1 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:06,773 [cheers and applause] 2 00:00:06,806 --> 00:00:08,608 - Welcome to Universal Studios, 3 00:00:08,641 --> 00:00:11,778 where we built a two lane race course in the middle 4 00:00:11,811 --> 00:00:14,280 of New York Street all for the semifinals 5 00:00:14,314 --> 00:00:16,649 of "American Ninja Warrior." 6 00:00:16,683 --> 00:00:18,051 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 7 00:00:18,084 --> 00:00:19,052 I'm Matt Iseman. 8 00:00:19,085 --> 00:00:20,653 - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 9 00:00:20,687 --> 00:00:22,522 Matt, we saw it last week. 10 00:00:22,555 --> 00:00:25,091 There's nothing like head-to-head racing. 11 00:00:25,125 --> 00:00:27,160 These ninjas will be going all-out, 12 00:00:27,193 --> 00:00:29,462 trying to punch their ticket to Vegas. 13 00:00:29,496 --> 00:00:31,564 - Our seedings are based off how far 14 00:00:31,598 --> 00:00:34,768 or how fast they went in qualifying, 15 00:00:34,801 --> 00:00:37,537 and this crowd tonight is going to see some 16 00:00:37,570 --> 00:00:39,739 of Ninja's all-time greats. 17 00:00:39,773 --> 00:00:42,375 For a preview, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 18 00:00:42,409 --> 00:00:44,678 - Guys, we have got some crazy matchups tonight, 19 00:00:44,711 --> 00:00:46,546 including good friends going head-to-head 20 00:00:46,579 --> 00:00:48,515 on our sixth obstacle course. 21 00:00:48,548 --> 00:00:50,216 The Jersey Girlz, training partners 22 00:00:50,250 --> 00:00:54,387 Abby Clark and Rachel Degutz, will have to race each other. 23 00:00:54,421 --> 00:00:57,057 Plus, it could be the final run for the Phoenix, 24 00:00:57,090 --> 00:00:58,391 Najee Richardson. 25 00:00:58,425 --> 00:01:01,227 He'll have to beat young Mazeiah Andrade 26 00:01:01,261 --> 00:01:02,829 just to keep his season alive, 27 00:01:02,862 --> 00:01:05,398 and Ninja great Joe Moravsky will face off 28 00:01:05,432 --> 00:01:08,468 against Noah Jones, who asked for his autograph 29 00:01:08,501 --> 00:01:10,236 just a few years ago. 30 00:01:10,270 --> 00:01:13,273 Buckle up, guys. This is going to be fun. 31 00:01:13,306 --> 00:01:15,308 - Well, we're starting with one of our fastest, 32 00:01:15,342 --> 00:01:17,777 Luke Dillon. He's a number two seed. 33 00:01:17,811 --> 00:01:18,978 He'll be going against 34 00:01:19,079 --> 00:01:21,348 New York's City's Ramcis Valdez, 35 00:01:21,381 --> 00:01:23,550 a 23 seed who had to win 36 00:01:23,583 --> 00:01:25,452 a runoff race just to get here. 37 00:01:25,485 --> 00:01:29,155 But these two do have one thing in common. 38 00:01:30,390 --> 00:01:31,691 - Sure, this could be cut. 39 00:01:31,725 --> 00:01:32,926 All right, cool. 40 00:01:32,959 --> 00:01:34,494 Ramcis and I, we have similar hairdos. 41 00:01:34,527 --> 00:01:37,163 We both have the curly, puffy thing going on. 42 00:01:37,197 --> 00:01:38,631 I don't know what products he's using. 43 00:01:38,665 --> 00:01:40,567 It might be similar, maybe he's copying my game. 44 00:01:40,600 --> 00:01:43,670 - Shampoo, conditioner, and then after that, 45 00:01:43,703 --> 00:01:45,372 you've just got to pat it dry a little bit. 46 00:01:45,405 --> 00:01:46,673 If we both had our back turned, 47 00:01:46,706 --> 00:01:48,108 the only way you'd be able to tell us apart 48 00:01:48,108 --> 00:01:49,542 is by my height. 49 00:01:49,576 --> 00:01:51,745 - I don't know what Ramcis is doing for his hair, 50 00:01:51,778 --> 00:01:53,113 but it'll be interesting to see 51 00:01:53,113 --> 00:01:54,280 what it looks like wet tonight. 52 00:01:54,314 --> 00:01:57,017 - I promise you, by the end of this race, 53 00:01:57,117 --> 00:01:59,185 somebody with this hairstyle is going to Vegas. 54 00:02:03,123 --> 00:02:05,458 - Well, their hair may be the same, 55 00:02:05,492 --> 00:02:08,061 but their Ninja résumés are very different. 56 00:02:08,094 --> 00:02:10,463 Luke's already racked up four buzzers 57 00:02:10,497 --> 00:02:12,165 in his young career, 58 00:02:12,198 --> 00:02:13,967 while this is Ramcis' first year 59 00:02:14,067 --> 00:02:15,268 competing in "Ninja." 60 00:02:15,301 --> 00:02:17,270 [cheers and applause] 61 00:02:17,303 --> 00:02:20,507 - Luke will have girlfriend Avery Glantz on his sideline. 62 00:02:20,540 --> 00:02:22,208 - Let's go, Ramcis! 63 00:02:22,242 --> 00:02:24,244 - And Ramcis' girlfriend Giselle and his dad 64 00:02:24,277 --> 00:02:26,179 will be cheering for him. 65 00:02:26,212 --> 00:02:28,081 - Ramcis does his training on the streets of New York. 66 00:02:28,114 --> 00:02:30,583 That's that concrete jungle, not a gym. 67 00:02:30,617 --> 00:02:32,919 He's a big underdog in this race. 68 00:02:32,952 --> 00:02:36,189 [countdown clock beeping] 69 00:02:36,222 --> 00:02:38,658 - Ooh, look at that fast start by Ramcis. 70 00:02:38,692 --> 00:02:40,226 - Bounding out. 71 00:02:40,260 --> 00:02:42,762 Luke Dillon had one of the fastest times in qualifying, 72 00:02:42,796 --> 00:02:44,764 but he's already playing catch up to Valdez. 73 00:02:44,798 --> 00:02:47,367 - He is determined, Matt. - Wow. 74 00:02:47,400 --> 00:02:49,302 - He feels like he's at home in New York. 75 00:02:49,336 --> 00:02:52,005 - Luke Dillon had to be surprised. 76 00:02:52,105 --> 00:02:54,874 Ramcis' exploding out on this course. 77 00:02:54,908 --> 00:02:56,710 - Ramcis is not letting up. 78 00:02:56,743 --> 00:02:58,345 He's like, "Uh-uh, I'm going to Vegas. 79 00:02:58,378 --> 00:03:00,714 You're not stopping me from getting there my rookie year." 80 00:03:00,747 --> 00:03:04,050 - Luke Dillon just seems discombobulated. 81 00:03:04,050 --> 00:03:06,386 Ramcis Valdez continues 82 00:03:06,419 --> 00:03:08,722 to make short work of this course. 83 00:03:08,755 --> 00:03:11,725 [cheers and applause] 84 00:03:11,758 --> 00:03:13,526 - He knows exactly what it takes. 85 00:03:13,560 --> 00:03:15,428 - Well, the two fastest finishers 86 00:03:15,462 --> 00:03:17,931 will race for a safety pass at the end of the night. 87 00:03:17,964 --> 00:03:20,900 Ramcis Valdez running like he wants to be one of them. 88 00:03:20,934 --> 00:03:22,836 - But Luke Dillon still has a chance. 89 00:03:22,869 --> 00:03:24,871 It's going to come down to Slingshot. 90 00:03:24,904 --> 00:03:26,639 This fifth obstacle is a beast. 91 00:03:26,673 --> 00:03:28,641 It ended a lot of runs last week. 92 00:03:28,675 --> 00:03:30,443 - And here comes Dillon. 93 00:03:30,477 --> 00:03:32,212 It's not over. 94 00:03:32,245 --> 00:03:35,915 No, Ramcis Valdez goes down! 95 00:03:37,317 --> 00:03:39,419 Valdez was ahead the entire time. 96 00:03:39,452 --> 00:03:42,722 Now, Luke Dillon can pull off the come from behind win, 97 00:03:42,756 --> 00:03:45,692 but he has to finish this obstacle to do it. 98 00:03:45,725 --> 00:03:48,294 His fate is in his hands. 99 00:03:48,328 --> 00:03:50,630 - Now, that's the big drop. He's got to hold on. 100 00:03:50,663 --> 00:03:52,098 Whoa! 101 00:03:52,132 --> 00:03:54,134 - It's never over in these side-by-side races. 102 00:03:54,167 --> 00:03:58,705 Has to transfer, has to make the transfer to the leg climb. 103 00:03:59,773 --> 00:04:01,041 - Nice. 104 00:04:01,074 --> 00:04:03,843 - And with that, Luke Dillon survives! 105 00:04:03,877 --> 00:04:06,179 - You never know how it's going to shake out 106 00:04:06,212 --> 00:04:08,815 here in the semifinals. - Whew! 107 00:04:08,848 --> 00:04:10,784 - Let's go! 108 00:04:10,817 --> 00:04:13,853 [cheers and applause] 109 00:04:14,621 --> 00:04:17,323 - Ramcis Valdez ran a great race. 110 00:04:17,357 --> 00:04:18,858 He put a scare into Luke Dillon. 111 00:04:18,892 --> 00:04:22,295 - Hey, Luke, the entire race, Ramcis was out ahead. 112 00:04:22,328 --> 00:04:23,530 How did you stay in the game? 113 00:04:23,563 --> 00:04:24,831 - I was looking at his hair. 114 00:04:24,864 --> 00:04:26,499 It kind of looked like mine. I don't know. 115 00:04:26,533 --> 00:04:27,834 I was focused on that, but yeah, 116 00:04:27,867 --> 00:04:29,969 we just finished it up. It was a great time. 117 00:04:30,070 --> 00:04:30,970 - Hey, Luke, you did it. 118 00:04:31,071 --> 00:04:32,105 You're going back to Vegas, buddy. 119 00:04:32,138 --> 00:04:33,640 Congratulations. - Let's go! 120 00:04:33,673 --> 00:04:34,941 Whoo! 121 00:04:37,944 --> 00:04:40,980 - Up next, it's two women from Massachusetts. 122 00:04:41,081 --> 00:04:44,150 From Holliston, it's 24-year-old Casey Rothschild 123 00:04:44,184 --> 00:04:47,087 taking on 28-year-old Taylor Johnson, 124 00:04:47,087 --> 00:04:49,389 better known as Teej, who's from Foxborough. 125 00:04:49,422 --> 00:04:51,958 Both these women are "Ninja" veterans. 126 00:04:51,991 --> 00:04:53,960 Casey is our tallest woman of the night 127 00:04:53,993 --> 00:04:55,295 at 5'8, 128 00:04:55,328 --> 00:04:58,631 while Teej is our shortest at just 4'11. 129 00:04:58,665 --> 00:05:01,134 Teej is definitely the underdog in this race, 130 00:05:01,167 --> 00:05:03,737 but she is a fighter just like her mom. 131 00:05:03,770 --> 00:05:06,606 [tender music] 132 00:05:06,639 --> 00:05:09,175 - I've been working as a financial analyst 133 00:05:09,209 --> 00:05:11,277 for Massachusetts General Hospital 134 00:05:11,311 --> 00:05:14,914 Cancer Center Protocol Office for about a year now. 135 00:05:14,948 --> 00:05:16,683 OK, great. Thank you. 136 00:05:16,716 --> 00:05:19,052 This job is super meaningful for me 137 00:05:19,052 --> 00:05:21,788 because cancer has had a huge impact on my family, 138 00:05:21,821 --> 00:05:23,656 especially my mom who has battled 139 00:05:23,690 --> 00:05:25,558 multiple different types of cancer, 140 00:05:25,592 --> 00:05:28,261 including thyroid cancer, breast cancer, 141 00:05:28,294 --> 00:05:31,131 as well as multiple different types of skin cancer. 142 00:05:31,164 --> 00:05:32,866 * * 143 00:05:32,899 --> 00:05:34,734 - Every day, Taylor came with me. 144 00:05:34,768 --> 00:05:36,369 * * 145 00:05:36,403 --> 00:05:39,739 She really was just awesome to have with me 146 00:05:39,773 --> 00:05:42,375 and be so supportive to me. I loved it. 147 00:05:42,409 --> 00:05:44,077 Cheers. 148 00:05:44,110 --> 00:05:46,913 - It means a lot to have my mom watch me tonight, 149 00:05:46,946 --> 00:05:49,783 because I can show her that all the perseverance 150 00:05:49,816 --> 00:05:51,718 and hard work that she's shown me 151 00:05:51,751 --> 00:05:53,420 is going to pay off when I do great 152 00:05:53,453 --> 00:05:54,421 on the course tonight. 153 00:05:54,454 --> 00:05:57,691 * * 154 00:05:57,724 --> 00:05:59,526 - And of course, Teej's mom 155 00:05:59,559 --> 00:06:02,862 is watching this run along with her dad. 156 00:06:02,896 --> 00:06:05,565 - Teej has got her work cut out for her. 157 00:06:05,598 --> 00:06:07,701 If she can pull off an upset, 158 00:06:07,734 --> 00:06:10,503 she'd be the shortest to ever make it to Vegas. 159 00:06:10,537 --> 00:06:12,339 [countdown clock beeping] 160 00:06:12,372 --> 00:06:13,540 - Let's go, Taylor! Straight through! 161 00:06:13,573 --> 00:06:15,542 - Every obstacle is a little harder 162 00:06:15,575 --> 00:06:17,143 when you're 4'11, 163 00:06:17,177 --> 00:06:19,713 including these steps on Home Run. 164 00:06:21,047 --> 00:06:23,316 - Casey Rothschild was a college track star 165 00:06:23,350 --> 00:06:25,485 at Wesleyan University, and she was 166 00:06:25,518 --> 00:06:27,687 very fast back in qualifying. 167 00:06:29,956 --> 00:06:33,393 Whoa, Taylor Johnson takes a tumble on the landing, 168 00:06:33,426 --> 00:06:34,761 but gets right back up. 169 00:06:34,794 --> 00:06:36,596 She has a background in gymnastics, 170 00:06:36,629 --> 00:06:38,732 started "Ninja" competition five years ago, 171 00:06:38,765 --> 00:06:40,967 but has never qualified for Vegas. 172 00:06:41,067 --> 00:06:42,268 - Come on, Taylor! 173 00:06:42,302 --> 00:06:43,670 - Casey Rothschild, on the other hand, 174 00:06:43,703 --> 00:06:45,105 has been to the national finals 175 00:06:45,138 --> 00:06:46,306 the past two seasons, 176 00:06:46,339 --> 00:06:48,074 and she is first off Beehive. 177 00:06:48,074 --> 00:06:49,075 - Let's go! - Casey! 178 00:06:49,109 --> 00:06:50,477 - Let's go! - Come on, Teej! 179 00:06:50,510 --> 00:06:53,179 - Teej's sideline telling her to get going, 180 00:06:53,213 --> 00:06:56,449 and she's staying within striking distance. 181 00:06:56,483 --> 00:06:58,518 Both athletes on Hopscotch. 182 00:07:00,153 --> 00:07:03,656 Teej giving Casey all she can handle. 183 00:07:04,791 --> 00:07:06,826 - Oh, Casey is starting to grimace here. 184 00:07:06,860 --> 00:07:08,094 It's the blind grab. 185 00:07:08,128 --> 00:07:09,863 - No! 186 00:07:09,896 --> 00:07:12,065 And Rothchild splashes down. 187 00:07:12,098 --> 00:07:14,834 That means Taylor Johnson can win, 188 00:07:14,868 --> 00:07:16,703 but she has to complete this obstacle. 189 00:07:16,736 --> 00:07:19,439 - Get off of Hopscotch. 190 00:07:19,472 --> 00:07:20,807 - Teej delivers! 191 00:07:20,840 --> 00:07:22,909 And she's earned her first trip to Vegas. 192 00:07:22,942 --> 00:07:23,910 - Wow. 193 00:07:23,943 --> 00:07:25,779 [cheers and applause] 194 00:07:25,812 --> 00:07:28,815 - Her friends know just how much this means to her. 195 00:07:28,848 --> 00:07:31,384 She's going to keep going to try and get a buzzer. 196 00:07:31,418 --> 00:07:33,186 Will have to survive Slingshot. 197 00:07:33,219 --> 00:07:34,688 - Come on, Teej. 198 00:07:34,721 --> 00:07:36,322 Oh! 199 00:07:36,356 --> 00:07:39,659 - Bounces out on Slingshot, but it doesn't matter. 200 00:07:39,693 --> 00:07:42,062 After five years, Taylor Johnson 201 00:07:42,062 --> 00:07:44,664 is going to make her first trip to the national finals. 202 00:07:44,698 --> 00:07:46,099 - Nice job, Teej! 203 00:07:46,132 --> 00:07:47,534 - Let's look at this. 204 00:07:47,567 --> 00:07:50,370 Casey was out in front, but watch her right hand. 205 00:07:50,403 --> 00:07:52,505 It slid right off the ledge, 206 00:07:52,539 --> 00:07:54,741 so that means Teej has to finish Hopscotch 207 00:07:54,774 --> 00:07:57,644 to get the win, and she did. 208 00:07:57,677 --> 00:07:59,713 At 4'11", she's the shortest 209 00:07:59,746 --> 00:08:03,383 ever to qualify for the national final. 210 00:08:03,416 --> 00:08:06,419 - Dude, I'm finally, going to Vegas. 211 00:08:06,453 --> 00:08:08,722 It's taken me way too long to get here. 212 00:08:08,755 --> 00:08:11,257 I'm so excited. This is great. 213 00:08:11,291 --> 00:08:16,129 - Tonight, it's Ninja titans versus Ninja teens. 214 00:08:16,162 --> 00:08:18,932 - I'm a foot taller, 60 pounds heavier, 215 00:08:19,032 --> 00:08:20,900 20 years older. 216 00:08:20,934 --> 00:08:23,536 - We'll see new mom Michelle Warnky Burma 217 00:08:23,570 --> 00:08:25,872 going against a 16-year-old. 218 00:08:25,905 --> 00:08:28,174 - She could be a great age to babysit Grace. 219 00:08:28,208 --> 00:08:29,376 [laughter] 220 00:08:29,409 --> 00:08:31,745 - And a young superfan will race 221 00:08:31,778 --> 00:08:34,280 his hero Joe Moravsky. 222 00:08:34,314 --> 00:08:36,816 - Noah Jones is just a kid. 223 00:08:36,850 --> 00:08:40,220 - Who's going to survive and make it to Vegas 224 00:08:40,253 --> 00:08:44,557 on the semifinals of "American Ninja Warrior"? 225 00:08:50,063 --> 00:08:52,065 - It's the second night of semifinals, 226 00:08:52,098 --> 00:08:55,068 and minutes ago, the Papal Ninja Sean Bryan, 227 00:08:55,101 --> 00:08:57,370 who's the night's number one seed, 228 00:08:57,404 --> 00:09:00,640 took on Massachusetts police officer John Uga. 229 00:09:00,674 --> 00:09:03,843 Bryan had the fastest time of the night back in qualifying, 230 00:09:03,877 --> 00:09:05,645 and he jumped out in front tonight. 231 00:09:05,679 --> 00:09:08,415 - We've got the po-po chasing the Papal Ninja. 232 00:09:08,448 --> 00:09:11,918 - Uga remained in hot pursuit, until he reached Beehive. 233 00:09:12,018 --> 00:09:13,420 - No! 234 00:09:13,453 --> 00:09:16,189 That gave Bryan the win, but after finishing Hopscotch, 235 00:09:16,222 --> 00:09:18,358 he felt some tightness in his arms 236 00:09:18,391 --> 00:09:20,427 and bowed out to avoid injury. 237 00:09:20,460 --> 00:09:24,864 But no matter, he'll be making his sixth trip to Vegas. 238 00:09:24,898 --> 00:09:28,468 Then New Jersey wedding photographer Ibrahim Hayek 239 00:09:28,501 --> 00:09:30,236 took on Massachusetts gym owner 240 00:09:30,270 --> 00:09:32,305 Matt D'Amico, whose motto is 241 00:09:32,339 --> 00:09:34,507 every course is a speed course. 242 00:09:34,541 --> 00:09:37,277 - Come on, Matt! Let's go! 243 00:09:37,310 --> 00:09:40,146 - And while D'Amico came out fast, 244 00:09:40,180 --> 00:09:41,848 Hayek stayed close behind, 245 00:09:41,881 --> 00:09:43,883 until he reached the third obstacle. 246 00:09:43,917 --> 00:09:46,519 - Oh, my goodness, he spun out. 247 00:09:46,553 --> 00:09:48,621 - D'Amico got the easy win. 248 00:09:48,655 --> 00:09:51,057 The speedster took his foot off the gas 249 00:09:51,057 --> 00:09:53,059 and coasted to a buzzer. 250 00:09:53,059 --> 00:09:55,729 He's going to Vegas for the second year in a row. 251 00:09:55,762 --> 00:09:57,063 [buzzer blares] 252 00:09:57,097 --> 00:09:59,232 - Back to back appearances, that's got to feel great 253 00:09:59,265 --> 00:10:02,002 for Matt D'Amico. 254 00:10:02,035 --> 00:10:04,771 - Well, talk about a stark contrast. 255 00:10:04,804 --> 00:10:06,706 Take a look at our next match up. 256 00:10:06,740 --> 00:10:09,909 It's the Beast, 36-year-old James McGrath, 257 00:10:09,943 --> 00:10:11,778 taking on the Red Bomb, 258 00:10:11,811 --> 00:10:16,349 baby faced 16-year-old Evan Bomengen. 259 00:10:16,383 --> 00:10:18,284 - When I hear that I'm going against 260 00:10:18,318 --> 00:10:21,421 James 'The Beast' McGrath, it is a little nerve-racking. 261 00:10:21,454 --> 00:10:24,424 [upbeat music] 262 00:10:24,457 --> 00:10:26,026 * * 263 00:10:26,059 --> 00:10:29,729 - I'm a foot taller, 60 pounds heavier, 264 00:10:29,763 --> 00:10:31,231 20 years older. 265 00:10:31,264 --> 00:10:32,532 * * 266 00:10:32,565 --> 00:10:34,668 - I do track and cross country. 267 00:10:34,701 --> 00:10:36,369 - Come on, Evan, finish it off! 268 00:10:36,403 --> 00:10:39,339 - So what I lack in height, I make up for 269 00:10:39,372 --> 00:10:40,940 in good body control and quickness. 270 00:10:40,974 --> 00:10:42,842 - Even though this is his rookie year 271 00:10:42,876 --> 00:10:44,511 and I wish him the best, I'm going to have 272 00:10:44,544 --> 00:10:45,845 to send this kid packing. 273 00:10:45,879 --> 00:10:47,347 I want to make it back to Vegas. 274 00:10:47,380 --> 00:10:49,983 - I'm not well known in the Ninja world right now, 275 00:10:50,016 --> 00:10:51,718 but after tonight, I hope to be known 276 00:10:51,751 --> 00:10:53,953 as the one who slayed the Beast. 277 00:10:53,987 --> 00:10:56,022 * * 278 00:10:56,056 --> 00:10:57,624 [cheers and applause] 279 00:10:57,657 --> 00:10:59,426 - Of course, James McGrath, he's got 280 00:10:59,459 --> 00:11:01,628 all the experience on his side. 281 00:11:01,661 --> 00:11:04,364 He started competing 14 years ago. 282 00:11:04,397 --> 00:11:06,332 - Yes, let's go, James. Come on. 283 00:11:06,366 --> 00:11:08,368 - Well, that was fiancée, "Ninja" great Allyssa Beird, 284 00:11:08,401 --> 00:11:09,703 cheering for him back at home, 285 00:11:09,736 --> 00:11:10,970 - Come on, Evan! 286 00:11:11,071 --> 00:11:12,205 and the Red Bomb's got his family 287 00:11:12,238 --> 00:11:15,175 and mentor Joe Moravsky on the sideline. 288 00:11:15,208 --> 00:11:18,278 This is a test of old guard versus new guard. 289 00:11:18,311 --> 00:11:21,147 It's the Beast versus the Red Bomb. 290 00:11:21,181 --> 00:11:23,817 James, a track star, bounds out. 291 00:11:23,850 --> 00:11:24,984 - Oh, he's showing. 292 00:11:25,085 --> 00:11:26,486 He's showing the kid he got it. 293 00:11:26,519 --> 00:11:28,722 - He's going to put the pressure on the Red Bomb. 294 00:11:28,755 --> 00:11:32,092 McGrath's going to try to link moves on Spring Forward. 295 00:11:32,092 --> 00:11:33,727 Now, here comes Evan. 296 00:11:33,760 --> 00:11:35,095 - Evan is throwing himself into it. 297 00:11:35,095 --> 00:11:37,430 He's got to link them a little quicker. 298 00:11:38,665 --> 00:11:40,900 - Come on, you've got it. Go, go, go, come on. 299 00:11:40,934 --> 00:11:43,603 - McGrath starts Beehive first, 300 00:11:43,636 --> 00:11:45,105 almost a foot taller, 301 00:11:45,105 --> 00:11:47,774 but 60 pounds more mass, this is where 302 00:11:47,807 --> 00:11:49,376 Red Bomb could have the edge. 303 00:11:49,409 --> 00:11:51,177 - I'd tell the Red Bomb here, Evan, 304 00:11:51,211 --> 00:11:52,879 you've got to run your race, and you've got to move 305 00:11:52,912 --> 00:11:54,280 as fast as you can run. 306 00:11:54,314 --> 00:11:56,583 - The Beast, looking strong, trying to get 307 00:11:56,616 --> 00:11:58,518 to Vegas for the seventh time. 308 00:11:58,551 --> 00:12:00,253 - Go, go, go! 309 00:12:00,286 --> 00:12:02,756 - Evan's family telling him to turn it on. 310 00:12:02,789 --> 00:12:05,291 And here he comes, but you've got to be careful 311 00:12:05,325 --> 00:12:06,626 here on Hopscotch. 312 00:12:06,659 --> 00:12:08,328 None of these obstacles are easy, 313 00:12:08,361 --> 00:12:11,064 and this is where you really start to feel that fatigue. 314 00:12:11,064 --> 00:12:12,966 But Red Bomb is keeping it close, 315 00:12:13,066 --> 00:12:14,901 and believe me, McGrath is a rower. 316 00:12:14,934 --> 00:12:16,536 That kid is closing. 317 00:12:16,569 --> 00:12:18,104 - Yeah, you put a kid on Hopscotch, 318 00:12:18,138 --> 00:12:20,073 he might just go tip, tip, tap. 319 00:12:21,941 --> 00:12:26,413 - And McGrath, one move away, completing another obstacle. 320 00:12:26,446 --> 00:12:28,481 - It ain't over til it's over. 321 00:12:28,515 --> 00:12:30,417 When you've got ninja versus ninja here, 322 00:12:30,450 --> 00:12:31,618 it ain't ever over. 323 00:12:31,651 --> 00:12:33,853 - The Red Bomb a little twisted. 324 00:12:33,887 --> 00:12:35,889 - All right, here we go. Now, they're tied up. 325 00:12:35,922 --> 00:12:39,092 They're evened up. He's got to go. 326 00:12:39,125 --> 00:12:40,126 - There you go. 327 00:12:40,160 --> 00:12:41,795 Come on, you can do it, come on. 328 00:12:41,828 --> 00:12:44,197 - Now, Evan has got to lean into his youth. 329 00:12:44,230 --> 00:12:45,832 In your youth, you never get tired. 330 00:12:45,865 --> 00:12:48,601 You've got to go! - A little uneven for McGrath. 331 00:12:48,635 --> 00:12:51,438 He's got to watch it. - Evan is only 100 pounds. 332 00:12:51,471 --> 00:12:52,939 Come on, Red Bomb! 333 00:12:52,972 --> 00:12:55,275 This is where you've got to blow up the spot. 334 00:12:55,308 --> 00:12:59,012 - The veteran trying to outlast the teenager. 335 00:12:59,112 --> 00:13:02,282 McGrath staying alive slightly ahead... 336 00:13:02,315 --> 00:13:03,817 - Oh, my goodness, come on. 337 00:13:03,850 --> 00:13:05,618 - It looks like the Beast is responding. 338 00:13:05,652 --> 00:13:08,488 - Dig in deep, Evan, dig in deep! 339 00:13:08,521 --> 00:13:10,457 - It's going to be close. 340 00:13:10,490 --> 00:13:13,793 Can McGrath launch himself to the bar? 341 00:13:13,827 --> 00:13:15,395 Yes, he's got it. 342 00:13:15,428 --> 00:13:17,931 Red Bomb, refusing to quit. 343 00:13:17,964 --> 00:13:19,866 - Wow. 344 00:13:19,899 --> 00:13:22,068 - Now McGrath just needs to climb up the rope. 345 00:13:22,102 --> 00:13:26,940 The 36-year-old turns back the clock 346 00:13:26,973 --> 00:13:29,976 just as Bomengen goes down, 347 00:13:30,076 --> 00:13:32,178 but he pushed McGrath to the limit. 348 00:13:32,212 --> 00:13:34,514 - Whoo! 349 00:13:34,547 --> 00:13:36,316 - You're good, man. 350 00:13:36,349 --> 00:13:37,917 - And Bomengen could still move on 351 00:13:37,951 --> 00:13:40,820 if he's one of our two fasted non-finishers. 352 00:13:40,854 --> 00:13:42,088 - Hey, get over here, man. 353 00:13:42,122 --> 00:13:43,857 Get over here. 354 00:13:43,890 --> 00:13:46,259 - This is my first time back at Vegas Finals. 355 00:13:46,292 --> 00:13:47,594 This is insane. 356 00:13:47,627 --> 00:13:50,764 all: Beast is back! Beast is back! 357 00:13:50,797 --> 00:13:51,965 - You can hear the cheer. 358 00:13:51,998 --> 00:13:53,266 They're saying the beast is back. 359 00:13:53,299 --> 00:13:56,102 You're back, baby. - Heck yeah, let's go. 360 00:13:56,136 --> 00:13:58,438 - Whoo! 361 00:13:58,471 --> 00:14:00,407 * * 362 00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:02,742 - Whoo! 363 00:14:02,776 --> 00:14:05,779 - Speaking of Vegas, we're now just 364 00:14:05,812 --> 00:14:09,082 two weeks away from the start of our national finals. 365 00:14:09,115 --> 00:14:10,450 - All right, here we go. 366 00:14:10,483 --> 00:14:14,087 - And for the first time ever, we're adding 367 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:17,357 side by side racing on stage two. 368 00:14:17,390 --> 00:14:18,858 - Oh! - Whoa! 369 00:14:18,892 --> 00:14:22,062 And this year, someone's climbing stage four 370 00:14:22,062 --> 00:14:24,831 and taking home $1 million. 371 00:14:24,864 --> 00:14:27,767 - It's going to be an epic event. 372 00:14:27,801 --> 00:14:30,070 - But up next, two very different 373 00:14:30,070 --> 00:14:31,438 workout warriors. 374 00:14:31,471 --> 00:14:33,073 One puts in the miles. 375 00:14:33,106 --> 00:14:35,108 The other's got the muscles. 376 00:14:35,141 --> 00:14:36,743 - I'm really hoping that I beat you, 377 00:14:36,776 --> 00:14:37,944 but if I do, please don't hurt me. 378 00:14:37,977 --> 00:14:41,114 I'm small. - Plus, one's got a baby. 379 00:14:41,147 --> 00:14:44,884 The other's barely old enough to babysit. 380 00:14:44,918 --> 00:14:47,320 "Ninja" great Michelle Warnky Buurma 381 00:14:47,354 --> 00:14:50,090 and teenager Emily Gardiner square off 382 00:14:50,123 --> 00:14:53,293 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 383 00:14:58,398 --> 00:15:00,700 - Minutes ago, the first half of Ninja's new power couple 384 00:15:00,734 --> 00:15:02,669 hit the course 385 00:15:02,702 --> 00:15:06,639 as Massachusetts 17-year-old Noah Meunier stepped up 386 00:15:06,673 --> 00:15:08,842 with his girlfriend Addy Herman 387 00:15:08,875 --> 00:15:10,744 cheering from the sideline 388 00:15:10,777 --> 00:15:12,746 along with his dad. 389 00:15:12,779 --> 00:15:15,715 He was racing against 35-year-old Nate Tackett, 390 00:15:15,749 --> 00:15:19,719 who had his family watching back in Ohio. 391 00:15:19,753 --> 00:15:21,621 Tackett, a former football star, 392 00:15:21,654 --> 00:15:23,323 kept it close early. 393 00:15:23,356 --> 00:15:25,392 - All right, now he's got to Spring Forward. 394 00:15:25,425 --> 00:15:28,328 - But Meunier pulled away on Beehive. 395 00:15:28,361 --> 00:15:30,563 - Ooh, ooh, ooh! 396 00:15:30,597 --> 00:15:33,066 - Tackett's fall gave the win to Meunier, 397 00:15:33,066 --> 00:15:36,069 but the impressive teenager kept pushing. 398 00:15:36,069 --> 00:15:38,571 - Ooh, look at the way he's just flying across. 399 00:15:38,605 --> 00:15:39,973 - He made it to the buzzer 400 00:15:40,073 --> 00:15:42,108 with the fastest finish so far. 401 00:15:42,142 --> 00:15:45,178 He's now in line to run for the safety pass 402 00:15:45,211 --> 00:15:47,213 at the end of the night. 403 00:15:47,247 --> 00:15:49,582 - Let's go, buddy! 404 00:15:49,616 --> 00:15:51,551 - Now his girlfriend Addy Herman 405 00:15:51,584 --> 00:15:53,319 will take her shot at the course. 406 00:15:53,353 --> 00:15:54,954 The Massachusetts high-schooler 407 00:15:54,988 --> 00:15:57,724 will be racing California clothing designer 408 00:15:57,757 --> 00:15:59,259 Brittney Durant. 409 00:15:59,292 --> 00:16:01,261 Addy is our number one women's seed. 410 00:16:01,294 --> 00:16:04,397 She went further than any woman in Vegas last year, 411 00:16:04,431 --> 00:16:07,300 but she's never hit a buzzer, while Brittney Durant 412 00:16:07,334 --> 00:16:09,536 got her first buzzer last season, 413 00:16:09,569 --> 00:16:11,805 Though she comes in as a number eight seed, 414 00:16:11,838 --> 00:16:13,773 she could still be dangerous. 415 00:16:13,807 --> 00:16:16,076 Britney's going to have some of her Northern California 416 00:16:16,109 --> 00:16:18,078 training partners cheering her on 417 00:16:18,111 --> 00:16:20,647 while Addy's family, friends, and boyfriend Noah 418 00:16:20,680 --> 00:16:22,215 are on her sideline. 419 00:16:22,248 --> 00:16:24,217 - Let's go, Addy. - Come on, Addy. 420 00:16:24,250 --> 00:16:26,453 - Addy hoping to join Noah in Vegas 421 00:16:26,486 --> 00:16:28,355 and maybe get that first buzzer. 422 00:16:28,388 --> 00:16:30,557 [countdown clock beeping] 423 00:16:30,590 --> 00:16:32,359 - Both these women are capable of finishing. 424 00:16:32,392 --> 00:16:34,227 It's going to come down to who wants it the most. 425 00:16:34,260 --> 00:16:35,662 - They're showing out. 426 00:16:35,695 --> 00:16:37,230 Oh, both survived. 427 00:16:37,263 --> 00:16:39,432 Looked like a dead heat through the first one. 428 00:16:39,466 --> 00:16:40,967 - All right, Spring Forward is where 429 00:16:41,067 --> 00:16:42,869 you can really get ahead here if you 430 00:16:42,902 --> 00:16:45,372 can link the laches together. Nice. 431 00:16:47,107 --> 00:16:48,541 - Addy did it. 432 00:16:48,575 --> 00:16:50,210 Brittney taking an extra swing. 433 00:16:50,243 --> 00:16:52,078 - Ooh. 434 00:16:52,112 --> 00:16:54,614 - You don't want to be chasing Addy Herman. 435 00:16:54,647 --> 00:16:56,316 - Once you get into Chase mode, 436 00:16:56,349 --> 00:16:57,917 it's very easy to make a mistake. 437 00:16:57,951 --> 00:17:00,420 And you can see Addy has got great position. 438 00:17:00,453 --> 00:17:02,122 - She's just keeping the pressure on her, 439 00:17:02,155 --> 00:17:04,024 really building up power with the hips. 440 00:17:04,024 --> 00:17:05,358 - Yeah, let's go. - Come on, Addy, you got this. 441 00:17:05,392 --> 00:17:06,359 - Come on! 442 00:17:06,393 --> 00:17:07,927 - Addy pauses for a moment. 443 00:17:08,028 --> 00:17:09,696 And here comes Durant 444 00:17:09,729 --> 00:17:11,831 as they both get ready for Hopscotch. 445 00:17:14,034 --> 00:17:15,802 - Nice. 446 00:17:15,835 --> 00:17:17,804 - Addy Herman keeping the pressure 447 00:17:17,837 --> 00:17:19,305 on Brittney Durant. 448 00:17:19,339 --> 00:17:23,309 But Durant hanging tough, big man. 449 00:17:23,343 --> 00:17:25,712 - Brittney Durant is not giving up. 450 00:17:25,745 --> 00:17:27,881 She knows exactly what she wants to do, 451 00:17:27,914 --> 00:17:29,149 and that's get to Vegas. 452 00:17:29,182 --> 00:17:30,617 But if you want to get to Vegas, 453 00:17:30,650 --> 00:17:32,619 you got to get through this one here. 454 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:36,656 Oh! - Durant goes down! 455 00:17:36,690 --> 00:17:38,925 And Addy Herman gets the win. 456 00:17:38,958 --> 00:17:42,362 The 17-year-old going to Vegas. 457 00:17:42,395 --> 00:17:43,930 And now Addy can focus on getting 458 00:17:43,963 --> 00:17:45,632 that coveted first buzzer. 459 00:17:45,665 --> 00:17:46,766 - You got this, come on. - Finish that course. 460 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:48,735 Be efficient. - Get that buzzer, girl. 461 00:17:48,768 --> 00:17:50,537 - She'll need to get through Slingshot, 462 00:17:50,570 --> 00:17:53,707 which has taken down a lot of top ninjas tonight. 463 00:17:56,443 --> 00:18:00,013 Yeah, upper body test here, 5'4", 125. 464 00:18:00,013 --> 00:18:03,016 - Matt, remember, she's coming off a second place finish 465 00:18:03,016 --> 00:18:05,251 in our women's championship earlier this year. 466 00:18:05,285 --> 00:18:06,786 We know how good she is, 467 00:18:06,820 --> 00:18:08,722 but a buzzer would mean a lot. 468 00:18:10,623 --> 00:18:12,125 - Just a little more on the ascent here. 469 00:18:12,158 --> 00:18:13,126 - Oh. 470 00:18:13,159 --> 00:18:14,661 - On Slingshot. 471 00:18:14,694 --> 00:18:17,263 - Watch that right arm, starting to give a little bit. 472 00:18:17,297 --> 00:18:18,631 But that's all right. 473 00:18:18,665 --> 00:18:21,468 - A big drop here. - Come on, Addy. 474 00:18:21,501 --> 00:18:22,936 Get that buzzer. 475 00:18:23,036 --> 00:18:25,538 You're already going to the national finals. 476 00:18:25,572 --> 00:18:27,841 Get that buzzer, baby. - Get to the bar. 477 00:18:29,642 --> 00:18:31,211 Incredible! 478 00:18:31,244 --> 00:18:32,779 - I see you, Addy! 479 00:18:32,812 --> 00:18:35,648 - Can she get to the rope climb? 480 00:18:35,682 --> 00:18:38,351 Oh, does the grip have anything left? 481 00:18:38,385 --> 00:18:41,521 - Go for it, Addy, everything you got. 482 00:18:41,554 --> 00:18:43,890 - Fighting. - She's fighting for it. 483 00:18:43,923 --> 00:18:46,659 - Fingers giving out. 484 00:18:46,693 --> 00:18:49,095 - Oh, Matt, that buzzer is so close. 485 00:18:49,129 --> 00:18:50,530 She is not giving up. 486 00:18:50,563 --> 00:18:52,532 - But her fingers are slipping! 487 00:18:52,565 --> 00:18:54,534 Oh! - [laughs] 488 00:18:54,567 --> 00:18:56,603 - Her first buzzer eludes her, 489 00:18:56,636 --> 00:18:59,339 but she is going back to Vegas. 490 00:18:59,372 --> 00:19:00,807 - Great job, Addy! 491 00:19:02,609 --> 00:19:04,644 - Brittney Durant kept it close early, 492 00:19:04,678 --> 00:19:07,313 but when she went down, it became a battle 493 00:19:07,347 --> 00:19:09,115 for Addy to get that buzzer. 494 00:19:09,149 --> 00:19:11,017 She came so close, 495 00:19:11,051 --> 00:19:13,520 but her grip just gave out. 496 00:19:13,553 --> 00:19:17,290 - And she and her boyfriend are going to Vegas together. 497 00:19:19,025 --> 00:19:22,062 Our next two come from very different backgrounds. 498 00:19:22,095 --> 00:19:24,264 We've got California's Verdale Benson, 499 00:19:24,297 --> 00:19:26,633 an Army veteran and physician assistant, 500 00:19:26,666 --> 00:19:30,437 who's 42, going against Jonathan Godbout, 501 00:19:30,470 --> 00:19:33,106 who's 18 and a heavy metal drummer. 502 00:19:33,139 --> 00:19:37,377 But both these guys are fitness fanatics. 503 00:19:37,410 --> 00:19:39,412 Verdale is a bodybuilder 504 00:19:39,446 --> 00:19:41,948 who can deadlift over 500 pounds. 505 00:19:42,048 --> 00:19:43,450 [energetic rock music] 506 00:19:43,483 --> 00:19:45,819 Godbout is an endurance athlete who recently 507 00:19:45,852 --> 00:19:48,621 did a three-day stair climb equivalent to the height 508 00:19:48,655 --> 00:19:50,523 of Mount Everest. 509 00:19:50,557 --> 00:19:52,525 - Jonathan is absolutely a fitness freak. 510 00:19:52,559 --> 00:19:55,128 He created his own triathlon. Like, who does that? 511 00:19:55,161 --> 00:19:57,864 - Go get it. 112 starts now. 512 00:19:57,897 --> 00:20:00,200 Almost there, you got it. 513 00:20:00,233 --> 00:20:03,003 - He is such an incredible athlete. 514 00:20:03,036 --> 00:20:05,372 When I stand next to him, I am definitely 515 00:20:05,405 --> 00:20:07,340 a little bit intimidated by his size. 516 00:20:07,374 --> 00:20:09,142 * * 517 00:20:09,175 --> 00:20:11,978 - When he was born, I was a 24-year-old lieutenant 518 00:20:12,012 --> 00:20:13,880 leading soldiers in Afghanistan. 519 00:20:13,913 --> 00:20:15,749 So there's a little bit of an age gap there, 520 00:20:15,782 --> 00:20:17,250 but I'm looking forward to the challenge. 521 00:20:17,283 --> 00:20:19,386 * * 522 00:20:19,419 --> 00:20:21,654 - Verdale, I'm really hoping that I beat you, 523 00:20:21,688 --> 00:20:22,889 but if I do, please don't hurt me. 524 00:20:22,922 --> 00:20:23,957 I'm small. 525 00:20:26,292 --> 00:20:28,194 - Matt, this is an interesting match-up. 526 00:20:28,228 --> 00:20:29,863 I'm looking forward to this one. 527 00:20:29,896 --> 00:20:31,898 - Come on, Jonathan. Let's go! 528 00:20:31,931 --> 00:20:33,933 - Jonathan's got his family on his sideline. 529 00:20:33,967 --> 00:20:36,369 - Yay. Verdale Benson. 530 00:20:36,403 --> 00:20:38,071 - And Verdale's mom is watching from her home 531 00:20:38,104 --> 00:20:39,606 in South Carolina. 532 00:20:39,639 --> 00:20:42,409 Which of these fitness fanatics will prevail? 533 00:20:42,442 --> 00:20:44,310 - Verdale is over 200 pounds. 534 00:20:44,344 --> 00:20:46,846 That's going to be tough on these upper body obstacles. 535 00:20:46,880 --> 00:20:48,715 - Oh, excuse me, he's got more than muscles. 536 00:20:48,748 --> 00:20:50,183 He's got speed. 537 00:20:50,216 --> 00:20:52,052 Godbout's got to be a little surprised here. 538 00:20:52,085 --> 00:20:53,153 - Wow. 539 00:20:53,186 --> 00:20:54,821 - And look at those bars dip. 540 00:20:54,854 --> 00:20:56,790 - I did not see this one coming out of the big fella. 541 00:20:56,823 --> 00:20:58,692 What? Oh, my goodness. 542 00:20:58,725 --> 00:21:00,160 - Verdale in the lead. 543 00:21:00,193 --> 00:21:02,395 - Do not judge a book by its cover. 544 00:21:02,429 --> 00:21:04,831 The big fella, 205 pounds of muscle 545 00:21:04,864 --> 00:21:07,133 is keeping up with Godbout. - What a race! 546 00:21:07,167 --> 00:21:09,135 - He's in front of Godbout. - Come on. 547 00:21:09,169 --> 00:21:11,438 - Oh, this is about to get real. 548 00:21:11,471 --> 00:21:13,740 - This is why we love it. - Oh, my goodness. 549 00:21:13,773 --> 00:21:14,874 - Neck and neck. 550 00:21:14,908 --> 00:21:16,509 Too close to call. 551 00:21:16,543 --> 00:21:19,612 - I apologize to Verdale Benson. 552 00:21:19,646 --> 00:21:21,848 - He's our second oldest athlete tonight, 553 00:21:21,881 --> 00:21:24,784 24 years older than Godbout. 554 00:21:24,818 --> 00:21:26,252 - Oh, man. 555 00:21:26,286 --> 00:21:28,254 - Godbout picking up the pace here. 556 00:21:28,288 --> 00:21:30,623 - With a semifinal race, you never know. 557 00:21:30,657 --> 00:21:32,859 It ain't over till it's over. 558 00:21:32,892 --> 00:21:36,196 - And Godbout first off on hopscotch. 559 00:21:36,229 --> 00:21:37,263 No! - Oh! 560 00:21:37,297 --> 00:21:38,765 - Rats. 561 00:21:38,798 --> 00:21:41,468 - Verdale Benson's out on Hopscotch, 562 00:21:41,501 --> 00:21:43,203 so Godbout can celebrate. 563 00:21:43,236 --> 00:21:45,538 He's going to Vegas. 564 00:21:45,572 --> 00:21:47,707 Now he's gonna try and get a buzzer. 565 00:21:47,741 --> 00:21:49,676 But as we just saw with Addy Herman, 566 00:21:49,709 --> 00:21:53,179 Slingshot is a tough obstacle with tired arms. 567 00:21:53,213 --> 00:21:54,514 - Let's go, Jonathan. 568 00:21:54,547 --> 00:21:56,549 - Verdale Benson pushed Godbout, 569 00:21:56,583 --> 00:21:57,817 but it's tough to land 570 00:21:57,851 --> 00:21:59,819 on those small ledges on Hopscotch, 571 00:21:59,853 --> 00:22:02,188 and he just missed with his right hand. 572 00:22:02,222 --> 00:22:04,691 - Credit to Godbout though. He delivers. 573 00:22:04,724 --> 00:22:06,426 Now just needs to get the rope, 574 00:22:06,459 --> 00:22:09,896 and he'll pick up his second buzzer of the season. 575 00:22:12,332 --> 00:22:14,267 - Come on, get up there, young fella. 576 00:22:15,769 --> 00:22:18,405 - Godbout rocking out, 577 00:22:18,438 --> 00:22:22,242 gets that buzzer. [laughs] 578 00:22:22,275 --> 00:22:25,478 - Yes! Whoo! 579 00:22:25,512 --> 00:22:28,081 Yeah! 580 00:22:28,081 --> 00:22:31,084 [cheers and applause] 581 00:22:32,085 --> 00:22:35,789 - You're going back to Vegas. - Yeah! 582 00:22:35,822 --> 00:22:37,457 Let's go! 583 00:22:37,490 --> 00:22:39,492 - We've got "Ninja" veterans trying to keep 584 00:22:39,526 --> 00:22:41,995 their season alive when we come back. 585 00:22:46,332 --> 00:22:48,134 - One half of another one of our ninja power couples 586 00:22:48,168 --> 00:22:50,103 hit the course minutes ago. 587 00:22:50,136 --> 00:22:52,539 It was Rhode Island's 16-year-old 588 00:22:52,572 --> 00:22:54,507 Kevin Rodriguez, who is cheered on 589 00:22:54,541 --> 00:22:56,976 by his girlfriend ninja Emily Gardiner. 590 00:22:57,010 --> 00:22:58,578 - Let's go, Kev! 591 00:22:58,611 --> 00:23:00,947 - He was facing a 17-year-old from Virginia, 592 00:23:01,047 --> 00:23:03,950 Austin Baron, who had his family on the sidelines. 593 00:23:04,050 --> 00:23:05,719 - Come on, Austin! 594 00:23:05,752 --> 00:23:08,088 - Rodriguez got the jump at the start 595 00:23:08,121 --> 00:23:09,956 and was first onto Spring Forward, 596 00:23:10,056 --> 00:23:11,925 putting the pressure on Baron. 597 00:23:11,958 --> 00:23:13,059 - Ooh! 598 00:23:14,494 --> 00:23:17,864 - Baron's early fall meant an easy win for Rodriguez. 599 00:23:17,897 --> 00:23:19,766 - If you get out strong, it puts 600 00:23:19,799 --> 00:23:21,868 so much pressure on the person behind. 601 00:23:21,901 --> 00:23:24,304 [cheers and applause] 602 00:23:24,337 --> 00:23:26,706 - He was able to cruise the rest of the way, 603 00:23:26,740 --> 00:23:29,142 and the rookie got his second buzzer of the season. 604 00:23:29,175 --> 00:23:30,343 - Nice. 605 00:23:30,377 --> 00:23:32,278 Get that buzzer. 606 00:23:32,312 --> 00:23:35,081 - Let's go! 607 00:23:37,951 --> 00:23:39,619 - And now his girlfriend, Emily Gardiner, 608 00:23:39,652 --> 00:23:41,254 gets her chance. 609 00:23:41,287 --> 00:23:43,623 The high school student will be going against one 610 00:23:43,656 --> 00:23:47,160 of the all-time "Ninja" greats Michelle Warnky Buurma, 611 00:23:47,193 --> 00:23:50,563 who's returned to compete at 38 after the birth 612 00:23:50,597 --> 00:23:52,932 of her daughter Grace. 613 00:23:52,966 --> 00:23:56,970 - 16 years old, Emily Gardiner in the driver's seat. 614 00:23:57,003 --> 00:23:58,672 - It's been really exciting to see 615 00:23:58,705 --> 00:24:00,607 all the youth that are coming up. 616 00:24:00,640 --> 00:24:02,676 And there's a lot of young women powerhouses, 617 00:24:02,709 --> 00:24:04,044 and Emily's one of those. 618 00:24:04,077 --> 00:24:05,612 - Turn the key to the ignition. 619 00:24:05,645 --> 00:24:07,714 - There it is! Yes, She's done it! 620 00:24:07,747 --> 00:24:09,249 - What? 621 00:24:09,282 --> 00:24:11,418 - Michelle's Ninja career has just showed me 622 00:24:11,451 --> 00:24:13,086 how far women can go in this sport. 623 00:24:13,119 --> 00:24:17,157 - The queen, the queen, the second woman ever 624 00:24:17,190 --> 00:24:19,459 to hit a buzzer in semifinals. 625 00:24:19,492 --> 00:24:21,061 - I grew up watching her, 626 00:24:21,061 --> 00:24:23,730 and she was such an inspiration to me. 627 00:24:23,763 --> 00:24:25,498 - Going up against Emily, I'm excited. 628 00:24:25,532 --> 00:24:26,700 She's 16 years old. 629 00:24:26,733 --> 00:24:28,068 It works out perfectly. 630 00:24:28,068 --> 00:24:30,103 She could be a great age to babysit Grace. 631 00:24:30,136 --> 00:24:31,271 - [laughs] 632 00:24:33,606 --> 00:24:35,175 [cheers and applause] 633 00:24:35,208 --> 00:24:37,310 - Baby Grace of course will be watching 634 00:24:37,344 --> 00:24:39,612 along with the rest of Michelle's family. 635 00:24:39,646 --> 00:24:41,781 And Emily's parents are over there, too, 636 00:24:41,815 --> 00:24:43,850 her boyfriend Kevin just behind them. 637 00:24:43,883 --> 00:24:47,087 Michelle Warnky Buurma's been to Vegas six times. 638 00:24:47,087 --> 00:24:49,222 Can she get there again? 639 00:24:49,255 --> 00:24:51,858 [countdown clock beeping] 640 00:24:51,891 --> 00:24:54,094 - Michelle Warnky Buurma, more than twice the age. 641 00:24:54,127 --> 00:24:56,696 - And Buurma, an aggressive start. 642 00:24:56,730 --> 00:24:58,631 Look at that. 643 00:24:58,665 --> 00:25:01,201 Michelle came to play, big man. 644 00:25:01,234 --> 00:25:04,137 Buurma doesn't get to train as much since becoming a mom. 645 00:25:04,170 --> 00:25:06,439 She's relying on years of ninja knowledge, 646 00:25:06,473 --> 00:25:08,041 and it's working so far. 647 00:25:08,041 --> 00:25:09,943 - Now Emily's gotta catch up. 648 00:25:10,043 --> 00:25:11,177 - Look at Michelle. 649 00:25:11,211 --> 00:25:12,879 - All right, here we go. 650 00:25:12,912 --> 00:25:15,048 You gotta get on that Beehive real quick. 651 00:25:15,048 --> 00:25:17,450 - Remember, it's not who starts the obstacle first, 652 00:25:17,484 --> 00:25:19,753 it's who finishes the previous one. 653 00:25:19,786 --> 00:25:21,388 - Nice. 654 00:25:21,421 --> 00:25:22,555 - And Gardiner moves slightly ahead 655 00:25:22,589 --> 00:25:24,124 for the first time. 656 00:25:24,157 --> 00:25:26,126 Gardiner's first season on "Ninja Warrior," 657 00:25:26,159 --> 00:25:27,694 and she's handling the pressure. 658 00:25:27,727 --> 00:25:31,798 Warnky Buurma started competing 10 years ago. 659 00:25:31,831 --> 00:25:33,933 These two are neck and neck. 660 00:25:33,967 --> 00:25:35,935 And Gardiner gets off first. 661 00:25:35,969 --> 00:25:37,837 That is big. 662 00:25:37,871 --> 00:25:40,206 She is putting the pressure back on Warnky Buurma. 663 00:25:41,675 --> 00:25:43,410 Gardner up onto Hopscotch. 664 00:25:43,443 --> 00:25:45,245 - Gotta hustle. Let's go. 665 00:25:45,278 --> 00:25:47,614 - And Gardner continues to keep the pressure 666 00:25:47,647 --> 00:25:49,849 on the legend Warnky Buurma. - Oh! 667 00:25:49,883 --> 00:25:53,520 - And Michelle goes down, and Emily has done it. 668 00:25:53,553 --> 00:25:55,288 - She was first off beehive. 669 00:25:55,321 --> 00:25:58,124 So she gets the win even if she doesn't finish. 670 00:25:58,158 --> 00:26:00,527 - Oh. 671 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:02,328 - Well, she also falls on Hopscotch, 672 00:26:02,362 --> 00:26:03,897 but it doesn't matter. 673 00:26:03,930 --> 00:26:05,432 She's moving on. 674 00:26:05,465 --> 00:26:08,435 [cheers and applause] 675 00:26:08,468 --> 00:26:10,537 - They came out fast 676 00:26:10,570 --> 00:26:12,405 and may have been gassed at Hopscotch. 677 00:26:12,439 --> 00:26:14,140 Michelle missed, 678 00:26:14,174 --> 00:26:16,710 and Emily was right behind her. 679 00:26:16,743 --> 00:26:19,746 But the rookie wins this battle. 680 00:26:19,779 --> 00:26:21,514 - We will see you at the national finals 681 00:26:21,548 --> 00:26:22,615 in Las Vegas. 682 00:26:22,649 --> 00:26:24,384 Congratulations, girl, you did it. 683 00:26:24,417 --> 00:26:26,286 Let's get your family in here. Bring them in. 684 00:26:26,319 --> 00:26:27,287 Bring them in. 685 00:26:27,320 --> 00:26:28,955 There we go. 686 00:26:29,055 --> 00:26:30,724 Matt, Akbar, back to you. 687 00:26:32,792 --> 00:26:35,462 - Well, this crowd's fired up for our next race. 688 00:26:35,495 --> 00:26:38,064 Headed to the start line is the Phoenix, 689 00:26:38,064 --> 00:26:40,367 Philadelphia's Najee Richardson. 690 00:26:40,400 --> 00:26:42,669 He'll be going against New Jersey high school student 691 00:26:42,702 --> 00:26:44,537 Mazeiah Andrade. 692 00:26:44,571 --> 00:26:47,173 These two have become friends this season. 693 00:26:47,207 --> 00:26:49,409 - Oh, playing a little rock paper scissors. 694 00:26:49,442 --> 00:26:51,978 - And look at the smile on Mazeiah's face. 695 00:26:52,078 --> 00:26:55,982 So happy to be a part of this after his journey to get here. 696 00:26:56,082 --> 00:26:58,985 Mazeiah was born over four months premature 697 00:26:59,085 --> 00:27:01,621 and weighed only one pound at birth. 698 00:27:01,654 --> 00:27:03,256 After struggling for years with physical 699 00:27:03,289 --> 00:27:06,159 and verbal challenges, he found Ninja 700 00:27:06,192 --> 00:27:09,896 and has developed into one of the sport's rising stars. 701 00:27:09,929 --> 00:27:12,499 - Having to come from being one pound 702 00:27:12,532 --> 00:27:15,268 to constantly having to build myself up. 703 00:27:15,301 --> 00:27:17,370 I faced a few obstacles, but nothing's 704 00:27:17,404 --> 00:27:19,239 going to take me down. 705 00:27:19,272 --> 00:27:21,741 - Mazeiah has been a fighter literally from the moment 706 00:27:21,775 --> 00:27:23,043 he entered this world. 707 00:27:23,043 --> 00:27:24,744 He has that story that just inspires. 708 00:27:26,246 --> 00:27:28,048 - Oh! - Oh! 709 00:27:28,081 --> 00:27:31,551 The Phoenix can fly! 710 00:27:31,584 --> 00:27:33,820 - Mazeiah, you're an amazing kid, 711 00:27:33,853 --> 00:27:36,222 but the Phoenix still knows how to fly. 712 00:27:40,727 --> 00:27:43,063 - Najee's contemplating retiring from Ninja, 713 00:27:43,096 --> 00:27:46,866 so if he doesn't advance, this could be his last run. 714 00:27:46,900 --> 00:27:48,968 His wife McKenzie is watching back in Philly 715 00:27:49,069 --> 00:27:50,770 along with his parents. 716 00:27:50,804 --> 00:27:52,672 And Mazeiah's family is here on the sidelines. 717 00:27:52,706 --> 00:27:55,475 [cheers and applause] 718 00:27:55,508 --> 00:27:57,444 - Dude, have some fun, man. - All right. 719 00:27:57,477 --> 00:27:58,645 - Have a good time, dude. 720 00:27:58,678 --> 00:28:00,647 You got this. - That's pretty cool. 721 00:28:00,680 --> 00:28:02,215 This could be his final run, 722 00:28:02,248 --> 00:28:05,185 and he takes time to give advice to the young kid. 723 00:28:05,218 --> 00:28:07,854 - Najee's been one of the greats for so long. 724 00:28:07,887 --> 00:28:08,855 Hopefully this won't be it for him. 725 00:28:08,888 --> 00:28:10,056 - Ooh. 726 00:28:10,090 --> 00:28:11,691 - A little stumble there, Najee. 727 00:28:11,725 --> 00:28:14,794 - Oh, and that might just be what Mazeiah needs to get in. 728 00:28:14,828 --> 00:28:16,129 And now they're tied up. 729 00:28:16,162 --> 00:28:17,464 - How about this? 730 00:28:17,497 --> 00:28:20,033 Mazeiah matching the Phoenix. 731 00:28:20,033 --> 00:28:21,468 - Well, the Phoenix is flying, 732 00:28:21,501 --> 00:28:24,537 and we know that's exactly what he likes to do. 733 00:28:24,571 --> 00:28:26,539 Well, Mazeiah's not intimidated. 734 00:28:26,573 --> 00:28:27,841 - He's just incredible. 735 00:28:27,874 --> 00:28:29,642 Mazeiah born prematurely, had problems 736 00:28:29,676 --> 00:28:31,044 with his motor skills, 737 00:28:31,077 --> 00:28:33,546 but he's hanging close with the Phoenix. 738 00:28:33,580 --> 00:28:36,716 The Phoenix starting to spread his wings here on Hopscotch, 739 00:28:36,750 --> 00:28:38,651 but here comes Mazeiah. 740 00:28:38,685 --> 00:28:40,854 - Matt, you never can count the young fellow out. 741 00:28:40,887 --> 00:28:42,389 Anything could happen, 742 00:28:42,422 --> 00:28:44,758 but this is where Najee Richardson thrives. 743 00:28:44,791 --> 00:28:47,460 He loves the aerial moves. 744 00:28:49,229 --> 00:28:52,599 - He can show five world records to prove it. 745 00:28:52,632 --> 00:28:54,267 - No! 746 00:28:54,300 --> 00:28:57,904 - And with Mazeiah's fall, Najee gets the win. 747 00:28:57,937 --> 00:29:00,140 He's going back to Vegas. 748 00:29:00,173 --> 00:29:01,541 Now the Phoenix can relax 749 00:29:01,574 --> 00:29:04,210 and go for the 13th buzzer of his career. 750 00:29:04,244 --> 00:29:06,813 - And at least we know we'll see more of Najee. 751 00:29:06,846 --> 00:29:10,917 He's not ready to say goodbye. Whoa! 752 00:29:12,619 --> 00:29:15,321 - Najee goes down, but the Phoenix 753 00:29:15,355 --> 00:29:17,857 will rise again in Las Vegas. 754 00:29:17,891 --> 00:29:20,427 - Good job, baby. Good job. 755 00:29:20,460 --> 00:29:23,496 [cheers and applause] 756 00:29:25,532 --> 00:29:28,101 - Going back to Vegas. It's been a while. 757 00:29:28,134 --> 00:29:30,804 Huh. Should be fun. 758 00:29:30,837 --> 00:29:33,406 - Up next, they're good friends, 759 00:29:33,440 --> 00:29:35,642 but one of them is going home. 760 00:29:35,675 --> 00:29:38,445 It's the battle of the Jersey Girlz 761 00:29:38,478 --> 00:29:41,514 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 762 00:29:46,486 --> 00:29:47,687 - Our semi-final races roll on 763 00:29:47,721 --> 00:29:49,656 here at Universal Studios. 764 00:29:49,689 --> 00:29:52,625 Moments ago, college student Jay 'Lache' Lewis, 765 00:29:52,659 --> 00:29:55,295 who made it to stage four last season, 766 00:29:55,328 --> 00:29:57,330 faced off against animal rescue worker 767 00:29:57,364 --> 00:30:00,667 Alex Goodwin, who got off to a wild start. 768 00:30:00,700 --> 00:30:01,935 - Ooh! 769 00:30:01,968 --> 00:30:03,636 Damn, he sprinted out like a tiger. 770 00:30:03,670 --> 00:30:06,039 - But Jay 'Lache' lived up to his nickname 771 00:30:06,072 --> 00:30:08,341 and came roaring back in the air. 772 00:30:08,375 --> 00:30:10,143 - He is the lache king. 773 00:30:10,176 --> 00:30:11,911 - Goodwin stayed within striking distance 774 00:30:11,945 --> 00:30:13,980 through the Beehive, but he fell behind 775 00:30:14,014 --> 00:30:15,949 on Hopscotch and then... 776 00:30:15,982 --> 00:30:17,384 - Ooh. 777 00:30:17,417 --> 00:30:18,585 - Just fell, 778 00:30:18,618 --> 00:30:21,187 and Jay 'Lache' was able to keep flying. 779 00:30:21,221 --> 00:30:23,590 He posted the second fastest time of the night, 780 00:30:23,623 --> 00:30:26,593 putting him in line to run for the safety pass. 781 00:30:26,626 --> 00:30:30,263 - It was an aerial assault by Jay 'Lache' Louis. 782 00:30:30,296 --> 00:30:31,631 - Then it was another athlete 783 00:30:31,664 --> 00:30:33,867 who climbed stage four last year, 784 00:30:33,900 --> 00:30:36,202 New Jersey's Josiah Pippel. 785 00:30:36,236 --> 00:30:37,771 He squared off against "Ninja" great 786 00:30:37,804 --> 00:30:40,573 Jamie Rahn, Captain NBC, 787 00:30:40,607 --> 00:30:44,110 who had his green haired fans going crazy. 788 00:30:44,144 --> 00:30:45,545 The superhero came out flying 789 00:30:45,578 --> 00:30:47,247 against the much younger Pippel. 790 00:30:47,280 --> 00:30:48,548 They were neck and neck 791 00:30:48,581 --> 00:30:49,916 going into the third obstacle... 792 00:30:49,949 --> 00:30:52,419 - Oh, my goodness. Hold on to your seat. 793 00:30:52,452 --> 00:30:54,888 - Until Rahn splashed down. - Oh! 794 00:30:54,921 --> 00:30:56,790 That gave the win to Pippel 795 00:30:56,823 --> 00:30:59,025 who kept his foot on the accelerator. 796 00:30:59,059 --> 00:31:01,428 - Get up high on that rope. Ooh. 797 00:31:01,461 --> 00:31:04,097 - He came through with the fastest time of the night, 798 00:31:04,130 --> 00:31:06,966 pushing Jay 'Lache' out of the top two. 799 00:31:07,067 --> 00:31:09,402 So right now it would be Pippel 800 00:31:09,436 --> 00:31:11,438 racing Noah Meunier at the end of the night 801 00:31:11,471 --> 00:31:12,872 for the safety pass, 802 00:31:12,906 --> 00:31:14,574 which gives them a second chance 803 00:31:14,607 --> 00:31:16,876 if they fall at the national finals. 804 00:31:16,910 --> 00:31:18,278 - And that's huge. 805 00:31:18,311 --> 00:31:19,479 A safety pass can be 806 00:31:19,512 --> 00:31:22,716 a million dollar difference in Vegas. 807 00:31:22,749 --> 00:31:24,651 - Guys, they're known as the Jersey Girlz, 808 00:31:24,684 --> 00:31:28,488 but tonight good friends Abby Clark and Rachel Degutz 809 00:31:28,521 --> 00:31:30,323 will have to put friendship aside 810 00:31:30,357 --> 00:31:32,425 and race each other to the buzzer. 811 00:31:32,459 --> 00:31:34,094 Rachel is a middle school teacher, 812 00:31:34,127 --> 00:31:36,096 and Abby is a gym owner. 813 00:31:36,096 --> 00:31:38,231 These two have been training together for years, 814 00:31:38,264 --> 00:31:40,700 but only one is going to keep their season alive 815 00:31:40,734 --> 00:31:43,303 and move on to the national finals. 816 00:31:43,336 --> 00:31:44,838 - Let's go. - Whoo! 817 00:31:44,871 --> 00:31:46,106 - Time to work out. 818 00:31:47,507 --> 00:31:50,210 - It's great to represent New Jersey. 819 00:31:50,243 --> 00:31:52,812 Jersey girls are super gritty. 820 00:31:52,846 --> 00:31:55,215 We work hard and play hard. 821 00:31:55,248 --> 00:31:56,649 We like to have fun. 822 00:31:56,683 --> 00:31:58,952 [both cheering] 823 00:31:58,985 --> 00:32:01,688 - I'm expecting it be a really close race. 824 00:32:01,721 --> 00:32:05,058 - Tell them what you want. Nice. 825 00:32:05,058 --> 00:32:06,259 - We train together, 826 00:32:06,292 --> 00:32:08,061 so we know each other really well, 827 00:32:08,061 --> 00:32:10,130 but only one of us is going to be moving on to Vegas 828 00:32:10,163 --> 00:32:13,433 no matter how badly we both want to be there. 829 00:32:13,466 --> 00:32:16,636 It's going to be a bittersweet night for both of us. 830 00:32:16,670 --> 00:32:18,138 - We'll just hit the buzzer at the same time 831 00:32:18,171 --> 00:32:19,839 so you have to take both of us. 832 00:32:19,873 --> 00:32:21,341 [upbeat music] 833 00:32:21,374 --> 00:32:22,909 [cheers and applause] 834 00:32:22,942 --> 00:32:25,478 - Matt, I have no idea who's going to win this one. 835 00:32:25,512 --> 00:32:27,414 This is too close to call. 836 00:32:27,447 --> 00:32:30,150 Abby was in the final four for the women's championship, 837 00:32:30,183 --> 00:32:33,153 and Rachel has been in Vegas the past two years. 838 00:32:33,186 --> 00:32:34,821 [cheers and applause] 839 00:32:34,854 --> 00:32:37,524 - Many of the northeast ninjas watching this one, 840 00:32:37,557 --> 00:32:39,192 including Abby's boyfriend Joe. 841 00:32:39,225 --> 00:32:40,927 - Come on! - Let's go! 842 00:32:40,960 --> 00:32:42,262 - Whoo! 843 00:32:42,295 --> 00:32:44,397 - And that's Degutz's signature scream. 844 00:32:44,431 --> 00:32:46,132 Does it before every run. 845 00:32:46,166 --> 00:32:48,134 - Ooh, they about to go full send. 846 00:32:48,168 --> 00:32:51,004 Two good friends, one's about to send the other home. 847 00:32:51,104 --> 00:32:52,939 [countdown clock beeping] 848 00:32:52,972 --> 00:32:54,174 Whew! - Wow. 849 00:32:54,207 --> 00:32:56,343 - Nice. - Bounding out. 850 00:32:56,376 --> 00:32:58,011 - OK, we're going to have us a good race. 851 00:32:58,111 --> 00:33:00,046 This one's going to be so close. 852 00:33:01,314 --> 00:33:04,050 Both these athletes 5'3", but they're coming up big. 853 00:33:04,050 --> 00:33:05,552 - Ooh. - Look at Degutz. 854 00:33:05,585 --> 00:33:09,055 - Rachel Degutz just throwing her body into the air. 855 00:33:09,055 --> 00:33:10,557 - Well, she is selling out. 856 00:33:10,590 --> 00:33:12,759 - With no regards for personal safety. 857 00:33:12,792 --> 00:33:15,662 - You saw Abby Clark almost stumbled on the launch 858 00:33:15,695 --> 00:33:16,896 to the Beehive. 859 00:33:16,930 --> 00:33:19,232 - Rachel Degutz is holding nothing back. 860 00:33:19,265 --> 00:33:20,900 She wants it. 861 00:33:20,934 --> 00:33:22,602 - Powering through. 862 00:33:22,635 --> 00:33:24,270 - Beyoncé doesn't even have control 863 00:33:24,304 --> 00:33:25,705 over the Beehive like that. 864 00:33:25,739 --> 00:33:27,741 - Abby Clark is hanging in there, 865 00:33:27,774 --> 00:33:30,076 but she's going to have to make up some ground. 866 00:33:30,076 --> 00:33:32,645 - Well, now it's going to be up to Rachel Degutz 867 00:33:32,679 --> 00:33:36,216 to maintain because it's very easy to get gassed out 868 00:33:36,249 --> 00:33:38,885 as you go longer and longer on this course. 869 00:33:38,918 --> 00:33:40,520 - And here comes Abby Clark. 870 00:33:40,553 --> 00:33:43,790 Uh-oh, that speed catches up to you. 871 00:33:47,093 --> 00:33:48,862 - Oh. 872 00:33:48,895 --> 00:33:52,232 - Abby Clark is down, and Degutz delivers. 873 00:33:52,265 --> 00:33:53,500 She gets the win. 874 00:33:53,533 --> 00:33:56,302 [cheers and applause] 875 00:33:56,336 --> 00:33:58,371 Got to be a little bittersweet. 876 00:33:58,405 --> 00:34:00,840 She eliminated her friend Abby Clark. 877 00:34:00,874 --> 00:34:03,109 Degutz has never hit a buzzer though. 878 00:34:03,143 --> 00:34:06,379 She's going to keep going and try to get one tonight. 879 00:34:06,413 --> 00:34:08,848 But Slingshot is a big ask. 880 00:34:08,882 --> 00:34:10,750 - Matt, she wants her first buzzer. 881 00:34:10,784 --> 00:34:12,185 She's already won the race, 882 00:34:12,218 --> 00:34:15,188 but there's nothing more gratifying to know 883 00:34:15,221 --> 00:34:17,057 you hit that buzzer and you got your sparks. 884 00:34:17,057 --> 00:34:19,059 - Ooh. - Come on. 885 00:34:19,059 --> 00:34:20,927 - Let's go! 886 00:34:20,960 --> 00:34:22,696 - Her friends screaming for her. 887 00:34:22,729 --> 00:34:25,365 They know just how much this would mean to her. 888 00:34:25,398 --> 00:34:27,834 - Oh, she is fighting for it. - Yes! 889 00:34:27,867 --> 00:34:30,103 She can see it. - Degutz senses it. 890 00:34:30,136 --> 00:34:31,871 - She can see it. She's looking at it. 891 00:34:31,905 --> 00:34:33,173 She wants it. 892 00:34:33,206 --> 00:34:34,607 She's not even looking at the pole 893 00:34:34,641 --> 00:34:36,676 that she's grabbing onto. - Her third season. 894 00:34:36,710 --> 00:34:38,278 Can she get there? 895 00:34:38,311 --> 00:34:42,415 Yes, Rachel Degutz climbing 896 00:34:42,449 --> 00:34:46,086 to her first ever buzzer. 897 00:34:46,086 --> 00:34:49,789 What a moment for this Jersey girl. 898 00:34:49,823 --> 00:34:53,360 [buzzer blares] 899 00:34:53,393 --> 00:34:55,862 - She's got tears in her eyes. 900 00:34:55,895 --> 00:34:58,665 We've got tears on the sidelines. 901 00:34:58,698 --> 00:35:00,600 - Abby Clark cheering, too, 902 00:35:00,633 --> 00:35:02,168 even though her season is over. 903 00:35:02,202 --> 00:35:04,938 - There you go! - Whoo! 904 00:35:05,038 --> 00:35:06,706 - Let it out. Let it out. 905 00:35:06,740 --> 00:35:08,041 Let it out. 906 00:35:08,041 --> 00:35:10,043 [cheers and applause] 907 00:35:10,076 --> 00:35:11,945 It's your first buzzer. - Yeah. 908 00:35:12,045 --> 00:35:14,647 - I love it! You enjoy it! 909 00:35:16,649 --> 00:35:18,184 You're going back to Vegas! 910 00:35:18,218 --> 00:35:21,287 - Whoo! 911 00:35:22,956 --> 00:35:25,225 - And we've got another fun matchup coming up. 912 00:35:25,258 --> 00:35:27,160 Joe Moravsky is going to race the kid 913 00:35:27,193 --> 00:35:30,296 who asked for his autograph just a few years ago. 914 00:35:30,330 --> 00:35:33,333 We'll see them next on "American Ninja Warrior." 915 00:35:39,105 --> 00:35:41,074 - Minutes ago, the 45-year-old godfather 916 00:35:41,107 --> 00:35:43,510 David Campbell took on the 18-year-old 917 00:35:43,543 --> 00:35:45,512 from Montana Evan Andrews. 918 00:35:45,545 --> 00:35:46,980 - Evan Andrews grew up 919 00:35:47,080 --> 00:35:50,250 watching David Campbell for so many years. 920 00:35:50,283 --> 00:35:52,385 - Campbell competed on the first season 921 00:35:52,419 --> 00:35:54,187 of "Ninja Warrior" when Andrews 922 00:35:54,220 --> 00:35:55,855 was four years old, 923 00:35:55,889 --> 00:35:57,824 and he kept it close early. 924 00:35:57,857 --> 00:36:00,393 - Evan Andrews pulling away now. 925 00:36:00,427 --> 00:36:02,028 - But the recent high school grad 926 00:36:02,062 --> 00:36:03,430 hit the buzzer first, 927 00:36:03,463 --> 00:36:06,533 earning his second consecutive trip to Vegas. 928 00:36:06,566 --> 00:36:08,868 The godfather also finished, 929 00:36:08,902 --> 00:36:11,071 and as the top non-winner, 930 00:36:11,104 --> 00:36:14,274 he too earned a spot in the national finals. 931 00:36:16,543 --> 00:36:20,046 Well, up next it's one of the greatest ninjas of all time, 932 00:36:20,046 --> 00:36:22,882 the Weatherman Joe Moravsky. 933 00:36:22,916 --> 00:36:25,051 He's got more buzzers than anyone. 934 00:36:25,051 --> 00:36:27,253 He'll be going against high school student 935 00:36:27,287 --> 00:36:30,090 Noah Jones, who's hoping to beat a legend 936 00:36:30,123 --> 00:36:32,559 in his first ever race. 937 00:36:32,592 --> 00:36:34,928 [upbeat music] 938 00:36:34,961 --> 00:36:37,831 Joe has been competing since season five 939 00:36:37,864 --> 00:36:41,234 when Noah was only seven years old. 940 00:36:41,267 --> 00:36:44,137 - Noah Jones is just a kid. 941 00:36:44,170 --> 00:36:45,205 The last time I saw him, 942 00:36:45,238 --> 00:36:48,241 I think was in Vegas years ago. 943 00:36:48,274 --> 00:36:50,877 - I still have Joe's autograph 944 00:36:50,910 --> 00:36:52,746 on a "Ninja Warrior" bag. 945 00:36:52,779 --> 00:36:54,414 * * 946 00:36:54,447 --> 00:36:56,783 - I mean, this was season 11. He was 13 years old. 947 00:36:56,816 --> 00:36:58,118 It blows me away. 948 00:36:58,151 --> 00:37:00,020 And now I have to race this guy on the course. 949 00:37:00,053 --> 00:37:02,222 * * 950 00:37:02,255 --> 00:37:04,691 - Pretty crazy to me to think that I'm going to be competing 951 00:37:04,724 --> 00:37:06,159 side by side with him. 952 00:37:07,527 --> 00:37:08,895 - Anybody can be that dark horse. 953 00:37:08,928 --> 00:37:10,597 He can be that guy that comes out of nowhere. 954 00:37:10,630 --> 00:37:12,699 So I'm not holding back on this kid. 955 00:37:12,732 --> 00:37:15,301 I'm giving it my all right from the start. 956 00:37:15,335 --> 00:37:17,470 - Hopefully tonight I do so well 957 00:37:17,504 --> 00:37:18,638 that he wants my autograph. 958 00:37:18,672 --> 00:37:21,174 * * 959 00:37:21,207 --> 00:37:23,176 [cheers and applause] 960 00:37:23,209 --> 00:37:26,946 - Noah will have family and friends on the sideline. 961 00:37:27,047 --> 00:37:30,216 And Joe's wife, Stephanie and other family watching 962 00:37:30,250 --> 00:37:32,252 from back in Connecticut. 963 00:37:32,285 --> 00:37:35,321 - You know Joe doesn't want to just get to Vegas, 964 00:37:35,355 --> 00:37:36,723 He's going to be going fast 965 00:37:36,756 --> 00:37:39,059 so he can race for the safety pass. 966 00:37:39,059 --> 00:37:41,394 [countdown clock beeping] 967 00:37:41,428 --> 00:37:43,630 Oh, let's see, Joe. They watching. 968 00:37:43,663 --> 00:37:45,098 - Oh, boy. 969 00:37:45,131 --> 00:37:47,467 Moravsky firmly foot on the accelerator. 970 00:37:47,500 --> 00:37:49,636 - OK, Joe Moravsky! - Linking. 971 00:37:49,669 --> 00:37:52,072 Joe is flying. 972 00:37:53,940 --> 00:37:56,276 Noah Jones, a high schooler trying 973 00:37:56,309 --> 00:37:58,912 to keep up with the legend. 974 00:37:58,945 --> 00:38:03,650 - And he goes down, which means Joe has won. 975 00:38:03,683 --> 00:38:05,251 He can sell out, Akbar. 976 00:38:05,285 --> 00:38:07,520 The only point he has right now 977 00:38:07,554 --> 00:38:08,855 is going for that safety pass. 978 00:38:08,888 --> 00:38:10,623 - Ooh! - What a save. 979 00:38:10,657 --> 00:38:13,159 - That is a hell of a save there on Hopscotch. 980 00:38:13,193 --> 00:38:15,628 - He's smiling. He knows that was a close one. 981 00:38:15,662 --> 00:38:18,598 - He's handling the high pressure front here. 982 00:38:18,631 --> 00:38:20,433 - Oh, you see his shirt. It says, "Do it." 983 00:38:20,467 --> 00:38:21,835 He's doing it. 984 00:38:21,868 --> 00:38:23,236 - Blowing through this course 985 00:38:23,269 --> 00:38:24,871 like a category five hurricane. 986 00:38:24,904 --> 00:38:27,841 - Josiah Pippel's got the fastest time so far. 987 00:38:27,874 --> 00:38:29,476 Joe's got a shot at it. 988 00:38:29,509 --> 00:38:31,111 Oh, no! 989 00:38:31,144 --> 00:38:32,746 - Oh. 990 00:38:32,779 --> 00:38:35,382 - The Slingshot slays the giant. 991 00:38:37,217 --> 00:38:38,651 - Let's see this again. 992 00:38:38,685 --> 00:38:41,154 Noah Jones jumped to the wrong side of the Beehive. 993 00:38:41,187 --> 00:38:43,656 Ain't no handles over there. 994 00:38:43,690 --> 00:38:46,393 That gave Joe the win, and he made a great 995 00:38:46,426 --> 00:38:48,261 one-handed save on Hopscotch, 996 00:38:48,294 --> 00:38:50,263 but he was going for speed, 997 00:38:50,296 --> 00:38:52,632 and he just lost the handle on Slingshot. 998 00:38:52,665 --> 00:38:55,602 [dramatic music] 999 00:38:55,635 --> 00:38:57,837 - Doesn't get the safety pass, 1000 00:38:57,871 --> 00:39:00,006 but we'll see Joe in Vegas. 1001 00:39:00,040 --> 00:39:01,408 - So much fun, so much fun. 1002 00:39:01,441 --> 00:39:03,109 I love it. Great format. 1003 00:39:03,143 --> 00:39:04,544 Whew! 1004 00:39:04,577 --> 00:39:06,813 - So Josiah Pippel and Noah Meunier 1005 00:39:06,846 --> 00:39:08,782 end up with the fastest times. 1006 00:39:08,815 --> 00:39:11,685 They're going to race for the safety pass. 1007 00:39:11,718 --> 00:39:13,286 All of tonight's winners now advance 1008 00:39:13,319 --> 00:39:15,355 to the national finals, 1009 00:39:15,388 --> 00:39:17,691 which start in Vegas in two weeks. 1010 00:39:17,724 --> 00:39:20,493 Our two fastest non-winners will be joining them. 1011 00:39:20,527 --> 00:39:24,130 That's David Campbell and Ramcis Valdez. 1012 00:39:24,164 --> 00:39:26,099 The four women moving on are led 1013 00:39:26,132 --> 00:39:28,868 by Jersey girl Rachel Degutz. 1014 00:39:28,902 --> 00:39:31,304 So now it's one final race. 1015 00:39:31,338 --> 00:39:33,707 The winner gets a safety pass, 1016 00:39:33,740 --> 00:39:36,242 a second chance if they fall in Vegas. 1017 00:39:36,276 --> 00:39:38,511 We've switched up the course to challenge 1018 00:39:38,545 --> 00:39:40,647 the two who went the fastest. 1019 00:39:40,680 --> 00:39:43,650 Last's week safety pass race was an epic battle 1020 00:39:43,683 --> 00:39:47,053 between teenagers as Kaden Lebsack outsprinted 1021 00:39:47,053 --> 00:39:49,422 Kai Beckstrand to the buzzer. 1022 00:39:49,456 --> 00:39:51,891 And now we've got another teenage battle. 1023 00:39:51,925 --> 00:39:55,362 17-year-old Josiah Pippel squaring off 1024 00:39:55,395 --> 00:39:58,631 against 17-year-old Noah Meunier. 1025 00:39:58,665 --> 00:40:00,700 These guys finished only seconds apart 1026 00:40:00,734 --> 00:40:02,235 in their races tonight, 1027 00:40:02,268 --> 00:40:04,070 but Josiah was the quicker one. 1028 00:40:04,104 --> 00:40:06,439 He made it all the way to stage four 1029 00:40:06,473 --> 00:40:09,109 last year while Noah has hit two buzzers 1030 00:40:09,142 --> 00:40:11,544 so far in his rookie season. 1031 00:40:11,578 --> 00:40:14,581 Noah's dad and girlfriend are on the sideline. 1032 00:40:14,614 --> 00:40:17,183 And Josiah's dad leading the cheers for him. 1033 00:40:17,217 --> 00:40:19,219 - A safety pass can help you 1034 00:40:19,252 --> 00:40:21,021 win a million dollars in Vegas. 1035 00:40:21,054 --> 00:40:22,989 Both these guys want it. 1036 00:40:23,023 --> 00:40:25,125 - Let's go, boys! 1037 00:40:25,158 --> 00:40:27,527 - Ooh, great start by Noah right there. 1038 00:40:27,560 --> 00:40:28,695 He wasn't messing around. 1039 00:40:28,728 --> 00:40:30,663 - But Pippel closes the gap. 1040 00:40:30,697 --> 00:40:32,365 - He's got more Ninja experience. 1041 00:40:32,399 --> 00:40:33,700 He won't get rattled. 1042 00:40:33,733 --> 00:40:36,136 - We already knew Josiah was an elite ninja, 1043 00:40:36,169 --> 00:40:40,073 but Noah Meunier has been one of this season's surprises. 1044 00:40:40,106 --> 00:40:42,442 Well, Meunier seems to have a little quicker rhythm 1045 00:40:42,475 --> 00:40:44,077 here on the Wingnuts. 1046 00:40:44,110 --> 00:40:45,845 - Nice, boy, they're all over the place. 1047 00:40:45,879 --> 00:40:46,880 They're rushing. - Oh. 1048 00:40:46,913 --> 00:40:48,248 - Nice. 1049 00:40:48,281 --> 00:40:49,582 - Pippel's skipping that first handle. 1050 00:40:49,616 --> 00:40:52,318 - Ooh, look at the force that Josiah Pippel-- 1051 00:40:52,352 --> 00:40:54,654 - Oh! - Oh, oh! 1052 00:40:55,755 --> 00:40:57,190 A double oh! 1053 00:40:57,223 --> 00:40:59,592 - They both fell at almost the same time. 1054 00:40:59,626 --> 00:41:01,428 Neither made it to the buzzer, 1055 00:41:01,461 --> 00:41:03,730 and no one is really sure who won. 1056 00:41:03,763 --> 00:41:05,732 We're going to have to check the tape on this one. 1057 00:41:05,765 --> 00:41:07,734 - Who won? 1058 00:41:07,767 --> 00:41:09,135 - Well, let's take a closer look 1059 00:41:09,169 --> 00:41:11,404 at their dismount on the previous obstacle. 1060 00:41:11,438 --> 00:41:14,207 Noah lands just barely before Josiah. 1061 00:41:14,240 --> 00:41:15,909 You could see it right there. 1062 00:41:15,942 --> 00:41:18,978 And then neither was able to finish Sideways. 1063 00:41:19,079 --> 00:41:20,947 It didn't matter where they fell, 1064 00:41:20,980 --> 00:41:23,149 so Noah gets the win. 1065 00:41:23,183 --> 00:41:25,185 - And Zuri's going to let him know. 1066 00:41:25,218 --> 00:41:27,320 - Do either of you even know who earned the safety pass? 1067 00:41:27,354 --> 00:41:28,655 - No. - It was so quick. 1068 00:41:28,688 --> 00:41:29,856 - We were trying to think about it, 1069 00:41:29,889 --> 00:41:30,857 but I don't know. 1070 00:41:30,890 --> 00:41:31,858 - OK, well, we know. 1071 00:41:31,891 --> 00:41:33,626 I've got some news for you. 1072 00:41:33,660 --> 00:41:36,629 Noah, you just finished Wingnuts before Josiah, 1073 00:41:36,663 --> 00:41:37,997 so you got that safety pass 1074 00:41:38,098 --> 00:41:39,432 heading into the national finals. 1075 00:41:39,466 --> 00:41:40,867 Congratulations. 1076 00:41:40,900 --> 00:41:42,869 Great work out there, both of you. 1077 00:41:42,902 --> 00:41:44,838 Come on in, Addy. 1078 00:41:44,871 --> 00:41:46,239 Guys, back to you. 1079 00:41:46,272 --> 00:41:47,874 - A crazy ending, 1080 00:41:47,907 --> 00:41:49,609 but Noah Meunier's going to have 1081 00:41:49,642 --> 00:41:51,711 a safety pass to use in Vegas. 1082 00:41:51,745 --> 00:41:53,580 That wraps up another thrilling night 1083 00:41:53,613 --> 00:41:54,948 of semi-finals. 1084 00:41:54,981 --> 00:41:56,716 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, 1085 00:41:56,750 --> 00:41:58,151 I'm Matt Iseman. 1086 00:41:58,184 --> 00:42:01,521 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior."