1 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:07,374 [hype music] 2 00:00:07,407 --> 00:00:09,542 - It's gonna be a history-making night 3 00:00:09,576 --> 00:00:12,178 in Las Vegas because for the first time ever, 4 00:00:12,212 --> 00:00:14,748 we're going racing at the National Finals 5 00:00:14,781 --> 00:00:16,883 of "American Ninja Warrior." 6 00:00:16,916 --> 00:00:18,818 Hello, everyone, and thanks for being with us. 7 00:00:18,852 --> 00:00:19,853 I'm Matt Iseman. 8 00:00:19,886 --> 00:00:21,488 - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 9 00:00:21,521 --> 00:00:25,492 Matt, this may be the most intense night we've ever had. 10 00:00:25,525 --> 00:00:29,562 24 of our best ninjas are going head to head. 11 00:00:29,596 --> 00:00:31,564 These are gonna be some pressure-filled races. 12 00:00:31,598 --> 00:00:32,832 - You know it, big man. 13 00:00:32,866 --> 00:00:35,135 Win your race tonight, and you're still alive 14 00:00:35,168 --> 00:00:37,404 for the million-dollar prize. 15 00:00:37,437 --> 00:00:40,240 For a preview of the course, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 16 00:00:40,273 --> 00:00:41,941 - Guys, our ninjas will be sprinting 17 00:00:41,975 --> 00:00:44,477 across these six obstacles with their opponent 18 00:00:44,511 --> 00:00:45,912 right next to them. 19 00:00:45,945 --> 00:00:48,615 It all starts with a run across the Striding Steps 20 00:00:48,648 --> 00:00:51,017 and a swing up to the second obstacle, 21 00:00:51,051 --> 00:00:52,819 the Double Salmon Ladder. 22 00:00:52,852 --> 00:00:56,056 Then it's a brand-new one, Jawbreakers, 23 00:00:56,089 --> 00:00:58,758 where competitors have to lock a bar inside a series 24 00:00:58,792 --> 00:01:00,827 of steel traps. 25 00:01:00,860 --> 00:01:04,431 That's followed by a big leap on to the Swing Surfer 26 00:01:04,464 --> 00:01:06,366 and a climb up to the fifth obstacle, 27 00:01:06,399 --> 00:01:08,702 where ninjas need to be precise 28 00:01:08,735 --> 00:01:10,537 on the Epic Air Surfer. 29 00:01:10,570 --> 00:01:13,073 Finally, it's the Falling Shelves, 30 00:01:13,073 --> 00:01:16,109 where ninjas have to make a blind grab at the end. 31 00:01:16,142 --> 00:01:18,912 Win your race, and you're moving on to stage 3. 32 00:01:18,945 --> 00:01:22,148 But if you lose, there's a chance you may not be out. 33 00:01:22,182 --> 00:01:24,918 That's because the top four non-winners 34 00:01:24,951 --> 00:01:27,854 will race each other to determine the last two spots. 35 00:01:27,887 --> 00:01:28,855 Guys? 36 00:01:28,888 --> 00:01:29,956 - Thanks, Zuri. 37 00:01:29,989 --> 00:01:31,324 Our pairings tonight are based on how 38 00:01:31,358 --> 00:01:32,692 the ninjas fared on stage 1. 39 00:01:32,726 --> 00:01:35,528 - And we've got some marquee matchups. 40 00:01:35,562 --> 00:01:37,831 These are the best of the best. 41 00:01:37,864 --> 00:01:41,167 We've got the defending last ninja standing, Kaden Lebsack. 42 00:01:41,201 --> 00:01:42,369 He's the top seed. 43 00:01:42,402 --> 00:01:44,604 But he's got to race his good friend, 44 00:01:44,637 --> 00:01:47,374 "The Boss" Elijah Browning. 45 00:01:47,407 --> 00:01:50,443 "The Flyboy" Isaiah Thomas, an 11 seed, 46 00:01:50,477 --> 00:01:51,778 will have to beat one of "Ninja's" 47 00:01:51,811 --> 00:01:54,714 best, fellow Texan Daniel Gil. 48 00:01:54,748 --> 00:01:58,251 And "The Weatherman," 34-year-old Joe Moravsky, 49 00:01:58,284 --> 00:02:01,054 will have to outrun the speedy 19-year-old 50 00:02:01,054 --> 00:02:03,356 from Minnesota, Jera Boyd. 51 00:02:03,390 --> 00:02:04,824 [cheers and applause] 52 00:02:04,858 --> 00:02:07,293 - And our very first race at the National Finals 53 00:02:07,327 --> 00:02:10,196 is gonna feature two of "Ninja's" best-- 54 00:02:10,230 --> 00:02:14,434 26-year-old Austin Gray from Colorado versus 17-year-old 55 00:02:14,467 --> 00:02:16,936 Josiah Pippel from New Jersey. 56 00:02:16,970 --> 00:02:18,872 These two didn't come to win a race. 57 00:02:18,905 --> 00:02:22,208 They came to Las Vegas to win it all. 58 00:02:22,242 --> 00:02:24,110 - Life-changing money. Go for it. 59 00:02:24,144 --> 00:02:26,146 Everything you've got, put it into it! 60 00:02:26,179 --> 00:02:28,548 - Last season, I made it all the way to stage 4. 61 00:02:28,581 --> 00:02:29,649 And I was close. 62 00:02:29,683 --> 00:02:31,418 [timer buzzing] 63 00:02:31,451 --> 00:02:32,852 [horn blares] - Oh, my goodness! 64 00:02:32,886 --> 00:02:34,087 - Oh, my! 65 00:02:34,087 --> 00:02:36,456 - Got to be just within a few feet. 66 00:02:36,489 --> 00:02:39,592 - But I definitely could have done more. 67 00:02:39,626 --> 00:02:41,261 Obviously, I wanted to win it all. 68 00:02:41,294 --> 00:02:44,364 But being one of only nine people to ever get there, 69 00:02:44,397 --> 00:02:45,865 and now knowing that I can do it, 70 00:02:45,899 --> 00:02:48,368 it's a totally different mindset. 71 00:02:48,401 --> 00:02:49,569 I need that million dollars. 72 00:02:49,602 --> 00:02:51,137 So my goal is to get back and hit 73 00:02:51,171 --> 00:02:53,106 that one buzzer I haven't hit. 74 00:02:53,139 --> 00:02:54,107 This will be the year. 75 00:02:54,140 --> 00:02:56,676 This will be the time. 76 00:02:56,710 --> 00:03:00,680 - I have been so close to that last-man-standing position. 77 00:03:00,714 --> 00:03:01,681 - Gray wants it. 78 00:03:01,715 --> 00:03:03,717 Gray wants a banner hanging. 79 00:03:03,750 --> 00:03:06,353 - I got second place in season 12. 80 00:03:06,386 --> 00:03:08,088 - Gray! - Who wants it? 81 00:03:08,121 --> 00:03:09,222 - Gil! - Who wants it? 82 00:03:09,255 --> 00:03:11,257 - Daniel Gil! 83 00:03:11,291 --> 00:03:13,827 - I got second place to Kaden season 13. 84 00:03:13,860 --> 00:03:15,762 - No! - Oh! 85 00:03:15,795 --> 00:03:16,763 - I've tasted it. 86 00:03:16,796 --> 00:03:17,764 I've been right there. 87 00:03:17,797 --> 00:03:20,300 But [indistinct] is unforgiving. 88 00:03:20,333 --> 00:03:23,103 This is the third time I've run stage 2. 89 00:03:23,136 --> 00:03:24,404 I've got nothing to lose. 90 00:03:24,437 --> 00:03:25,805 I'm gonna do what I have to do to try 91 00:03:25,839 --> 00:03:28,975 to keep my season alive. 92 00:03:29,075 --> 00:03:30,443 [cheers and applause] 93 00:03:30,477 --> 00:03:32,946 - Austin's wearing that "Share Your Spare" T-shirt. 94 00:03:32,979 --> 00:03:35,615 He's a big advocate for organ donation-- 95 00:03:35,648 --> 00:03:38,218 gave one of his kidneys to a friend a few years ago. 96 00:03:38,251 --> 00:03:39,786 - Come on, Austin! 97 00:03:39,819 --> 00:03:41,921 - Down on the sideline are Austin's girlfriend, Jaelyn, 98 00:03:41,955 --> 00:03:44,691 and his Colorado crew of ninjas. 99 00:03:44,724 --> 00:03:48,194 Josiah's dad is leading the cheers on his sideline. 100 00:03:48,228 --> 00:03:50,163 He can look up and see his mom and siblings 101 00:03:50,196 --> 00:03:52,599 watching back in New Jersey. 102 00:03:52,632 --> 00:03:54,534 We know Josiah loves to go fast. 103 00:03:54,567 --> 00:03:57,170 He's a big Formula One racing fan. 104 00:03:57,203 --> 00:04:00,206 Win this race and you're moving on to stage 3. 105 00:04:00,240 --> 00:04:02,942 [countdown clock beeping] 106 00:04:03,043 --> 00:04:04,778 - These steps are 5 feet apart. 107 00:04:04,811 --> 00:04:06,746 You got to grab that rope. 108 00:04:06,780 --> 00:04:08,948 Goes right up to the Double Salmon Ladder. 109 00:04:09,049 --> 00:04:10,517 You have to go up three rungs, 110 00:04:10,550 --> 00:04:12,185 then jump to the other side. 111 00:04:12,218 --> 00:04:13,553 - Wow. 112 00:04:13,586 --> 00:04:15,855 - They're onto this new obstacle, Jawbreakers. 113 00:04:15,889 --> 00:04:18,692 You have to slam the bar inside the steel traps. 114 00:04:18,725 --> 00:04:20,827 - When Josiah Pippel goes, he propels. 115 00:04:20,860 --> 00:04:23,463 - And he just linked Jawbreakers. 116 00:04:23,496 --> 00:04:25,832 Now they'll need a big jump onto the Swing Surfer. 117 00:04:25,865 --> 00:04:28,501 Got to land safely then build up momentum 118 00:04:28,535 --> 00:04:30,837 to leap to the rope. 119 00:04:30,870 --> 00:04:32,739 Josiah is off first. 120 00:04:32,772 --> 00:04:35,342 Gotta climb up and over the wall. 121 00:04:35,375 --> 00:04:37,811 And Pippel finishes Swing Surfer first. 122 00:04:37,844 --> 00:04:40,180 He'll head over to Epic Air Surfer. 123 00:04:40,213 --> 00:04:41,948 - This is where it can get a little scary. 124 00:04:41,981 --> 00:04:44,718 Too aggressive. Oh, no! 125 00:04:44,751 --> 00:04:47,687 Oh, my goodness, before I could even say it! 126 00:04:47,721 --> 00:04:49,189 - What a turn of events. 127 00:04:49,222 --> 00:04:53,226 Josiah had the lead but goes down on Epic Air Surfer. 128 00:04:53,259 --> 00:04:55,662 Now Austin Gray can get a come-from-behind win. 129 00:04:55,695 --> 00:04:57,130 - Wow. 130 00:04:57,163 --> 00:05:00,033 - On the very first move, Josiah hit the edge 131 00:05:00,033 --> 00:05:02,068 and bounced back off the front of the pad, 132 00:05:02,102 --> 00:05:05,305 and his run is done. 133 00:05:05,338 --> 00:05:07,040 Now Austin can take his time. 134 00:05:07,040 --> 00:05:10,643 But because Josiah finished the previous obstacle first, 135 00:05:10,677 --> 00:05:13,246 Austin must finish Epic Air Surfer. 136 00:05:13,279 --> 00:05:16,883 Has to hop that board across six ledges of different sizes, 137 00:05:16,916 --> 00:05:18,785 and some of them are lower than others. 138 00:05:18,818 --> 00:05:21,154 This is a challenging obstacle. 139 00:05:21,187 --> 00:05:22,922 - Come on, man. 140 00:05:22,956 --> 00:05:24,257 Come on! 141 00:05:24,290 --> 00:05:25,258 - Oh. 142 00:05:25,291 --> 00:05:26,259 - Makes it to the last one. 143 00:05:26,292 --> 00:05:27,961 But still needs the dismount. 144 00:05:28,061 --> 00:05:30,196 - Watch that left side. 145 00:05:30,230 --> 00:05:32,665 - He's just gonna launch from there. 146 00:05:32,699 --> 00:05:33,667 - Oh, no. 147 00:05:33,700 --> 00:05:35,068 Oh, whoa, whoa. 148 00:05:35,101 --> 00:05:36,069 - Oh. 149 00:05:36,102 --> 00:05:38,204 - Oh, oh, oh, oh! 150 00:05:38,238 --> 00:05:39,472 Can he save it? 151 00:05:39,506 --> 00:05:40,807 Oh! 152 00:05:40,840 --> 00:05:42,242 [cheers and applause] 153 00:05:42,275 --> 00:05:43,977 - Yes! 154 00:05:44,077 --> 00:05:45,478 - Oh, my goodness. - Oh-- 155 00:05:45,512 --> 00:05:46,479 - Oh, my goodness. 156 00:05:46,513 --> 00:05:49,315 - --my! 157 00:05:49,349 --> 00:05:50,750 - Oh, my goodness. 158 00:05:50,784 --> 00:05:54,421 Somebody went to church on Sunday. 159 00:05:54,454 --> 00:05:57,290 - By the skin of his teeth. 160 00:05:57,323 --> 00:05:59,225 - I thought it was over. 161 00:05:59,259 --> 00:06:00,727 Check this out. 162 00:06:00,760 --> 00:06:02,796 That board was sliding off the pad. 163 00:06:02,829 --> 00:06:05,432 So he had to rush his dismount. 164 00:06:05,465 --> 00:06:07,634 He didn't get the swing that he wanted, 165 00:06:07,667 --> 00:06:09,235 barely reached the landing pad, 166 00:06:09,269 --> 00:06:12,205 and was hanging on by his fingernails. 167 00:06:12,238 --> 00:06:15,875 Wow. What a great save. 168 00:06:15,909 --> 00:06:17,577 - And Josiah Pippel-- 169 00:06:17,610 --> 00:06:18,645 - Distraught. 170 00:06:18,678 --> 00:06:20,947 --heartbroken. 171 00:06:21,047 --> 00:06:22,515 - Austin Gray has the win. 172 00:06:22,549 --> 00:06:25,719 But it's a badge of honor to get a buzzer on stage 2. 173 00:06:25,752 --> 00:06:27,087 So he's gonna keep going. 174 00:06:27,120 --> 00:06:29,055 He'll have to get past this final obstacle, 175 00:06:29,055 --> 00:06:30,357 Falling Shelves. 176 00:06:30,390 --> 00:06:31,358 - Wow. 177 00:06:31,391 --> 00:06:33,059 - Thought his season was over. 178 00:06:33,059 --> 00:06:34,361 - I thought it was over. 179 00:06:34,394 --> 00:06:37,897 - Here comes the blind grab on the final shelf. 180 00:06:37,931 --> 00:06:39,065 And got it! 181 00:06:39,065 --> 00:06:42,936 Austin Gray gets another buzzer. 182 00:06:42,969 --> 00:06:43,937 [buzzer blares] 183 00:06:43,970 --> 00:06:48,341 [cheers and applause] 184 00:06:48,375 --> 00:06:50,143 What a moment. 185 00:06:50,176 --> 00:06:53,213 - Yeah, he wants everybody up here to celebrate. 186 00:06:53,246 --> 00:06:55,148 - Get them all up there. Everybody get up there. 187 00:06:55,181 --> 00:06:56,149 Go celebrate. 188 00:06:56,182 --> 00:06:57,450 - Well, we talk it. 189 00:06:57,484 --> 00:06:59,652 You see one person on the course, 190 00:06:59,686 --> 00:07:01,821 but no one does it alone, and Austin 191 00:07:01,855 --> 00:07:03,890 Gray surrounded by his crew. 192 00:07:03,923 --> 00:07:06,126 One step closer to that million dollars. 193 00:07:06,159 --> 00:07:08,194 [cheers and applause] 194 00:07:08,228 --> 00:07:11,898 Well, if that doesn't get you hyped, our next duo will. 195 00:07:11,931 --> 00:07:15,268 We've got 16-year-old Ben Behrends, AKA "The Hype 196 00:07:15,301 --> 00:07:18,038 Guy," versus a rock-and-roller who loves 197 00:07:18,038 --> 00:07:20,774 to shred the course, RJ Roman. 198 00:07:20,807 --> 00:07:22,242 Leading the cheers for these two 199 00:07:22,275 --> 00:07:23,843 will be their dads, RJ's father, 200 00:07:23,877 --> 00:07:28,114 Roland, and Ben's dad, Scott. 201 00:07:28,148 --> 00:07:29,616 - Yoop. - Yeah. 202 00:07:29,649 --> 00:07:30,617 - Nice. 203 00:07:30,650 --> 00:07:33,186 - My dad, he is my role model. 204 00:07:33,219 --> 00:07:35,121 He's the best guy I know. 205 00:07:35,155 --> 00:07:36,122 - Like that. 206 00:07:36,156 --> 00:07:37,424 Beat that wall. There we go. 207 00:07:37,457 --> 00:07:38,458 Up. 208 00:07:38,491 --> 00:07:39,459 Nice. 209 00:07:39,492 --> 00:07:40,927 Get up there. 210 00:07:40,960 --> 00:07:43,830 - My first time in Vegas, I got to see my dad compete, 211 00:07:43,863 --> 00:07:44,831 season 11. 212 00:07:44,864 --> 00:07:45,832 [cheers and applause] 213 00:07:45,865 --> 00:07:47,067 Come on, Dad! 214 00:07:47,067 --> 00:07:49,102 You got this! 215 00:07:49,135 --> 00:07:50,770 Go, Dad, go! 216 00:07:50,804 --> 00:07:51,771 - Oh, my goodness. 217 00:07:51,805 --> 00:07:52,939 He was amazing. 218 00:07:52,972 --> 00:07:55,208 And now I'm on that big stage. 219 00:07:55,241 --> 00:08:00,380 [cheers and applause] 220 00:08:00,413 --> 00:08:01,681 - Ben still needs a buzzer. 221 00:08:01,715 --> 00:08:03,083 - Yeah. 222 00:08:03,116 --> 00:08:04,484 I need to get my first one. 223 00:08:04,517 --> 00:08:05,819 - Yeah, that's it. 224 00:08:05,852 --> 00:08:07,620 - I've been extremely proud of how hard 225 00:08:07,654 --> 00:08:09,089 he's been working for this. 226 00:08:09,122 --> 00:08:10,323 - Good work, dude. 227 00:08:10,357 --> 00:08:12,592 - Aw, thank you, Dad. 228 00:08:12,625 --> 00:08:14,928 - Come on! 229 00:08:15,028 --> 00:08:17,364 - On stage 1, I had one of the biggest crowds, 230 00:08:17,397 --> 00:08:19,799 but I heard my dad over all of them. 231 00:08:19,833 --> 00:08:23,803 [cheers and applause] 232 00:08:23,837 --> 00:08:26,206 - Growing up, my dad was not really there. 233 00:08:26,239 --> 00:08:28,742 But we've been getting closer over the past few years. 234 00:08:28,775 --> 00:08:32,212 So to have him on the sidelines means a lot to me. 235 00:08:32,245 --> 00:08:33,213 [buzzer blares] 236 00:08:33,246 --> 00:08:34,581 - Yeah! 237 00:08:34,614 --> 00:08:36,549 Hit that buzzer! 238 00:08:36,583 --> 00:08:38,284 Yeah! 239 00:08:38,318 --> 00:08:40,487 - With him, nothing's gonna stop me. 240 00:08:40,520 --> 00:08:44,724 * * 241 00:08:44,758 --> 00:08:47,127 - RJ's dad is over there with a big group of friends, 242 00:08:47,160 --> 00:08:50,663 including Flip Rodriguez, who will run later. 243 00:08:50,697 --> 00:08:53,133 And Scott Behrends leading that impressive crew 244 00:08:53,166 --> 00:08:54,501 of Iowa ninjas. 245 00:08:54,534 --> 00:08:55,502 - Oh, you got to love Ben's little sister. 246 00:08:55,535 --> 00:08:56,903 She's the hype girl. 247 00:08:56,936 --> 00:08:58,204 Them are hype tears right there. 248 00:08:58,238 --> 00:09:00,206 - Ben Behrends only 5 foot 1, 249 00:09:00,240 --> 00:09:01,675 definitely an underdog against RJ, 250 00:09:01,708 --> 00:09:03,476 who's known for going fast. 251 00:09:03,510 --> 00:09:05,478 But remember, he fell on stage 1 252 00:09:05,512 --> 00:09:07,514 and had to use a Safety Pass. 253 00:09:07,547 --> 00:09:09,382 He'll get no second chances tonight. 254 00:09:09,416 --> 00:09:13,353 [countdown clock beeping] 255 00:09:13,386 --> 00:09:16,289 Ben Behrends has got to be running with abandon. 256 00:09:16,322 --> 00:09:19,259 RJ Roman chasing a return to stage 4. 257 00:09:19,292 --> 00:09:20,427 - Ooh. 258 00:09:20,460 --> 00:09:21,428 Ben Behrends is not backing down. 259 00:09:21,461 --> 00:09:22,796 He says, "I don't care." 260 00:09:22,829 --> 00:09:24,264 - Well, he never lets his size hold him back. 261 00:09:24,297 --> 00:09:25,265 - I like that. 262 00:09:25,298 --> 00:09:26,533 Some people want it to happen. 263 00:09:26,566 --> 00:09:28,501 Some people wish it would happen. 264 00:09:28,535 --> 00:09:30,036 Others make it happen. 265 00:09:30,036 --> 00:09:33,039 Ooh, RJ Roman, trying to make it happen right now. 266 00:09:33,039 --> 00:09:35,475 - And Ben Behrends keeping up. 267 00:09:35,508 --> 00:09:36,943 I'm impressed. 268 00:09:37,043 --> 00:09:40,680 We talked about the size of the "Behr" in the fight. 269 00:09:40,714 --> 00:09:42,415 It's the size of the fight in this "Behr." 270 00:09:42,449 --> 00:09:45,151 - This kid is not backing down here. 271 00:09:45,185 --> 00:09:46,486 - Wow. 272 00:09:46,519 --> 00:09:51,157 - He's like, "I'm right there with you." 273 00:09:51,191 --> 00:09:56,629 - He's keeping pace with the speed demon, RJ Roman. 274 00:09:56,663 --> 00:09:59,099 Good leap for the 5'1" Behrends. 275 00:09:59,132 --> 00:10:00,567 - All right. 276 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:02,168 This is where RJ Roman can make a little bit of a 277 00:10:02,202 --> 00:10:03,503 separation here, but you can't get too aggressive. 278 00:10:03,536 --> 00:10:05,338 - Easy for those boards to slide 279 00:10:05,372 --> 00:10:06,439 off if you're not in control. 280 00:10:06,473 --> 00:10:07,440 - Oh, boy. 281 00:10:07,474 --> 00:10:09,676 - It is like surfing on ice. 282 00:10:09,709 --> 00:10:11,378 - He made some epic moves, too. 283 00:10:11,411 --> 00:10:13,013 - And this is where fatigue sets in, 284 00:10:13,046 --> 00:10:15,749 and you can overshoot or undershoot the landing. 285 00:10:15,782 --> 00:10:18,151 And Ben Behrends keeping pace. 286 00:10:18,184 --> 00:10:20,420 Oh, oh! 287 00:10:20,453 --> 00:10:23,623 - This kid never backs down from a challenge. 288 00:10:23,656 --> 00:10:26,092 Oh! - No! 289 00:10:26,126 --> 00:10:30,797 Well, Ben Behrends really pushed him, but RJ Roman 290 00:10:30,830 --> 00:10:33,767 will be going back to stage 3. 291 00:10:33,800 --> 00:10:37,237 - That's a lot of ninja to go up against, and Ben Behrends, 292 00:10:37,270 --> 00:10:39,239 he brought the fight to RJ Roman. 293 00:10:39,272 --> 00:10:42,175 - And you can see RJ showing respect. 294 00:10:42,208 --> 00:10:44,244 He gave him all he could handle. 295 00:10:44,277 --> 00:10:47,781 And RJ Roman wants to put an exclamation point on it. 296 00:10:47,814 --> 00:10:50,617 He's had a lot of big runs, but this one 297 00:10:50,650 --> 00:10:53,386 is special because his dad is on the sidelines. 298 00:10:53,420 --> 00:10:56,056 - There you go. 299 00:10:56,089 --> 00:10:58,291 - And here's the tricky move, this blind grab 300 00:10:58,324 --> 00:10:59,693 on the last one. 301 00:10:59,726 --> 00:11:01,061 And he gets it. 302 00:11:01,061 --> 00:11:02,896 And, Akbar, this wouldn't have been possible 303 00:11:02,929 --> 00:11:04,698 without that Safety Pass. 304 00:11:04,731 --> 00:11:05,899 - He knows it. 305 00:11:05,932 --> 00:11:10,203 - RJ Roman, one step closer to getting 306 00:11:10,236 --> 00:11:13,139 back to stage 4 for another shot at the mountain. 307 00:11:13,173 --> 00:11:14,874 - Slayed that course. 308 00:11:14,908 --> 00:11:17,877 [rock music] 309 00:11:17,911 --> 00:11:19,112 * * 310 00:11:19,145 --> 00:11:20,513 - And let's not forget the great season 311 00:11:20,547 --> 00:11:23,850 by 5-foot-1 Ben Behrends, giving his family 312 00:11:23,883 --> 00:11:25,952 so much to be proud of. 313 00:11:25,985 --> 00:11:27,921 But this race goes to the veteran, 314 00:11:27,954 --> 00:11:32,826 RJ Roman, one step closer to a rematch on stage 4. 315 00:11:33,793 --> 00:11:37,897 Tonight, only a handful of ninjas remain, all of them 316 00:11:37,931 --> 00:11:39,833 with a story. 317 00:11:39,866 --> 00:11:41,101 - Ahh! 318 00:11:41,101 --> 00:11:43,003 - Jonathan Bange is having a dream 319 00:11:43,103 --> 00:11:45,538 season, dedicated to his dad. 320 00:11:45,572 --> 00:11:48,441 - I know he's up there, screaming, "You did it, son! 321 00:11:48,475 --> 00:11:50,110 You did it!" 322 00:11:50,110 --> 00:11:53,513 - At 34, "Ninja" great Joe Moravsky is hoping his years 323 00:11:53,546 --> 00:11:56,216 of experience can hold up against "Ninja's" 324 00:11:56,249 --> 00:11:57,550 rising young stars. 325 00:11:57,584 --> 00:11:59,419 - This is absolutely the year. 326 00:11:59,452 --> 00:12:01,621 And you're gonna see me on stage 4. 327 00:12:01,654 --> 00:12:04,090 - 10 years ago, Nacssa Garemore 328 00:12:04,124 --> 00:12:05,825 was in an orphanage in Africa. 329 00:12:05,859 --> 00:12:09,529 Now he's closing in on a million dollars. 330 00:12:09,562 --> 00:12:12,098 - I'm having the best time of my life. 331 00:12:12,132 --> 00:12:14,401 - And later, we'll move over to start competition 332 00:12:14,434 --> 00:12:16,569 on stage 3, 333 00:12:16,603 --> 00:12:20,106 all leading to next week's season finale, where someone 334 00:12:20,140 --> 00:12:23,076 will conquer stage 4 for a million dollars 335 00:12:23,076 --> 00:12:27,681 on the National Finals of "American Ninja Warrior." 336 00:12:31,384 --> 00:12:33,086 - Welcome back to Vegas and the National Finals. 337 00:12:33,119 --> 00:12:34,554 Take a look at this. 338 00:12:34,587 --> 00:12:37,490 That's Hans Hertz and Flip Rodriguez from 2018, 339 00:12:37,524 --> 00:12:40,260 when Hans was just 10 years old. 340 00:12:40,293 --> 00:12:42,495 Hans is now 16, and minutes ago, 341 00:12:42,529 --> 00:12:45,465 he faced off against Flip, who's now 34 342 00:12:45,498 --> 00:12:47,300 and a 13-time "Ninja" veteran. 343 00:12:47,334 --> 00:12:49,903 - Hans Hertz is gonna have to rent some speed to go 344 00:12:49,936 --> 00:12:51,438 up against Flip Rodriguez. 345 00:12:51,471 --> 00:12:53,373 - Flip's been having a career resurgence 346 00:12:53,406 --> 00:12:55,208 in the past few years, and this marks 347 00:12:55,241 --> 00:12:56,810 his eighth time on stage 2. 348 00:12:56,843 --> 00:12:59,679 - No! No! The OG went down. 349 00:12:59,713 --> 00:13:02,082 - But his run tonight was cut short by Jawbreakers, 350 00:13:02,115 --> 00:13:04,484 ending another impressive season for Flip. 351 00:13:04,517 --> 00:13:07,554 And Hertz just had to finish the obstacle to earn the win. 352 00:13:07,587 --> 00:13:08,955 - Oh, my goodness. 353 00:13:09,055 --> 00:13:10,757 - He cruised the rest of the way. 354 00:13:10,790 --> 00:13:13,059 This Colorado high-schooler, unheralded 355 00:13:13,059 --> 00:13:14,461 at the beginning of the season, 356 00:13:14,494 --> 00:13:16,229 has now hit four buzzers-- [buzzer blares] 357 00:13:16,262 --> 00:13:18,698 --and is moving on. 358 00:13:18,732 --> 00:13:20,867 - Wow, this is amazing, in his rookie campaign, 359 00:13:20,900 --> 00:13:23,970 going to stage 3. 360 00:13:24,070 --> 00:13:26,072 - Our next race features two 361 00:13:26,072 --> 00:13:27,841 of our fastest young stars. 362 00:13:27,874 --> 00:13:30,643 We've got Rhode Island's 21-year-old Luke Dillon 363 00:13:30,677 --> 00:13:33,480 going against "Electric Enzo," Florida's Enzo DeFerrari 364 00:13:33,513 --> 00:13:36,383 Wilson, a teenager driven to succeed 365 00:13:36,416 --> 00:13:40,387 by his energetic Italian family. 366 00:13:40,420 --> 00:13:42,522 - This year, me and my family took a really meaningful trip 367 00:13:42,555 --> 00:13:43,857 to Italy, where I got to learn much more 368 00:13:43,890 --> 00:13:45,859 about my Italian heritage. 369 00:13:45,892 --> 00:13:48,995 We went to Rome, Pienza, and Tuscany. 370 00:13:49,095 --> 00:13:51,231 We also got to go to the DeFerrari Winery, 371 00:13:51,264 --> 00:13:53,500 and we met some of our long-distant relatives. 372 00:13:53,533 --> 00:13:56,102 [upbeat music] 373 00:13:56,102 --> 00:13:58,138 [all speaking Italian] 374 00:13:58,171 --> 00:14:00,040 - I have a really big Italian family. 375 00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:01,441 Every single time we come together 376 00:14:01,474 --> 00:14:04,044 for a big dinner or a big event, it's always crazy. 377 00:14:04,044 --> 00:14:05,045 - All right. 378 00:14:05,045 --> 00:14:06,279 Do it right. 379 00:14:06,312 --> 00:14:07,580 - And the star of the show is my grandma's 380 00:14:07,614 --> 00:14:08,915 meatballs, of course. 381 00:14:08,948 --> 00:14:09,916 - Nana's meatballs. 382 00:14:09,949 --> 00:14:11,151 - Oh, yes. 383 00:14:11,184 --> 00:14:12,952 I can't wait to eat this up, and he's looking 384 00:14:13,053 --> 00:14:14,487 to eat up this course himself. 385 00:14:14,521 --> 00:14:15,655 - I think the meatballs might have fueled me on the 386 00:14:15,689 --> 00:14:16,890 course, too. 387 00:14:16,923 --> 00:14:18,058 I felt really strong when I was running. 388 00:14:18,058 --> 00:14:20,694 - And he is electric once again. 389 00:14:20,727 --> 00:14:23,296 [laughs] 390 00:14:23,329 --> 00:14:25,398 - Making it to stage 3 tonight would be... 391 00:14:25,432 --> 00:14:27,567 [speaking Italian] 392 00:14:27,600 --> 00:14:28,968 [cheers and applause] 393 00:14:29,069 --> 00:14:30,804 - There's Grandma on the left. 394 00:14:30,837 --> 00:14:32,906 She's gonna be watching with other family members 395 00:14:32,939 --> 00:14:34,574 back in Florida. 396 00:14:34,607 --> 00:14:37,210 And, of course, he'll have his loud group on the sidelines. 397 00:14:37,243 --> 00:14:39,379 Luke Dillon's also got a big group of Northeast ninjas 398 00:14:39,412 --> 00:14:42,582 over there, plus his girlfriend, Avery, 399 00:14:42,615 --> 00:14:44,084 watching from her home. 400 00:14:44,084 --> 00:14:45,418 - We love you. 401 00:14:45,452 --> 00:14:47,787 - Luke Dillon is the lower seed in this race. 402 00:14:47,821 --> 00:14:50,123 He's an 18, and Enzo is a 7. 403 00:14:50,156 --> 00:14:53,460 But Luke Dillon was the quickest in Qualifying Night. 404 00:14:53,493 --> 00:14:54,461 He can go fast now. 405 00:14:54,494 --> 00:14:58,098 [countdown clock beeping] 406 00:14:58,098 --> 00:15:00,266 You know, Akbar, speed can kill. 407 00:15:00,300 --> 00:15:02,502 Go fast, but stay controlled. 408 00:15:02,535 --> 00:15:04,237 - He missed [indistinct]. 409 00:15:04,270 --> 00:15:05,572 - And an extra swing for Dillon. 410 00:15:05,605 --> 00:15:08,108 - Oh, that could be costly for Dillon. 411 00:15:08,141 --> 00:15:10,243 - But we've seen it in racing. 412 00:15:10,276 --> 00:15:12,379 When you're behind, you start to sell out. 413 00:15:12,412 --> 00:15:16,416 - Not when you're behind a Ferrari, especially DeFerrari. 414 00:15:16,449 --> 00:15:19,452 - And Enzo, making the moves on Jawbreaker, 415 00:15:19,486 --> 00:15:21,121 is clocking it in. 416 00:15:21,154 --> 00:15:24,157 - And now he's got a nice healthy lead. 417 00:15:24,190 --> 00:15:25,592 Now Dillon's got to play catchup. 418 00:15:25,625 --> 00:15:26,760 He's gotta turn up. 419 00:15:26,793 --> 00:15:28,094 - Well, you got to run your race. 420 00:15:28,128 --> 00:15:30,063 They say it's tough when you're in the lead 421 00:15:30,063 --> 00:15:32,232 because you have no idea what your opponent is doing. 422 00:15:32,265 --> 00:15:33,800 - Yeah, and you can't look back. 423 00:15:33,833 --> 00:15:35,301 Ooh. 424 00:15:35,335 --> 00:15:37,203 - And Enzo's taking extra time on Swing Surfer. 425 00:15:37,237 --> 00:15:40,073 Losing momentum, and here comes Luke Dillon. 426 00:15:40,073 --> 00:15:41,374 That's how quickly-- - Ooh. 427 00:15:41,408 --> 00:15:42,375 - --it can change. 428 00:15:42,409 --> 00:15:43,910 - Oh, boy! 429 00:15:43,943 --> 00:15:45,578 It is never over here on stage 2. 430 00:15:45,612 --> 00:15:49,916 - But Luke Dillon's still got to make up a lot of ground. 431 00:15:49,949 --> 00:15:52,318 Enzo, the first on the Epic Air Surfer, 432 00:15:52,352 --> 00:15:53,520 giving him the edge. 433 00:15:53,553 --> 00:15:54,521 - Nice. 434 00:15:54,554 --> 00:15:55,989 Here he goes. 435 00:15:56,089 --> 00:15:57,724 - And he's linking every move. 436 00:15:57,757 --> 00:15:59,192 That's impressive but risky. 437 00:15:59,225 --> 00:16:00,193 - Ooh. 438 00:16:00,226 --> 00:16:01,194 - Oh, no! 439 00:16:01,227 --> 00:16:02,696 - He slides off! 440 00:16:02,729 --> 00:16:04,431 - Oh, my goodness. 441 00:16:04,464 --> 00:16:06,866 - Enzo slides off Epic Air Surfer, 442 00:16:06,900 --> 00:16:08,535 and what a turn of events. 443 00:16:08,568 --> 00:16:10,670 Luke Dillon, who trailed the entire race, 444 00:16:10,704 --> 00:16:12,472 now has a chance to steal the win. 445 00:16:12,505 --> 00:16:15,208 But he's got to finish this obstacle. 446 00:16:15,241 --> 00:16:18,044 - And now Luke Dillon can kind of take his time 447 00:16:18,044 --> 00:16:21,314 and make sure he doesn't slide off on this last cradle. 448 00:16:21,348 --> 00:16:23,216 - He could launch it from there, Akbar. 449 00:16:23,249 --> 00:16:25,585 Edging it down, doesn't want to make the mistake 450 00:16:25,618 --> 00:16:27,053 that Enzo just made. 451 00:16:27,053 --> 00:16:28,355 - Wow. 452 00:16:28,388 --> 00:16:29,522 - I think he's gonna launch it from there. 453 00:16:29,556 --> 00:16:30,523 - Nice. 454 00:16:30,557 --> 00:16:31,858 - Oh! - Oh, no! 455 00:16:31,891 --> 00:16:33,360 - What? 456 00:16:33,393 --> 00:16:36,296 - No! 457 00:16:36,329 --> 00:16:40,800 - He went for the big lache, and it cost him. 458 00:16:40,834 --> 00:16:43,103 Enzo's moving on. 459 00:16:43,136 --> 00:16:45,405 - Enzo wins. 460 00:16:45,438 --> 00:16:48,274 - Everybody is in shock. 461 00:16:48,308 --> 00:16:51,344 - Enzo had the lead, but he took a risk linking 462 00:16:51,378 --> 00:16:53,313 his moves on Epic Air Surfer. 463 00:16:53,346 --> 00:16:56,149 And his momentum carried him right off the track. 464 00:16:56,182 --> 00:16:58,284 That opened the door for Luke Dillon, 465 00:16:58,318 --> 00:17:01,321 but he tried a risky long dismount 466 00:17:01,354 --> 00:17:04,924 and came up just short. 467 00:17:05,025 --> 00:17:07,060 So Enzo survives. 468 00:17:07,093 --> 00:17:09,796 And now he can fuel up with Grandma's meatballs. 469 00:17:09,829 --> 00:17:13,099 He's moving on to stage 3. 470 00:17:13,133 --> 00:17:15,135 Coming up, they practically grew up 471 00:17:15,168 --> 00:17:16,703 together in the Atlanta area. 472 00:17:16,736 --> 00:17:20,073 Now good friends Ethan Bartnicki and Vance Walker 473 00:17:20,106 --> 00:17:21,541 have to battle each other. 474 00:17:21,574 --> 00:17:23,076 - Let's go. 475 00:17:23,109 --> 00:17:24,678 - The season's on the line, but I also don't want to knock 476 00:17:24,711 --> 00:17:25,879 one of my best friends out. 477 00:17:25,912 --> 00:17:28,048 - Their race is next when "American 478 00:17:28,048 --> 00:17:31,718 Ninja Warrior" returns. 479 00:17:36,856 --> 00:17:39,159 - We about to light this thing up. 480 00:17:39,192 --> 00:17:41,428 - Akbar, you and I have been through a lot in our 10 years 481 00:17:41,461 --> 00:17:42,562 together in the booth. 482 00:17:42,595 --> 00:17:44,130 - I don't want to eat a tarantula. 483 00:17:44,164 --> 00:17:45,298 Yes, we have, man. 484 00:17:45,331 --> 00:17:47,067 We've had a lot of great memories. 485 00:17:47,067 --> 00:17:48,735 We've become good friends. 486 00:17:48,768 --> 00:17:50,437 - We can relate to this next duo. 487 00:17:50,470 --> 00:17:52,906 Zuri's gonna get them started. 488 00:17:52,939 --> 00:17:55,942 - Guys, these next two know each other well. 489 00:17:55,975 --> 00:17:58,878 Vance Walker and Ethan Bartnicki grew up "Ninja" 490 00:17:58,912 --> 00:18:01,014 training together in Georgia. 491 00:18:01,014 --> 00:18:04,017 They've been side by side since they were kids 492 00:18:04,050 --> 00:18:06,853 and have remained best friends. 493 00:18:08,788 --> 00:18:10,490 - But as fate would have it, they 494 00:18:10,523 --> 00:18:14,227 now have to race each other. 495 00:18:14,260 --> 00:18:16,029 - Come on. There you go. 496 00:18:16,029 --> 00:18:17,030 Send it. 497 00:18:17,030 --> 00:18:18,031 - Oh, no. 498 00:18:18,031 --> 00:18:19,332 - That move's so hard. 499 00:18:19,366 --> 00:18:21,368 - I started doing "Ninja" when I was about 12. 500 00:18:21,401 --> 00:18:25,472 And the first friend that I made was Vance Walker. 501 00:18:25,505 --> 00:18:26,673 - Yeah! - Let's go. 502 00:18:26,706 --> 00:18:27,907 - Let's go! 503 00:18:27,941 --> 00:18:29,743 - The great thing about their relationship 504 00:18:29,776 --> 00:18:31,811 is, they really do challenge each other. 505 00:18:31,845 --> 00:18:33,413 And to look back at their pictures 506 00:18:33,446 --> 00:18:36,883 and to see these two tiny kids to look 507 00:18:36,916 --> 00:18:38,651 at them now and see how much they've accomplished-- 508 00:18:38,685 --> 00:18:40,120 - Throughout the years. 509 00:18:40,153 --> 00:18:43,289 - --it's been a lot of fun to see them both do so well. 510 00:18:43,323 --> 00:18:45,258 - Nice. 511 00:18:45,291 --> 00:18:46,693 - Let's go. 512 00:18:46,726 --> 00:18:48,728 - I personally think Vance is the best Ninja Warrior. 513 00:18:48,762 --> 00:18:51,464 [upbeat music] 514 00:18:51,498 --> 00:18:53,066 - You got to get this. 515 00:18:53,066 --> 00:18:55,435 - I know that he's 18 and 0 for racing side by side. 516 00:18:55,468 --> 00:18:57,270 It's gonna have to be one of those perfect storm 517 00:18:57,303 --> 00:18:58,605 type of days. 518 00:18:58,638 --> 00:19:01,174 But hopefully, I can make that 18 and 1. 519 00:19:01,207 --> 00:19:02,542 Anything can happen. 520 00:19:02,575 --> 00:19:04,377 - Me and Ethan have been dreaming of this moment 521 00:19:04,411 --> 00:19:06,312 for almost eight years now. 522 00:19:06,346 --> 00:19:08,014 This is gonna be a tough one because the season's 523 00:19:08,014 --> 00:19:09,215 on the line, but I also don't want to knock 524 00:19:09,249 --> 00:19:10,650 one of my best friends out. 525 00:19:10,684 --> 00:19:12,819 He is very underrated, and I'm gonna have to bring my A 526 00:19:12,852 --> 00:19:16,056 game to this course right now. 527 00:19:16,089 --> 00:19:17,524 - We don't make the matchups. 528 00:19:17,557 --> 00:19:19,826 It's based on how they did on stage 1. 529 00:19:19,859 --> 00:19:22,562 But this is gonna be bittersweet 530 00:19:22,595 --> 00:19:24,097 no matter what happens. 531 00:19:24,130 --> 00:19:26,733 - Vance's parents and friends on the sideline, 532 00:19:26,766 --> 00:19:30,704 right next to Ethan's dad and brother. 533 00:19:30,737 --> 00:19:32,372 He's also gonna throw a wave 534 00:19:32,405 --> 00:19:34,240 to his girlfriend, Vivi, who's watching 535 00:19:34,274 --> 00:19:36,309 from her college dorm room. 536 00:19:36,343 --> 00:19:38,712 For this moment, these two have to put friendship 537 00:19:38,745 --> 00:19:40,080 aside and go for broke. 538 00:19:40,113 --> 00:19:41,381 [countdown clock beeping] 539 00:19:41,414 --> 00:19:42,949 - Come on. 540 00:19:43,049 --> 00:19:45,452 - Vance Walker goes fast, which is remarkable 541 00:19:45,485 --> 00:19:47,420 considering he was born with cerebral palsy. 542 00:19:47,454 --> 00:19:49,723 - I'm anticipating a lot of speed for this one, Matt. 543 00:19:49,756 --> 00:19:51,958 - Well, Vance Walker, we met him on "Ninja Junior" 544 00:19:52,058 --> 00:19:54,294 where in two seasons he never lost a race. 545 00:19:54,327 --> 00:19:56,696 Well, Bartnicki's persnickety. He's not gonna be intimidated. 546 00:19:56,730 --> 00:19:59,599 - Oh, my. 547 00:19:59,632 --> 00:20:02,535 Bartnicki makes that first move. 548 00:20:02,569 --> 00:20:03,536 And look at him. 549 00:20:03,570 --> 00:20:04,738 He's linking it. 550 00:20:04,771 --> 00:20:06,306 - Yeah, he's, like, back and forth. 551 00:20:06,339 --> 00:20:07,307 - Wow. 552 00:20:07,340 --> 00:20:08,775 - It's like cat and mouse. 553 00:20:08,808 --> 00:20:09,776 - Bartnicki-- 554 00:20:09,809 --> 00:20:11,411 - Wow. 555 00:20:11,444 --> 00:20:13,747 - The music producer hitting all the right notes so far. 556 00:20:13,780 --> 00:20:16,216 He's only 5 feet 4 and 120 pounds, 557 00:20:16,249 --> 00:20:18,118 but he is attacking this course. 558 00:20:18,151 --> 00:20:20,153 - Vance Walker is not a big guy, either. 559 00:20:20,186 --> 00:20:21,788 He's only 5'6". 560 00:20:21,821 --> 00:20:25,558 - And Bartnicki is gonna be the first one to complete it. 561 00:20:25,592 --> 00:20:26,926 We've seen it. That is huge. 562 00:20:26,960 --> 00:20:29,696 Because Epic Air Surfer has been tricky. 563 00:20:29,729 --> 00:20:32,699 Well, Vance Walker knows how to race. 564 00:20:32,732 --> 00:20:34,868 And he just made the first move, Akbar. 565 00:20:34,901 --> 00:20:37,270 Watch that board. 566 00:20:37,303 --> 00:20:38,271 Vance linked it. 567 00:20:38,304 --> 00:20:41,207 But here comes Bartnicki. 568 00:20:41,241 --> 00:20:45,879 These two friends going right down to the wire. 569 00:20:45,912 --> 00:20:47,781 Who will be the first to dismount? 570 00:20:47,814 --> 00:20:49,349 - It's Bartnicki. 571 00:20:49,382 --> 00:20:52,185 This would be Vance Walker's first-ever loss in a race. 572 00:20:52,218 --> 00:20:54,154 - Bartnicki's not letting Vance Walker in this race. 573 00:20:54,187 --> 00:20:55,155 - Oh, my. 574 00:20:55,188 --> 00:20:56,523 - Ooh, boy. Oh, boy. 575 00:20:56,556 --> 00:20:57,857 He barely made that launch. 576 00:20:57,891 --> 00:21:00,260 - Oh, no! 577 00:21:00,293 --> 00:21:04,764 No! - Oh! 578 00:21:04,798 --> 00:21:06,900 - Oh! 579 00:21:06,933 --> 00:21:08,568 - Dual falls! 580 00:21:08,601 --> 00:21:10,070 - Wow. 581 00:21:10,070 --> 00:21:12,639 - Bartnicki was the first to finish Epic Air Surfer. 582 00:21:12,672 --> 00:21:13,640 - Wow. 583 00:21:13,673 --> 00:21:15,408 - He's moving on. 584 00:21:15,442 --> 00:21:19,179 This crowd is stunned. 585 00:21:19,212 --> 00:21:21,815 - Vance had barely pulled ahead on Epic Air Surfer, 586 00:21:21,848 --> 00:21:23,883 but he hesitated on the dismount. 587 00:21:23,917 --> 00:21:26,353 And Ethan Bartnicki surged ahead. 588 00:21:26,386 --> 00:21:28,188 He could have taken his time, but he 589 00:21:28,221 --> 00:21:30,623 rushed it on Falling Shelves and couldn't 590 00:21:30,657 --> 00:21:32,392 make that final grab. 591 00:21:32,425 --> 00:21:34,227 Vance just needed to finish the obstacle, 592 00:21:34,260 --> 00:21:38,098 but he missed on the third shelf. 593 00:21:38,098 --> 00:21:39,866 - This is my boy right here. 594 00:21:39,899 --> 00:21:42,268 And I'm so glad we went out on the same obstacle, same way. 595 00:21:42,302 --> 00:21:45,872 It was perfect. 596 00:21:45,905 --> 00:21:49,776 - But all is not lost for Vance Walker. 597 00:21:49,809 --> 00:21:51,211 Bed of his fast pace, 598 00:21:51,244 --> 00:21:53,513 he's got a good chance of being one of our top four 599 00:21:53,546 --> 00:21:55,648 non-winners who will compete in the runoff 600 00:21:55,682 --> 00:21:58,485 race for the final spots on stage 3. 601 00:21:58,518 --> 00:22:01,354 Well, up next, a couple of guys we didn't know much about 602 00:22:01,388 --> 00:22:02,822 at the beginning of the season, 603 00:22:02,856 --> 00:22:06,359 yet here they are on stage 2 as 17-year-old rookies. 604 00:22:06,393 --> 00:22:08,928 It's Alex Romer from Middleburg, Florida, 605 00:22:08,962 --> 00:22:12,532 taking on Noah Meunier from Lakeville, Massachusetts. 606 00:22:12,565 --> 00:22:14,567 It's been a different path for these two. 607 00:22:14,601 --> 00:22:17,671 Noah Meunier's been perfect, hit three buzzers, 608 00:22:17,704 --> 00:22:19,239 and won a Safety Pass. 609 00:22:19,272 --> 00:22:21,307 Alex Romer has had some good runs. 610 00:22:21,341 --> 00:22:22,575 But he didn't finish the course 611 00:22:22,609 --> 00:22:26,146 in semifinals or stage 1. 612 00:22:26,179 --> 00:22:27,480 Meunier's throwing up the hearts 613 00:22:27,514 --> 00:22:30,083 to his girlfriend, fellow ninja Addy 614 00:22:30,083 --> 00:22:32,719 Herman, who's on the sideline along with his dad. 615 00:22:32,752 --> 00:22:34,421 - Come on, Alex. 616 00:22:34,454 --> 00:22:35,722 - Romer's parents also here. 617 00:22:35,755 --> 00:22:37,357 And he's got more family and friends 618 00:22:37,390 --> 00:22:40,360 watching back in Florida. 619 00:22:40,393 --> 00:22:42,295 Romer's gonna have his work cut out for him. 620 00:22:42,328 --> 00:22:45,665 Noah Meunier has been unstoppable this season. 621 00:22:45,699 --> 00:22:48,268 [countdown clock beeping] 622 00:22:48,301 --> 00:22:49,269 - All right. 623 00:22:49,302 --> 00:22:50,704 Here we go. 624 00:22:50,737 --> 00:22:53,373 - Romer has a slight height advantage at 5'11". 625 00:22:53,406 --> 00:22:55,875 3 inches taller than Meunier. 626 00:22:55,909 --> 00:22:57,277 - And now look at this, Alex Romer making his way 627 00:22:57,310 --> 00:22:59,112 up there on the Salmon Ladder. 628 00:22:59,112 --> 00:23:00,580 - On the Double Salmon Ladder, you can see 629 00:23:00,613 --> 00:23:02,048 they changed that top cradle. 630 00:23:02,082 --> 00:23:04,551 And Romer has a slight edge. 631 00:23:04,584 --> 00:23:07,053 - And, Matt, with Romer getting out there in front 632 00:23:07,053 --> 00:23:08,221 it puts pressure on Noah, 633 00:23:08,254 --> 00:23:10,056 but now Noah's coming up from behind. 634 00:23:10,056 --> 00:23:11,524 Noah's not messing around! 635 00:23:11,558 --> 00:23:13,059 - Meunier linking it on the Jawbreakers. 636 00:23:13,059 --> 00:23:14,461 - Oh, man. 637 00:23:14,494 --> 00:23:16,696 We've got ourselves a good race. 638 00:23:16,730 --> 00:23:20,200 [cheers and applause] 639 00:23:20,233 --> 00:23:22,969 - Romer the first off, and Meunier doesn't have momentum. 640 00:23:23,069 --> 00:23:24,471 - Oh, my goodness. 641 00:23:24,504 --> 00:23:25,472 Here we go. 642 00:23:25,505 --> 00:23:26,673 - This is a surprise. 643 00:23:26,706 --> 00:23:28,942 Romer a self-described band geek. 644 00:23:28,975 --> 00:23:32,278 He's a 19 seed, a big underdog to Meunier, 645 00:23:32,312 --> 00:23:34,080 who's been perfect all season. 646 00:23:34,114 --> 00:23:36,349 Meunier's got to get going. 647 00:23:36,383 --> 00:23:38,218 Romer's pulling away. 648 00:23:38,251 --> 00:23:40,220 He just needs the dismount. 649 00:23:40,253 --> 00:23:41,755 both: Oh. - Whoa! 650 00:23:41,788 --> 00:23:42,756 - Oh, my goodness. 651 00:23:42,789 --> 00:23:43,957 He spilled. 652 00:23:43,990 --> 00:23:45,191 - But the pressure's on Meunier. 653 00:23:45,225 --> 00:23:50,463 He still has to finish this obstacle. 654 00:23:50,497 --> 00:23:52,632 And Noah Meunier does it! 655 00:23:52,665 --> 00:23:55,001 He's going to stage 3. 656 00:23:55,101 --> 00:23:57,604 But he wants his fourth buzzer of the season. 657 00:23:57,637 --> 00:23:59,406 - Nice, and here he goes. 658 00:23:59,439 --> 00:24:01,474 - The blind grab on the Falling Shelves. 659 00:24:01,508 --> 00:24:02,475 - Nice. 660 00:24:02,509 --> 00:24:03,810 - Oh! 661 00:24:03,843 --> 00:24:07,847 - How did he get that? [buzzer blares] 662 00:24:07,881 --> 00:24:09,916 - Let's go! Let's go! 663 00:24:09,949 --> 00:24:13,153 - Noah Meunier keeps his perfect season alive. 664 00:24:13,186 --> 00:24:15,121 - Oh, look at this. 665 00:24:15,155 --> 00:24:16,356 Oh, look. 666 00:24:16,389 --> 00:24:19,659 - There she is, Addy Herman joining Noah. 667 00:24:19,693 --> 00:24:21,628 - Let's go! 668 00:24:21,661 --> 00:24:23,797 - Ninja love, big, man. 669 00:24:23,830 --> 00:24:26,499 - You got to feel bad for Alex Romer. 670 00:24:26,533 --> 00:24:29,402 He made a big pass on Swing Surfer 671 00:24:29,436 --> 00:24:32,205 going straight to the rope without an extra swing. 672 00:24:32,238 --> 00:24:36,309 But on Epic Air Surfer, he slid off the left side. 673 00:24:36,343 --> 00:24:39,479 That allowed Meunier to come back and get the win. 674 00:24:39,512 --> 00:24:41,548 [buzzer blares] 675 00:24:41,581 --> 00:24:42,782 - Now, Romer's still got a chance 676 00:24:42,816 --> 00:24:44,150 to be one of our top four 677 00:24:44,184 --> 00:24:46,086 non-winners who will race later tonight 678 00:24:46,086 --> 00:24:48,154 for the final spots on stage 3. 679 00:24:48,188 --> 00:24:50,657 - Let's go. 680 00:24:50,690 --> 00:24:52,659 - Still to come-- 681 00:24:52,692 --> 00:24:53,660 - Ahh! 682 00:24:53,693 --> 00:24:55,128 - There it is. 683 00:24:55,161 --> 00:24:59,699 The Bangin Ninja's having a breakout season at 34. 684 00:24:59,733 --> 00:25:01,835 Can he keep his season alive? 685 00:25:01,868 --> 00:25:05,505 He's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 686 00:25:10,143 --> 00:25:11,644 [upbeat music] 687 00:25:11,678 --> 00:25:13,213 - We love to dance on "American Ninja Warrior." 688 00:25:13,246 --> 00:25:14,681 And we've seen a lot of our ninjas 689 00:25:14,714 --> 00:25:16,883 show off their moves over the years. 690 00:25:16,916 --> 00:25:19,252 And that includes our next two competitors, 691 00:25:19,285 --> 00:25:21,154 who celebrated their stage 1 buzzers 692 00:25:21,187 --> 00:25:23,356 last week with some style. 693 00:25:23,390 --> 00:25:24,924 These two fun-loving ninjas are 694 00:25:24,958 --> 00:25:27,660 gonna dance their way onto the start line for stage 2. 695 00:25:27,694 --> 00:25:29,129 - A little shimmy shimmy. 696 00:25:29,162 --> 00:25:31,598 - It's "The Cat Daddy," Jackson Twait, 697 00:25:31,631 --> 00:25:35,135 the pet sitter from Iowa a five-time "Ninja" veteran. 698 00:25:35,168 --> 00:25:38,538 He's back on stage 2 for the second straight season. 699 00:25:38,571 --> 00:25:41,541 He'll be facing a rookie, the impressive teenager 700 00:25:41,574 --> 00:25:43,843 from Florida, Nacssa Garemore. 701 00:25:43,877 --> 00:25:45,945 This 15-year-old, the youngest ninja 702 00:25:45,979 --> 00:25:49,349 still in the competition, has hit buzzers on every course 703 00:25:49,382 --> 00:25:51,451 this season. 704 00:25:51,484 --> 00:25:53,787 And he'll have lots of family watching back in Florida, 705 00:25:53,820 --> 00:25:56,156 plus his mom on the sideline. 706 00:25:56,189 --> 00:25:57,924 Jackson Twait's got that big group 707 00:25:57,957 --> 00:26:00,026 from Iowa cheering for him. 708 00:26:00,060 --> 00:26:02,095 - And the Cat Daddy may be a little nervous 709 00:26:02,128 --> 00:26:03,663 about this first obstacle. 710 00:26:03,697 --> 00:26:05,365 Remember, he shockingly fell 711 00:26:05,398 --> 00:26:07,033 on the Striding Steps last year. 712 00:26:07,067 --> 00:26:09,869 [countdown clock beeping] 713 00:26:09,903 --> 00:26:11,171 - Both these guys go fast. 714 00:26:11,204 --> 00:26:12,706 - Here we go. Keep your balance. 715 00:26:12,739 --> 00:26:14,040 - Wow. - Nice. 716 00:26:14,040 --> 00:26:15,508 - And no problem on the Striding 717 00:26:15,542 --> 00:26:17,310 Steps this year for Jackson Twait. 718 00:26:17,344 --> 00:26:18,812 - And it's about running your race 719 00:26:18,845 --> 00:26:20,880 but knowing that you're racing against another ninja. 720 00:26:20,914 --> 00:26:22,315 - Nice. - Wow. Nice. 721 00:26:22,349 --> 00:26:24,384 - I'm telling you-- - And great power, Twait, 722 00:26:24,417 --> 00:26:26,052 an extra move there on the Salmon Ladder. 723 00:26:26,086 --> 00:26:27,087 - Whoo! 724 00:26:27,120 --> 00:26:28,488 And Nacssa, man, he can go. 725 00:26:28,521 --> 00:26:32,092 Once he gets out to the open space, that's it. 726 00:26:32,125 --> 00:26:33,226 - He's not just fast. 727 00:26:33,259 --> 00:26:34,494 He has tremendous strength, 728 00:26:34,527 --> 00:26:36,062 which he'll need to get through 729 00:26:36,096 --> 00:26:37,764 these five upper-body obstacles 730 00:26:37,797 --> 00:26:39,299 here after the Striding Steps. 731 00:26:39,332 --> 00:26:40,433 - And, Matt, you can see Nacssa 732 00:26:40,467 --> 00:26:41,801 already starting to pull away. 733 00:26:41,835 --> 00:26:43,837 Once he gets away, it's gonna be 734 00:26:43,870 --> 00:26:45,772 lights out for Jackson Twait. - And keep in mind 735 00:26:45,805 --> 00:26:48,141 if you don't hit a buzzer, the door is always open. 736 00:26:48,174 --> 00:26:50,910 - Our top four non-winners will be in runoff races 737 00:26:50,944 --> 00:26:53,313 and could still move on to stage 3. 738 00:26:53,346 --> 00:26:55,081 - Here comes Twait. 739 00:26:55,081 --> 00:26:56,316 - Twait is right behind him. 740 00:26:56,349 --> 00:26:57,984 OK. 741 00:26:58,084 --> 00:27:03,189 - Epic Air Surfer, so easy to make a mistake, 742 00:27:03,223 --> 00:27:06,760 and Nacssa about two moves ahead. 743 00:27:09,029 --> 00:27:10,430 Look at this. 744 00:27:10,463 --> 00:27:11,898 He's linking every move. 745 00:27:11,931 --> 00:27:13,400 - O-M-G. 746 00:27:13,433 --> 00:27:14,801 - What confidence out of Garemore. 747 00:27:14,834 --> 00:27:16,036 - Garemore's gone. He gone. 748 00:27:16,069 --> 00:27:17,337 He gone. 749 00:27:17,370 --> 00:27:19,139 - Well, Twait's gonna need a miracle. 750 00:27:19,172 --> 00:27:20,807 - He's gonna need nine lives and more 751 00:27:20,840 --> 00:27:22,442 than that to catch him. - Wow. 752 00:27:22,475 --> 00:27:23,810 - Whoa! Whoa! 753 00:27:23,843 --> 00:27:24,911 - Oh, my goodness. 754 00:27:24,944 --> 00:27:26,246 - He made that look easy. 755 00:27:26,279 --> 00:27:28,114 - We've never seen that on the Falling Shelves! 756 00:27:28,148 --> 00:27:29,582 [cheers and applause] 757 00:27:29,616 --> 00:27:31,084 [triumphant music] 758 00:27:31,117 --> 00:27:33,553 - Ooh, I see you, Nacssa. 759 00:27:33,586 --> 00:27:35,121 Dance, young fella, dance. 760 00:27:35,155 --> 00:27:36,856 - Jackson Twait is still fighting. 761 00:27:36,890 --> 00:27:41,061 Oh, he's down. 762 00:27:41,061 --> 00:27:43,430 The Cat Daddy just couldn't keep up with the speedy 763 00:27:43,463 --> 00:27:45,231 Nacssa Garemore. 764 00:27:45,265 --> 00:27:46,266 - Hey, Nacssa. 765 00:27:46,299 --> 00:27:47,534 Can I see that dance again? 766 00:27:47,567 --> 00:27:48,668 What was that? 767 00:27:48,702 --> 00:27:53,073 Hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey. 768 00:27:53,073 --> 00:27:54,341 This was impressive. 769 00:27:54,374 --> 00:27:57,744 Watch him link his moves on Epic Air Surfer 770 00:27:57,777 --> 00:28:00,647 and then do it again on the Falling Shelves. 771 00:28:00,680 --> 00:28:03,883 He finished this course faster than anyone so far. 772 00:28:03,917 --> 00:28:05,452 - He just finished middle school, 773 00:28:05,485 --> 00:28:08,621 but now he's moving closer to that million dollars. 774 00:28:08,655 --> 00:28:11,491 Next up for him stage 3. 775 00:28:11,524 --> 00:28:13,660 - Guys, Kyle Soderman and Caleb Bergstrom 776 00:28:13,693 --> 00:28:15,028 aren't just good friends. 777 00:28:15,061 --> 00:28:16,329 They're teammates. 778 00:28:16,363 --> 00:28:18,665 These two met through Ninja competitions. 779 00:28:18,698 --> 00:28:21,801 But now they're using their speed and agility 780 00:28:21,835 --> 00:28:23,803 on another crazy sport-- 781 00:28:23,837 --> 00:28:26,673 World Chase Tag, a high-stakes version of the game 782 00:28:26,706 --> 00:28:30,043 we all played as kids. 783 00:28:30,076 --> 00:28:31,244 - Looking very good. 784 00:28:31,277 --> 00:28:32,412 Tag made! 785 00:28:32,445 --> 00:28:34,180 - Me and Caleb have been great friends 786 00:28:34,214 --> 00:28:36,483 ever since we both started doing "Ninja Warrior." 787 00:28:36,516 --> 00:28:38,785 Me and him both do World Chase Tag together. 788 00:28:38,818 --> 00:28:42,055 And with that sport, it's nothing but speed. 789 00:28:42,055 --> 00:28:43,056 - This is what he does. 790 00:28:43,056 --> 00:28:44,324 He evades. 791 00:28:44,357 --> 00:28:45,859 - Kyle holds the record in Chase Tag for most 792 00:28:45,892 --> 00:28:47,193 evasions ever. 793 00:28:47,227 --> 00:28:48,862 So he's got a pretty big pedigree 794 00:28:48,895 --> 00:28:50,330 when it comes to speed. 795 00:28:50,363 --> 00:28:52,732 He knows how to go fast, and he has great endurance. 796 00:28:52,766 --> 00:28:54,067 But so do I. 797 00:28:54,100 --> 00:28:56,603 - Caleb-- look at the pace he maintains. 798 00:28:56,636 --> 00:28:59,406 - When you go fast, you really have to think fast. 799 00:28:59,439 --> 00:29:02,509 And that's gonna apply perfectly to stage 2 800 00:29:02,542 --> 00:29:04,044 and moving quick. 801 00:29:04,077 --> 00:29:06,146 With both of us having that experience, 802 00:29:06,179 --> 00:29:08,381 it's gonna be a very interesting race. 803 00:29:08,415 --> 00:29:11,584 * * 804 00:29:11,618 --> 00:29:14,020 - Soderman may be the bigger star in Chase Tag, 805 00:29:14,054 --> 00:29:16,156 but tonight Caleb's the higher seed. 806 00:29:16,189 --> 00:29:18,458 He's a 3 while Kyle's a 22. 807 00:29:18,491 --> 00:29:19,759 - Brother. - Brother. 808 00:29:19,793 --> 00:29:21,327 - You can see how close these two are. 809 00:29:21,361 --> 00:29:23,697 Caleb's wife, Ashley, on the sidelines. 810 00:29:23,730 --> 00:29:26,232 This year, she and Caleb were the first married couple 811 00:29:26,266 --> 00:29:30,203 to qualify for the National Finals. 812 00:29:30,236 --> 00:29:32,739 Kyle's fiancée, Megan, also a ninja. 813 00:29:32,772 --> 00:29:35,041 She's leading the cheers on the sidelines. 814 00:29:35,075 --> 00:29:38,278 [countdown clock beeping] 815 00:29:38,311 --> 00:29:41,047 Caleb Bergstrom was very fast on stage 1. 816 00:29:41,047 --> 00:29:43,149 But Soderman has more experience. 817 00:29:43,183 --> 00:29:48,188 He's been on stage 2 the past two seasons. 818 00:29:48,221 --> 00:29:51,624 And you can see both these guys on the bigger side. 819 00:29:51,658 --> 00:29:53,560 - All right, now tagged off to this next one. 820 00:29:53,593 --> 00:29:55,528 Here we go, Jawbreakers. 821 00:29:55,562 --> 00:29:57,464 - And who can link it? 822 00:29:57,497 --> 00:30:01,101 Caleb just starting pull away, but here comes Soderman. 823 00:30:01,134 --> 00:30:02,836 - Kyle Soderman does not give up. 824 00:30:02,869 --> 00:30:03,837 We know that. 825 00:30:03,870 --> 00:30:05,572 - He's so strong. 826 00:30:05,605 --> 00:30:07,040 - Now on to Swing Surfer. 827 00:30:07,073 --> 00:30:08,875 - Kyle Soderman keeping it close. 828 00:30:08,908 --> 00:30:11,945 This one's gonna come down to the final two obstacles. 829 00:30:11,978 --> 00:30:13,813 Caleb Bergstrom's gonna keep his lead 830 00:30:13,847 --> 00:30:18,451 as he gets over the wall. 831 00:30:18,485 --> 00:30:21,254 - And that is big; he was the first to complete 832 00:30:21,287 --> 00:30:25,425 Swing Surfer, giving him the edge here on Epic Air Surfer. 833 00:30:25,458 --> 00:30:27,027 - Come on, Kyle. 834 00:30:27,060 --> 00:30:30,163 [cheers and applause] 835 00:30:30,196 --> 00:30:34,267 - And you saw Caleb Bergstrom steal a glance at Soderman. 836 00:30:34,300 --> 00:30:35,702 But you've got to run your own race. 837 00:30:35,735 --> 00:30:39,139 You can't focus on your opponent. 838 00:30:39,172 --> 00:30:42,042 And that is huge for Caleb Bergstrom. 839 00:30:42,075 --> 00:30:43,843 - Yeah, and you can see Kyle Soderman 840 00:30:43,877 --> 00:30:47,380 still scooting along trying to get his rhythm. 841 00:30:47,414 --> 00:30:50,283 But Caleb is pulling away. 842 00:30:50,316 --> 00:30:52,085 There's no looking back now. 843 00:30:52,118 --> 00:30:53,920 - Caleb Bergstrom just needs to avoid 844 00:30:53,953 --> 00:30:55,889 a mistake here on Falling Shelves, 845 00:30:55,922 --> 00:30:59,359 and he'll be on his way to stage 3. 846 00:30:59,392 --> 00:31:01,327 And he's gonna do it. 847 00:31:01,361 --> 00:31:02,395 [buzzer blares] 848 00:31:02,429 --> 00:31:05,298 Caleb Bergstrom hits the buzzer. 849 00:31:05,331 --> 00:31:07,267 - What a year it's been for him-- 850 00:31:07,300 --> 00:31:10,070 hit four buzzers and got 10 grand on the Mega 851 00:31:10,070 --> 00:31:11,237 Wall back in qualifying. 852 00:31:11,271 --> 00:31:12,906 And now he's gonna support his buddy. 853 00:31:12,939 --> 00:31:14,774 - You got it, Kyle. 854 00:31:14,808 --> 00:31:16,343 - Kyle Soderman, though, keep in mind 855 00:31:16,376 --> 00:31:20,447 the top four non-winners will get another shot to race. 856 00:31:20,480 --> 00:31:22,449 - That's exactly right; he's still in it. 857 00:31:22,482 --> 00:31:24,084 - All you have to do is finish! 858 00:31:24,084 --> 00:31:25,819 - And at this point, he's only the second non-winner 859 00:31:25,852 --> 00:31:27,120 to reach Falling Shelves. 860 00:31:27,153 --> 00:31:29,789 So he's got a good chance of moving on. 861 00:31:29,823 --> 00:31:32,192 Can he get the blind grab? - Get it. 862 00:31:32,225 --> 00:31:34,160 Get the grab. Ooh! 863 00:31:34,194 --> 00:31:36,463 - He was so close to a finish. 864 00:31:36,496 --> 00:31:39,399 But as we said, he's still in good position to be one 865 00:31:39,432 --> 00:31:41,568 of our top four non-winners. 866 00:31:41,601 --> 00:31:44,304 We could see him in a runoff race a bit later. 867 00:31:44,337 --> 00:31:46,606 But how about Caleb Bergstrom? 868 00:31:46,639 --> 00:31:48,908 Four members of that family started this season. 869 00:31:48,942 --> 00:31:51,277 Caleb's the only one remaining. 870 00:31:51,311 --> 00:31:54,114 He'll be representing them on stage 3. 871 00:31:54,114 --> 00:31:57,517 Coming up, he's the only dad left in the competition. 872 00:31:57,550 --> 00:31:59,652 Can 34-year-old Joe Moravsky 873 00:31:59,686 --> 00:32:02,822 hold off hotshot teenager Jera Boyd? 874 00:32:02,856 --> 00:32:05,058 - In Vegas, always bet on Joe Moravsky. 875 00:32:05,091 --> 00:32:08,795 - He's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 876 00:32:14,668 --> 00:32:17,804 - It's a clear night in Vegas, but a storm is coming. 877 00:32:17,837 --> 00:32:21,474 That's because up next is "The Weatherman," Joe Moravsky. 878 00:32:21,508 --> 00:32:24,411 The 34-year-old "Ninja" great from Connecticut 879 00:32:24,444 --> 00:32:27,180 is gonna be facing the 19-year-old social media 880 00:32:27,213 --> 00:32:29,916 creator from Minnesota, Jera Boyd. 881 00:32:29,949 --> 00:32:32,485 Not only is Joe 15 years older than Jera, 882 00:32:32,519 --> 00:32:36,089 he's also the only dad to make it to stage 2. 883 00:32:36,122 --> 00:32:37,891 [upbeat music] 884 00:32:37,924 --> 00:32:40,326 - So this is my 10th time here in Vegas, 885 00:32:40,360 --> 00:32:42,429 and I'm one of the oldest competitors 886 00:32:42,462 --> 00:32:43,997 to move on to stage 2. 887 00:32:44,097 --> 00:32:45,398 Oh, it's not good. 888 00:32:45,432 --> 00:32:46,399 I'm old. 889 00:32:46,433 --> 00:32:47,901 What is this? 890 00:32:47,934 --> 00:32:49,836 - It looks like the forecast calls for success. 891 00:32:49,869 --> 00:32:51,338 [buzzer blares] 892 00:32:51,371 --> 00:32:53,139 - I started competing on "American Ninja Warrior" when 893 00:32:53,173 --> 00:32:55,275 some of these teens were probably just getting out 894 00:32:55,308 --> 00:32:56,543 of diapers. 895 00:32:56,576 --> 00:32:58,812 So it's tough to have to come out here 896 00:32:58,845 --> 00:33:02,716 and to try to beat these guys that are 15, 16, 17 years old 897 00:33:02,749 --> 00:33:08,154 that have no house, no kids, no wife, no responsibilities. 898 00:33:08,188 --> 00:33:09,823 And that's their advantage. 899 00:33:09,856 --> 00:33:11,091 Where is my advantage? 900 00:33:11,124 --> 00:33:13,226 - What a moment for Joe Moravsky 901 00:33:13,259 --> 00:33:15,562 to get his first buzzer of the season 902 00:33:15,595 --> 00:33:18,331 and the 30th of his career. 903 00:33:18,365 --> 00:33:20,433 - I'm just hoping my experience, because that's 904 00:33:20,467 --> 00:33:22,068 the only thing I have against these young guys, 905 00:33:22,068 --> 00:33:24,070 is gonna be good enough to be able to do 906 00:33:24,104 --> 00:33:25,538 what I have to do to take this thing home 907 00:33:25,572 --> 00:33:28,241 and move on to stage 3. 908 00:33:28,274 --> 00:33:29,242 - Kill it! 909 00:33:29,275 --> 00:33:30,310 You've got this! 910 00:33:30,343 --> 00:33:31,878 - There's Joe's wife, Stephanie. 911 00:33:31,911 --> 00:33:34,614 Their kids are asleep back home in Connecticut. 912 00:33:34,647 --> 00:33:36,216 And Jera Boyd's got his mom leading 913 00:33:36,249 --> 00:33:38,351 the cheers on his sidelines. 914 00:33:38,385 --> 00:33:41,454 - Joe's got the experience, but Jera's coming in hot. 915 00:33:41,488 --> 00:33:44,624 He has three buzzers and a Mega Wall already this year. 916 00:33:44,657 --> 00:33:47,627 [countdown clock beeping] 917 00:33:47,660 --> 00:33:50,730 Joe shockingly fell on Striding Steps two years ago, 918 00:33:50,764 --> 00:33:52,899 but no problem tonight. 919 00:33:52,932 --> 00:33:54,567 Moravsky loves a challenge. 920 00:33:54,601 --> 00:33:57,370 - And, Matt, Moravsky needs to get out there 921 00:33:57,404 --> 00:34:00,340 in front early to put the pressure on Jera Boyd. 922 00:34:00,373 --> 00:34:01,808 Jera Boyd can go, too, now. 923 00:34:01,841 --> 00:34:03,243 - And he's trying to link it. 924 00:34:03,276 --> 00:34:06,046 This is synchronized "Ninja" right now. 925 00:34:09,516 --> 00:34:11,217 - Oh, no! - No. 926 00:34:11,251 --> 00:34:12,886 - Joe. 927 00:34:12,919 --> 00:34:15,622 Oh, my goodness. 928 00:34:15,655 --> 00:34:20,360 - And Joe Moravsky's season is done, 929 00:34:20,393 --> 00:34:23,129 a shocking early exit for one of the greatest 930 00:34:23,163 --> 00:34:24,764 ninjas in history. 931 00:34:24,798 --> 00:34:26,433 So Jera Boyd gets the win. 932 00:34:26,466 --> 00:34:28,802 And he's gonna keep going to try to get a buzzer. 933 00:34:28,835 --> 00:34:30,704 Let's look at what happened to Joe. 934 00:34:30,737 --> 00:34:32,639 - Joe looked good in the beginning, 935 00:34:32,672 --> 00:34:35,075 and he was linking his moves on Jawbreakers. 936 00:34:35,108 --> 00:34:38,445 But on the last one, he just missed on the left side 937 00:34:38,478 --> 00:34:40,380 and bounced off. 938 00:34:40,413 --> 00:34:43,550 - So one of the favorites to win it all is out. 939 00:34:43,583 --> 00:34:46,820 And 19-year-old Jera Boyd can enjoy 940 00:34:46,853 --> 00:34:48,088 the rest of this run. 941 00:34:48,088 --> 00:34:51,624 He's earned his shot on stage 3. 942 00:34:51,658 --> 00:34:54,294 - He took out the OG, Joe Marovsky. 943 00:34:54,327 --> 00:34:56,296 [cheers and applause] 944 00:34:56,329 --> 00:34:59,165 - He's a social media influencer, Akbar, 945 00:34:59,199 --> 00:35:01,935 posts a lot of videos doing ninja tricks. 946 00:35:02,035 --> 00:35:04,771 And I have a feeling this one's gonna go viral. 947 00:35:04,804 --> 00:35:07,440 What a great start he's had to his "Ninja" career. 948 00:35:07,474 --> 00:35:10,777 He's conquered the Mega Wall both seasons he's competed. 949 00:35:10,810 --> 00:35:13,646 Do you know how hard that is? 950 00:35:13,680 --> 00:35:15,148 [buzzer blares] 951 00:35:15,181 --> 00:35:18,785 And Jeramiah Boyd remains perfect, 952 00:35:18,818 --> 00:35:20,253 gets his fourth buzzer, 953 00:35:20,286 --> 00:35:24,524 and does it defeating the legend Joe Marovsky, 954 00:35:24,557 --> 00:35:26,059 and he's getting hugs from his wife. 955 00:35:26,059 --> 00:35:30,430 It just wasn't his night. 956 00:35:30,463 --> 00:35:32,265 But congrats to Jera Boyd 957 00:35:32,298 --> 00:35:35,835 as he moves on now to tackle stage 3. 958 00:35:35,869 --> 00:35:39,572 Up next another hotshot youngster going up against one 959 00:35:39,606 --> 00:35:41,341 of our older competitors. 960 00:35:41,374 --> 00:35:43,943 We've got Montana's 18-year-old Evan Andrews, 961 00:35:43,977 --> 00:35:46,079 who comes in as a number 2 seed, 962 00:35:46,112 --> 00:35:48,982 going against "The Bangin Ninja" Jonathan Bange-- 963 00:35:49,082 --> 00:35:49,983 - What's up, my guy? 964 00:35:50,083 --> 00:35:51,618 - Let's go. 965 00:35:51,651 --> 00:35:54,220 - --who, at 34, is having by far his best season ever 966 00:35:54,254 --> 00:35:56,356 inspired by someone special. 967 00:35:56,389 --> 00:35:58,792 [gentle music] 968 00:35:58,825 --> 00:36:02,328 - My dad passed of colon cancer in 2020. 969 00:36:02,362 --> 00:36:06,332 We had a relationship of absolute love and admiration. 970 00:36:06,366 --> 00:36:08,401 And he was brilliant. 971 00:36:08,435 --> 00:36:10,036 - The spirit of your dad is still 972 00:36:10,036 --> 00:36:15,408 living within you, because he just-- he never gave up. 973 00:36:15,442 --> 00:36:17,043 He was quite a man. 974 00:36:17,043 --> 00:36:19,879 Leonard set the bar high for each of his children, 975 00:36:19,913 --> 00:36:21,715 because he challenged them each 976 00:36:21,748 --> 00:36:24,651 and every time to do better. 977 00:36:24,684 --> 00:36:28,254 - My dad wanted our last name to be known. 978 00:36:28,288 --> 00:36:30,890 He would be incredibly proud right now. 979 00:36:30,924 --> 00:36:34,060 I know he's up there screaming, "You did it, son! 980 00:36:34,060 --> 00:36:37,330 You did it!" 981 00:36:37,364 --> 00:36:38,732 - Jonathan is gonna get out there 982 00:36:38,765 --> 00:36:40,700 and represent for his dad. 983 00:36:40,734 --> 00:36:43,603 He's actually gonna bang it. 984 00:36:43,636 --> 00:36:48,208 * * 985 00:36:48,241 --> 00:36:54,080 - I cannot wait to bang that buzzer in honor of my dad, 986 00:36:54,080 --> 00:36:57,450 as well as anyone that's been affected by colon cancer. 987 00:36:57,484 --> 00:37:02,722 * * 988 00:37:02,756 --> 00:37:04,791 - Everybody loves Jonathan Bange. 989 00:37:04,824 --> 00:37:08,328 He's a beloved coach, a member of the Texas Ninja community. 990 00:37:08,361 --> 00:37:12,565 His crew is already banging on the sidelines, led by his mom. 991 00:37:12,599 --> 00:37:15,902 Evan Andrews is about to start his first year of college. 992 00:37:15,935 --> 00:37:18,672 He's the leader of the "Ninja" community in Montana. 993 00:37:18,705 --> 00:37:21,041 He's got his parents over on his sidelines. 994 00:37:21,041 --> 00:37:24,210 Evan Andrews was very impressive on stage 1. 995 00:37:24,244 --> 00:37:25,779 He had the second-fastest time 996 00:37:25,812 --> 00:37:28,214 and earned himself a number 2 seed, 997 00:37:28,248 --> 00:37:32,452 while Jonathan Bange is the 23 seed, a big underdog here. 998 00:37:32,485 --> 00:37:34,521 [countdown clock beeping] 999 00:37:34,554 --> 00:37:38,358 Evan Andrews made it to stage 2 last year as a rookie. 1000 00:37:38,391 --> 00:37:39,726 Good footwork. 1001 00:37:39,759 --> 00:37:42,062 Oh, I love this side-by-side format 1002 00:37:42,062 --> 00:37:44,097 seeing these ninjas push themselves. 1003 00:37:44,130 --> 00:37:47,067 - Yeah, great technique there by Evan Andrews. 1004 00:37:47,100 --> 00:37:49,736 [cheers and applause] 1005 00:37:49,769 --> 00:37:51,905 Nice. Ooh. - Oh, no! 1006 00:37:51,938 --> 00:37:53,273 - He missed it. 1007 00:37:53,306 --> 00:37:56,309 - Evan Andrews, shockingly, is down, 1008 00:37:56,343 --> 00:37:58,978 the number 2 seed with an early fall. 1009 00:37:59,079 --> 00:38:02,682 And now Jonathan Bange can pull off a huge upset 1010 00:38:02,716 --> 00:38:05,051 if he can complete this obstacle. 1011 00:38:05,085 --> 00:38:10,023 Unbelievable. 1012 00:38:10,023 --> 00:38:12,225 Now just one move away. 1013 00:38:12,258 --> 00:38:14,060 And he's done it! 1014 00:38:14,094 --> 00:38:17,864 Jonathan Bange is going to stage 3. 1015 00:38:17,897 --> 00:38:21,534 [cheers and applause] 1016 00:38:21,568 --> 00:38:24,037 Well, this is why we run the races. 1017 00:38:24,037 --> 00:38:28,241 And you can see a crestfallen Evan Andrews still trying 1018 00:38:28,274 --> 00:38:30,043 to figure out what went wrong. 1019 00:38:30,043 --> 00:38:31,478 - Matt, he had the lead. 1020 00:38:31,511 --> 00:38:34,047 But going into Jawbreakers, he missed with the bar 1021 00:38:34,047 --> 00:38:38,385 on the left, and the number 2 seed is out. 1022 00:38:38,418 --> 00:38:41,488 - And how great is this for Jonathan Bange? 1023 00:38:41,521 --> 00:38:42,856 He's coached some top ninjas 1024 00:38:42,889 --> 00:38:45,191 but has never had this kind of success 1025 00:38:45,225 --> 00:38:47,527 himself until this year. 1026 00:38:47,560 --> 00:38:49,362 And you can see on the sidelines 1027 00:38:49,396 --> 00:38:51,398 the camaraderie, the support. 1028 00:38:51,431 --> 00:38:54,434 The Flyboy Ninja, tears in his eyes-- 1029 00:38:54,467 --> 00:38:57,203 his coach is going to stage 3. 1030 00:38:57,237 --> 00:38:58,571 - Jonathan Bange started from the bottom. 1031 00:38:58,605 --> 00:38:59,572 Now he's here. 1032 00:38:59,606 --> 00:39:00,874 - Long dismount. 1033 00:39:00,907 --> 00:39:03,209 What does he have left in the tank? 1034 00:39:03,243 --> 00:39:05,545 Oh! 1035 00:39:05,578 --> 00:39:09,015 The biggest of underdogs closing in on a buzzer. 1036 00:39:09,015 --> 00:39:11,017 You know his dad would be proud. 1037 00:39:11,017 --> 00:39:13,319 - Keep banging on them. 1038 00:39:13,353 --> 00:39:17,023 I see you, baby. - [laughs] 1039 00:39:17,057 --> 00:39:20,026 - Hey, you can see his friends are ready. 1040 00:39:20,026 --> 00:39:22,696 Everyone, the family, they're all coming 1041 00:39:22,729 --> 00:39:24,497 to meet him at the buzzer. 1042 00:39:24,531 --> 00:39:28,168 How amazing is this? 1043 00:39:28,201 --> 00:39:30,437 - Well, this would just be a storybook finish. 1044 00:39:30,470 --> 00:39:32,439 - A flying grab here. 1045 00:39:32,472 --> 00:39:33,640 - Can he pull it off? 1046 00:39:33,673 --> 00:39:34,841 - Go get your family. 1047 00:39:34,874 --> 00:39:36,309 Go get your family. - Oh! 1048 00:39:36,343 --> 00:39:37,310 - Oh! 1049 00:39:37,344 --> 00:39:38,645 [horn blares] 1050 00:39:38,678 --> 00:39:40,580 - Well, he splashes down, but it 1051 00:39:40,613 --> 00:39:43,783 doesn't change the fact Jonathan Bange 1052 00:39:43,817 --> 00:39:45,051 is going to stage 3. 1053 00:39:45,085 --> 00:39:47,220 [together] Bang! 1054 00:39:47,253 --> 00:39:50,223 - He wanted to honor his dad, and Jonathan Bange is 1055 00:39:50,256 --> 00:39:52,726 having his best season ever. 1056 00:39:52,759 --> 00:39:57,564 The Bangin Ninja was beaming as he charged through stage 2. 1057 00:39:57,597 --> 00:40:02,035 He made his dad, his mom, and all his ninja brothers proud. 1058 00:40:03,603 --> 00:40:06,039 - Getting hugs from his crew, and this crowd 1059 00:40:06,072 --> 00:40:07,941 appreciates the effort. 1060 00:40:07,974 --> 00:40:09,776 Let's go down to Zuri. 1061 00:40:09,809 --> 00:40:11,644 - Jonathan, that was an incredible job out there. 1062 00:40:11,678 --> 00:40:13,113 - Zuri! - What's up? 1063 00:40:13,146 --> 00:40:14,114 How you feeling? 1064 00:40:14,147 --> 00:40:15,548 You feeling good? 1065 00:40:15,582 --> 00:40:18,084 - I'm feeling pretty dang good right now. 1066 00:40:18,118 --> 00:40:19,452 Hard work pays off. 1067 00:40:19,486 --> 00:40:21,221 I've got a great community around me. 1068 00:40:21,254 --> 00:40:22,589 I got a loving family. 1069 00:40:22,622 --> 00:40:23,990 With that, anything's possible. 1070 00:40:24,024 --> 00:40:25,492 With that said, hey-- 1071 00:40:25,525 --> 00:40:27,861 last year, hey, wouldn't it be crazy if all three of us 1072 00:40:27,894 --> 00:40:29,963 made it to stage 1 in Vegas, and wouldn't it 1073 00:40:29,996 --> 00:40:32,866 be crazy if we got to stage 3? 1074 00:40:32,899 --> 00:40:34,401 - And look at this. 1075 00:40:34,434 --> 00:40:35,602 Look at this. 1076 00:40:35,635 --> 00:40:36,636 Well, you've got your chance. 1077 00:40:36,670 --> 00:40:37,837 You have earned it. 1078 00:40:37,871 --> 00:40:39,739 We cannot wait to see you on stage 3. 1079 00:40:39,773 --> 00:40:40,807 Congratulations. 1080 00:40:40,840 --> 00:40:42,108 Celebrate. - Hey, what's up? 1081 00:40:42,142 --> 00:40:43,176 What's up? What's up? 1082 00:40:43,209 --> 00:40:44,678 - Guys, back to you. 1083 00:40:44,711 --> 00:40:45,679 [together] Bang! 1084 00:40:45,712 --> 00:40:47,847 - Stage 3, baby. 1085 00:40:47,881 --> 00:40:48,948 What? - Let's go. 1086 00:40:48,982 --> 00:40:51,117 - Still to come, Kaden Lebsack's 1087 00:40:51,151 --> 00:40:53,219 the reigning king of "Ninja." 1088 00:40:53,253 --> 00:40:55,488 And he's never fallen on our course. 1089 00:40:55,522 --> 00:40:58,792 - High time, showtime, all time, good time! 1090 00:40:58,825 --> 00:41:02,362 - But tonight, he faces a new challenge, a head-to-head 1091 00:41:02,395 --> 00:41:04,564 race against his best friend. 1092 00:41:04,597 --> 00:41:07,901 That's coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 1093 00:41:12,505 --> 00:41:15,308 - Welcome back to "ANW's" National Finals. 1094 00:41:15,342 --> 00:41:19,079 - Tonight it's a stage 2 like we've never seen before. 1095 00:41:19,112 --> 00:41:21,147 For the first time in Vegas, our ninjas 1096 00:41:21,181 --> 00:41:23,483 are racing head-to-head. 1097 00:41:23,516 --> 00:41:26,886 We already had 10 ninjas earn a trip to stage 3, 1098 00:41:26,920 --> 00:41:28,955 including 3 rookies. 1099 00:41:28,988 --> 00:41:32,659 [upbeat music] 1100 00:41:32,692 --> 00:41:34,828 - Well, now we've got a couple of Texans 1101 00:41:34,861 --> 00:41:37,097 ready to race for their shot at stage 3. 1102 00:41:37,097 --> 00:41:39,332 It's one of the all-time greats, 1103 00:41:39,366 --> 00:41:42,002 eight-time Ninja veteran Daniel Gil, 1104 00:41:42,102 --> 00:41:43,970 facing one of the top young stars, 1105 00:41:44,004 --> 00:41:46,673 "The Flyboy," 17-year-old Isaiah Thomas. 1106 00:41:46,706 --> 00:41:48,942 [indistinct chatter] 1107 00:41:48,975 --> 00:41:51,511 - Stay focused. One obstacle at a time. 1108 00:41:51,544 --> 00:41:54,014 - You can hear the mutual respect these two have. 1109 00:41:54,114 --> 00:41:56,750 They know each other so well. 1110 00:41:56,783 --> 00:41:59,185 Daniel Gil continues to show 1111 00:41:59,219 --> 00:42:01,688 why he's considered one of the best. 1112 00:42:01,721 --> 00:42:03,189 - I've really looked up to Daniel Gil 1113 00:42:03,223 --> 00:42:04,724 over the past years. 1114 00:42:04,758 --> 00:42:06,860 He was the guy that, every time I saw him at a competition, 1115 00:42:06,893 --> 00:42:08,228 I would get a picture with him. 1116 00:42:08,261 --> 00:42:09,596 And I can't wait to test myself 1117 00:42:09,629 --> 00:42:11,731 to one of the greats of the sport. 1118 00:42:11,765 --> 00:42:14,734 - And The Flyboy ninja's gonna do it, 1119 00:42:14,768 --> 00:42:16,970 and he is pumped. 1120 00:42:17,070 --> 00:42:19,472 - I've seen this kid grow up for years. 1121 00:42:19,506 --> 00:42:21,508 I used to be taller than him, if you can believe that. 1122 00:42:21,541 --> 00:42:23,309 And now this guy has grown up 1123 00:42:23,343 --> 00:42:25,745 not just to be a tall, fully grown man 1124 00:42:25,779 --> 00:42:27,113 but an incredible ninja. 1125 00:42:27,147 --> 00:42:29,349 So, as much as I love Isaiah Thomas 1126 00:42:29,382 --> 00:42:31,317 and the incredible athlete he's becoming, 1127 00:42:31,351 --> 00:42:33,820 I owe it to him to give him the race of my life. 1128 00:42:33,853 --> 00:42:36,389 [dramatic music] 1129 00:42:36,423 --> 00:42:38,358 [cheers and applause] 1130 00:42:38,391 --> 00:42:40,093 - Daniel's wife, Abby, will be cheering 1131 00:42:40,093 --> 00:42:41,861 him on from the sidelines. 1132 00:42:41,895 --> 00:42:44,464 And Isaiah's got his mom over there as well, 1133 00:42:44,497 --> 00:42:47,100 along with his coach, Jonathan Bange, who just 1134 00:42:47,133 --> 00:42:49,169 punched his ticket to stage 3. 1135 00:42:49,202 --> 00:42:51,237 - Oh, my God! This is awesome! 1136 00:42:51,271 --> 00:42:54,107 - Bange is right. This is gonna be fire. 1137 00:42:54,107 --> 00:42:56,343 Everybody and their mama wants to see this one. 1138 00:42:56,376 --> 00:42:59,245 [countdown clock beeping] 1139 00:42:59,279 --> 00:43:01,047 Ooh, look at this. Oh, wow. 1140 00:43:01,081 --> 00:43:03,717 - Oh-ho! 1141 00:43:03,750 --> 00:43:06,286 Isaiah Thomas, a 5-inch height advantage. 1142 00:43:06,319 --> 00:43:07,854 - Ooh. 1143 00:43:07,887 --> 00:43:09,522 - And look at that. 1144 00:43:09,556 --> 00:43:14,060 Isaiah--good job staying calm on that Double Salmon Ladder. 1145 00:43:14,060 --> 00:43:15,829 Gil, a slight edge. 1146 00:43:15,862 --> 00:43:16,963 Oh, no! 1147 00:43:17,063 --> 00:43:18,465 - What? 1148 00:43:18,498 --> 00:43:23,603 - Isaiah Thomas is down, and Daniel Gil gets the win. 1149 00:43:23,636 --> 00:43:26,406 He's going back to stage 3 for the first time 1150 00:43:26,439 --> 00:43:28,241 since season 11. 1151 00:43:28,274 --> 00:43:31,177 [cheers and applause] 1152 00:43:31,211 --> 00:43:33,947 A shocking early exit for The Flyboy, 1153 00:43:33,980 --> 00:43:36,649 and his promising season is over. 1154 00:43:36,683 --> 00:43:38,852 - Like the others who fell on Jawbreakers, 1155 00:43:38,885 --> 00:43:42,655 he got the bar in on one side but missed on the other. 1156 00:43:42,689 --> 00:43:43,790 Ugh! 1157 00:43:43,823 --> 00:43:45,258 Oh, man. 1158 00:43:45,291 --> 00:43:48,128 That's gonna haunt Isaiah Thomas for a long time. 1159 00:43:48,161 --> 00:43:50,163 - Daniel Gil's gonna keep going. 1160 00:43:50,196 --> 00:43:52,098 He's at Epic Air Surfer. 1161 00:43:52,098 --> 00:43:54,868 He's got the win, but he wants to get that buzzer. 1162 00:43:54,901 --> 00:43:56,569 Didn't compete last season, 1163 00:43:56,603 --> 00:43:59,673 but he hasn't missed a beat in his return. 1164 00:43:59,706 --> 00:44:01,841 Remember, last time he was here in Vegas, 1165 00:44:01,875 --> 00:44:03,677 he made it all the way to stage 4 1166 00:44:03,710 --> 00:44:06,913 and was just seconds away from winning a million dollars. 1167 00:44:06,946 --> 00:44:08,114 Watch that right side. 1168 00:44:08,148 --> 00:44:10,150 You can see that bar a little skewed. 1169 00:44:10,183 --> 00:44:13,953 - It's getting me a little nervous, Matt. 1170 00:44:14,054 --> 00:44:15,655 - But he gets the dismount. 1171 00:44:15,689 --> 00:44:18,124 He's got a smile on his face. 1172 00:44:18,158 --> 00:44:20,593 He wants to finish strong. 1173 00:44:20,627 --> 00:44:23,863 - It's great to see Daniel Gil flying 1174 00:44:23,897 --> 00:44:27,867 through Falling Shelves, his hair flying back... 1175 00:44:27,901 --> 00:44:29,736 looking confident. 1176 00:44:29,769 --> 00:44:31,471 Believe, baby, believe. 1177 00:44:31,504 --> 00:44:33,473 - Oh! - Oh! 1178 00:44:33,506 --> 00:44:36,643 - Splashes down on the Falling Shelves 1179 00:44:36,676 --> 00:44:39,846 but not before taking care of business. 1180 00:44:39,879 --> 00:44:42,115 He's now the 11th ninja guaranteed 1181 00:44:42,148 --> 00:44:43,983 to move on to stage 3. 1182 00:44:44,084 --> 00:44:46,086 And with only one more race to go, 1183 00:44:46,086 --> 00:44:48,755 here's where we stand among the non-winners. 1184 00:44:48,788 --> 00:44:51,991 Vance Walker, Kyle Soderman, and Josiah Pippel 1185 00:44:52,092 --> 00:44:54,327 are guaranteed to be in the Runoff races 1186 00:44:54,361 --> 00:44:55,795 for the final spots. 1187 00:44:55,829 --> 00:44:57,564 Alex Romer's on the bubble. 1188 00:44:57,597 --> 00:45:00,233 His fate will be determined by this last race. 1189 00:45:00,266 --> 00:45:02,102 For that, let's go down to Zuri. 1190 00:45:02,135 --> 00:45:04,838 - They're good friends and two of the sport's 1191 00:45:04,871 --> 00:45:06,139 biggest young stars. 1192 00:45:06,172 --> 00:45:09,609 Now 24 seed Elijah Browning will have to face 1193 00:45:09,642 --> 00:45:12,278 the top seed, Kaden Lebsack. 1194 00:45:12,312 --> 00:45:14,581 These two have similar styles. 1195 00:45:14,614 --> 00:45:17,917 They've both got the backwards hat and the long hair. 1196 00:45:17,951 --> 00:45:20,153 And their bonds run deep. 1197 00:45:20,186 --> 00:45:21,921 - When I found out I was going into stage 2, 1198 00:45:21,955 --> 00:45:23,723 I was absolutely so stoked. 1199 00:45:23,757 --> 00:45:25,125 - Kai does not want to go down. 1200 00:45:25,158 --> 00:45:26,426 - There goes Kaden! 1201 00:45:26,459 --> 00:45:28,495 - Oh, my goodness! [shouting indistinctly] 1202 00:45:28,528 --> 00:45:30,663 [buzzer blares] 1203 00:45:30,697 --> 00:45:33,233 - And then I found out I was racing Kaden Lebsack, 1204 00:45:33,266 --> 00:45:34,901 who is one of my best friends, 1205 00:45:34,934 --> 00:45:37,470 but he also happens to be the two-time Last Ninja Standing. 1206 00:45:37,504 --> 00:45:38,972 [horn blows] 1207 00:45:39,072 --> 00:45:41,107 - He's gonna have to console himself with $100,000 1208 00:45:41,141 --> 00:45:43,443 for the second year in a row. - Wow. 1209 00:45:43,476 --> 00:45:44,978 - I met Elijah 1210 00:45:45,078 --> 00:45:47,080 at the second Ninja competition I ever went to, 1211 00:45:47,080 --> 00:45:49,215 and we've been best friends ever since. 1212 00:45:49,249 --> 00:45:50,383 We travel together. 1213 00:45:50,417 --> 00:45:52,886 We train together, compete together. 1214 00:45:52,919 --> 00:45:55,422 - [shouts] - Yes! 1215 00:45:55,455 --> 00:45:58,625 I'm better than Kaden! I win! 1216 00:45:58,658 --> 00:46:00,026 - Wow. 1217 00:46:00,026 --> 00:46:01,494 - Browning is cooking with high heat now. 1218 00:46:01,528 --> 00:46:03,196 - Me and Kaden are friends off the course. 1219 00:46:03,229 --> 00:46:04,898 But on the course, we're gonna be going at it. 1220 00:46:04,931 --> 00:46:06,700 I've never made it to stage 3 before. 1221 00:46:06,733 --> 00:46:10,103 I want to make it so bad, and I know this year is my year. 1222 00:46:10,136 --> 00:46:12,739 - Kaden Lebsack is about as close as you can get 1223 00:46:12,772 --> 00:46:14,641 to a sure thing in Ninja. 1224 00:46:14,674 --> 00:46:15,942 - Hitting the buzzer and moving on 1225 00:46:16,042 --> 00:46:18,178 to stage 3 at the expense of Elijah, 1226 00:46:18,211 --> 00:46:19,679 It's gonna be really sad. 1227 00:46:19,713 --> 00:46:21,381 But that's now the name of the game. 1228 00:46:21,414 --> 00:46:22,849 - Wow. 1229 00:46:22,882 --> 00:46:24,951 - The fastest time of the night 1230 00:46:25,051 --> 00:46:26,252 and barely broke a sweat. 1231 00:46:26,286 --> 00:46:27,520 - At the end of the day, 1232 00:46:27,554 --> 00:46:29,689 there's only one person that can win it all. 1233 00:46:32,058 --> 00:46:33,793 - These two are so close. 1234 00:46:33,827 --> 00:46:37,063 Their moms are holding hands to watch the run together. 1235 00:46:37,063 --> 00:46:39,132 They're like family to each other. 1236 00:46:39,165 --> 00:46:40,667 [cheers and applause] 1237 00:46:40,700 --> 00:46:42,769 - Elijah Browning barely got here, 1238 00:46:42,802 --> 00:46:46,506 snuck in as the 24th seed after falling on stage 1. 1239 00:46:46,539 --> 00:46:48,641 Now he's got to face the number-1 seed 1240 00:46:48,675 --> 00:46:51,144 in Kaden Lebsack, who's never hit the water 1241 00:46:51,177 --> 00:46:52,979 in his Ninja career. 1242 00:46:53,079 --> 00:46:55,548 [countdown clock beeping] 1243 00:46:55,582 --> 00:46:57,484 The one advantage Elijah Browning has here 1244 00:46:57,517 --> 00:46:59,252 on Striding Steps--he's 6'1". 1245 00:46:59,285 --> 00:47:02,022 He can use those long legs to stride across. 1246 00:47:02,022 --> 00:47:04,724 - Lebsack, an early edge. 1247 00:47:04,758 --> 00:47:06,659 Oh, my. 1248 00:47:06,693 --> 00:47:08,595 Well, Kaden said he didn't like speed, 1249 00:47:08,628 --> 00:47:10,096 but he is moving fast. 1250 00:47:10,130 --> 00:47:12,932 - Well, he knows, because Elijah Browning can go. 1251 00:47:13,033 --> 00:47:14,200 - Can he link it? 1252 00:47:14,234 --> 00:47:15,635 He can link it. 1253 00:47:15,669 --> 00:47:16,903 - Yeah, he's using those long arms. 1254 00:47:16,936 --> 00:47:17,904 - Look at this! 1255 00:47:17,937 --> 00:47:19,472 - Oh, The Boss lost his hat. 1256 00:47:19,506 --> 00:47:21,708 Hair's flying in the wind, and he's flying in the wind. 1257 00:47:21,741 --> 00:47:25,178 - And Kaden gets that edge, completing the obstacle first. 1258 00:47:25,211 --> 00:47:28,114 Elijah Browning is not looking like the 24th seed. 1259 00:47:28,148 --> 00:47:30,250 He's right on the heels of Kaden Lebsack. 1260 00:47:30,283 --> 00:47:32,552 - Keep in mind--even if he loses, he could still advance 1261 00:47:32,585 --> 00:47:34,621 as one of the top non-winners. 1262 00:47:34,654 --> 00:47:36,122 And Boss keeping it close! 1263 00:47:36,156 --> 00:47:38,158 - Ooh. Yeah, they're neck and neck. 1264 00:47:38,191 --> 00:47:41,861 - We've seen a lot of falls here on the Epic Air Surfer. 1265 00:47:41,895 --> 00:47:44,164 - Wow, I like this. Browning just staying calm. 1266 00:47:44,197 --> 00:47:45,365 I like it. 1267 00:47:45,398 --> 00:47:46,933 He's not over-pushing it. 1268 00:47:46,966 --> 00:47:49,969 - And you see Kaden being very methodical, watching-- 1269 00:47:50,070 --> 00:47:51,971 - Ooh, right on the edge. Watch out, Boss! 1270 00:47:52,072 --> 00:47:55,342 Oh, boy. - Who can get out first? 1271 00:47:55,375 --> 00:47:58,478 Oh, no! - No, no, no, no! 1272 00:47:58,511 --> 00:48:01,247 Kaden Lebsack is out! 1273 00:48:01,281 --> 00:48:02,582 - Oh, my goodness! 1274 00:48:02,615 --> 00:48:04,751 - For the first time in his Ninja career, 1275 00:48:04,784 --> 00:48:06,853 Kaden Lebsack is down. 1276 00:48:06,886 --> 00:48:09,622 - Now can Elijah Browning get the dismount? 1277 00:48:09,656 --> 00:48:10,790 Yes! 1278 00:48:10,824 --> 00:48:13,159 He has defeated the number-1 seed. 1279 00:48:13,193 --> 00:48:15,695 What an upset. 1280 00:48:15,729 --> 00:48:19,165 And it's just a shock to see Kaden Lebsack in the water. 1281 00:48:20,834 --> 00:48:23,770 The Boss is going to stage 3. 1282 00:48:23,803 --> 00:48:25,905 - Wow, no one saw that one coming. 1283 00:48:25,939 --> 00:48:30,443 - It happens to every ninja, as we saw with Joe Marovsky. 1284 00:48:30,477 --> 00:48:32,946 Kaden can only watch. 1285 00:48:33,046 --> 00:48:37,450 - Wow. Kaden Lebsack was a Vegas favorite to win it all. 1286 00:48:37,484 --> 00:48:40,453 - And the Boss delivers! [buzzer blares] 1287 00:48:40,487 --> 00:48:42,455 [triumphant music] 1288 00:48:42,489 --> 00:48:44,891 - It ain't easy being a Ninja mom. 1289 00:48:44,924 --> 00:48:47,060 You go through a lot of emotions. 1290 00:48:47,093 --> 00:48:49,629 - Well, Elijah Browning, who was the last man 1291 00:48:49,662 --> 00:48:53,400 to make it to stage 2, defeats the reigning king of Ninja 1292 00:48:53,433 --> 00:48:55,769 to move on to stage 3. 1293 00:48:55,802 --> 00:48:58,972 - Kaden was building up a big swing for his dismount, 1294 00:48:59,072 --> 00:49:00,907 and the board just slipped off. 1295 00:49:01,007 --> 00:49:03,643 It's the first time he's ever hit the water 1296 00:49:03,677 --> 00:49:05,145 in three seasons. 1297 00:49:05,178 --> 00:49:08,715 That allowed Elijah to dismount and get the win. 1298 00:49:08,748 --> 00:49:12,085 And look at Elijah's face on that last shelf-- 1299 00:49:12,118 --> 00:49:14,554 It's a big moment for The Boss. 1300 00:49:14,587 --> 00:49:17,157 - Boss, you got your stage 2 buzzer. 1301 00:49:17,190 --> 00:49:19,626 What's it mean going to stage 3? 1302 00:49:19,659 --> 00:49:21,561 - Dude, I'm so honored. I'm so excited. 1303 00:49:21,594 --> 00:49:24,597 This means the world to me, so thank you so much. 1304 00:49:24,631 --> 00:49:26,566 - Hey, Boss, I know someone who wants to celebrate. 1305 00:49:26,599 --> 00:49:28,935 Why don't you go hug your mom? - Let's go. 1306 00:49:29,035 --> 00:49:32,806 - Elijah Browning, and this is Ninja. 1307 00:49:32,839 --> 00:49:35,075 For Kaden Lebsack, 1308 00:49:35,108 --> 00:49:37,310 a remarkable streak comes to an end. 1309 00:49:37,344 --> 00:49:39,112 And, unfortunately, his time to Air Surfer 1310 00:49:39,145 --> 00:49:42,449 was not fast enough to be one of our top four non-winners. 1311 00:49:42,482 --> 00:49:45,051 So his season is officially over, 1312 00:49:45,051 --> 00:49:48,221 which means we'll have a new champion this year. 1313 00:49:48,254 --> 00:49:49,789 And we're set for the four 1314 00:49:49,823 --> 00:49:51,958 who'll be racing in our Runoff. 1315 00:49:52,058 --> 00:49:53,293 Stuntman Kyle Soderman 1316 00:49:53,326 --> 00:49:56,463 will face New Jersey teen Josiah Pippel, 1317 00:49:56,496 --> 00:49:59,299 and former "Ninja Junior" champ Vance Walker 1318 00:49:59,332 --> 00:50:02,035 will try to outrun rookie Alex Romer. 1319 00:50:02,068 --> 00:50:05,538 That's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1320 00:50:09,609 --> 00:50:12,178 - We're getting closer to that million dollars. 1321 00:50:12,212 --> 00:50:14,347 So far tonight, we've seen 12 ninjas 1322 00:50:14,381 --> 00:50:16,182 win their races on stage 2. 1323 00:50:16,216 --> 00:50:18,018 All of them will now move over 1324 00:50:18,051 --> 00:50:20,687 to tackle the even tougher stage 3 course. 1325 00:50:20,720 --> 00:50:22,522 But two more ninjas have a chance 1326 00:50:22,555 --> 00:50:24,858 to join this group right now. 1327 00:50:24,891 --> 00:50:26,659 Our top four non-winners are gonna compete 1328 00:50:26,693 --> 00:50:28,862 in our Runoff races. 1329 00:50:28,895 --> 00:50:31,865 Whoever wins moves on to stage 3. 1330 00:50:31,898 --> 00:50:35,869 First up, Kyle Soderman taking on Josiah Pippel. 1331 00:50:35,902 --> 00:50:38,805 Soderman's the stuntman now living in Texas, 1332 00:50:38,838 --> 00:50:41,541 while Pippel is a high schooler from New Jersey. 1333 00:50:41,574 --> 00:50:43,576 These are two top ninjas. 1334 00:50:43,610 --> 00:50:45,445 Both have been to stage 3 before, 1335 00:50:45,478 --> 00:50:49,616 and Josiah went all the way to stage 4 last year. 1336 00:50:49,649 --> 00:50:52,385 - These two are on the bigger side for ninjas. 1337 00:50:52,419 --> 00:50:54,120 Both are at least 6 feet. 1338 00:50:54,154 --> 00:50:57,390 But Kyle's 30 pounds heavier and 11 years older 1339 00:50:57,424 --> 00:50:58,725 than Josiah. 1340 00:50:58,758 --> 00:51:00,393 - Well, plenty of pressure for this one. 1341 00:51:00,427 --> 00:51:01,895 The winner goes on to stage 3. 1342 00:51:01,928 --> 00:51:04,631 For the loser, the season is over. 1343 00:51:04,664 --> 00:51:06,900 [countdown clock beeping] 1344 00:51:06,933 --> 00:51:09,569 - All right. Green light means go. 1345 00:51:09,602 --> 00:51:12,138 - Well, they've had some experience on this. 1346 00:51:12,172 --> 00:51:14,507 Let's see if they learned from their first race. 1347 00:51:14,541 --> 00:51:16,343 Josiah fell on Epic Air Surfer, 1348 00:51:16,376 --> 00:51:19,679 while Soderman went down on Falling Shelves. 1349 00:51:19,713 --> 00:51:23,616 - Kyle looks a little bit more measured than Pippel. 1350 00:51:23,650 --> 00:51:28,555 - And Pippel pulling away, linking it on the Jawbreakers. 1351 00:51:28,588 --> 00:51:30,156 - Nice. 1352 00:51:30,190 --> 00:51:31,624 [cheering] 1353 00:51:31,658 --> 00:51:35,729 - And Pippel now jumps out to a full-obstacle lead. 1354 00:51:35,762 --> 00:51:38,531 Well, Kyle Soderman has to be aware-- 1355 00:51:38,565 --> 00:51:40,100 keep running your race. 1356 00:51:40,100 --> 00:51:44,104 It's never over till the buzzer's hit. 1357 00:51:44,104 --> 00:51:47,107 Pippel's back at Epic Air Surfer. 1358 00:51:47,107 --> 00:51:50,110 In his first race, he fell at the very beginning. 1359 00:51:50,110 --> 00:51:52,512 [cheering, shouting] 1360 00:51:52,545 --> 00:51:54,314 Soderman struggling for momentum. 1361 00:51:54,347 --> 00:51:56,149 Oh! - Whoa, he's at the bottom. 1362 00:51:56,182 --> 00:51:58,918 - Barely makes it. 1363 00:51:58,952 --> 00:52:01,855 - Josiah's pulling away. 1364 00:52:01,888 --> 00:52:04,557 - Oh, no! Pippel is down! 1365 00:52:04,591 --> 00:52:07,360 He's in the water! 1366 00:52:07,394 --> 00:52:09,829 - Oh, my goodness. 1367 00:52:09,863 --> 00:52:14,200 - And Kyle Soderman just now seeing that Pippel is down, 1368 00:52:14,234 --> 00:52:17,671 he's got a chance to pull off a huge come-from-behind win, 1369 00:52:17,704 --> 00:52:20,373 but it's all gonna come down to Epic Air Surfer. 1370 00:52:20,407 --> 00:52:22,342 - You got it, Kyle! 1371 00:52:22,375 --> 00:52:24,511 - Well, Josiah Pippel had his second chance. 1372 00:52:24,544 --> 00:52:25,845 That's got to hurt a lot. 1373 00:52:25,879 --> 00:52:28,148 Now Kyle Soderman has this opportunity. 1374 00:52:28,181 --> 00:52:29,916 Take your time here. 1375 00:52:29,949 --> 00:52:31,484 - Control that board. 1376 00:52:31,518 --> 00:52:34,087 Keep it even. 1377 00:52:34,087 --> 00:52:35,588 - Yeah, this is the name of the game. 1378 00:52:35,622 --> 00:52:36,690 - Locked in. 1379 00:52:36,723 --> 00:52:38,191 Getting closer. 1380 00:52:38,224 --> 00:52:40,627 - But you know he's feeling it, knowing that he-- 1381 00:52:40,660 --> 00:52:42,996 Ooh. Come on. Come on. Take your time. 1382 00:52:43,096 --> 00:52:45,098 - Good correction. Just needs a dismount. 1383 00:52:45,131 --> 00:52:46,433 - Watch it. 1384 00:52:46,466 --> 00:52:48,134 Not a heavy swing, not a heavy swing 1385 00:52:48,168 --> 00:52:49,869 because you don't want to peel off. 1386 00:52:49,903 --> 00:52:53,807 Boom. Nice. - Soderman does it! 1387 00:52:53,840 --> 00:52:56,643 It looked like all hope was lost. 1388 00:52:56,676 --> 00:52:59,245 Got another chance on stage 2 1389 00:52:59,279 --> 00:53:02,382 and just edges out Josiah Pippel. 1390 00:53:02,415 --> 00:53:04,584 - Whoo! 1391 00:53:04,617 --> 00:53:08,054 - It came down to the final move on Epic Air Surfer. 1392 00:53:08,054 --> 00:53:10,156 Josiah was linking moves, 1393 00:53:10,190 --> 00:53:13,326 and his momentum just carried him right off the end. 1394 00:53:13,360 --> 00:53:17,163 Kyle was able to take his time, inch till the end, 1395 00:53:17,197 --> 00:53:19,165 and then make a big dismount. 1396 00:53:19,199 --> 00:53:22,469 Folks, he's going back to stage 3. 1397 00:53:22,502 --> 00:53:24,738 - And now our second Runoff race-- 1398 00:53:24,771 --> 00:53:27,741 a showdown of Florida teenagers. 1399 00:53:27,774 --> 00:53:29,109 We've got Alex Romer, 1400 00:53:29,142 --> 00:53:31,177 a saxophone-playing high schooler 1401 00:53:31,211 --> 00:53:34,614 who's planning to join the military like his dad. 1402 00:53:34,647 --> 00:53:37,083 He's going against Vance Walker, 1403 00:53:37,083 --> 00:53:40,320 a former "Ninja Junior" champion and a top competitor. 1404 00:53:40,353 --> 00:53:42,522 But he lost his race earlier to his good friend 1405 00:53:42,555 --> 00:53:46,893 Ethan Bartnicki, who's down with Vance's family. 1406 00:53:46,926 --> 00:53:49,229 Alex Romer has been a big surprise, 1407 00:53:49,262 --> 00:53:51,831 making it to stage 2 as a rookie. 1408 00:53:51,865 --> 00:53:54,434 We expect big things from Vance Walker. 1409 00:53:54,467 --> 00:53:57,404 He made it to stage 3 as a rookie two years ago. 1410 00:53:57,437 --> 00:53:59,105 [countdown clock beeping] 1411 00:53:59,139 --> 00:54:00,840 - It is win or go home. 1412 00:54:00,874 --> 00:54:03,843 Ooh. both: Look at Romer! 1413 00:54:03,877 --> 00:54:05,145 - What footwork. - Boy! 1414 00:54:05,178 --> 00:54:07,213 Oh, my goodness. 1415 00:54:07,247 --> 00:54:09,749 - You can just see Vance Walker defying gravity 1416 00:54:09,783 --> 00:54:11,651 on the Double Salmon Ladder. 1417 00:54:11,685 --> 00:54:14,254 Vance Walker had never lost a race 1418 00:54:14,287 --> 00:54:17,323 on "Ninja Junior" or the big show until earlier tonight. 1419 00:54:17,357 --> 00:54:18,825 But here comes Romer! 1420 00:54:18,858 --> 00:54:20,493 - They're going back and forth. 1421 00:54:20,527 --> 00:54:22,162 Romer's not backing down. 1422 00:54:22,195 --> 00:54:25,565 - Walker, the first one off. 1423 00:54:25,598 --> 00:54:27,500 - Oh! 1424 00:54:27,534 --> 00:54:30,070 - And Alex Romer splashes down. 1425 00:54:30,070 --> 00:54:33,173 - [laughing] Wow. 1426 00:54:33,206 --> 00:54:36,710 - Vance Walker's going back to stage 3! 1427 00:54:36,743 --> 00:54:38,878 Well, credit to Romer. 1428 00:54:38,912 --> 00:54:42,349 He was pushing the pace, keeping it even with Vance. 1429 00:54:42,382 --> 00:54:44,684 - I got a lot of respect for Alex Romer. 1430 00:54:44,718 --> 00:54:46,319 He did not back down. 1431 00:54:46,353 --> 00:54:49,389 Earlier tonight, he was the only ninja to go for the rope 1432 00:54:49,422 --> 00:54:52,692 on the first swing, and it gave him the lead. 1433 00:54:52,726 --> 00:54:54,861 This time, I think he was trying to make 1434 00:54:54,894 --> 00:54:57,497 that move again, and it cost him. 1435 00:54:57,530 --> 00:55:00,433 - And Vance Walker's gonna keep going. 1436 00:55:00,467 --> 00:55:02,369 After falling in his first race, 1437 00:55:02,402 --> 00:55:04,437 he wants to show he can finish stage 2. 1438 00:55:04,471 --> 00:55:06,606 Gets through Epic Air Surfer. 1439 00:55:06,639 --> 00:55:08,842 He's taking advantage of this second chance. 1440 00:55:08,875 --> 00:55:12,045 What a journey it's been for Vance Walker. 1441 00:55:12,045 --> 00:55:13,947 Born with cerebral palsy. 1442 00:55:14,047 --> 00:55:16,483 Doctors said he'd never be an athlete, 1443 00:55:16,516 --> 00:55:18,318 but look at him now. 1444 00:55:18,351 --> 00:55:21,154 The comeback kid saves his season 1445 00:55:21,187 --> 00:55:23,623 in this Runoff race. 1446 00:55:23,656 --> 00:55:25,058 - Nice. 1447 00:55:25,091 --> 00:55:27,861 - Well, what a confidence boost for Vance Walker, 1448 00:55:27,894 --> 00:55:30,530 going back to stage 3! [buzzer blares] 1449 00:55:30,563 --> 00:55:32,332 [cheers and applause] 1450 00:55:32,365 --> 00:55:35,402 - Oh, look at that. 1451 00:55:35,435 --> 00:55:36,903 They're rushing the stage, Matt. 1452 00:55:36,936 --> 00:55:38,605 They're rushing the stage. 1453 00:55:38,638 --> 00:55:41,975 A second chance, and he delivers. 1454 00:55:42,075 --> 00:55:45,478 - So that wraps up the action on stage 2. 1455 00:55:45,512 --> 00:55:46,813 But we're not done. 1456 00:55:46,846 --> 00:55:48,381 When we come back, we're heading 1457 00:55:48,415 --> 00:55:50,517 over to the legendary stage 3! 1458 00:55:50,550 --> 00:55:54,087 - It's one step closer to that million-dollar prize. 1459 00:55:54,087 --> 00:55:57,257 - That's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1460 00:56:02,495 --> 00:56:04,230 - Welcome back to "American Ninja Warrior," 1461 00:56:04,264 --> 00:56:06,900 where we've now moved over to the stage 3 course. 1462 00:56:06,933 --> 00:56:09,402 For the details on this unrelenting gauntlet, 1463 00:56:09,436 --> 00:56:11,137 let's go down to Zuri. 1464 00:56:11,171 --> 00:56:13,573 - Guys, stage 3 is legendary. 1465 00:56:13,606 --> 00:56:15,241 It is an upper-body test that only 1466 00:56:15,275 --> 00:56:16,776 a handful have ever conquered. 1467 00:56:16,810 --> 00:56:19,045 And tonight it's got some new twists. 1468 00:56:19,045 --> 00:56:22,182 First, our ninjas will have to learn the ropes 1469 00:56:22,215 --> 00:56:23,850 on Patriot Pass, 1470 00:56:23,883 --> 00:56:27,087 then navigate across the Hanging Stalactites. 1471 00:56:27,120 --> 00:56:31,658 Fan-favorite Slam Dunk is making its debut on stage 3. 1472 00:56:31,691 --> 00:56:33,893 The iconic Ultimate Cliffhanger 1473 00:56:33,927 --> 00:56:36,363 is back in the number-four position, 1474 00:56:36,396 --> 00:56:40,100 followed by another returning obstacle, Pipe Dream. 1475 00:56:40,133 --> 00:56:43,069 Then it's a brand-new one, Pressure Cooker, 1476 00:56:43,069 --> 00:56:44,771 where ninjas have to slide the handles 1477 00:56:44,804 --> 00:56:47,374 on and off the poles. 1478 00:56:47,407 --> 00:56:49,209 The course ends with another new one, 1479 00:56:49,242 --> 00:56:53,346 Road Signs, a diabolical two-handed test 1480 00:56:53,380 --> 00:56:54,714 which leads to the buzzer. 1481 00:56:54,748 --> 00:56:56,883 Guys? 1482 00:56:56,916 --> 00:56:58,885 - Leading us off on stage 3 is 1483 00:56:58,918 --> 00:57:02,389 "Electric Enzo," Enzo DeFerrari Wilson. 1484 00:57:02,422 --> 00:57:03,857 This Florida teenager knows 1485 00:57:03,890 --> 00:57:05,558 how to get this crowd fired up. 1486 00:57:05,592 --> 00:57:06,593 - Yes. Let's go! 1487 00:57:06,626 --> 00:57:08,161 [cheering] 1488 00:57:08,194 --> 00:57:10,397 Stage 3! Let's go! 1489 00:57:10,430 --> 00:57:12,799 - Matt, this kid's future is so bright. 1490 00:57:12,832 --> 00:57:14,434 His future's so bright, I got his glasses on. 1491 00:57:14,467 --> 00:57:15,769 - We got to put it on. 1492 00:57:15,802 --> 00:57:17,871 And his mom, Christine, she needs glasses. 1493 00:57:17,904 --> 00:57:19,339 She needs some oxygen. 1494 00:57:19,372 --> 00:57:22,242 His dad, Mark, also loud and proud. 1495 00:57:22,275 --> 00:57:23,843 They're leading that big cheering section 1496 00:57:23,877 --> 00:57:25,045 on the sideline. 1497 00:57:25,078 --> 00:57:27,347 [countdown clock beeping] 1498 00:57:27,380 --> 00:57:30,350 No time limits on stage 3-- you just have to finish. 1499 00:57:30,383 --> 00:57:32,352 And the first test is Patriot Pass 1500 00:57:32,385 --> 00:57:33,920 with these three ropes. 1501 00:57:33,953 --> 00:57:35,455 These are like camshafts. 1502 00:57:35,488 --> 00:57:38,224 When one rope drops down, the other one pulls up. 1503 00:57:38,258 --> 00:57:40,226 - These first obstacles may not take you out, 1504 00:57:40,260 --> 00:57:42,295 but they will wear you down. 1505 00:57:42,328 --> 00:57:45,165 - A couple extra swings here, and it adds up. 1506 00:57:45,198 --> 00:57:47,100 - Yeah, so that's why it's important. 1507 00:57:47,133 --> 00:57:49,202 You have to be efficient with your movement-- 1508 00:57:49,235 --> 00:57:51,338 no wasted movement here on stage 3. 1509 00:57:51,371 --> 00:57:53,273 - Up next, the Stalactites. 1510 00:57:53,306 --> 00:57:54,607 He'll have to work those handles 1511 00:57:54,641 --> 00:57:57,444 in and out of the slots. 1512 00:57:57,477 --> 00:58:00,714 And look at him getting locked off. 1513 00:58:00,747 --> 00:58:03,016 - Yeah, you can see him really coming in tight 1514 00:58:03,016 --> 00:58:04,718 here on Stalactite, 1515 00:58:04,751 --> 00:58:08,555 really trying to make move and make a plan. 1516 00:58:08,588 --> 00:58:10,023 Uh-oh. - Uh-oh. 1517 00:58:10,023 --> 00:58:12,158 - And that extension means he has to curl back up. 1518 00:58:12,192 --> 00:58:14,027 Now he's starting to use extra muscles. 1519 00:58:14,027 --> 00:58:16,529 Remember, extra movement, that's bad here. 1520 00:58:16,563 --> 00:58:20,900 - Those lock-offs require the whole body... 1521 00:58:20,934 --> 00:58:25,038 and now he extends--a little smoother there at the end. 1522 00:58:25,038 --> 00:58:27,107 Well, not the most efficient start. 1523 00:58:27,140 --> 00:58:28,908 Now got to climb up to the third obstacle, 1524 00:58:28,942 --> 00:58:33,079 Slam Dunk, which is making its debut on stage 3. 1525 00:58:33,113 --> 00:58:35,682 He's got to jump with that ball, land it in the hoop. 1526 00:58:35,715 --> 00:58:37,684 - Nice. - Good job absorbing it. 1527 00:58:37,717 --> 00:58:40,186 Those balls weigh 8 pounds, and he's carrying them 1528 00:58:40,220 --> 00:58:42,122 across the 3-1/2-foot gap. 1529 00:58:42,155 --> 00:58:44,190 Watch these transfers to the next ball. 1530 00:58:44,224 --> 00:58:45,525 - Nice. 1531 00:58:45,558 --> 00:58:47,694 - That's the tripping point very often. 1532 00:58:47,727 --> 00:58:49,362 Real good. Well, that was smooth. 1533 00:58:49,396 --> 00:58:51,297 He needed that one. 1534 00:58:51,331 --> 00:58:54,567 [cheers and applause] 1535 00:58:54,601 --> 00:58:56,603 Now heads over to start the Ultimate Cliffhanger. 1536 00:58:56,636 --> 00:58:59,072 [crowd chanting "Enzo"] You can hear the "Enzo" chants 1537 00:58:59,072 --> 00:59:01,007 as he starts on this fourth obstacle. 1538 00:59:01,007 --> 00:59:04,044 Got to work his way across the pool on these thin ledges, 1539 00:59:04,077 --> 00:59:05,545 which are only an inch deep. 1540 00:59:05,578 --> 00:59:07,681 - Well, the advantage for DeFerrari Wilson 1541 00:59:07,714 --> 00:59:10,450 is that he's 145 pounds, 1542 00:59:10,483 --> 00:59:12,318 so that's less weight to carry. 1543 00:59:12,352 --> 00:59:15,755 This obstacle is a little easier for the lighter ninjas. 1544 00:59:15,789 --> 00:59:19,259 - This pool is 55 feet across, all on your fingertips. 1545 00:59:19,292 --> 00:59:21,528 It's not easy no matter what you weigh. 1546 00:59:21,561 --> 00:59:22,896 Here's the tough move-- 1547 00:59:22,929 --> 00:59:26,132 has to jump back across to the other side. 1548 00:59:26,166 --> 00:59:27,667 - Here we go. 1549 00:59:27,701 --> 00:59:28,868 Nice! - Got it! 1550 00:59:28,902 --> 00:59:31,037 - Hey, look how thin the ledges are. 1551 00:59:31,037 --> 00:59:33,039 I mean, you're throwing your entire body weight 1552 00:59:33,039 --> 00:59:34,307 onto these thin ledges. 1553 00:59:34,341 --> 00:59:35,475 Can you imagine? 1554 00:59:35,508 --> 00:59:38,878 [cheers and applause] 1555 00:59:38,912 --> 00:59:40,847 And look at the fans with their "Electric Enzo" shirts. 1556 00:59:40,880 --> 00:59:42,816 Look at that. They're pumped. 1557 00:59:42,849 --> 00:59:44,684 - Well, he's past the halfway mark. 1558 00:59:44,718 --> 00:59:46,686 Now has to go up onto that wall 1559 00:59:46,720 --> 00:59:48,221 to launch into Pipe Dream. 1560 00:59:48,254 --> 00:59:50,590 - This is probably the calmest we've ever seen Enzo. 1561 00:59:50,623 --> 00:59:53,360 Enzo is typically a high-energy kid, 1562 00:59:53,393 --> 00:59:55,595 but he knows he has to reserve that energy 1563 00:59:55,628 --> 00:59:58,898 because the 7 brutal obstacles here on stage 3, 1564 00:59:58,932 --> 01:00:00,133 it will humble you. 1565 01:00:00,166 --> 01:00:01,701 - Especially these final obstacles, 1566 01:00:01,735 --> 01:00:03,770 including this next one, Pipe Dream. 1567 01:00:03,803 --> 01:00:05,939 Has to work his way across the pipes. 1568 01:00:05,972 --> 01:00:08,208 - Ooh, ooh, little slip-down. - Uh-oh. 1569 01:00:08,241 --> 01:00:11,611 [crowd shouting] 1570 01:00:11,644 --> 01:00:13,513 - Like the extension, like the power. 1571 01:00:13,546 --> 01:00:16,116 - Nice. - Locked in on the drop. 1572 01:00:16,149 --> 01:00:19,152 Should have the length to do the splits-- 1573 01:00:19,185 --> 01:00:21,721 Van Damme this transfer. 1574 01:00:21,755 --> 01:00:23,556 - Yeah, you see it right there. 1575 01:00:23,590 --> 01:00:25,125 Nice. - Got it. 1576 01:00:25,158 --> 01:00:26,626 - And because the circumference 1577 01:00:26,659 --> 01:00:28,395 of this pole is so big, 1578 01:00:28,428 --> 01:00:29,729 he's using a lot of muscle, 1579 01:00:29,763 --> 01:00:31,464 a lot of energy to stay engaged. 1580 01:00:31,498 --> 01:00:32,799 - Well, that's the key. 1581 01:00:32,832 --> 01:00:35,635 Try to use the lower body where you can. 1582 01:00:35,669 --> 01:00:38,004 And Enzo survives Pipe Dream. 1583 01:00:38,038 --> 01:00:40,407 - This is where you start to feel the pressure. 1584 01:00:40,440 --> 01:00:42,575 Remember, you get through stage 3, 1585 01:00:42,609 --> 01:00:44,978 you're climbing for a million--a million dollars. 1586 01:00:45,011 --> 01:00:46,479 - Two more! 1587 01:00:46,513 --> 01:00:49,249 [all shouting] 1588 01:00:49,282 --> 01:00:51,551 - Dad says two more obstacles to go, 1589 01:00:51,584 --> 01:00:53,319 and they're both brand-new. 1590 01:00:53,353 --> 01:00:55,255 This one's called Pressure Cooker. 1591 01:00:55,288 --> 01:00:58,091 You have to slide those handles on and off the pipes. 1592 01:00:58,124 --> 01:01:00,393 The only thing keeping them up is the pressure 1593 01:01:00,427 --> 01:01:02,062 on the end of the handles. 1594 01:01:02,095 --> 01:01:06,066 If you come up on the weight, they will slide right off. 1595 01:01:06,066 --> 01:01:08,868 This is about control. 1596 01:01:08,902 --> 01:01:10,070 Real nice. - Nice. 1597 01:01:10,103 --> 01:01:11,504 Ooh, boy, OK. 1598 01:01:11,538 --> 01:01:13,873 He didn't waste any time making the third transfer. 1599 01:01:13,907 --> 01:01:16,676 - Hold on tight. 1600 01:01:16,710 --> 01:01:18,144 - And you can just see... - Mm. 1601 01:01:18,178 --> 01:01:20,080 - Hard to control your momentum, spinning around. 1602 01:01:20,113 --> 01:01:21,614 Got to reach out. 1603 01:01:21,648 --> 01:01:23,383 - And the longer you spin, the longer you're hanging. 1604 01:01:23,416 --> 01:01:24,718 And that hurts. 1605 01:01:24,751 --> 01:01:26,553 - Well, we talked to the ninjas, though. 1606 01:01:26,586 --> 01:01:30,724 When you're straight on, it is a little easier. 1607 01:01:30,757 --> 01:01:33,193 - Matt, take a look at his right hand. 1608 01:01:33,226 --> 01:01:35,962 That right hand is starting to get a little gassed. 1609 01:01:37,697 --> 01:01:40,233 - Doing a good job progressing, though. 1610 01:01:40,266 --> 01:01:42,202 - Nice. 1611 01:01:42,235 --> 01:01:45,205 - Well, it looked like a rough start on stage 3, 1612 01:01:45,238 --> 01:01:48,274 but Enzo finding his way, and he's looking winded. 1613 01:01:48,308 --> 01:01:49,843 What does he have now? - Yeah. 1614 01:01:49,876 --> 01:01:51,344 Matt, he's trying to figure out which way he's going. 1615 01:01:51,378 --> 01:01:52,779 - Oh, my! - Oh, boy! 1616 01:01:52,812 --> 01:01:54,714 Now-- Oh. 1617 01:01:54,748 --> 01:01:56,483 - Got it! - Nice! 1618 01:01:56,516 --> 01:01:59,219 Look at how calm he is. This high-energy kid is calm. 1619 01:01:59,252 --> 01:02:00,687 I've never seen him this calm. 1620 01:02:00,720 --> 01:02:03,089 - Going for the dismount, got it! 1621 01:02:03,123 --> 01:02:04,424 - Oh, my. 1622 01:02:04,457 --> 01:02:07,861 - One obstacle between Enzo and stage 4! 1623 01:02:07,894 --> 01:02:10,196 - Whoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo! 1624 01:02:10,230 --> 01:02:12,165 [all shouting] 1625 01:02:12,198 --> 01:02:13,867 - Enzo, take your time! 1626 01:02:13,900 --> 01:02:16,069 - Take your time, Enzo! - Take your time, Enzo! 1627 01:02:16,069 --> 01:02:17,604 - His dad is pumped. 1628 01:02:17,637 --> 01:02:20,106 - Oh, my God! 1629 01:02:20,140 --> 01:02:24,144 - And his sister Valentina already has tears in her eyes. 1630 01:02:24,177 --> 01:02:26,880 She's so nervous. One more obstacle to go. 1631 01:02:26,913 --> 01:02:28,381 And it's Road Signs. 1632 01:02:28,415 --> 01:02:30,717 He's got to grab the posts in front of him. 1633 01:02:30,750 --> 01:02:33,353 When he does that, the sign will pop up... 1634 01:02:33,386 --> 01:02:34,621 - Ooh. - Just like that. 1635 01:02:34,654 --> 01:02:36,423 Has to kick up to the sign. 1636 01:02:36,456 --> 01:02:38,291 - And that's an intimidating sign right there-- 1637 01:02:38,324 --> 01:02:40,093 "Falling Ninjas." - Got it! 1638 01:02:40,093 --> 01:02:41,928 - He said, I ain't falling, not on that one. 1639 01:02:41,961 --> 01:02:43,229 - Come on! 1640 01:02:43,263 --> 01:02:45,732 - That sign is not telling him what to do. 1641 01:02:45,765 --> 01:02:47,901 - Back and forward. 1642 01:02:47,934 --> 01:02:49,202 No! - Oh! 1643 01:02:49,235 --> 01:02:52,305 - No! No! No! 1644 01:02:53,740 --> 01:02:56,910 - A heartbreaking finish for Electric Enzo. 1645 01:02:56,943 --> 01:02:58,912 He was so close to the end, 1646 01:02:58,945 --> 01:03:02,082 a few feet away from climbing for a million dollars. 1647 01:03:02,115 --> 01:03:06,753 But Enzo's season ends on the final obstacle of stage 3. 1648 01:03:06,786 --> 01:03:09,089 - He made some extra moves on Stalactites 1649 01:03:09,122 --> 01:03:11,191 and later on Pressure Cooker. 1650 01:03:11,224 --> 01:03:14,527 And that may have been just enough to pump those arms out. 1651 01:03:14,561 --> 01:03:17,864 He couldn't hold on when he reached the second sign 1652 01:03:17,897 --> 01:03:19,766 and slid right off. 1653 01:03:21,201 --> 01:03:23,870 - But what an impressive effort by Enzo 1654 01:03:23,903 --> 01:03:26,206 and a great start to stage 3. 1655 01:03:26,239 --> 01:03:28,074 [crowd chanting "Enzo"] 1656 01:03:28,074 --> 01:03:30,677 - Coming up, he just finished middle school. 1657 01:03:30,710 --> 01:03:34,447 Now Nacssa Garemore takes another step closer 1658 01:03:34,481 --> 01:03:35,882 to a million dollars. 1659 01:03:35,915 --> 01:03:39,285 He is next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1660 01:03:45,492 --> 01:03:47,193 - His rookie season has been perfect-- 1661 01:03:47,227 --> 01:03:48,628 four straight buzzers, 1662 01:03:48,661 --> 01:03:50,196 and he's not even old enough to drive. 1663 01:03:50,230 --> 01:03:52,532 - He is living up to the hype so far. 1664 01:03:52,565 --> 01:03:55,135 - At just 15, Nacssa Garemore 1665 01:03:55,168 --> 01:03:58,471 is the youngest athlete to ever reach stage 3. 1666 01:03:58,505 --> 01:04:01,808 And for a kid who started his life in an African orphanage, 1667 01:04:01,841 --> 01:04:04,844 this moment is nothing short of a miracle. 1668 01:04:04,878 --> 01:04:06,713 [soft music] 1669 01:04:06,746 --> 01:04:10,917 - This has been a dream for me since I came to America. 1670 01:04:10,950 --> 01:04:13,053 I'm having the best time of my life. 1671 01:04:13,053 --> 01:04:14,521 - Look at that one. 1672 01:04:14,554 --> 01:04:16,056 We just got off the airplane... 1673 01:04:16,056 --> 01:04:18,558 - Yeah. - From Guinea-Bissau. 1674 01:04:18,591 --> 01:04:20,060 Adoption is something 1675 01:04:20,060 --> 01:04:23,129 that my husband and I have spoken about for many years. 1676 01:04:23,163 --> 01:04:25,965 We were working with the orphanage in Guinea-Bissau, 1677 01:04:26,066 --> 01:04:30,270 and we ended up bringing home Nacssa December of 2012. 1678 01:04:30,303 --> 01:04:33,239 - Nacssa's on a whole nother level right now. 1679 01:04:33,273 --> 01:04:35,842 - This is what he's been working for for so long. 1680 01:04:35,875 --> 01:04:38,545 - Nacssa getting his second buzzer! 1681 01:04:38,578 --> 01:04:41,548 - It's incredible that he is here in Vegas. 1682 01:04:41,581 --> 01:04:43,616 [buzzer blares] - What a run! 1683 01:04:43,650 --> 01:04:47,620 Nacssa Garemore is dancing at the buzzer! 1684 01:04:47,654 --> 01:04:49,823 - Nacssa is here to make a statement 1685 01:04:49,856 --> 01:04:51,191 and show everyone what he can do. 1686 01:04:51,224 --> 01:04:53,126 - What confidence out of Garemore! 1687 01:04:53,159 --> 01:04:55,128 - Garemore is gone. He gone. 1688 01:04:55,161 --> 01:04:57,764 - I'm definitely excited about stage 3. 1689 01:04:57,797 --> 01:05:00,200 I can't believe how far I've actually made it. 1690 01:05:00,233 --> 01:05:02,836 Like, this is what Ninja is all about. 1691 01:05:02,869 --> 01:05:05,138 - Oh, my goodness! - Whoa. Ooh! 1692 01:05:05,171 --> 01:05:08,041 - Wow! - He made that look easy! 1693 01:05:08,041 --> 01:05:10,577 - At 15, he's competing at this level. 1694 01:05:10,610 --> 01:05:12,412 Ah, it's wild. 1695 01:05:12,445 --> 01:05:14,914 - Nacssa Garemore. 1696 01:05:14,948 --> 01:05:18,585 * * 1697 01:05:18,618 --> 01:05:21,121 And he'll have lots of friends and family 1698 01:05:21,154 --> 01:05:24,257 watching back in Florida 1699 01:05:24,290 --> 01:05:26,593 and another big group on the sidelines, 1700 01:05:26,626 --> 01:05:29,129 with his mom and his coach, RJ Roman. 1701 01:05:29,162 --> 01:05:31,598 - You got this, bud. - You got it. 1702 01:05:31,631 --> 01:05:34,067 - Let's go, Nacssy! [countdown clock beeping] 1703 01:05:34,067 --> 01:05:36,536 - And charging right into Patriot Pass. 1704 01:05:36,569 --> 01:05:39,406 Nacssa's a few months younger than Kaden Lebsack 1705 01:05:39,439 --> 01:05:41,875 when he first attempted stage 3. 1706 01:05:41,908 --> 01:05:43,109 - And Kaden was the only one 1707 01:05:43,143 --> 01:05:45,412 to conquer this course that year. 1708 01:05:45,445 --> 01:05:47,414 It can be done. 1709 01:05:47,447 --> 01:05:49,082 That's one down. 1710 01:05:49,115 --> 01:05:50,283 I like his approach. 1711 01:05:50,316 --> 01:05:52,285 He's going right into Stalactites. 1712 01:05:52,318 --> 01:05:54,888 Get on the obstacle, be as efficient as possible. 1713 01:05:54,921 --> 01:05:56,623 Preserve that grip strength 1714 01:05:56,656 --> 01:06:00,026 'cause these seven obstacles are just unrelenting. 1715 01:06:00,026 --> 01:06:01,528 - Man, you're so right, 1716 01:06:01,561 --> 01:06:04,698 because it catches up to you when it catches up to you. 1717 01:06:04,731 --> 01:06:07,367 - And a miss there--that'll slow him down a little. 1718 01:06:07,400 --> 01:06:09,736 He's now gonna have to generate swing again. 1719 01:06:09,769 --> 01:06:12,539 That's just extra time hanging on those arms. 1720 01:06:12,572 --> 01:06:15,575 That can catch up to you later on the course. 1721 01:06:15,608 --> 01:06:17,577 He's got it. 1722 01:06:17,610 --> 01:06:19,045 - I love how calm he stays. 1723 01:06:19,045 --> 01:06:22,248 15 years old, Matt-- I'm losing my mind. 1724 01:06:22,282 --> 01:06:25,151 [cheers and applause] 1725 01:06:25,185 --> 01:06:27,587 - And now the challenge is to elevate-- 1726 01:06:27,620 --> 01:06:29,923 got to climb up to start Slam Dunk. 1727 01:06:29,956 --> 01:06:31,358 RJ said this about Nacssa. 1728 01:06:31,391 --> 01:06:32,926 He's fast, but he is strong. 1729 01:06:32,959 --> 01:06:35,161 He said he can hang forever. 1730 01:06:35,195 --> 01:06:37,197 - Super strong, super strong. 1731 01:06:37,230 --> 01:06:38,832 I've seen some of his workouts, Matt, 1732 01:06:38,865 --> 01:06:40,767 and I can attest, this kid's got 1733 01:06:40,800 --> 01:06:42,635 some out-of-this-world strength. 1734 01:06:42,669 --> 01:06:45,505 - Well, in addition to Ninja, he does play basketball 1735 01:06:45,538 --> 01:06:48,208 and he's having no problem here on Slam Dunk. 1736 01:06:48,241 --> 01:06:51,511 [cheers and applause] 1737 01:06:54,080 --> 01:06:55,548 And there's a smile. 1738 01:06:55,582 --> 01:06:57,484 [indistinct shouting] - Go, Nacssa! 1739 01:06:57,517 --> 01:06:59,085 Come on. - You got it! 1740 01:06:59,085 --> 01:07:00,620 - Now the Ultimate Cliffhanger-- 1741 01:07:00,653 --> 01:07:04,824 got to move his 150-pound body across these tiny ledges. 1742 01:07:04,858 --> 01:07:06,926 - There was a time when this obstacle used to end 1743 01:07:07,027 --> 01:07:08,561 a lot of runs on stage 3, 1744 01:07:08,595 --> 01:07:11,898 but these ninjas today, they practice it almost every day. 1745 01:07:11,931 --> 01:07:14,668 They've gotten so good at it. 1746 01:07:14,701 --> 01:07:17,037 - He is just flying through, Akbar. 1747 01:07:17,037 --> 01:07:18,571 I love it. 1748 01:07:18,605 --> 01:07:20,740 - He just completed the eighth grade, Matt. 1749 01:07:20,774 --> 01:07:22,542 Think about that. - [laughs] 1750 01:07:22,575 --> 01:07:25,311 - And how great would that be, going to high school, 1751 01:07:25,345 --> 01:07:27,247 knowing, I'm a freshman 1752 01:07:27,280 --> 01:07:29,516 with the possibility of getting a million dollars. 1753 01:07:29,549 --> 01:07:31,284 - Well, don't you think the coaches in his high school 1754 01:07:31,317 --> 01:07:32,752 are gonna search him out? 1755 01:07:32,786 --> 01:07:34,921 What sport? I don't know, but you're an athlete. 1756 01:07:34,954 --> 01:07:36,623 [cheers and applause] 1757 01:07:36,656 --> 01:07:38,158 RJ saying that was easy. 1758 01:07:38,191 --> 01:07:40,527 Trust us. It's not easy. 1759 01:07:40,560 --> 01:07:42,095 None of these obstacles are easy, 1760 01:07:42,128 --> 01:07:44,497 including this one, Pipe Dream. 1761 01:07:46,299 --> 01:07:49,102 What a special young man he is. 1762 01:07:49,135 --> 01:07:50,437 - If he wins a million dollars, 1763 01:07:50,470 --> 01:07:51,738 you know how many kids 1764 01:07:51,771 --> 01:07:53,239 are gonna want to do Ninja after that? 1765 01:07:53,273 --> 01:07:55,442 - Well, you have to earn that million dollars. 1766 01:07:55,475 --> 01:08:00,113 In 14 seasons, we've only had 9 finishers on stage 3. 1767 01:08:00,146 --> 01:08:03,016 And if you do, you still have to climb stage 4. 1768 01:08:03,016 --> 01:08:06,119 - And you can see stage 4 looming behind him. 1769 01:08:06,152 --> 01:08:09,022 It's crazy to think that this kid was in an orphanage 1770 01:08:09,022 --> 01:08:10,724 in Africa 10 years ago 1771 01:08:10,757 --> 01:08:14,160 and is now that close to a million dollars. 1772 01:08:14,194 --> 01:08:16,062 - RJ is continuing to coach him, 1773 01:08:16,096 --> 01:08:18,565 even though RJ's got to run this course, too. 1774 01:08:18,598 --> 01:08:20,734 He's helping someone who could beat him 1775 01:08:20,767 --> 01:08:22,402 to the million dollars. 1776 01:08:22,435 --> 01:08:24,904 [cheers and applause] 1777 01:08:24,938 --> 01:08:26,740 - Uh-oh. Whoa. I saw a grimace. 1778 01:08:26,773 --> 01:08:28,575 That's the first time I saw a grimace out of him. 1779 01:08:28,608 --> 01:08:30,844 - Nacssa, you got to be patient with this one. 1780 01:08:30,877 --> 01:08:32,579 - You heard RJ telling him to be patient 1781 01:08:32,612 --> 01:08:34,948 on this new obstacle, Pressure Cooker. 1782 01:08:35,048 --> 01:08:37,050 But when you see him, he does not look 15. 1783 01:08:37,050 --> 01:08:38,318 - No, he doesn't. 1784 01:08:38,351 --> 01:08:40,920 - You see the man on the course right now. 1785 01:08:40,954 --> 01:08:42,789 - Nice. OK. 1786 01:08:42,822 --> 01:08:44,824 - Stay calm. This is gonna be a test. 1787 01:08:44,858 --> 01:08:46,926 RJ said he can hang forever. 1788 01:08:46,960 --> 01:08:49,863 - Yeah, this is right at home for Nacssa. 1789 01:08:49,896 --> 01:08:51,765 - He's under pressure now. 1790 01:08:51,798 --> 01:08:54,634 - Keep breathing, Nacssa. - Come on. 1791 01:08:54,668 --> 01:08:57,570 - You can just see the challenge there, 1792 01:08:57,604 --> 01:08:59,272 trying to control your momentum 1793 01:08:59,305 --> 01:09:01,007 as those handles start to spin. 1794 01:09:01,007 --> 01:09:04,010 - Boy, this kid understands the assignment. 1795 01:09:04,010 --> 01:09:07,013 - Get up higher. Good job. 1796 01:09:07,013 --> 01:09:09,015 - Come on, Nacssa! - Come on, Nacssa! 1797 01:09:09,015 --> 01:09:10,450 - No cap-- 1798 01:09:10,483 --> 01:09:12,886 he has a legitimate shot of getting a million dollars. 1799 01:09:12,919 --> 01:09:15,221 - Extra swing, got it. - Nice. 1800 01:09:15,255 --> 01:09:16,523 - Great correction. 1801 01:09:16,556 --> 01:09:18,391 You could see him speed himself around 1802 01:09:18,425 --> 01:09:20,427 to get to that next move. 1803 01:09:20,460 --> 01:09:21,828 - Stay with it, Nacssa. 1804 01:09:21,861 --> 01:09:23,396 Got a couple more. You got it. 1805 01:09:23,430 --> 01:09:24,397 - Oh, buddy. 1806 01:09:24,431 --> 01:09:25,398 Oh, buddy. 1807 01:09:25,432 --> 01:09:27,067 - You're good. You're good. 1808 01:09:27,100 --> 01:09:28,702 - And using a long reach there. 1809 01:09:28,735 --> 01:09:31,137 - Ooh, get it up higher. - Oh, my! 1810 01:09:31,171 --> 01:09:33,239 - One more, let's go! - One more! 1811 01:09:33,273 --> 01:09:37,577 - He is testing that power, using it, relying on it. 1812 01:09:37,610 --> 01:09:39,312 Does he have enough? 1813 01:09:39,346 --> 01:09:41,247 - Nice. 1814 01:09:41,281 --> 01:09:43,249 Made that look easy. 1815 01:09:43,283 --> 01:09:46,786 - One more obstacle! 1816 01:09:46,820 --> 01:09:49,089 [cheers and applause] 1817 01:09:49,122 --> 01:09:50,690 - Come on, Nacssa! 1818 01:09:50,724 --> 01:09:53,593 - Matt, he'd be the youngest ever to make it to stage 4. 1819 01:09:53,626 --> 01:09:55,261 That would be incredible. 1820 01:09:55,295 --> 01:09:56,596 - But first, he has to get 1821 01:09:56,629 --> 01:09:58,631 through this difficult final obstacle-- 1822 01:09:58,665 --> 01:10:00,066 Road Signs. 1823 01:10:00,066 --> 01:10:02,102 - All right, here we go. Oh, boy. 1824 01:10:02,135 --> 01:10:03,937 Nice. - Look at the power. 1825 01:10:03,970 --> 01:10:06,406 Using the hips to get that power launch up. 1826 01:10:06,439 --> 01:10:07,974 - I'm sure Nacssa can feel it now. 1827 01:10:08,008 --> 01:10:09,409 - Oh, my! 1828 01:10:09,442 --> 01:10:11,778 - He can smell the buzzer at this point from here. 1829 01:10:11,811 --> 01:10:15,348 - Just one more sign! - One more big move! 1830 01:10:15,382 --> 01:10:17,617 - Got it! Needs the dismount! 1831 01:10:17,650 --> 01:10:19,085 - He knows he's got it! 1832 01:10:19,119 --> 01:10:20,787 Get out of there! 1833 01:10:20,820 --> 01:10:23,256 - And he's done it. [buzzer blares] 1834 01:10:23,289 --> 01:10:27,861 At 15, he'll be climbing for a million dollars. 1835 01:10:27,894 --> 01:10:30,397 [cheers and applause] 1836 01:10:30,430 --> 01:10:33,400 [triumphant music] 1837 01:10:33,433 --> 01:10:35,068 * * 1838 01:10:35,101 --> 01:10:36,636 - Oh, this one's a tear-jerker. 1839 01:10:36,670 --> 01:10:39,839 Look at that. What a moment for this family. 1840 01:10:39,873 --> 01:10:43,143 - 15-year-old Nacssa Garemore will be 1841 01:10:43,176 --> 01:10:46,646 the youngest athlete ever to climb for a million dollars. 1842 01:10:46,680 --> 01:10:49,516 [cheering] 1843 01:10:49,549 --> 01:10:52,218 * * 1844 01:10:52,252 --> 01:10:54,487 - Hey, Nacssa, man, hey. 1845 01:10:54,521 --> 01:10:55,955 I know you got to be excited, man. 1846 01:10:55,989 --> 01:10:58,425 For me, as a first-generation Nigerian American, 1847 01:10:58,458 --> 01:11:00,293 this is the land of opportunity. 1848 01:11:00,326 --> 01:11:02,228 You're having a shot for a million dollars, man. 1849 01:11:02,262 --> 01:11:04,664 How exciting is that? - Very exciting. 1850 01:11:04,698 --> 01:11:06,433 My dream's coming true, finally. 1851 01:11:06,466 --> 01:11:07,967 - Yes. 1852 01:11:08,068 --> 01:11:11,838 I got to ask you, Nacssa, how fast can you get up that rope? 1853 01:11:11,871 --> 01:11:12,839 Give me a time. 1854 01:11:12,872 --> 01:11:14,074 - I don't know. 1855 01:11:14,107 --> 01:11:16,576 I want to finish it in, like, 3 seconds. 1856 01:11:16,609 --> 01:11:19,479 [laughter] - Got to love that confidence. 1857 01:11:19,512 --> 01:11:23,116 Well, you'll get your shot next week on stage 4. 1858 01:11:23,149 --> 01:11:25,618 You're climbing for a million dollars! 1859 01:11:25,652 --> 01:11:27,120 [buzzer blares] - Let's go! 1860 01:11:27,153 --> 01:11:28,455 - Yeah! 1861 01:11:28,488 --> 01:11:30,290 - And what a night that'll be. 1862 01:11:30,323 --> 01:11:32,959 Nacssa and anyone else who conquers stage 3 1863 01:11:32,992 --> 01:11:36,396 will be climbing that tower on our season finale. 1864 01:11:36,429 --> 01:11:39,099 You don't want to miss it. 1865 01:11:44,537 --> 01:11:46,573 - Minutes ago on stage 2, Austin Gray 1866 01:11:46,606 --> 01:11:49,943 had to claw his way to an epic save and win... 1867 01:11:49,976 --> 01:11:51,845 - Yes! - Oh, my goodness. 1868 01:11:51,878 --> 01:11:53,546 Oh, my goodness! 1869 01:11:53,580 --> 01:11:56,449 - That brought him one step closer to the million dollars. 1870 01:11:56,483 --> 01:11:58,284 Austin Gray has been the runner-up 1871 01:11:58,318 --> 01:12:02,589 twice in his Ninja career, and now he is back on stage 3. 1872 01:12:02,622 --> 01:12:04,491 - The 26-year-old Ninja veteran 1873 01:12:04,524 --> 01:12:06,292 made it here two years ago. 1874 01:12:06,326 --> 01:12:09,062 And this time he's coming in with a ton of momentum. 1875 01:12:09,095 --> 01:12:11,164 He's hit four-straight buzzers this year, 1876 01:12:11,197 --> 01:12:13,633 and he's throwing up the goggles to his sidelines, 1877 01:12:13,667 --> 01:12:16,069 which include his girlfriend, Jaelyn, 1878 01:12:16,069 --> 01:12:17,804 and good buddy Nate Hansen. 1879 01:12:17,837 --> 01:12:20,473 Austin cheered for Nate on stage 3 last year. 1880 01:12:20,507 --> 01:12:22,809 Now the roles are reversed. 1881 01:12:22,842 --> 01:12:25,445 [countdown clock beeping] 1882 01:12:25,478 --> 01:12:28,281 - Matt, he is tired of finishing second. 1883 01:12:28,314 --> 01:12:29,816 He wants to be number one. 1884 01:12:29,849 --> 01:12:32,152 He wants that million dollars. 1885 01:12:32,185 --> 01:12:35,655 - Learned a lot from his last trip here back in season 13. 1886 01:12:35,689 --> 01:12:38,491 [cheers and applause] 1887 01:12:38,525 --> 01:12:41,661 Was the runner-up that year to Kaden Lebsack. 1888 01:12:41,695 --> 01:12:46,366 Now, shockingly, Kaden Lebsack not here on stage 3. 1889 01:12:46,399 --> 01:12:50,337 But Kaden is on the sideline supporting Austin. 1890 01:12:50,370 --> 01:12:52,772 They trained together in Colorado. 1891 01:12:52,806 --> 01:12:54,741 - Austin's one of the most sought-after Ninja coaches 1892 01:12:54,774 --> 01:12:56,142 in the country. 1893 01:12:56,176 --> 01:12:58,011 He's worked with so many ninjas, 1894 01:12:58,111 --> 01:13:00,046 including two top female competitors, 1895 01:13:00,046 --> 01:13:01,748 Taylor Greene and Katie Bone, 1896 01:13:01,781 --> 01:13:04,584 who are also on his sideline. 1897 01:13:04,617 --> 01:13:06,052 [flames roar] 1898 01:13:06,052 --> 01:13:08,555 [cheers and applause] 1899 01:13:09,856 --> 01:13:13,293 Now climbing up to take on Slam Dunk. 1900 01:13:13,326 --> 01:13:14,961 - You're getting there. Settle in. 1901 01:13:15,061 --> 01:13:17,297 - Come on, Austin! - Come on, Austin! 1902 01:13:17,330 --> 01:13:19,399 - He's always wearing that shirt--"Share Your Spare." 1903 01:13:19,432 --> 01:13:20,834 We told his story-- 1904 01:13:20,867 --> 01:13:24,104 donated a kidney to an elementary-school friend 1905 01:13:24,137 --> 01:13:28,975 and has inspired so many others to do the same... 1906 01:13:29,075 --> 01:13:31,644 truly saving lives, Austin Gray. 1907 01:13:31,678 --> 01:13:33,179 [flames roar] 1908 01:13:33,213 --> 01:13:34,481 [cheers and applause] 1909 01:13:34,514 --> 01:13:36,449 - Breathe! Heart rate down. 1910 01:13:36,483 --> 01:13:37,984 Heart rate down. 1911 01:13:38,084 --> 01:13:39,919 - Good. Right there. 1912 01:13:39,953 --> 01:13:41,321 - Shaking out the arms 1913 01:13:41,354 --> 01:13:43,256 before he starts Ultimate Cliffhanger. 1914 01:13:43,289 --> 01:13:46,860 Austin Gray has been training so hard for this season-- 1915 01:13:46,893 --> 01:13:48,928 doesn't want to end up second again. 1916 01:13:48,962 --> 01:13:51,865 5'10", 155, good reach-- 1917 01:13:51,898 --> 01:13:54,100 looking so efficient. 1918 01:13:54,100 --> 01:13:55,669 Fell on stage 1 last year. 1919 01:13:55,702 --> 01:13:58,171 Thought about hanging it up and calling it quits, 1920 01:13:58,204 --> 01:14:01,541 but he's come back this season with a renewed spirit. 1921 01:14:01,574 --> 01:14:03,143 Has to transfer to the other side. 1922 01:14:03,176 --> 01:14:05,845 - He's got this big move here. 1923 01:14:05,879 --> 01:14:07,347 Nice. 1924 01:14:07,380 --> 01:14:10,316 - Austin Gray looking in complete command so far. 1925 01:14:10,350 --> 01:14:13,687 - Nice, dude. [cheers and applause] 1926 01:14:16,756 --> 01:14:18,291 - He's been so efficient 1927 01:14:18,324 --> 01:14:20,060 through the first part of this course. 1928 01:14:20,093 --> 01:14:24,431 Three obstacles to go-- now taking on Pipe Dream. 1929 01:14:24,464 --> 01:14:26,666 Smooth, now on to that cat wall. 1930 01:14:26,700 --> 01:14:28,368 These ninjas make it look easy. 1931 01:14:28,401 --> 01:14:31,071 - Yeah, looked like Spider-Man with that landing. 1932 01:14:31,071 --> 01:14:32,305 - Nice, Austin. 1933 01:14:32,339 --> 01:14:36,409 - Got good reach and got good length. 1934 01:14:36,443 --> 01:14:38,478 - Keep it up, Austin! Come on! 1935 01:14:38,511 --> 01:14:40,146 - Come on, Austin! 1936 01:14:40,180 --> 01:14:41,514 - And, Akbar, I love it. 1937 01:14:41,548 --> 01:14:43,249 When he's on the obstacles, so efficient. 1938 01:14:43,283 --> 01:14:44,250 Did you see? 1939 01:14:44,284 --> 01:14:45,985 He locked his lower body in 1940 01:14:46,086 --> 01:14:47,487 to absorb the drop. 1941 01:14:47,520 --> 01:14:49,155 - Yeah, and that really does help. 1942 01:14:49,189 --> 01:14:50,957 And you can see, 5'10", it's easy 1943 01:14:50,990 --> 01:14:52,826 for him to just stretch out. 1944 01:14:52,859 --> 01:14:53,927 Wow. 1945 01:14:53,960 --> 01:14:57,564 - He just flew through that. 1946 01:14:57,597 --> 01:14:59,566 Austin Gray, two obstacles away 1947 01:14:59,599 --> 01:15:01,668 from his first stage 3 buzzer. 1948 01:15:01,701 --> 01:15:03,470 - It's Pressure Cooker now. 1949 01:15:03,503 --> 01:15:05,205 Last time he reached this point, 1950 01:15:05,238 --> 01:15:09,142 he fell on the obstacle Eyeglass Alley. 1951 01:15:09,175 --> 01:15:10,477 - Yeah, babe! 1952 01:15:10,510 --> 01:15:12,045 - Pressure Cooker has been a challenge. 1953 01:15:12,045 --> 01:15:15,582 So hard to control it. You end up just free-spinning. 1954 01:15:15,615 --> 01:15:17,250 But he's not, Akbar. He's using it. 1955 01:15:17,283 --> 01:15:19,419 You can see he's staying fully extended, 1956 01:15:19,452 --> 01:15:21,121 but going for another spin. 1957 01:15:21,154 --> 01:15:23,790 - Ooh. Wow. - Got it there. 1958 01:15:23,823 --> 01:15:25,392 That's just precision. 1959 01:15:25,425 --> 01:15:28,294 - Yeah, and it's very important not to over-grip. 1960 01:15:28,328 --> 01:15:30,230 - Wow. - There you go. 1961 01:15:30,263 --> 01:15:31,865 - Real good job there. 1962 01:15:31,898 --> 01:15:32,932 - Oh, boy. 1963 01:15:32,966 --> 01:15:34,367 - Trying to get-- - Uh! 1964 01:15:34,401 --> 01:15:35,802 - Stay focused, Austin! 1965 01:15:35,835 --> 01:15:38,238 - Well, you can just see him staying calm. 1966 01:15:38,271 --> 01:15:39,839 That's a skill in itself. 1967 01:15:39,873 --> 01:15:41,808 - Yeah, it is-- ignoring the pain, 1968 01:15:41,841 --> 01:15:43,810 because you know they're all feeling it. 1969 01:15:43,843 --> 01:15:45,145 - Wow. 1970 01:15:45,178 --> 01:15:46,646 - The ninjas are feeling the pain, the burn. 1971 01:15:46,680 --> 01:15:48,314 - Well, you saw he used that wingspan there 1972 01:15:48,348 --> 01:15:51,317 to make the reach--didn't have to be lined up as precise. 1973 01:15:51,351 --> 01:15:56,289 And Austin Gray, one obstacle away from meeting stage 4! 1974 01:15:56,322 --> 01:15:57,791 - Come on, Austin! - Come on, Austin! 1975 01:15:57,824 --> 01:15:59,192 - Come on, Austin! 1976 01:15:59,225 --> 01:16:01,027 - Now he's just got to finish the assignment. 1977 01:16:01,027 --> 01:16:02,028 Here we go. 1978 01:16:02,028 --> 01:16:03,563 - Austin's been so close-- 1979 01:16:03,596 --> 01:16:07,600 twice been the runner-up, never worn the crown. 1980 01:16:07,634 --> 01:16:10,937 Those vertical grips are such a test on your grip strength. 1981 01:16:11,037 --> 01:16:12,405 - Yeah, here you go. 1982 01:16:12,439 --> 01:16:14,207 You got to throw 155 pounds onto this road sign 1983 01:16:14,240 --> 01:16:15,208 on the outside. 1984 01:16:15,241 --> 01:16:16,609 Nice. 1985 01:16:16,643 --> 01:16:18,144 I like how he got up high. 1986 01:16:18,178 --> 01:16:19,946 You see how high his hands are? 1987 01:16:20,046 --> 01:16:23,683 - Oh! - No! 1988 01:16:23,717 --> 01:16:26,052 Oh, my word. 1989 01:16:28,121 --> 01:16:32,859 - Austin Gray comes close but just misses out on stage 4. 1990 01:16:34,260 --> 01:16:36,096 - This is what stage 3 does. 1991 01:16:36,129 --> 01:16:39,366 It wears out your upper body on the early obstacles. 1992 01:16:39,399 --> 01:16:41,801 And when Austin got to Road Signs, 1993 01:16:41,835 --> 01:16:43,536 his ran out of gas. 1994 01:16:43,570 --> 01:16:46,806 Instead of going straight ahead, he went straight down. 1995 01:16:46,840 --> 01:16:49,142 - A solid season for Austin Gray. 1996 01:16:49,175 --> 01:16:52,479 Comes up just short of reaching stage 4. 1997 01:16:52,512 --> 01:16:54,147 - He's one of the few ninjas 1998 01:16:54,180 --> 01:16:55,982 that's finished stage 3 before. 1999 01:16:56,082 --> 01:16:58,385 Can Daniel Gil do it again? 2000 01:16:58,418 --> 01:17:02,055 He is coming up next on "American Ninja Warrior." 2001 01:17:08,595 --> 01:17:11,197 - We've had 1 ninja conquer stage 3 tonight. 2002 01:17:11,231 --> 01:17:13,800 So he'll be climbing for a million dollars 2003 01:17:13,833 --> 01:17:15,468 in our season finale. 2004 01:17:15,502 --> 01:17:17,504 Hoping to join him are the remaining competitors, 2005 01:17:17,537 --> 01:17:20,573 who will get their shot at stage 3 next week. 2006 01:17:20,607 --> 01:17:24,277 But we've got one more ninja great to try it tonight. 2007 01:17:24,310 --> 01:17:27,047 Daniel Gil is only 29 years old, 2008 01:17:27,080 --> 01:17:29,282 but he's a grizzled veteran compared 2009 01:17:29,315 --> 01:17:30,650 to some of these young ninjas. 2010 01:17:30,684 --> 01:17:32,552 And he may have an edge. 2011 01:17:32,585 --> 01:17:34,154 He's been to stage 3 before. 2012 01:17:34,187 --> 01:17:36,256 And he not only conquered this course, 2013 01:17:36,289 --> 01:17:41,161 he was seconds away from winning it all on stage 4. 2014 01:17:41,194 --> 01:17:42,462 - Daniel Gil. 2015 01:17:42,495 --> 01:17:45,932 - He's got to battle for all 80 feet. 2016 01:17:45,965 --> 01:17:48,935 - Back in season 11, I was 3 seconds away 2017 01:17:48,968 --> 01:17:50,637 from beating Mount Midoriyama. 2018 01:17:50,670 --> 01:17:52,339 [alarm blaring] 2019 01:17:52,372 --> 01:17:54,708 - Oh, the clock running down! 2020 01:17:54,741 --> 01:17:56,076 [horn blares] 2021 01:17:56,076 --> 01:17:57,077 - Oh! - Oh! 2022 01:17:57,077 --> 01:17:58,745 - So close. 2023 01:17:58,778 --> 01:18:00,347 - Coming 3 seconds short 2024 01:18:00,380 --> 01:18:02,349 hurt a lot more than I thought it would. 2025 01:18:02,382 --> 01:18:04,317 Lord willing, I make it back to that rope climb 2026 01:18:04,351 --> 01:18:07,220 and go faster than I did last time. 2027 01:18:07,253 --> 01:18:11,024 [dramatic music] 2028 01:18:11,057 --> 01:18:13,259 - The Kingdom Ninja has been close, 2029 01:18:13,293 --> 01:18:14,861 and he is hungry this year. 2030 01:18:14,894 --> 01:18:18,031 - As always, his wife, Abby, will be cheering him on, 2031 01:18:18,064 --> 01:18:20,333 along with a big group of friends. 2032 01:18:20,367 --> 01:18:23,636 [countdown clock beeping] 2033 01:18:23,670 --> 01:18:26,606 - There's an advantage to having been to stage 3 before. 2034 01:18:26,639 --> 01:18:29,809 Now, even though many of these obstacles are different, 2035 01:18:29,843 --> 01:18:32,545 he knows what's up. 2036 01:18:32,579 --> 01:18:35,782 - He's quickly through the first one. 2037 01:18:35,815 --> 01:18:38,151 Well, one of the things we've learned about Daniel Gil 2038 01:18:38,184 --> 01:18:40,487 is he loves to rise to the occasion. 2039 01:18:40,520 --> 01:18:42,122 But watch the efficiency here. 2040 01:18:42,155 --> 01:18:44,657 And you can see him going fully extended, Akbar, 2041 01:18:44,691 --> 01:18:47,494 trying to minimize the strain on the whole body. 2042 01:18:47,527 --> 01:18:48,895 - Ooh! - Ooh, boy! 2043 01:18:48,928 --> 01:18:51,064 That type of inefficiency can cost you 2044 01:18:51,097 --> 01:18:54,668 when you get to the back end, if you get to the back end. 2045 01:18:54,701 --> 01:18:59,105 - But look at how smoothly he recovered. 2046 01:18:59,139 --> 01:19:01,408 - The smile on his face-- 2047 01:19:01,441 --> 01:19:03,810 he is not spooked by a little error. 2048 01:19:03,843 --> 01:19:07,013 - Well, just 5'9"-- we're gonna see how he dunks. 2049 01:19:07,013 --> 01:19:09,449 - Yeah, all right. 2050 01:19:09,482 --> 01:19:12,819 [cheers and applause] 2051 01:19:12,852 --> 01:19:15,855 He's got to get some big air here. 2052 01:19:15,889 --> 01:19:17,290 Nice. 2053 01:19:17,323 --> 01:19:19,793 - And look at that, just throwing himself back 2054 01:19:19,826 --> 01:19:21,861 and making it one fluid movement. 2055 01:19:21,895 --> 01:19:23,697 I'm liking the efficiency out of Gil. 2056 01:19:23,730 --> 01:19:24,798 - And I like the pace here. 2057 01:19:24,831 --> 01:19:26,599 All right, big space jam here. 2058 01:19:26,633 --> 01:19:28,401 Nice. 2059 01:19:28,435 --> 01:19:31,905 [cheers and applause] 2060 01:19:31,938 --> 01:19:33,640 - On to the Ultimate Cliffhanger. 2061 01:19:33,673 --> 01:19:38,044 Well, season 8, this took him out, bested it in season 11. 2062 01:19:38,044 --> 01:19:40,180 - He's put in a lot of work since then. 2063 01:19:40,213 --> 01:19:41,881 That was several years back. 2064 01:19:41,915 --> 01:19:43,650 And, look, we know he's stronger. 2065 01:19:43,683 --> 01:19:45,552 He's older. He's wiser. 2066 01:19:45,585 --> 01:19:48,054 He's one of the top ninjas in the world. 2067 01:19:48,054 --> 01:19:50,090 - Well, he's 29 years old, and this'll blow your mind. 2068 01:19:50,123 --> 01:19:52,692 He's the second-oldest ninja out here on stage 3. 2069 01:19:52,726 --> 01:19:55,428 - Wow, how fast-- - But look at the efficiency. 2070 01:19:55,462 --> 01:19:57,130 Look at how smooth he is. 2071 01:19:57,163 --> 01:19:59,065 - Yeah, look at this. Nice. 2072 01:19:59,065 --> 01:20:00,667 And look how quickly he made it 2073 01:20:00,700 --> 01:20:02,268 through Ultimate Cliffhanger. 2074 01:20:02,302 --> 01:20:04,838 That might've been the fastest time so far tonight. 2075 01:20:04,871 --> 01:20:08,074 - Minimize your time under tension. 2076 01:20:08,108 --> 01:20:10,910 [cheers and applause] 2077 01:20:10,944 --> 01:20:15,148 - I don't know how you smile on stage 3. 2078 01:20:15,181 --> 01:20:17,183 We haven't seen any of the ninjas come out here 2079 01:20:17,217 --> 01:20:18,451 and smile. 2080 01:20:18,485 --> 01:20:21,021 - Watch him on to this cat-grab wall. 2081 01:20:21,054 --> 01:20:23,189 This is all about controlling your momentum, 2082 01:20:23,223 --> 01:20:26,359 landing atop it like a feline. 2083 01:20:26,393 --> 01:20:28,294 Let's explain something about Daniel Gil. 2084 01:20:28,328 --> 01:20:30,530 He is a ferocious competitor, 2085 01:20:30,563 --> 01:20:33,667 but he is so grateful to be out here doing what he loves. 2086 01:20:33,700 --> 01:20:35,535 [crowd shouting] 2087 01:20:35,568 --> 01:20:38,405 - Nice. Ooh, ooh-ooh, get it, get it, get it. 2088 01:20:38,438 --> 01:20:40,040 - Relying on those shoes and the flexibility. 2089 01:20:40,073 --> 01:20:42,776 - Ooh, look-it, he's got the flexibility, now the gripping. 2090 01:20:42,809 --> 01:20:44,477 - But you can see the challenge. 2091 01:20:44,511 --> 01:20:45,812 The poles bend. 2092 01:20:45,845 --> 01:20:47,547 He's trying to go up higher. 2093 01:20:47,580 --> 01:20:49,149 - Now he's got to just make a transfer. 2094 01:20:49,182 --> 01:20:50,550 Nice. - There it is. 2095 01:20:50,583 --> 01:20:53,420 [cheers and applause] 2096 01:20:53,453 --> 01:20:55,355 - It's easier, more efficient 2097 01:20:55,388 --> 01:20:57,257 to make the transfer like this. 2098 01:20:57,290 --> 01:21:00,193 - But you can see how that pole bends. 2099 01:21:00,226 --> 01:21:04,164 Really getting it locked in, shaking out those forearms. 2100 01:21:04,197 --> 01:21:06,566 Well, it adds up. - Yes, it does. 2101 01:21:06,599 --> 01:21:08,301 You want to make a smooth transfer 2102 01:21:08,335 --> 01:21:09,969 by extending your leg out. 2103 01:21:10,070 --> 01:21:12,772 He's making his wife very nervous right now. 2104 01:21:14,240 --> 01:21:17,677 Well, it wasn't easy, but he's gonna get through Pipe Dream. 2105 01:21:17,711 --> 01:21:19,846 Five obstacles down. 2106 01:21:19,879 --> 01:21:22,649 But you saw how he locked in his lower body. 2107 01:21:22,682 --> 01:21:24,117 He may not be looking at it, 2108 01:21:24,150 --> 01:21:25,885 but out of his peripheral vision, 2109 01:21:25,919 --> 01:21:30,757 stage 4 is right there, two obstacles away. 2110 01:21:30,790 --> 01:21:32,525 - Oh, boy. 2111 01:21:32,559 --> 01:21:34,094 - Here we go. 2112 01:21:34,094 --> 01:21:35,695 - He crushed the Pipe Dream and going 2113 01:21:35,729 --> 01:21:38,431 right into Pressure Cooker. 2114 01:21:38,465 --> 01:21:40,333 - There you go! 2115 01:21:40,367 --> 01:21:44,104 - This is a ninja that does not break under pressure. 2116 01:21:44,104 --> 01:21:45,472 He is so calm. 2117 01:21:45,505 --> 01:21:47,640 In fact, he smiles under pressure. 2118 01:21:47,674 --> 01:21:48,842 - Good. 2119 01:21:48,875 --> 01:21:50,543 - Let it bring you around. - There it is. 2120 01:21:50,577 --> 01:21:51,678 - Good. - Nice. 2121 01:21:51,711 --> 01:21:54,481 [cheers and applause] 2122 01:21:54,514 --> 01:21:56,383 - Oh, and you can just see the challenge. 2123 01:21:56,416 --> 01:22:00,220 As you start to spin, you really struggle to control it. 2124 01:22:00,253 --> 01:22:02,055 - Yeah, and the longer you hold on, 2125 01:22:02,088 --> 01:22:04,657 the more you're just taxing the grip strength. 2126 01:22:04,691 --> 01:22:06,059 And now look at him. 2127 01:22:06,092 --> 01:22:09,062 Oh, my goodness-- his shoulder flexibility. 2128 01:22:09,095 --> 01:22:11,197 - You're good. - Good. 2129 01:22:11,231 --> 01:22:13,266 - And that is just trying to stay calm. 2130 01:22:13,299 --> 01:22:15,535 Keep it fully extended. - Nice. 2131 01:22:15,568 --> 01:22:18,071 Get it up there and then leverage against it 2132 01:22:18,104 --> 01:22:19,673 so you can make that transfer. 2133 01:22:19,706 --> 01:22:20,907 - Oh. - Ooh. 2134 01:22:20,940 --> 01:22:22,509 And now you got to take an extra spin. 2135 01:22:22,542 --> 01:22:24,611 Ooh, look at the-- The wrist is twisting. 2136 01:22:24,644 --> 01:22:26,846 - Yeah! [cheers and applause] 2137 01:22:26,880 --> 01:22:28,081 - Whoo. 2138 01:22:28,114 --> 01:22:29,649 - Stay in it. - Right there, right there. 2139 01:22:29,683 --> 01:22:31,084 - Stay in it. 2140 01:22:31,084 --> 01:22:32,419 - Gil does it! 2141 01:22:32,452 --> 01:22:36,589 One obstacle away from a rematch on stage 4! 2142 01:22:36,623 --> 01:22:38,091 And he's smiling. 2143 01:22:38,091 --> 01:22:41,194 - He wasn't smiling on Pressure Cooker. 2144 01:22:41,227 --> 01:22:43,096 - But this last one, Road Signs, 2145 01:22:43,096 --> 01:22:45,198 requires moves we've never seen before 2146 01:22:45,231 --> 01:22:47,100 on a Ninja obstacle. 2147 01:22:47,100 --> 01:22:49,769 To throw back and launch yourself forward-- 2148 01:22:49,803 --> 01:22:51,438 - Forward, got to go up. - Got id. 2149 01:22:51,471 --> 01:22:54,207 - That's about three moves for one sign. 2150 01:22:54,240 --> 01:22:56,209 - Oh, and the tax on the grip. 2151 01:22:56,242 --> 01:22:58,111 - Nice! All right, straight ahead. 2152 01:22:58,111 --> 01:23:00,046 Straight ahead. Look straight ahead. 2153 01:23:00,080 --> 01:23:01,815 There you go! - One more sign! 2154 01:23:01,848 --> 01:23:03,283 - Oh, boy. 2155 01:23:03,316 --> 01:23:06,786 And that sign says "Mount Midoriyama, this exit"! 2156 01:23:06,820 --> 01:23:08,288 - Can he get the dismount? 2157 01:23:08,321 --> 01:23:09,589 - Oh, here we go. 2158 01:23:09,622 --> 01:23:11,257 - Daniel Gil is going back... 2159 01:23:11,291 --> 01:23:13,660 - He's going back, baby. - To stage 4! 2160 01:23:13,693 --> 01:23:15,128 - He is going back. 2161 01:23:15,161 --> 01:23:16,596 - Well, we've said it. 2162 01:23:16,629 --> 01:23:19,666 The Kingdom Ninja is risen. 2163 01:23:19,699 --> 01:23:22,936 Here comes his wife, Abby, and everyone else. 2164 01:23:22,969 --> 01:23:25,672 He wanted a second chance on stage 4, 2165 01:23:25,705 --> 01:23:28,274 and he's gonna get it next week. 2166 01:23:28,308 --> 01:23:30,744 - Yo, Daniel! - My man! 2167 01:23:30,777 --> 01:23:33,847 You're going back to stage 4! 2168 01:23:33,880 --> 01:23:35,849 [cheers and applause] 2169 01:23:35,882 --> 01:23:38,718 - Are you ready to get that million dollars 2170 01:23:38,752 --> 01:23:39,986 there on stage 4? 2171 01:23:40,086 --> 01:23:41,254 - I am. 2172 01:23:41,287 --> 01:23:44,090 - Go celebrate, buddy! [cheers and applause] 2173 01:23:44,090 --> 01:23:47,193 We know we're gonna have at least two ninjas climbing. 2174 01:23:47,227 --> 01:23:48,795 Who will join them? 2175 01:23:48,828 --> 01:23:52,298 This is gonna be a heck of a finale. 2176 01:23:52,332 --> 01:23:54,934 Next week, we'll finish up here on stage 3. 2177 01:23:54,968 --> 01:23:57,370 - And then we're headed to stage 4, 2178 01:23:57,404 --> 01:23:59,439 with a million dollars on the line. 2179 01:23:59,472 --> 01:24:01,041 - Can't wait for that. 2180 01:24:01,041 --> 01:24:03,309 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 2181 01:24:03,343 --> 01:24:07,447 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior."