. 1084 00:39:40,814 --> 00:39:43,316 - I had raced Kaden a couple of times 1085 00:39:43,350 --> 00:39:45,118 in little local competitions. 1086 00:39:45,151 --> 00:39:46,786 But the last time I had raced him was back 1087 00:39:46,820 --> 00:39:49,356 on season two of "ANW Junior." 1088 00:39:49,389 --> 00:39:52,258 - Both these ninjas are fluid and fast. 1089 00:39:52,292 --> 00:39:53,293 Oh, boy! 1090 00:39:53,326 --> 00:39:54,527 - He ended up beating me 1091 00:39:54,561 --> 00:39:56,262 in that race 'cause I slipped up a little bit 1092 00:39:56,296 --> 00:39:59,766 on the Cliffhanger, and I ended up in the water. 1093 00:39:59,799 --> 00:40:01,101 - Nice! 1094 00:40:01,134 --> 00:40:03,837 - And now he's got 25 pounds of muscle on me. 1095 00:40:03,870 --> 00:40:05,572 Going against Kai is-- it's very scary. 1096 00:40:05,605 --> 00:40:08,008 He's probably the fastest ninja I've ever seen. 1097 00:40:08,041 --> 00:40:09,976 He throws moves that I don't think are possible. 1098 00:40:10,010 --> 00:40:12,946 - Kai Beckstrand, looking good and fast. 1099 00:40:12,979 --> 00:40:14,914 - He has been the last Ninja standing two years in a row, 1100 00:40:14,948 --> 00:40:17,350 but that doesn't mean he's the fastest Ninja out there. 1101 00:40:17,384 --> 00:40:19,686 - To be the best, you got to beat the best. 1102 00:40:22,522 --> 00:40:23,857 [cheers and applause] 1103 00:40:23,890 --> 00:40:25,825 - No one wants to miss this race. 1104 00:40:25,859 --> 00:40:27,694 - Matt, I remember when we saw these guys 1105 00:40:27,727 --> 00:40:29,362 race on "Ninja Junior." 1106 00:40:29,396 --> 00:40:31,765 - Now they're bigger and the stakes are higher. 1107 00:40:31,798 --> 00:40:34,000 The winner gets a second chance in Vegas, 1108 00:40:34,034 --> 00:40:36,436 and that could be a million dollar advantage. 1109 00:40:36,469 --> 00:40:38,438 [countdown clock beeping] 1110 00:40:38,471 --> 00:40:40,674 - They'll both be in Vegas, no matter what, 1111 00:40:40,707 --> 00:40:42,342 but a Safety Pass can be huge. 1112 00:40:42,375 --> 00:40:44,844 - Kai first there, Kaden matching him. 1113 00:40:44,878 --> 00:40:46,846 Oh, they're linking 'em. - Nice! 1114 00:40:46,880 --> 00:40:48,314 - These guys are the best! 1115 00:40:48,348 --> 00:40:50,183 - All right, they're on that. Now look at that! 1116 00:40:50,216 --> 00:40:52,052 Look at that linkage by Kaden Lebsack! 1117 00:40:52,085 --> 00:40:53,353 Oh, my goodness. 1118 00:40:53,386 --> 00:40:54,888 Kaden's just throwing himself around. 1119 00:40:54,921 --> 00:40:58,825 - Jumps ahead on the Wingnuts, and right into Sideways. 1120 00:40:58,858 --> 00:41:00,894 - Kai Beckstrand is about to break it down, man. 1121 00:41:00,927 --> 00:41:02,529 Look at this! Look at Kai! 1122 00:41:02,562 --> 00:41:03,830 - Kai is flying! 1123 00:41:03,863 --> 00:41:04,931 - They both got the caps on backwards, 1124 00:41:04,964 --> 00:41:05,932 but now look at this! 1125 00:41:05,965 --> 00:41:07,500 - First one to Spin Hopper! 1126 00:41:07,534 --> 00:41:08,968 - Kai does not want to go down! 1127 00:41:09,069 --> 00:41:10,403 - Kaden's almost gaining! 1128 00:41:10,437 --> 00:41:11,838 - Oh, my goodness! It's hard to predict! 1129 00:41:11,871 --> 00:41:13,306 - Oh, it's gonna be a race! - Oh, my goodness! 1130 00:41:13,340 --> 00:41:14,674 - Kaden! - Oh! 1131 00:41:14,708 --> 00:41:15,975 - Pulls ahead! - He takes a swing! 1132 00:41:16,076 --> 00:41:17,610 [buzzer blares] 1133 00:41:17,644 --> 00:41:18,878 Wow. 1134 00:41:20,480 --> 00:41:24,617 - And Kaden Lebsack, a come from behind victory! 1135 00:41:24,651 --> 00:41:26,586 - Unbelievable! 1136 00:41:26,619 --> 00:41:29,723 - Absolutely lives up to the hype! 1137 00:41:29,756 --> 00:41:33,126 - That was a main event for the ages right there! 1138 00:41:33,159 --> 00:41:34,694 - We'll see you guys in Vegas! 1139 00:41:34,728 --> 00:41:37,297 And thank you for an awesome race. 1140 00:41:37,330 --> 00:41:38,732 [cheers and applause] 1141 00:41:38,765 --> 00:41:41,267 - They were moving so fast, it looked like 1142 00:41:41,301 --> 00:41:43,303 they barely touched the obstacles! 1143 00:41:43,336 --> 00:41:46,206 Kai got to Spin Hopper first, but watch Kaden 1144 00:41:46,239 --> 00:41:48,274 skipping handles to take the lead. 1145 00:41:48,308 --> 00:41:51,511 He lost his hat, but he won the Safety Pass race 1146 00:41:51,544 --> 00:41:54,381 in just under 38 seconds. 1147 00:41:54,414 --> 00:41:56,416 - That wraps our first night of semifinals. 1148 00:41:56,449 --> 00:41:59,352 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 1149 00:41:59,386 --> 00:42:03,757 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior."