1 00:00:05,505 --> 00:00:09,009 - In life, there will always be setbacks. 2 00:00:09,042 --> 00:00:10,543 - I know it's not what you wanted, 3 00:00:10,577 --> 00:00:12,112 but you killed it, okay? 4 00:00:12,145 --> 00:00:15,949 - It's what you do next that becomes your story. 5 00:00:15,982 --> 00:00:19,719 - I really wish that my young self could see me now 6 00:00:19,753 --> 00:00:22,122 because he would be so happy with me. 7 00:00:22,155 --> 00:00:25,191 - * We've got spirit * 8 00:00:25,225 --> 00:00:28,328 * I know you hear it * 9 00:00:28,361 --> 00:00:32,799 * There's no give up, give up, give up, give up in us * 10 00:00:32,832 --> 00:00:34,367 - Whoa! 11 00:00:34,401 --> 00:00:36,569 - Nothing's gonna stop me. 12 00:00:36,603 --> 00:00:39,005 - * Stories without a few letdowns * 13 00:00:39,039 --> 00:00:41,608 * Are boring when told * 14 00:00:41,641 --> 00:00:43,309 - You know, not giving up, all the hard work. 15 00:00:43,343 --> 00:00:45,111 - And these tears are only gonna make you better. 16 00:00:45,145 --> 00:00:47,414 I promise you're gonna do much better next time, all right? 17 00:00:47,447 --> 00:00:49,949 - It feels more rewarding when you work for it. 18 00:00:49,983 --> 00:00:52,385 - A new season begins tonight, 19 00:00:52,419 --> 00:00:56,756 with hundreds taking the first step on the path to greatness. 20 00:00:56,790 --> 00:00:58,191 - Here we go. 21 00:00:58,224 --> 00:00:59,893 - It won't be easy. 22 00:00:59,926 --> 00:01:01,961 - Hold on, hold on, fight, fight, fight! 23 00:01:02,062 --> 00:01:04,531 - But the rewards will last a lifetime. 24 00:01:04,564 --> 00:01:06,433 - * When it goes wrong * 25 00:01:06,466 --> 00:01:08,101 - Since the last time I competed, 26 00:01:08,134 --> 00:01:11,538 I have had three major orthopedic surgeries. 27 00:01:11,571 --> 00:01:14,074 It has been a journey for sure, 28 00:01:14,074 --> 00:01:16,209 but I won't give up. 29 00:01:16,242 --> 00:01:19,079 all: * We've got spirit * 30 00:01:19,079 --> 00:01:22,549 - * And I know you hear it * 31 00:01:22,582 --> 00:01:27,387 * There's no give up, give up, give up, give up in us * 32 00:01:27,420 --> 00:01:28,488 [cheers and applause] 33 00:01:28,521 --> 00:01:29,556 - We don't quit over here. 34 00:01:29,589 --> 00:01:30,590 - One, two, three! 35 00:01:30,623 --> 00:01:31,591 all: One, two, three! 36 00:01:31,624 --> 00:01:34,194 - * We've got spirit * 37 00:01:34,227 --> 00:01:36,529 - To be able to muster the strength to get back up 38 00:01:36,563 --> 00:01:38,131 and try again, to never give up 39 00:01:38,164 --> 00:01:39,632 is what this is all about. 40 00:01:39,666 --> 00:01:40,633 It's what life's all about. 41 00:01:40,667 --> 00:01:43,269 all: * We've got spirit * 42 00:01:43,303 --> 00:01:46,806 - * And I know you hear it * 43 00:01:46,840 --> 00:01:51,311 * There's no give up, give up, give up, give up * 44 00:01:51,344 --> 00:01:55,115 * Give up, give up, give up, give up in us * 45 00:01:55,115 --> 00:01:57,951 [cheers and applause] 46 00:02:01,254 --> 00:02:03,690 - It's gonna be a special season. 47 00:02:03,723 --> 00:02:05,625 - We're deep in the heart of Texas 48 00:02:05,658 --> 00:02:08,495 inside San Antonio's Alamodome 49 00:02:08,528 --> 00:02:12,565 for the season premiere of "American Ninja Warrior"! 50 00:02:12,599 --> 00:02:14,167 Hello, everyone, and thanks for joining us. 51 00:02:14,200 --> 00:02:17,370 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 52 00:02:17,404 --> 00:02:20,940 Here we go, Matt, for yet another season together, 53 00:02:20,974 --> 00:02:22,709 and we're going big here in the dome! 54 00:02:22,742 --> 00:02:24,944 - Well, this will be our home for five nights of qualifying, 55 00:02:24,978 --> 00:02:27,280 then we'll move on to LA for the semifinals. 56 00:02:27,313 --> 00:02:29,549 And we'll end the season where we always do, 57 00:02:29,582 --> 00:02:31,484 Vegas with the National Finals. 58 00:02:31,518 --> 00:02:34,287 - And the obstacles this year are next level. 59 00:02:34,320 --> 00:02:36,589 We are kicking it up a notch yet again. 60 00:02:36,623 --> 00:02:37,991 - Well, for more on that, let's go down 61 00:02:38,091 --> 00:02:40,593 to the third member of our team, Zuri Hall. 62 00:02:40,627 --> 00:02:41,861 - Thank you, guys. 63 00:02:41,895 --> 00:02:43,296 It is so great to be back. 64 00:02:43,329 --> 00:02:45,765 And yeah, this qualifying course is like 65 00:02:45,799 --> 00:02:47,400 nothing you've seen before. 66 00:02:47,434 --> 00:02:50,704 And four of the obstacles are brand-new. 67 00:02:50,737 --> 00:02:52,572 That includes Rollercoaster 68 00:02:52,605 --> 00:02:54,474 and Serpent. 69 00:02:54,507 --> 00:02:56,776 Plus, the really fun one, Carnival. 70 00:02:56,810 --> 00:02:59,145 Ninjas use the rings to control the ball 71 00:02:59,179 --> 00:03:01,514 and roll it into one of the three chutes. 72 00:03:01,548 --> 00:03:04,551 The higher you go, the easier the dismount. 73 00:03:04,584 --> 00:03:07,053 If you roll the ball into chute one, 74 00:03:07,087 --> 00:03:09,956 your prize is a T-bar, making for an easy exit. 75 00:03:10,056 --> 00:03:12,058 But get it in the lower chutes, 76 00:03:12,058 --> 00:03:14,060 and your exit is much more difficult. 77 00:03:14,060 --> 00:03:17,664 Then it's another new one, Salmon Roll. 78 00:03:17,697 --> 00:03:19,566 The course ends at the Warped Wall. 79 00:03:19,599 --> 00:03:21,568 - Guys. - Thanks, Zuri. 80 00:03:21,601 --> 00:03:24,437 Now the story last year was the "teenage invasion," 81 00:03:24,471 --> 00:03:25,972 and they're back once again. 82 00:03:26,072 --> 00:03:27,640 - But watch out for the veterans. 83 00:03:27,674 --> 00:03:31,177 We've got some big names making their return. 84 00:03:31,211 --> 00:03:34,214 - That includes The Beast, James McGrath, 85 00:03:34,247 --> 00:03:36,783 back after a three-year absence. 86 00:03:36,816 --> 00:03:39,085 Just beasting it! 87 00:03:39,119 --> 00:03:41,087 We've also got his girlfriend, 88 00:03:41,087 --> 00:03:43,390 schoolteacher, Allyssa Beird. 89 00:03:43,423 --> 00:03:45,225 Passes the test! 90 00:03:45,258 --> 00:03:47,594 And stuntman, Flip Rodriguez. 91 00:03:47,627 --> 00:03:48,995 There it is! 92 00:03:49,095 --> 00:03:50,263 Leading the teenagers, 93 00:03:50,296 --> 00:03:51,865 the 16-year-old who made it 94 00:03:51,898 --> 00:03:55,268 to stage three last year as a rookie, Vance Walker. 95 00:03:55,301 --> 00:03:59,005 This kid is the real deal! 96 00:03:59,105 --> 00:04:01,207 And these fans in the dome are ready 97 00:04:01,241 --> 00:04:04,411 to get this season going. 98 00:04:04,444 --> 00:04:06,846 You can see the cupcakes on the jumbotron, 99 00:04:06,880 --> 00:04:09,082 and that means we're kicking off the season 100 00:04:09,115 --> 00:04:11,284 with one of our best young stars, 101 00:04:11,317 --> 00:04:13,720 the Cake Ninja, David Wright. 102 00:04:13,753 --> 00:04:15,622 This 22-year-old got his nickname 103 00:04:15,655 --> 00:04:18,892 because he eats cake before every run. 104 00:04:18,925 --> 00:04:21,728 And he just got engaged a few months ago 105 00:04:21,761 --> 00:04:23,930 to fellow ninja, Caitlyn Bergstrom. 106 00:04:23,963 --> 00:04:25,865 She's watching back in Florida with her family. 107 00:04:25,899 --> 00:04:28,435 - You guys are the best! 108 00:04:28,468 --> 00:04:29,869 all: [chanting] We want cake! 109 00:04:29,903 --> 00:04:32,439 - David's sisters, dad, and friend, Kevin Carbone, 110 00:04:32,472 --> 00:04:35,642 are on the sideline leading the "we want cake" chant. 111 00:04:35,675 --> 00:04:38,144 [countdown clock beeping] 112 00:04:38,178 --> 00:04:39,813 So here we go. 113 00:04:39,846 --> 00:04:41,948 First run of the new season. 114 00:04:41,981 --> 00:04:43,917 First obstacle the Shrinking Steps. 115 00:04:43,950 --> 00:04:46,853 Needs an extra swing, but he's through. 116 00:04:46,886 --> 00:04:48,922 And he's gonna need that sugar high to kick in 117 00:04:48,955 --> 00:04:50,990 on this new obstacle, Rollercoaster. 118 00:04:51,091 --> 00:04:53,093 Got to fly and grab that second axle. 119 00:04:53,126 --> 00:04:54,527 - Ooh! 120 00:04:54,561 --> 00:04:56,296 - Now he'll carry the axle here. 121 00:04:56,329 --> 00:04:57,497 - Watch out, get off! 122 00:04:57,530 --> 00:04:59,165 - He just muscled that. - Whoa! 123 00:04:59,199 --> 00:05:01,468 - Now, Split Decision is back this year. 124 00:05:01,501 --> 00:05:04,270 He has to choose between two balance obstacles, 125 00:05:04,304 --> 00:05:05,638 and he goes straight 126 00:05:05,672 --> 00:05:07,374 to the scary-looking new one, the Serpent. 127 00:05:07,407 --> 00:05:08,608 Those cylinders will spin on you. 128 00:05:08,641 --> 00:05:11,077 - Yeah, go, go, go, go--oh! - Oh! 129 00:05:11,111 --> 00:05:13,146 [horn blares] 130 00:05:13,179 --> 00:05:15,181 - Oh, my goodness. 131 00:05:16,549 --> 00:05:18,618 - He can't believe it. 132 00:05:18,651 --> 00:05:21,354 Realizing how much those cylinders roll, 133 00:05:21,388 --> 00:05:24,891 and it's a big surprise for our first run. 134 00:05:24,924 --> 00:05:27,627 Well, watch right here, he just oversteps 135 00:05:27,660 --> 00:05:29,429 on the front side of that cylinder, 136 00:05:29,462 --> 00:05:31,064 and it spins on him. 137 00:05:31,097 --> 00:05:33,299 When his left foot lands on the third one, 138 00:05:33,333 --> 00:05:34,801 that spins too, 139 00:05:34,834 --> 00:05:38,071 and the Serpent claims its first victim. 140 00:05:38,104 --> 00:05:39,439 [cheers and applause] 141 00:05:39,472 --> 00:05:41,207 - There goes this year, I guess. 142 00:05:41,241 --> 00:05:43,343 See you guys next time? 143 00:05:44,811 --> 00:05:46,613 - Last season, we invited kids 144 00:05:46,646 --> 00:05:49,082 as young as 15 years old to compete, 145 00:05:49,082 --> 00:05:51,151 and they were amazing. 146 00:05:51,184 --> 00:05:53,787 Now, here's this year's first teenager, 147 00:05:53,820 --> 00:05:56,189 15-year-old Lilah Nathison. 148 00:05:56,222 --> 00:05:58,324 She's got fidget spinners in her hands 149 00:05:58,358 --> 00:06:00,326 because she has ADHD, 150 00:06:00,360 --> 00:06:02,796 and Ninja has helped her focus. 151 00:06:02,829 --> 00:06:04,064 [upbeat music] 152 00:06:04,097 --> 00:06:05,632 - Yeah, there you go. 153 00:06:05,665 --> 00:06:06,666 - Let's go! 154 00:06:06,700 --> 00:06:08,101 - Come on, come on. 155 00:06:08,134 --> 00:06:10,270 - I'm not your typical teenage girl. 156 00:06:10,303 --> 00:06:12,739 I'm just like a ball bursting with energy. 157 00:06:12,772 --> 00:06:15,108 * * 158 00:06:15,141 --> 00:06:16,209 both: Let's go! 159 00:06:16,242 --> 00:06:18,945 - But I also have a hard time focusing 160 00:06:19,045 --> 00:06:20,680 and maintaining relationships. 161 00:06:20,714 --> 00:06:23,616 [soft music] 162 00:06:23,650 --> 00:06:26,119 I would say Ninja is probably the best medicine 163 00:06:26,152 --> 00:06:28,521 of anything I've taken. 164 00:06:28,555 --> 00:06:31,124 - If there was a sport designed 165 00:06:31,157 --> 00:06:33,426 for this child, this is it. 166 00:06:33,460 --> 00:06:35,295 - Let's go. 167 00:06:35,328 --> 00:06:36,930 - Yeah, girl, yeah! - Let's do it--yeah! 168 00:06:36,963 --> 00:06:38,665 - That's what I'm talking about. 169 00:06:38,698 --> 00:06:41,401 - Julius, you know, he's her primary mentor. 170 00:06:41,434 --> 00:06:42,836 - That's what I'm talking about, Grizz! 171 00:06:42,869 --> 00:06:43,937 - Do it! - Ooh! 172 00:06:43,970 --> 00:06:46,106 - Hey! - Yeah, girl. 173 00:06:46,139 --> 00:06:50,143 - He taps into her reflective thinker side. 174 00:06:50,176 --> 00:06:51,511 - Like, are you nervous when you step up? 175 00:06:51,544 --> 00:06:52,912 Or does it, like, all just, like, go away? 176 00:06:52,946 --> 00:06:55,248 - Nervousness is a perspective. 177 00:06:55,281 --> 00:06:57,784 So make sure you get yourself calm, 178 00:06:57,817 --> 00:07:00,320 and tell yourself that you've got this. 179 00:07:00,353 --> 00:07:02,322 - All right. - And you'll be fine. 180 00:07:02,355 --> 00:07:04,190 - Okay, all right. 181 00:07:04,224 --> 00:07:06,493 Ninja has given me the best outlet 182 00:07:06,526 --> 00:07:09,496 I've ever had for my ADHD. 183 00:07:09,529 --> 00:07:10,530 - There you go. 184 00:07:10,563 --> 00:07:11,598 - Tonight on the course, 185 00:07:11,631 --> 00:07:12,799 I know I'm gonna get some nerves, 186 00:07:12,832 --> 00:07:14,768 but I will channel that adrenaline right. 187 00:07:14,801 --> 00:07:16,703 * * 188 00:07:16,736 --> 00:07:18,538 [cheers and applause] 189 00:07:18,571 --> 00:07:19,939 - Yeah, let's go! 190 00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:21,908 - Lilah's family is on the sideline. 191 00:07:21,941 --> 00:07:23,877 - Let's go, Lilah! 192 00:07:23,910 --> 00:07:26,146 - And her coaches from back in North Carolina 193 00:07:26,179 --> 00:07:27,681 are over there too. 194 00:07:27,714 --> 00:07:29,816 - Julius right there gave her the nickname "L Grizz" 195 00:07:29,849 --> 00:07:31,685 that you see on their T-shirts. 196 00:07:31,718 --> 00:07:33,753 [countdown clock beeping] 197 00:07:33,787 --> 00:07:36,523 - If you're wondering how Julius came up with L Grizz, 198 00:07:36,556 --> 00:07:39,826 he said she is fearless and attacks like a grizzly bear 199 00:07:39,859 --> 00:07:40,894 when she's on the course. 200 00:07:40,927 --> 00:07:42,696 [cheering and shouting] 201 00:07:42,729 --> 00:07:44,531 - When Jules gives you a cool nickname 202 00:07:44,564 --> 00:07:45,965 like that, you take it. 203 00:07:46,066 --> 00:07:47,567 - Yeah, you take it. 204 00:07:47,600 --> 00:07:49,202 All right, ride that momentum. 205 00:07:49,235 --> 00:07:50,837 - Heads up! - Ride it, yes! 206 00:07:50,870 --> 00:07:52,372 - Don't forget about the gap! 207 00:07:52,405 --> 00:07:54,507 Nice. 208 00:07:55,942 --> 00:07:57,210 - She's through. 209 00:07:57,243 --> 00:07:59,446 And now it's on to Split Decision. 210 00:07:59,479 --> 00:08:01,414 Will she gonna go with Serpent on the right 211 00:08:01,448 --> 00:08:03,783 or Domino Effect on the left? 212 00:08:03,817 --> 00:08:06,619 - Yeah, yeah! - Dominoes, dominoes! 213 00:08:06,653 --> 00:08:09,055 - The family says Dominoes. 214 00:08:09,089 --> 00:08:11,124 - Aw, doing the Griddy. 215 00:08:11,157 --> 00:08:12,325 You know how to do the Griddy, Matt? 216 00:08:12,359 --> 00:08:14,361 - Well, now I do. - [laughs] 217 00:08:14,394 --> 00:08:16,930 All right, here we go. 218 00:08:17,030 --> 00:08:18,665 - Oh, stays alive! 219 00:08:18,698 --> 00:08:20,700 Oh, she's got some grit to her, Matt. 220 00:08:20,734 --> 00:08:22,635 [cheers and applause] 221 00:08:22,669 --> 00:08:24,270 She's gonna need grit and moxie 222 00:08:24,304 --> 00:08:25,605 to make it through this Carnival. 223 00:08:25,638 --> 00:08:27,407 - This new one is like Skee-Ball. 224 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:30,844 With those rings, you control where the ball rolls. 225 00:08:30,877 --> 00:08:32,946 And she sends it into chute number three. 226 00:08:33,046 --> 00:08:34,948 That means she's gonna have a low swing 227 00:08:35,048 --> 00:08:36,149 over to that nunchuck. 228 00:08:36,182 --> 00:08:37,617 The single nunchuck. 229 00:08:37,650 --> 00:08:39,586 - Bruce Lee wouldn't want this nunchuck. 230 00:08:39,619 --> 00:08:41,354 - Oh, wow! - Okay! 231 00:08:41,388 --> 00:08:42,722 - Got to get the dismount. 232 00:08:42,756 --> 00:08:44,157 - Okay! 233 00:08:44,190 --> 00:08:47,227 [cheers and applause] 234 00:08:48,061 --> 00:08:50,163 Where did this girl come from? 235 00:08:50,196 --> 00:08:52,232 Doesn't she know it's is supposed to be hard? 236 00:08:52,265 --> 00:08:54,968 - Already at the fifth obstacle, Salmon Roll, 237 00:08:55,068 --> 00:08:56,569 which is another new one. 238 00:08:56,603 --> 00:08:57,604 She's got to jump that bar 239 00:08:57,637 --> 00:08:59,072 through those notches and gaps 240 00:08:59,072 --> 00:09:00,674 and move this giant wheel. 241 00:09:00,707 --> 00:09:03,910 - This is gonna be a big leap here for the 5'4" Nathison. 242 00:09:04,010 --> 00:09:06,279 - Big hips, big hips! 243 00:09:06,312 --> 00:09:08,148 Right here. Big hips, come on! 244 00:09:08,181 --> 00:09:10,216 - All right, this is a big move here. 245 00:09:10,250 --> 00:09:12,485 She's got to clear this 1-foot gap. 246 00:09:12,519 --> 00:09:15,722 - This is when it's good to be 15 and light. 247 00:09:15,755 --> 00:09:17,657 You can hang for a long time. 248 00:09:17,691 --> 00:09:20,760 - 125 pounds. Nice. 249 00:09:20,794 --> 00:09:23,096 - Oh! [horn blares] 250 00:09:23,129 --> 00:09:24,831 - Too aggressive on the adjustment. 251 00:09:24,864 --> 00:09:28,134 - Just got the bar twisted, goes down, 252 00:09:28,168 --> 00:09:30,270 but not before a remarkable rookie performance 253 00:09:30,303 --> 00:09:31,771 out of the 15-year-old. 254 00:09:31,805 --> 00:09:34,074 - And look at the celebration, Matt, look at this. 255 00:09:34,107 --> 00:09:37,143 - That's Ninja spirit right there. 256 00:09:37,177 --> 00:09:39,312 We'll have to wait to see if that's good enough 257 00:09:39,346 --> 00:09:41,915 to get Lilah into the semifinals. 258 00:09:43,149 --> 00:09:46,353 Lilah Nathison was just having fun out there, 259 00:09:46,386 --> 00:09:49,122 enjoying every minute, 260 00:09:49,155 --> 00:09:52,425 and makes it all the way to the fifth obstacle. 261 00:09:52,459 --> 00:09:54,627 What a debut for her. 262 00:09:54,661 --> 00:09:56,496 She's down with Zuri. 263 00:09:56,529 --> 00:09:59,099 - Lilah, congratulations. That was quite the run. 264 00:09:59,132 --> 00:10:00,433 How are you feeling? 265 00:10:00,467 --> 00:10:01,735 - I feel really good. 266 00:10:01,768 --> 00:10:03,670 I was so scared about the first two obstacles, 267 00:10:03,703 --> 00:10:05,005 then I was through 'em, and I felt good. 268 00:10:05,038 --> 00:10:06,973 I had my crowd back here. 269 00:10:07,007 --> 00:10:09,342 And best of all, 270 00:10:09,376 --> 00:10:11,211 I looked good! 271 00:10:11,244 --> 00:10:12,746 - I love your energy. 272 00:10:12,779 --> 00:10:14,114 You did look very good. 273 00:10:14,147 --> 00:10:15,982 We'll see soon if you went far enough fast enough. 274 00:10:16,016 --> 00:10:17,183 Great work. 275 00:10:17,217 --> 00:10:19,052 - Thank you, I hope I did! - Thanks, Lilah. 276 00:10:19,085 --> 00:10:21,121 - We're off to a fast start! 277 00:10:21,154 --> 00:10:23,223 [engine revving] 278 00:10:23,256 --> 00:10:24,991 And the night's gonna rock. 279 00:10:25,025 --> 00:10:27,594 - [yells] 280 00:10:27,627 --> 00:10:29,629 - Because we've got sports legends... 281 00:10:29,662 --> 00:10:31,798 - Go! - Whoo! 282 00:10:31,831 --> 00:10:33,333 - Three-legged heroes... 283 00:10:33,366 --> 00:10:35,035 - Aww. 284 00:10:35,068 --> 00:10:37,604 - And maybe a life-changing moment. 285 00:10:37,637 --> 00:10:39,139 - If I get to Mega Wall, 286 00:10:39,172 --> 00:10:41,207 I'm finally gonna pop the question. 287 00:10:41,241 --> 00:10:43,543 - It ain't no Texas two-step. 288 00:10:43,576 --> 00:10:45,512 - Is he taking out his dentures--wait, what? 289 00:10:45,545 --> 00:10:46,913 - It's the season premiere 290 00:10:46,946 --> 00:10:49,115 of "American Ninja Warrior." 291 00:10:49,149 --> 00:10:50,550 [dramatic music] 292 00:10:50,583 --> 00:10:52,252 both: Oh! 293 00:10:52,285 --> 00:10:54,354 - Oh, oh! - Oh! 294 00:10:54,387 --> 00:10:56,756 * * 295 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:02,062 - Welcome back to our season premiere, 296 00:11:02,062 --> 00:11:05,732 where these new obstacles are really testing our ninjas. 297 00:11:05,765 --> 00:11:07,534 Take Rafael Sanz. 298 00:11:07,567 --> 00:11:10,670 Minutes ago, this skydiver from Florida came out 299 00:11:10,704 --> 00:11:12,238 with his parachute ready. 300 00:11:12,272 --> 00:11:14,607 - Coming out, looking real official. 301 00:11:14,641 --> 00:11:16,343 - The 25-year-old rookie has done 302 00:11:16,376 --> 00:11:18,812 over 200 jumps in the past year 303 00:11:18,845 --> 00:11:23,083 at speeds of 120 miles per hour. 304 00:11:23,083 --> 00:11:25,518 So Rollercoaster should have been a breeze, 305 00:11:25,552 --> 00:11:26,820 but wasn't. 306 00:11:26,853 --> 00:11:28,655 - Oh! [horn blares] 307 00:11:28,688 --> 00:11:31,624 - He needed his parachute for that fall. 308 00:11:31,658 --> 00:11:35,161 Miami real estate agent, Ian Ham Arashiro, 309 00:11:35,195 --> 00:11:36,763 came out dressed for success. 310 00:11:36,796 --> 00:11:37,964 - Go, Ian! - You got this! 311 00:11:37,997 --> 00:11:40,300 - And then undressed to impress. 312 00:11:40,333 --> 00:11:42,302 - Doing a handstand, that's his jam. 313 00:11:42,335 --> 00:11:43,770 - And the "Ninja" rookie looked 314 00:11:43,803 --> 00:11:45,505 even better on the course. 315 00:11:45,538 --> 00:11:48,108 He was fine through the first three obstacles. 316 00:11:48,108 --> 00:11:49,909 - Oh, oh, nice! 317 00:11:49,943 --> 00:11:52,112 - But when he got door number three on Carnival... 318 00:11:52,112 --> 00:11:54,414 - This could be typical going out for that single nunchuck. 319 00:11:54,447 --> 00:11:56,783 - He couldn't quite close the deal. 320 00:11:56,816 --> 00:11:58,585 all: Oh! [horn blares] 321 00:12:00,186 --> 00:12:01,821 - Fun-loving Brad Giles, 322 00:12:01,855 --> 00:12:03,823 is known as the Giveback Ninja 323 00:12:03,857 --> 00:12:05,759 for good reason. 324 00:12:05,792 --> 00:12:08,495 He pledged to give $500 to charity 325 00:12:08,528 --> 00:12:10,430 for every obstacle he got through. 326 00:12:10,463 --> 00:12:11,898 [cash register chimes] 327 00:12:11,931 --> 00:12:14,868 And the Atlanta health care executive delivered. 328 00:12:14,901 --> 00:12:15,969 - Go, go, go! 329 00:12:16,069 --> 00:12:16,970 Got it! 330 00:12:17,070 --> 00:12:18,571 - Not only was he the first 331 00:12:18,605 --> 00:12:21,141 to get the ball in the number one chute on Carnival... 332 00:12:21,174 --> 00:12:22,142 [bell ringing] 333 00:12:22,175 --> 00:12:24,277 - Get that T-bar, nice! 334 00:12:24,310 --> 00:12:26,846 - At 39, he conquered four obstacles, 335 00:12:26,880 --> 00:12:29,783 racking up $2,000. 336 00:12:29,816 --> 00:12:33,219 - Well, Matt, there's no better motivation than giving. 337 00:12:33,253 --> 00:12:35,989 - But after all that giving, on Salmon Roll, 338 00:12:36,089 --> 00:12:38,124 his grip just gave out. 339 00:12:38,158 --> 00:12:39,359 - Oh! - Oh! 340 00:12:39,392 --> 00:12:40,894 [horn blares] 341 00:12:40,927 --> 00:12:45,765 - Brad Giles did a major roll off the Salmon Roll! 342 00:12:45,799 --> 00:12:47,100 - I love "American Ninja Warrior." 343 00:12:47,133 --> 00:12:48,401 That was great. 344 00:12:48,435 --> 00:12:50,337 Whoo! 345 00:12:50,370 --> 00:12:52,205 - Looks like our next competitor wants 346 00:12:52,238 --> 00:12:54,341 to keep his identity a secret. 347 00:12:54,374 --> 00:12:57,210 - He does know his name is on the screen behind him, right? 348 00:12:57,243 --> 00:12:59,112 - Well, it's no mystery to us. 349 00:12:59,145 --> 00:13:02,349 This is Jeff Loftus, an engineering student 350 00:13:02,382 --> 00:13:04,050 who likes to do woodworking. 351 00:13:04,050 --> 00:13:07,120 He even brought a couple wood moustaches for us. 352 00:13:07,153 --> 00:13:09,389 - I think these are Jeff 'staches. 353 00:13:09,422 --> 00:13:12,292 - Loftus is part of a loony bunch of ninjas, 354 00:13:12,325 --> 00:13:14,561 all hailing from Lynchburg, Virginia. 355 00:13:14,594 --> 00:13:16,262 [upbeat music] 356 00:13:16,296 --> 00:13:18,198 [overlapping chatter] - Whoo! 357 00:13:18,231 --> 00:13:20,166 - Let's go, baby! 358 00:13:20,200 --> 00:13:21,634 - Go, go, go, go, go! 359 00:13:21,668 --> 00:13:23,169 - They're calling us the Loonies, 360 00:13:23,203 --> 00:13:24,504 and when we get together, I mean, 361 00:13:24,537 --> 00:13:26,740 we're kind of a crazy bunch. 362 00:13:26,773 --> 00:13:28,675 - To the top, to the top! - [grunting] 363 00:13:28,708 --> 00:13:30,677 - To the top, to the top! 364 00:13:30,710 --> 00:13:32,078 Oh, no! - [shrieks] 365 00:13:32,112 --> 00:13:34,280 [laughter] 366 00:13:34,314 --> 00:13:35,715 - I'm the normal one of the group, 367 00:13:35,749 --> 00:13:38,284 and that's hard to say, because I'm not normal at all. 368 00:13:38,318 --> 00:13:40,320 * * 369 00:13:40,353 --> 00:13:43,823 - Usually, I'm the one trying to help us make good decisions. 370 00:13:43,857 --> 00:13:45,725 - Reduplication is a little bit hidden here 371 00:13:45,759 --> 00:13:46,926 because of the vowels. 372 00:13:46,960 --> 00:13:49,295 - Yeah, reduplication. Already knew that. 373 00:13:49,329 --> 00:13:50,930 Marker. Got it. 374 00:13:50,964 --> 00:13:51,998 [laughter] 375 00:13:52,098 --> 00:13:53,233 - And then you got me. 376 00:13:53,266 --> 00:13:54,234 Hi! 377 00:13:54,267 --> 00:13:55,502 I just have all these 378 00:13:55,535 --> 00:13:56,770 different things I like to do. 379 00:13:59,439 --> 00:14:02,475 [hard rock music] 380 00:14:02,509 --> 00:14:05,345 I like woodworking... 381 00:14:05,378 --> 00:14:08,114 welding... 382 00:14:08,148 --> 00:14:09,716 laser cutting. 383 00:14:09,749 --> 00:14:12,385 * * 384 00:14:12,419 --> 00:14:14,087 Like, I could build you anything. 385 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:16,489 * * 386 00:14:16,523 --> 00:14:17,891 What I'm making you, you're gonna pass 387 00:14:17,924 --> 00:14:19,059 down to your grandkids. 388 00:14:19,059 --> 00:14:20,593 - So out of the four of your friends, 389 00:14:20,627 --> 00:14:23,196 who do you think is gonna get the farthest? 390 00:14:23,229 --> 00:14:24,197 - What do you think? 391 00:14:24,230 --> 00:14:25,465 - Probably you. [laughs] 392 00:14:25,498 --> 00:14:27,267 - That's right. That's a good answer. 393 00:14:27,300 --> 00:14:29,269 Good answer. 394 00:14:29,302 --> 00:14:31,471 We got the Lynchburg crew together, 395 00:14:31,504 --> 00:14:32,939 and I'm happy to represent. 396 00:14:32,972 --> 00:14:34,240 - And flip! 397 00:14:34,274 --> 00:14:36,076 Whoo! - It's gonna be a party. 398 00:14:36,076 --> 00:14:38,078 - Yeah, let's go, baby! - Whoo! 399 00:14:38,078 --> 00:14:40,647 - One, two, three, Loonies! 400 00:14:42,449 --> 00:14:45,852 all: Jeff, Jeff, Jeff, Jeff, Jeff! 401 00:14:45,885 --> 00:14:47,287 - Definitely gonna hear the Loonies 402 00:14:47,320 --> 00:14:48,621 over on the sidelines. 403 00:14:48,655 --> 00:14:51,257 - Whoo! 404 00:14:51,291 --> 00:14:53,560 - Yeah! 405 00:14:53,593 --> 00:14:56,830 - And Jeff's family watching back in Virginia. 406 00:14:56,863 --> 00:14:58,098 - Whoo! 407 00:14:58,098 --> 00:14:59,466 - Come on, Jeff! - Let's go! 408 00:14:59,499 --> 00:15:02,268 [countdown clock beeping] 409 00:15:02,302 --> 00:15:03,837 - Let's see if the engineering student 410 00:15:03,870 --> 00:15:05,839 can figure out the Shrinking Steps. 411 00:15:05,872 --> 00:15:07,273 And it's no problem for Loftus. 412 00:15:07,307 --> 00:15:12,045 - Yeah, whoo! - Yeah! 413 00:15:12,045 --> 00:15:15,215 - This is a perfect course for a crazy guy like Loftus. 414 00:15:15,248 --> 00:15:16,783 He gon' have fun out here. 415 00:15:16,816 --> 00:15:19,519 And this brand-new obstacle, the Rollercoaster. 416 00:15:19,552 --> 00:15:21,588 Got to fly to grab that second axle. 417 00:15:21,621 --> 00:15:22,789 - Ooh! 418 00:15:22,822 --> 00:15:24,424 - Now he'll carry the axle here. 419 00:15:24,457 --> 00:15:26,860 - Oh, barely made that last transition. 420 00:15:26,893 --> 00:15:28,495 - He just muscled that. - Whoa! 421 00:15:28,528 --> 00:15:30,397 Matt, he got so lucky. 422 00:15:30,430 --> 00:15:31,865 It's got to be the 'stache. 423 00:15:31,898 --> 00:15:33,066 - Whoo! 424 00:15:33,066 --> 00:15:34,901 - Yeah! - Whoo! 425 00:15:34,934 --> 00:15:37,137 - And he rolls right into Split Decision. 426 00:15:37,170 --> 00:15:39,339 Looks like the engineer's gonna analyze and decide 427 00:15:39,372 --> 00:15:41,508 which balance obstacle is best for him. 428 00:15:41,541 --> 00:15:43,076 - All right, which way you gonna go? 429 00:15:43,076 --> 00:15:44,544 That's the question here. 430 00:15:44,577 --> 00:15:45,745 - He's looking over at The Serpent. 431 00:15:45,779 --> 00:15:46,880 - Dominoes! 432 00:15:46,913 --> 00:15:49,249 You know you're hungry! 433 00:15:49,282 --> 00:15:50,550 - He's listening to the Loonies. 434 00:15:50,583 --> 00:15:52,419 He's going to Domino Effect. 435 00:15:52,452 --> 00:15:53,586 - I can't blame him on that one. 436 00:15:53,620 --> 00:15:56,256 The snake look crazy. 437 00:15:56,289 --> 00:15:57,557 All right, here we go. 438 00:15:57,590 --> 00:15:59,292 - Come on, come on, come on! 439 00:15:59,325 --> 00:16:01,528 - Nice! - And he is through. 440 00:16:01,561 --> 00:16:04,631 - Wow. - And he is pumped! 441 00:16:04,664 --> 00:16:06,332 - Let's go! 442 00:16:06,366 --> 00:16:08,468 Let's freakin' go! - What? 443 00:16:08,501 --> 00:16:10,036 Usually guys tear off their shirt. 444 00:16:10,036 --> 00:16:11,438 He's tearing off the sleeves. 445 00:16:11,471 --> 00:16:13,506 - You can see it right there, he's got some guns 446 00:16:13,540 --> 00:16:15,275 for a mechanical engineer. 447 00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:16,776 [cheers and applause] 448 00:16:16,810 --> 00:16:18,478 - Let's go! 449 00:16:18,511 --> 00:16:20,447 - Now he's gonna step right up to Carnival. 450 00:16:20,480 --> 00:16:22,215 We didn't get to explain it much earlier, 451 00:16:22,248 --> 00:16:24,050 but you want to control the ball 452 00:16:24,050 --> 00:16:25,919 and get it into the higher chutes. 453 00:16:25,952 --> 00:16:28,421 You get it into that first hole, you get the T-grip. 454 00:16:28,455 --> 00:16:30,090 Number two is a Y-grip. 455 00:16:30,123 --> 00:16:32,058 Three is just a nunchuck. 456 00:16:32,058 --> 00:16:34,260 And if you drop the ball, you get a Cliffhanger. 457 00:16:34,294 --> 00:16:36,796 - Get number one, and your chances are a lot better. 458 00:16:36,830 --> 00:16:37,964 And he got it! 459 00:16:38,064 --> 00:16:39,399 - Oh, with the one shot! 460 00:16:39,432 --> 00:16:41,067 - He gets into the first one. 461 00:16:41,101 --> 00:16:42,902 - Yeah, you see, he spent a little bit more time 462 00:16:42,936 --> 00:16:44,070 to get to that first one, Matt. 463 00:16:44,070 --> 00:16:45,572 That's the easier route. 464 00:16:45,605 --> 00:16:48,074 - Leo the Lion is kind of hiding it, there's a T-bar. 465 00:16:48,074 --> 00:16:51,211 He's got it, that's the easiest grip to control. 466 00:16:51,244 --> 00:16:53,980 A lot of different ways to play on this obstacle. 467 00:16:54,080 --> 00:16:56,082 This is gonna be fun to watch tonight. 468 00:16:56,082 --> 00:16:57,684 But some extra swings here. 469 00:16:57,717 --> 00:17:00,086 - Give that man his stuffed animal, huh? 470 00:17:00,120 --> 00:17:02,589 Get that man his stuffed animal. 471 00:17:02,622 --> 00:17:04,758 - Just needs the dismount. 472 00:17:04,791 --> 00:17:06,893 - Yeah! 473 00:17:06,926 --> 00:17:09,562 [cheering] 474 00:17:09,596 --> 00:17:11,598 - And the Loonies are losing it. 475 00:17:11,631 --> 00:17:14,067 He's reached the fifth obstacle. 476 00:17:14,100 --> 00:17:16,403 But, Akbar, will he have anything 477 00:17:16,436 --> 00:17:18,738 for this new obstacle, Salmon Roll? 478 00:17:18,772 --> 00:17:21,408 This is the Salmon Ladder meets Rolling Thunder. 479 00:17:21,441 --> 00:17:23,610 Got to use that bar, jump through the rungs, 480 00:17:23,643 --> 00:17:27,380 but like they say in Britain, mind the gaps. 481 00:17:27,414 --> 00:17:29,416 This is the big test, and you can see the momentum 482 00:17:29,449 --> 00:17:30,817 of the wheel disrupting it. 483 00:17:30,850 --> 00:17:32,419 - 12 inches to cover here. 484 00:17:32,452 --> 00:17:33,453 Nice! 485 00:17:33,486 --> 00:17:34,921 Nice! 486 00:17:34,954 --> 00:17:36,923 Uh-oh, don't roll off though. Keep that rolling! 487 00:17:36,956 --> 00:17:38,391 - Now, you can see 488 00:17:38,425 --> 00:17:41,061 the wheel's controlling him instead of the opposite. 489 00:17:41,061 --> 00:17:43,463 Now here comes the bigger gap, a foot and a half. 490 00:17:43,496 --> 00:17:44,698 - And, Matt, this is where he's gonna 491 00:17:44,731 --> 00:17:47,434 have a big kip and a big move. 492 00:17:47,467 --> 00:17:49,669 Without that big move, Matt, he's gonna miss it. 493 00:17:49,703 --> 00:17:52,072 Oh, not big enough! [horn blares] 494 00:17:52,072 --> 00:17:54,841 And just like that, he is down. 495 00:17:54,874 --> 00:17:56,710 [cheers and applause] 496 00:17:56,743 --> 00:17:58,812 - But an energetic run. 497 00:17:58,845 --> 00:18:02,315 And we'll see the rest of the Loonies run a bit later. 498 00:18:02,349 --> 00:18:05,018 Well, he definitely had fun out here 499 00:18:05,018 --> 00:18:08,588 and got the Loonies fired up, but you've got to be precise 500 00:18:08,621 --> 00:18:10,490 to land the bar on Salmon Roll, 501 00:18:10,523 --> 00:18:13,326 and Loftus just missed. 502 00:18:13,360 --> 00:18:15,729 - Last season, only four ninjas climbed 503 00:18:15,762 --> 00:18:17,230 the 18-foot Wall. 504 00:18:17,263 --> 00:18:19,399 - You got $10,000! 505 00:18:19,432 --> 00:18:22,268 - Can anyone take down the Mega Wall tonight? 506 00:18:22,302 --> 00:18:25,805 Find out when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 507 00:18:29,376 --> 00:18:31,244 - Welcome back to the Alamodome 508 00:18:31,277 --> 00:18:33,046 and our season premiere. 509 00:18:33,046 --> 00:18:36,850 One of our oldest competitors, 59-year-old Mark Pressley, 510 00:18:36,883 --> 00:18:40,453 is a grandpa and the dad of fellow ninja, Megan Budway. 511 00:18:40,487 --> 00:18:43,923 The Cary, North Carolina native may be pushing 60, 512 00:18:43,957 --> 00:18:46,326 but he pushed his way past Rollercoaster. 513 00:18:46,359 --> 00:18:48,228 - Whoo! - Okay, old man! 514 00:18:48,261 --> 00:18:49,429 What? 515 00:18:49,462 --> 00:18:50,697 - At Split Decision, 516 00:18:50,730 --> 00:18:52,332 Pressley was one of the few 517 00:18:52,365 --> 00:18:55,068 to try the new balance obstacle, The Serpent. 518 00:18:55,101 --> 00:18:56,469 Oh! - What--oh! 519 00:18:56,503 --> 00:18:57,804 [horn blares] 520 00:18:57,837 --> 00:18:59,606 - But older did not mean wiser. 521 00:18:59,639 --> 00:19:01,007 - That was fun. 522 00:19:01,007 --> 00:19:03,076 - Then his daughter, Megan, got her shot. 523 00:19:03,109 --> 00:19:05,412 She's a classically trained vocalist, 524 00:19:05,445 --> 00:19:06,913 and she challenged her friend, 525 00:19:07,013 --> 00:19:10,016 the Death Metal Ninja, Josh Wagg, to a sing-off. 526 00:19:10,050 --> 00:19:11,151 - [screaming] Let's go! 527 00:19:11,184 --> 00:19:14,587 - [operatically] Let's go! 528 00:19:14,621 --> 00:19:15,789 - Whoo! 529 00:19:15,822 --> 00:19:17,057 - The music teacher reached 530 00:19:17,090 --> 00:19:18,725 the semi-finals last year, 531 00:19:18,758 --> 00:19:20,360 and she looked strong again. 532 00:19:20,393 --> 00:19:21,494 - Looking good. 533 00:19:21,528 --> 00:19:23,029 - At Split Decision, 534 00:19:23,063 --> 00:19:24,831 she took a different path than her dad, 535 00:19:24,864 --> 00:19:26,299 choosing Domino Effect... 536 00:19:26,332 --> 00:19:27,767 - Oh, my goodness! [horn blares] 537 00:19:27,801 --> 00:19:29,336 - But had the same result. 538 00:19:29,369 --> 00:19:31,304 - That's not what I wanted to happen. 539 00:19:31,338 --> 00:19:33,673 - Then it was Wagg's turn to let loose. 540 00:19:33,707 --> 00:19:35,475 - Yeah! 541 00:19:35,508 --> 00:19:36,476 - Go, Josh! 542 00:19:36,509 --> 00:19:37,811 - The heavy metal musician 543 00:19:37,844 --> 00:19:40,180 had everyone rocking, including me. 544 00:19:40,213 --> 00:19:44,951 [screams] 545 00:19:45,051 --> 00:19:47,287 - Now I know what you do in your free time. 546 00:19:47,320 --> 00:19:49,556 - At Carnival, Wagg rolled the ball 547 00:19:49,589 --> 00:19:50,790 into the number one slot, 548 00:19:50,824 --> 00:19:52,058 which means he got a prize. 549 00:19:52,058 --> 00:19:53,259 - Nice! 550 00:19:53,293 --> 00:19:54,661 - A T-bar dropped down, 551 00:19:54,694 --> 00:19:56,896 making for an easy exit. 552 00:19:56,930 --> 00:19:59,065 But the show finally ended at Salmon Roll. 553 00:19:59,065 --> 00:20:00,300 No! - Oh! 554 00:20:00,333 --> 00:20:02,135 [crowd groaning] 555 00:20:03,103 --> 00:20:04,437 - Up next is another one 556 00:20:04,471 --> 00:20:06,506 of this year's new crop of teenagers. 557 00:20:06,539 --> 00:20:09,776 It's Marietta, Georgia's Christopher Harding Jones. 558 00:20:09,809 --> 00:20:11,978 - This is so cool! 559 00:20:12,012 --> 00:20:13,613 - He is excited to be here. 560 00:20:13,646 --> 00:20:16,082 And you see his shirt says "Living Wide." 561 00:20:16,116 --> 00:20:18,284 That's the motto of Christopher and his family 562 00:20:18,318 --> 00:20:21,888 because this 17-year-old has been through so much. 563 00:20:23,023 --> 00:20:24,591 [soft music] 564 00:20:24,624 --> 00:20:25,859 - When I was a kid, I could have 565 00:20:25,892 --> 00:20:28,328 never imagined myself being a ninja. 566 00:20:28,361 --> 00:20:29,662 * * 567 00:20:29,696 --> 00:20:32,499 When I did things like soccer and dance, 568 00:20:32,532 --> 00:20:35,802 I was always terrible at them. 569 00:20:35,835 --> 00:20:39,706 In PE, I'd be the last kid picked in everything. 570 00:20:39,739 --> 00:20:41,374 * * 571 00:20:41,408 --> 00:20:44,911 - But then, he discovered "American Ninja Warrior." 572 00:20:44,944 --> 00:20:48,214 Holy cow, it was a game changer. 573 00:20:48,248 --> 00:20:50,850 - My dad built me a Ninja course. 574 00:20:50,884 --> 00:20:53,053 He started really getting excited 575 00:20:53,086 --> 00:20:55,488 about the prospect of me legitimately getting to be 576 00:20:55,522 --> 00:20:57,624 on the show one day. 577 00:20:57,657 --> 00:20:59,893 But about five years ago, 578 00:20:59,926 --> 00:21:02,896 my dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer 579 00:21:02,929 --> 00:21:05,131 and given only four months to live. 580 00:21:05,165 --> 00:21:06,766 [Blessing Offor's "Brighter Days" plays] 581 00:21:06,800 --> 00:21:08,234 It didn't feel fair. 582 00:21:08,268 --> 00:21:12,072 My dad never smoked in his entire life. 583 00:21:12,105 --> 00:21:14,841 Our family's worry was that he would sort of give up 584 00:21:14,874 --> 00:21:17,544 and shut down, but he did the opposite. 585 00:21:17,577 --> 00:21:20,080 And he coined the phrase "living wide," 586 00:21:20,080 --> 00:21:22,682 which means it's not about the length of your life, 587 00:21:22,716 --> 00:21:24,451 it's about the width of your life. 588 00:21:24,484 --> 00:21:29,122 - * I know there's gonna be some brighter days * 589 00:21:29,155 --> 00:21:30,690 * Yes, I do * 590 00:21:30,724 --> 00:21:35,328 * I swear that love will find you in your pain * 591 00:21:35,362 --> 00:21:37,630 - "Living Wide" ended up changing hundreds 592 00:21:37,664 --> 00:21:39,966 of people's lives all around the world. 593 00:21:40,000 --> 00:21:42,135 He entered these groups of people 594 00:21:42,168 --> 00:21:44,371 with terminal illnesses, and encouraged them 595 00:21:44,404 --> 00:21:47,140 to live their lives to the fullest. 596 00:21:47,173 --> 00:21:48,742 Not only did it change their lives, 597 00:21:48,775 --> 00:21:50,944 it changed our family's lives. 598 00:21:50,977 --> 00:21:52,912 It's kind of cool, the things that we did 599 00:21:52,946 --> 00:21:54,414 after the diagnosis. 600 00:21:54,447 --> 00:21:55,915 - Yeah. 601 00:21:55,949 --> 00:21:58,685 - * I feel it in me like the beating * 602 00:21:58,718 --> 00:22:01,254 * Of life in my veins * 603 00:22:01,287 --> 00:22:05,725 * I know there's gonna be some brighter days * 604 00:22:05,759 --> 00:22:07,627 - There's no question that Christopher 605 00:22:07,660 --> 00:22:09,562 being on the show is living wide. 606 00:22:09,596 --> 00:22:13,166 It's the epitome of living wide. 607 00:22:13,199 --> 00:22:16,069 - He was given only four months to live. 608 00:22:16,069 --> 00:22:17,904 Instead, he lived four years, 609 00:22:17,937 --> 00:22:21,441 and they were some of the best years of his life. 610 00:22:21,474 --> 00:22:23,076 And when I do Ninja, 611 00:22:23,109 --> 00:22:25,545 I really think he's there with me the whole time. 612 00:22:25,578 --> 00:22:29,115 - * Gonna be some brighter days * 613 00:22:29,149 --> 00:22:31,317 * I know there's gonna be * 614 00:22:31,351 --> 00:22:35,488 * Some brighter days * 615 00:22:35,522 --> 00:22:37,223 * * 616 00:22:38,825 --> 00:22:41,561 - Matt, it is hard not to root for this kid. 617 00:22:41,594 --> 00:22:44,698 - And listen to the crowd, now chanting his name. 618 00:22:44,731 --> 00:22:46,099 He's trained with many of the ninjas 619 00:22:46,132 --> 00:22:48,902 in the Atlanta area, who you see there. 620 00:22:48,935 --> 00:22:50,203 He's got a big group of friends 621 00:22:50,236 --> 00:22:51,838 watching back in Georgia. 622 00:22:51,871 --> 00:22:54,407 They all know just what this means to him. 623 00:22:54,441 --> 00:22:57,110 [countdown clock beeping] 624 00:22:57,110 --> 00:22:59,612 Just finished his senior year at Polk High School 625 00:22:59,646 --> 00:23:01,381 outside Atlanta. 626 00:23:01,414 --> 00:23:03,616 He has sensory processing disorder, 627 00:23:03,650 --> 00:23:05,218 which affects his balance, 628 00:23:05,251 --> 00:23:07,620 so he couldn't play traditional sports, 629 00:23:07,654 --> 00:23:10,156 but started doing Ninja back in 2015. 630 00:23:10,190 --> 00:23:12,225 - And Ninja really changed his life. 631 00:23:12,258 --> 00:23:15,362 He went from a C student to a straight A student. 632 00:23:15,395 --> 00:23:17,364 [cheers and applause] 633 00:23:17,397 --> 00:23:18,898 His friends call him "Topher," 634 00:23:18,932 --> 00:23:21,401 short for Christopher. 635 00:23:21,434 --> 00:23:23,336 He is living wide right now. 636 00:23:26,473 --> 00:23:28,208 But this could be a big test for him. 637 00:23:28,241 --> 00:23:31,611 Sensory processing disorder really impacts balance. 638 00:23:31,644 --> 00:23:33,813 Going to Domino Effect. 639 00:23:33,847 --> 00:23:35,148 - Nice, nice, nice! 640 00:23:35,181 --> 00:23:36,282 Oh, yeah! 641 00:23:36,316 --> 00:23:39,919 [cheers and applause] 642 00:23:39,953 --> 00:23:43,189 - And goes right into Carnival. 643 00:23:44,324 --> 00:23:46,760 And rolls the ball straight into the number three slot. 644 00:23:46,793 --> 00:23:47,761 - And I loved it. 645 00:23:47,794 --> 00:23:48,895 This kid's so confident, 646 00:23:48,928 --> 00:23:50,096 going for that single handle, 647 00:23:50,130 --> 00:23:51,831 despite not wasting any time. 648 00:23:51,865 --> 00:23:55,535 - Boy, he is moving with speed. 649 00:23:55,568 --> 00:23:56,836 Right through it. 650 00:23:56,870 --> 00:23:58,505 [cheering] 651 00:23:58,538 --> 00:24:00,507 - Let's go! 652 00:24:00,540 --> 00:24:02,042 Let's go! 653 00:24:02,042 --> 00:24:03,410 - Just amazing. 654 00:24:03,443 --> 00:24:05,245 - I love the energy that he's putting out. 655 00:24:05,278 --> 00:24:06,880 - Let's go! - Keep with it! 656 00:24:06,913 --> 00:24:09,315 - And he's celebrating his wins, I like that. 657 00:24:09,349 --> 00:24:10,750 I see you, Christopher. 658 00:24:10,784 --> 00:24:12,085 I see you, baby. 659 00:24:12,118 --> 00:24:13,653 all: [chanting] Living wide, living wide! 660 00:24:13,687 --> 00:24:15,588 - The crowd chanting "living wide." 661 00:24:15,622 --> 00:24:17,557 Matt, you can feel the love. 662 00:24:17,590 --> 00:24:19,059 In true Ninja spirit, 663 00:24:19,059 --> 00:24:21,194 the whole crowd has gotten behind this kid. 664 00:24:21,227 --> 00:24:23,563 - Taking on Salmon Roll. 665 00:24:23,596 --> 00:24:25,098 This has that big move at the end 666 00:24:25,131 --> 00:24:27,267 that no one's figured out yet. 667 00:24:27,300 --> 00:24:29,402 - More than the success that he's having so far 668 00:24:29,436 --> 00:24:30,804 on "Ninja Warrior," Matt, 669 00:24:30,837 --> 00:24:33,073 it's what "Ninja Warrior" has done for him. 670 00:24:33,106 --> 00:24:35,375 It's given him a certain level of confidence. 671 00:24:37,977 --> 00:24:39,612 All right, here we go, this is the tricky part. 672 00:24:39,646 --> 00:24:41,181 - And look at him correct that bar. 673 00:24:41,214 --> 00:24:43,283 Good maturity out of this 17-year-old. 674 00:24:43,316 --> 00:24:46,152 - Big underbar! - Come on, you've got it! 675 00:24:46,186 --> 00:24:48,088 - Here we go, living wide. 676 00:24:48,088 --> 00:24:50,390 - He's got to keep the bar even on both sides, 677 00:24:50,423 --> 00:24:53,259 while jumping it up and out over that gap. 678 00:24:53,293 --> 00:24:54,728 - Up and out--nice! - Wow! 679 00:24:54,761 --> 00:24:57,397 - Nice, Christopher! - What power! 680 00:24:57,430 --> 00:25:00,700 [cheers and applause] 681 00:25:00,734 --> 00:25:02,702 What power there. 682 00:25:02,736 --> 00:25:04,504 - He is so focused. 683 00:25:04,537 --> 00:25:05,572 Get out of there. 684 00:25:05,605 --> 00:25:08,475 And look at this! Matt, look at him! 685 00:25:08,508 --> 00:25:10,810 He's in shock. He can't believe it. 686 00:25:10,844 --> 00:25:12,879 - Talk about living wide. 687 00:25:12,912 --> 00:25:14,814 [cheers and applause] 688 00:25:14,848 --> 00:25:17,951 Christopher Harding Jones, running in memory of his dad, 689 00:25:18,051 --> 00:25:20,453 could be the season's first finisher. 690 00:25:20,487 --> 00:25:21,454 all: [chanting] Beat that Wall! 691 00:25:21,488 --> 00:25:22,756 - You've got it! 692 00:25:22,789 --> 00:25:24,758 - He knew exactly what he wanted to do 693 00:25:24,791 --> 00:25:28,695 when he came out here, and that's to get that buzzer. 694 00:25:28,728 --> 00:25:30,663 Nice. - And he's done it! 695 00:25:30,697 --> 00:25:31,698 [buzzer blares] 696 00:25:31,731 --> 00:25:33,066 - For father! 697 00:25:33,066 --> 00:25:34,968 [cheers and applause] 698 00:25:35,068 --> 00:25:36,536 [yells] 699 00:25:36,569 --> 00:25:39,072 - * I know there's gonna be some brighter days * 700 00:25:39,105 --> 00:25:42,909 - What a moment for this 17-year-old! 701 00:25:42,942 --> 00:25:45,478 Oh, just beautiful. 702 00:25:45,512 --> 00:25:46,546 - Hey, Christopher! 703 00:25:46,579 --> 00:25:48,214 Get over here, man. 704 00:25:48,248 --> 00:25:50,316 I heard you, for your father. 705 00:25:50,350 --> 00:25:52,852 You clearly understood the assignment. 706 00:25:52,886 --> 00:25:54,287 How exciting is this? 707 00:25:54,320 --> 00:25:56,589 - I--can I have an autograph? 708 00:25:56,623 --> 00:25:58,491 - Yeah, you can get an autograph, man! 709 00:25:58,525 --> 00:26:00,527 - Hey, can we get your autograph? 710 00:26:00,560 --> 00:26:02,128 - Yes, of course. - Oh, man. 711 00:26:02,162 --> 00:26:05,465 This is big-time, prime-time, showtime, all-time, good time. 712 00:26:05,498 --> 00:26:07,133 Great job! - Let's go! 713 00:26:07,167 --> 00:26:08,301 [cheers and applause] 714 00:26:08,335 --> 00:26:10,203 Yeah, living wide! 715 00:26:10,236 --> 00:26:13,840 - He was the first to land that big move on Salmon Roll, 716 00:26:13,873 --> 00:26:15,775 and then you could feel the emotion 717 00:26:15,809 --> 00:26:18,678 as the 17-year-old made it up the wall 718 00:26:18,712 --> 00:26:21,448 to get our season's very first buzzer. 719 00:26:21,481 --> 00:26:23,483 - [yells] 720 00:26:23,516 --> 00:26:27,120 - Topher, you are living wide, your dad's motto. 721 00:26:27,153 --> 00:26:29,089 Your dad, I'm sure, is watching down. 722 00:26:29,122 --> 00:26:31,057 What do you think he's thinking right now? 723 00:26:31,091 --> 00:26:33,126 - He may not be here in person, 724 00:26:33,159 --> 00:26:35,762 he has a front row seat up there, and he is so proud. 725 00:26:35,795 --> 00:26:37,464 - Amen. - He's so proud! 726 00:26:37,497 --> 00:26:40,333 - Climb down this wall, go celebrate with your mom. 727 00:26:40,367 --> 00:26:42,802 What a great moment. - Oh. 728 00:26:42,836 --> 00:26:44,871 - What a mature young man. - Whoo-hoo! 729 00:26:44,904 --> 00:26:47,140 - 17 years old. - [laughs] 730 00:26:47,173 --> 00:26:49,976 - Has already had to grow up, and just-- 731 00:26:50,076 --> 00:26:51,344 I'm getting emotional again! 732 00:26:51,378 --> 00:26:53,780 This guy is really getting to me. 733 00:26:53,813 --> 00:26:59,853 - * I know there's gonna be some brighter days * 734 00:27:07,460 --> 00:27:09,696 - Welcome back to our season premiere. 735 00:27:09,729 --> 00:27:12,832 While we were away, three more of the loony competitors 736 00:27:12,866 --> 00:27:15,368 from Lynchburg, Virginia hit the course. 737 00:27:15,402 --> 00:27:17,804 The oldest from the group is Chad Thornhill, 738 00:27:17,837 --> 00:27:19,806 a 38-year-old theology professor 739 00:27:19,839 --> 00:27:21,441 at Liberty University. 740 00:27:21,474 --> 00:27:23,309 - Oh, he's hanging on! - Whoo! 741 00:27:23,343 --> 00:27:25,679 - Yeah, let's go! 742 00:27:25,712 --> 00:27:29,215 - Last year, he made the wrong decision on Split Decision. 743 00:27:29,249 --> 00:27:31,718 So this time, the 38-year-old avoided 744 00:27:31,751 --> 00:27:34,087 another spinning balance obstacle, The Serpent, 745 00:27:34,120 --> 00:27:35,588 and went with Domino Effect. 746 00:27:35,622 --> 00:27:37,424 - Yeah, I think he prayed about this one, Matt. 747 00:27:37,457 --> 00:27:40,060 - But the professor still couldn't pass the test. 748 00:27:40,060 --> 00:27:41,227 - Oh, oh! 749 00:27:41,261 --> 00:27:42,462 What, what--oh! 750 00:27:42,495 --> 00:27:44,297 [horn blares] 751 00:27:44,330 --> 00:27:46,066 Then it was the group's youngest member... 752 00:27:46,099 --> 00:27:47,300 - [screaming] 753 00:27:47,334 --> 00:27:49,502 - 19-year-old Carrington Osborne. 754 00:27:49,536 --> 00:27:51,338 - Let's go! 755 00:27:51,371 --> 00:27:53,740 all: [chanting] Carrington! 756 00:27:53,773 --> 00:27:57,077 - The college sophomore was making her "Ninja" debut 757 00:27:57,110 --> 00:27:59,546 and sailed through the first obstacle... 758 00:27:59,579 --> 00:28:02,182 [cheering] 759 00:28:02,215 --> 00:28:04,284 - But got derailed on Rollercoaster. 760 00:28:04,317 --> 00:28:05,352 - Come on, you got this. 761 00:28:05,385 --> 00:28:06,353 You got it! 762 00:28:06,386 --> 00:28:07,587 - Oh! 763 00:28:07,620 --> 00:28:10,357 [crowd groaning] 764 00:28:10,390 --> 00:28:13,560 - Three-time "Ninja" veteran, Josiah Singleton, 765 00:28:13,593 --> 00:28:16,429 is the unofficial leader of the Lynchburg crew, 766 00:28:16,463 --> 00:28:18,565 and he showed why. 767 00:28:18,598 --> 00:28:21,167 - Hey, that was big-time, prime-time. 768 00:28:21,201 --> 00:28:22,902 [cheering] 769 00:28:22,936 --> 00:28:25,905 - He powered his way through the first five obstacles. 770 00:28:25,939 --> 00:28:27,707 - Whoa! 771 00:28:27,741 --> 00:28:28,942 Nice! 772 00:28:29,042 --> 00:28:30,510 - Let's go! 773 00:28:30,543 --> 00:28:32,178 - Then made his way to the buzzer. 774 00:28:32,212 --> 00:28:33,480 - Whoo! 775 00:28:33,513 --> 00:28:35,315 - And became our second finisher tonight. 776 00:28:35,348 --> 00:28:37,484 - Let's go! 777 00:28:37,517 --> 00:28:38,785 - He's pumped now! 778 00:28:38,818 --> 00:28:40,053 - Come on, baby! 779 00:28:40,053 --> 00:28:42,055 Country boy to the big city! 780 00:28:42,088 --> 00:28:44,958 [cheering] 781 00:28:45,058 --> 00:28:47,060 - Our next competitor has traveled 782 00:28:47,093 --> 00:28:50,063 more than 5,000 miles to be here tonight. 783 00:28:50,063 --> 00:28:51,731 This is Gary Hines. 784 00:28:51,765 --> 00:28:53,533 He's originally from Georgia, 785 00:28:53,566 --> 00:28:55,235 but he's now living in Germany, 786 00:28:55,268 --> 00:28:57,370 where he's a star. 787 00:28:57,404 --> 00:29:00,073 [upbeat music] 788 00:29:00,106 --> 00:29:02,709 - In Germany, I am a professional handball player. 789 00:29:02,742 --> 00:29:04,310 I've been there 12 years now. 790 00:29:04,344 --> 00:29:07,213 Professional handball is one of the top sports in Europe. 791 00:29:07,247 --> 00:29:09,282 I would say handball in Europe is 792 00:29:09,315 --> 00:29:12,085 just about as big here as basketball. 793 00:29:12,118 --> 00:29:14,454 - My nickname is "Hangtime," and I got that 794 00:29:14,487 --> 00:29:17,924 through handball because I can jump very high 795 00:29:18,024 --> 00:29:21,461 and hang in the air a long time. 796 00:29:21,494 --> 00:29:25,031 I competed on six seasons of "German Ninja Warrior." 797 00:29:25,031 --> 00:29:27,600 - [speaking German] 798 00:29:27,634 --> 00:29:29,202 - Coming from a handball background, 799 00:29:29,235 --> 00:29:32,272 people don't think that I could do what I'm capable of, 800 00:29:32,305 --> 00:29:35,208 and I've pretty much shocked them, surprised them. 801 00:29:35,241 --> 00:29:36,910 [buzzer blaring] Yeah! 802 00:29:36,943 --> 00:29:40,580 And ever since day one, I've become a fan favorite. 803 00:29:40,613 --> 00:29:42,282 I came all the way from Germany, 804 00:29:42,315 --> 00:29:44,284 I'm not going home empty-handed. 805 00:29:44,317 --> 00:29:46,052 * * 806 00:29:48,521 --> 00:29:49,789 - This dude's got a lot 807 00:29:49,823 --> 00:29:52,092 of muscles and one cool moustache too. 808 00:29:52,125 --> 00:29:54,260 - And there's handball teammates and their wives 809 00:29:54,294 --> 00:29:56,796 watching from back in Solingen, Germany. 810 00:29:56,830 --> 00:29:58,198 - Oh, it's early in the morning 811 00:29:58,231 --> 00:29:59,299 over there in Germany. 812 00:29:59,332 --> 00:30:01,801 Guten Morgen. - Guten Morgen! 813 00:30:01,835 --> 00:30:03,236 - Bros. 814 00:30:03,269 --> 00:30:05,605 - And there's his American family, the Turners, 815 00:30:05,638 --> 00:30:07,841 who helped raise him in Georgia. 816 00:30:07,874 --> 00:30:10,410 [countdown clock beeping] 817 00:30:11,211 --> 00:30:12,445 Today's his birthday, 818 00:30:12,479 --> 00:30:14,280 turns 38 years old. 819 00:30:14,314 --> 00:30:17,751 - And Hangtime, a quick, confident start. 820 00:30:17,784 --> 00:30:20,620 - Took about a 13-hour flight to get here. 821 00:30:20,653 --> 00:30:23,423 About to go for another ride on Rollercoaster. 822 00:30:23,456 --> 00:30:25,058 - 5'11", 185. 823 00:30:25,091 --> 00:30:26,593 This guy has excellent footwork. 824 00:30:26,626 --> 00:30:27,961 My God, he's jacked. 825 00:30:27,994 --> 00:30:29,763 - Is that what handballers look like? 826 00:30:29,796 --> 00:30:31,231 - [laughs] Oh, my God! 827 00:30:31,264 --> 00:30:32,999 I'm gonna start playing handball tomorrow. 828 00:30:33,033 --> 00:30:35,068 - He's gonna try the Dominoes. 829 00:30:35,101 --> 00:30:36,469 - Go, go, go, go! 830 00:30:36,503 --> 00:30:37,704 Nice! 831 00:30:37,737 --> 00:30:39,706 - Hangtime right through Domino Effect. 832 00:30:39,739 --> 00:30:41,541 Grew up as a foster kid. 833 00:30:41,574 --> 00:30:43,443 14 years old when he met his parents, 834 00:30:43,476 --> 00:30:45,745 Susan and Alan Turner. 835 00:30:45,779 --> 00:30:47,280 He was a high school track star, 836 00:30:47,313 --> 00:30:49,315 but started playing team handball 837 00:30:49,349 --> 00:30:51,951 and was so good he made the U.S. national team, 838 00:30:51,985 --> 00:30:54,854 and then was recruited to play on a pro team in Germany. 839 00:30:54,888 --> 00:30:57,223 - Uh-oh, uh-oh, that ball's having a hard time rolling. 840 00:30:57,257 --> 00:30:58,925 - Listen, you don't think he's gonna know how to-- 841 00:30:58,958 --> 00:30:59,959 - Uh-oh, uh-oh! 842 00:31:00,060 --> 00:31:01,695 both: Oh, no! [buzzer] 843 00:31:01,728 --> 00:31:04,230 - Misses all three chutes. - Uh-oh! 844 00:31:04,264 --> 00:31:06,766 - Well, that is the worst possible outcome. 845 00:31:06,800 --> 00:31:09,369 Leaving him with the toughest exit. 846 00:31:09,402 --> 00:31:12,472 He's got to swing over and land on that small ledge. 847 00:31:12,505 --> 00:31:15,075 - That tiny little Cliffhanger ledge. 848 00:31:15,075 --> 00:31:18,078 all: [chanting] Gary, Gary, Gary! 849 00:31:18,078 --> 00:31:20,080 - Oh, my goodness! - He did it! 850 00:31:20,080 --> 00:31:21,681 - Wow. - Hangtime! 851 00:31:21,715 --> 00:31:23,483 Big old hands! 852 00:31:23,516 --> 00:31:25,352 - Wow. 853 00:31:25,385 --> 00:31:27,320 That is just remarkable. 854 00:31:27,354 --> 00:31:28,722 [cheers and applause] 855 00:31:28,755 --> 00:31:30,824 - Wow, look at this one again. 856 00:31:30,857 --> 00:31:34,527 Hangtime Ninja hung on for dear life. 857 00:31:34,561 --> 00:31:37,297 - Imagine catching a 185-pound weight 858 00:31:37,330 --> 00:31:38,998 with your fingertips! 859 00:31:39,099 --> 00:31:41,568 That left hand barely on. 860 00:31:42,702 --> 00:31:44,637 No jet lag for this guy. 861 00:31:44,671 --> 00:31:46,973 He's made his way to the fifth obstacle. 862 00:31:47,007 --> 00:31:48,208 - Hangtime. 863 00:31:48,241 --> 00:31:51,344 This dude is the real deal. 864 00:31:51,378 --> 00:31:55,115 What a rookie campaign so far. 865 00:31:55,148 --> 00:31:58,018 - Team handball is hugely popular in Germany, 866 00:31:58,118 --> 00:32:00,820 second only to soccer, and Gary Hines is one 867 00:32:00,854 --> 00:32:02,889 of the league's most popular players. 868 00:32:02,922 --> 00:32:04,824 - Yeah, you can see why. Dude's an athlete. 869 00:32:04,858 --> 00:32:07,961 - But now has this big move on Salmon Roll. 870 00:32:08,962 --> 00:32:10,363 - Wow! 871 00:32:10,397 --> 00:32:13,533 Look at--it's like it's easy for him! 872 00:32:13,566 --> 00:32:15,869 - If he can just avoid a mistake right here, 873 00:32:15,902 --> 00:32:18,271 he could be our third finisher! 874 00:32:18,304 --> 00:32:21,474 - Now he's got to make this big lache. 875 00:32:21,508 --> 00:32:22,776 Super athletic! 876 00:32:22,809 --> 00:32:24,611 Look at him fly! - Hangtime. 877 00:32:24,644 --> 00:32:25,945 Now, let me guess. 878 00:32:25,979 --> 00:32:27,580 You think this guy's going for the Mega Wall? 879 00:32:27,614 --> 00:32:29,215 - Of course he's going for the Mega Wall. 880 00:32:29,249 --> 00:32:32,552 But can we not ignore that hangtime on that dismount? 881 00:32:32,585 --> 00:32:34,487 Check this out again. 882 00:32:34,521 --> 00:32:36,489 It's like he was floating in the air! 883 00:32:36,523 --> 00:32:37,824 all: [chanting] Beat that Wall! 884 00:32:37,857 --> 00:32:40,260 Hey, Hangtime, Hangtime! 885 00:32:40,293 --> 00:32:42,462 Go get that money bag! 886 00:32:42,495 --> 00:32:43,797 - I'm going to get it! 887 00:32:43,830 --> 00:32:44,998 - Go get it! 888 00:32:45,098 --> 00:32:48,535 - It's 18 feet high for $10,000. 889 00:32:48,568 --> 00:32:50,303 - Come on, you got this! 890 00:32:50,337 --> 00:32:51,671 [dramatic music] 891 00:32:51,705 --> 00:32:52,906 - No! - Oh. 892 00:32:52,939 --> 00:32:54,107 He just--he was too aggressive. 893 00:32:54,107 --> 00:32:55,308 Too aggressive. - His first misstep. 894 00:32:55,342 --> 00:32:56,376 - That's all right. 895 00:32:56,409 --> 00:32:57,610 - If you miss on the Mega Wall, 896 00:32:57,644 --> 00:32:59,646 you still get to try the 14 1/2 foot Wall. 897 00:32:59,679 --> 00:33:01,047 all: [chanting] Gary, Gary, Gary! 898 00:33:01,081 --> 00:33:03,850 - All right, here we go. 899 00:33:03,883 --> 00:33:05,085 Yes! 900 00:33:05,118 --> 00:33:06,619 - That's what I'm talking about! 901 00:33:06,653 --> 00:33:07,687 Hangtime! 902 00:33:07,721 --> 00:33:09,589 [buzzer blaring] - Yes! 903 00:33:09,622 --> 00:33:13,159 - And Hangtime Hines is making a lot of new fans. 904 00:33:13,193 --> 00:33:16,463 - I'm here! I'm here! 905 00:33:16,496 --> 00:33:20,133 [all chanting in German] 906 00:33:20,166 --> 00:33:22,836 - So, Gary, we know you've been on "German Ninja Warrior." 907 00:33:22,869 --> 00:33:25,972 How do it compare being here on "American Ninja Warrior?" 908 00:33:26,072 --> 00:33:28,074 - One of my ten-year dream 909 00:33:28,108 --> 00:33:30,310 and goals has finally came true. 910 00:33:30,343 --> 00:33:31,611 Yes! [buzzer blares] 911 00:33:31,644 --> 00:33:34,614 - Well, you did it in a big-time way, man. 912 00:33:34,647 --> 00:33:36,216 That was fantastic. 913 00:33:36,249 --> 00:33:37,884 - Hey, one more thing! 914 00:33:37,917 --> 00:33:41,454 How do you say, "I'm going to Los Angeles" in German? 915 00:33:41,488 --> 00:33:44,657 - Ich gehe nachLA! 916 00:33:44,691 --> 00:33:46,860 - There it is! - I can't repeat it. 917 00:33:46,893 --> 00:33:49,095 But that boy just spoke German to us! 918 00:33:49,095 --> 00:33:52,632 - Coming up, this ninja's 70 years old. 919 00:33:52,665 --> 00:33:53,867 What's his secret? 920 00:33:53,900 --> 00:33:57,303 - I eat a lot of raw eggs. 921 00:33:57,337 --> 00:33:59,172 - Plus... both: USA! 922 00:33:59,205 --> 00:34:02,676 - We've got three of America's greatest soccer players, 923 00:34:02,709 --> 00:34:05,045 and one of them's gonna run our course, 924 00:34:05,045 --> 00:34:07,881 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 925 00:34:11,251 --> 00:34:12,686 - We're just getting rollin' 926 00:34:12,719 --> 00:34:14,954 on the new season. 927 00:34:15,055 --> 00:34:17,490 But this new obstacle, Rollercoaster, 928 00:34:17,524 --> 00:34:20,960 is already giving our ninjas the ride of their lives. 929 00:34:21,061 --> 00:34:23,930 Minutes ago, aspiring actor, Jake Parker, 930 00:34:23,963 --> 00:34:26,499 was ready to put on a show. 931 00:34:26,533 --> 00:34:29,502 The 24-year-old works at an Orlando theme park, 932 00:34:29,536 --> 00:34:32,672 so his performance on Rollercoaster was a surprise. 933 00:34:32,706 --> 00:34:34,341 [horn blares] 934 00:34:34,374 --> 00:34:36,810 - My goodness, cannonball! 935 00:34:36,843 --> 00:34:38,478 - Then it was Huntsville, Alabama's 936 00:34:38,511 --> 00:34:42,382 40-year-old mother of two, Lindsay Eskildsen. 937 00:34:42,415 --> 00:34:45,518 She had one of last season's most impressive runs, 938 00:34:45,552 --> 00:34:47,354 making it to the fifth obstacle 939 00:34:47,387 --> 00:34:49,489 just three months after giving birth. 940 00:34:49,522 --> 00:34:51,091 - That shirt says it all, 941 00:34:51,091 --> 00:34:52,792 "Mama strong." 942 00:34:52,826 --> 00:34:54,661 - Tonight, she had her two little ones 943 00:34:54,694 --> 00:34:55,862 watching from home, 944 00:34:55,895 --> 00:34:57,664 and her husband on the sidelines... 945 00:34:57,697 --> 00:34:59,099 - Let's go, Linds! 946 00:34:59,099 --> 00:35:02,802 - As she put together another strong run. 947 00:35:02,836 --> 00:35:04,037 Whoo! 948 00:35:04,070 --> 00:35:07,040 - She's got that baby bottle grip. 949 00:35:07,040 --> 00:35:09,309 - But after making the grab on Carnival, 950 00:35:09,342 --> 00:35:11,378 she couldn't straighten her swing, 951 00:35:11,411 --> 00:35:14,114 and mama's strength finally gave out. 952 00:35:14,147 --> 00:35:15,949 both: Oh! 953 00:35:17,050 --> 00:35:18,318 [energetic music] 954 00:35:18,351 --> 00:35:20,954 - One of "Ninja's" originals, Lorin Ball, 955 00:35:21,054 --> 00:35:22,655 showed he can still turn heads. 956 00:35:22,689 --> 00:35:24,958 - Okay, I see you! 957 00:35:25,058 --> 00:35:27,394 - The gym owner from Colorado competed 958 00:35:27,427 --> 00:35:30,397 on the very first season of "Ninja Warrior," 959 00:35:30,430 --> 00:35:32,966 and at 35, he turned back the clock 960 00:35:33,066 --> 00:35:35,068 and turned on the jets. 961 00:35:35,101 --> 00:35:36,836 - Nice little rhythm going. 962 00:35:36,870 --> 00:35:40,140 - But even the wily veteran couldn't handle Salmon Roll. 963 00:35:40,173 --> 00:35:41,808 - Ooh--no! 964 00:35:41,841 --> 00:35:44,744 He can't go down like that! 965 00:35:44,778 --> 00:35:46,780 - Bug researcher, Eric Middleton, 966 00:35:46,813 --> 00:35:50,183 always brings us something creepy crawly to eat. 967 00:35:50,216 --> 00:35:52,285 He's dished out hornworms 968 00:35:52,318 --> 00:35:54,087 and even a fried scorpion. 969 00:35:54,087 --> 00:35:55,789 - Gah, ugh! 970 00:35:55,822 --> 00:35:57,357 - But tonight, he sent a friend 971 00:35:57,390 --> 00:35:59,225 from the San Antonio Zoo 972 00:35:59,259 --> 00:36:01,261 with a live scorpion. 973 00:36:01,294 --> 00:36:03,263 - Eric, come get your friend! 974 00:36:03,296 --> 00:36:06,266 - And while Eric was squirming his way through the course, 975 00:36:06,299 --> 00:36:08,101 we were squirming in the booth. 976 00:36:08,134 --> 00:36:09,302 Hey, Eric, will you hurry up? 977 00:36:09,336 --> 00:36:10,337 We've got a scorpion up here! 978 00:36:10,370 --> 00:36:11,571 - Yeah, we got a scorpion here! 979 00:36:11,604 --> 00:36:13,473 - You ate one before. You shouldn't be afraid. 980 00:36:13,506 --> 00:36:15,041 [laughter] - Ooh! 981 00:36:15,041 --> 00:36:17,477 - Seconds later, it was Middleton 982 00:36:17,510 --> 00:36:20,613 who got stung by the Salmon Roll. 983 00:36:20,647 --> 00:36:22,282 Oh, no! - Oh! 984 00:36:24,050 --> 00:36:25,885 - Well, we talk a lot about teenagers, 985 00:36:25,919 --> 00:36:28,054 but we get all ages who want to come out 986 00:36:28,054 --> 00:36:29,556 and try the course, 987 00:36:29,589 --> 00:36:32,125 including this one, John Loobey. 988 00:36:32,158 --> 00:36:33,493 Today is his birthday, 989 00:36:33,526 --> 00:36:36,329 and there are 70 candles on that cake. 990 00:36:36,363 --> 00:36:38,231 That's right, he's 70! 991 00:36:38,264 --> 00:36:39,733 - Is he taking out his dentures? 992 00:36:39,766 --> 00:36:41,835 Wait, what? 993 00:36:41,868 --> 00:36:43,236 - And he did it! - Whoa! 994 00:36:43,269 --> 00:36:44,571 - Good lung power! 995 00:36:44,604 --> 00:36:46,873 And if you're wondering how a 70-year-old 996 00:36:46,906 --> 00:36:50,110 stays in shape for Ninja, he's got a special diet. 997 00:36:50,143 --> 00:36:52,412 [rockabilly music] 998 00:36:52,445 --> 00:36:54,914 - I'm an old dog, but I do have some new tricks. 999 00:36:54,948 --> 00:36:56,950 I eat a lot of raw eggs, 1000 00:36:56,983 --> 00:36:58,952 but I don't do it the way everybody else does it. 1001 00:36:58,985 --> 00:37:01,488 This is how. 1002 00:37:01,521 --> 00:37:08,561 * * 1003 00:37:09,129 --> 00:37:10,897 - Oh, ho-ho-ho-ho. 1004 00:37:10,930 --> 00:37:13,400 He ate a raw egg, including the shell! 1005 00:37:13,433 --> 00:37:15,735 - Well, it obviously works for him. 1006 00:37:15,769 --> 00:37:17,303 He's got a lot of fans, 1007 00:37:17,337 --> 00:37:20,240 including a local nursing home. 1008 00:37:20,273 --> 00:37:22,942 And even the teenage competitors respect this man. 1009 00:37:23,043 --> 00:37:24,878 Some of them are only 15. 1010 00:37:24,911 --> 00:37:27,681 Loobey was 55 when they were born. 1011 00:37:27,714 --> 00:37:29,082 Oh! - Oh, what? 1012 00:37:29,115 --> 00:37:30,750 Wait, what? - He went Hulk Hogan! 1013 00:37:30,784 --> 00:37:32,585 - Whoa! - What? 1014 00:37:32,619 --> 00:37:34,120 - He's got a tattoo! - Oh! 1015 00:37:34,154 --> 00:37:35,722 Yo, he's swole, though! 1016 00:37:35,755 --> 00:37:38,091 - Dude, he's got better abs than I do. 1017 00:37:38,124 --> 00:37:39,693 [cheering] 1018 00:37:39,726 --> 00:37:41,695 [countdown clock beeping] 1019 00:37:41,728 --> 00:37:44,064 - At his age, having the agility to get 1020 00:37:44,064 --> 00:37:46,232 through the Shrinking Steps would be amazing. 1021 00:37:46,266 --> 00:37:47,267 Come on, John! 1022 00:37:47,300 --> 00:37:48,468 - Yup, yup, come on. 1023 00:37:48,501 --> 00:37:49,969 Get it, get it, get it! - Got it. 1024 00:37:50,070 --> 00:37:52,072 - No, come on, come on! - Stay dry, stay dry! 1025 00:37:52,072 --> 00:37:54,441 - Stay dry, come on, you got this one. 1026 00:37:54,474 --> 00:37:55,508 Yeah! 1027 00:37:55,542 --> 00:37:58,211 - Yes! - Yeah, okay! 1028 00:37:58,244 --> 00:37:59,913 - John Loobey! 1029 00:38:00,013 --> 00:38:01,548 - Come on, John! - Whoo-hoo! 1030 00:38:01,581 --> 00:38:02,849 - Let's go! 1031 00:38:02,882 --> 00:38:04,517 Let's go, John! 1032 00:38:04,551 --> 00:38:07,620 - And now he's got a chance to break his own record, 1033 00:38:07,654 --> 00:38:10,490 the oldest to get through two obstacles. 1034 00:38:10,523 --> 00:38:12,425 He did it when he was 65. 1035 00:38:12,459 --> 00:38:13,927 Can he do it again at 70? 1036 00:38:14,027 --> 00:38:15,829 And he is looking strong, Akbar. 1037 00:38:15,862 --> 00:38:19,032 This crowd is on their feet for John Loobey. 1038 00:38:19,065 --> 00:38:22,402 [cheers and applause] 1039 00:38:22,435 --> 00:38:24,037 Those dentures look good. 1040 00:38:24,037 --> 00:38:25,472 - Look at that! 1041 00:38:25,505 --> 00:38:27,140 Come on--oh, oh, no, no. - No! 1042 00:38:27,173 --> 00:38:29,275 He didn't release to the next bar, 1043 00:38:29,309 --> 00:38:31,044 and now it is gonna be tough to save it. 1044 00:38:31,044 --> 00:38:32,512 - Come on! - Look at him pulling it. 1045 00:38:32,545 --> 00:38:33,780 - Get out your dentures! 1046 00:38:33,813 --> 00:38:35,148 Just grab it! - Look at those lats! 1047 00:38:35,181 --> 00:38:36,883 - He goes, "No." 1048 00:38:36,916 --> 00:38:38,785 He's saying, "You ain't about to put me in the hospital." 1049 00:38:38,818 --> 00:38:40,153 [cheers and applause] 1050 00:38:40,186 --> 00:38:41,287 He's just doing pull-ups now. 1051 00:38:41,321 --> 00:38:42,288 - Look at the effor-- 1052 00:38:42,322 --> 00:38:43,656 oh, he's doing another effort! 1053 00:38:43,690 --> 00:38:45,658 No! [horn blares] 1054 00:38:45,692 --> 00:38:48,461 It's bath time for John Loobey. 1055 00:38:48,495 --> 00:38:51,197 - Matt, that was an impressive run. 1056 00:38:51,231 --> 00:38:54,267 - Just being out here at 70 years old. 1057 00:38:54,300 --> 00:38:55,568 This is impressive! 1058 00:38:55,602 --> 00:38:57,570 - Lot of fun. 1059 00:38:57,604 --> 00:38:59,406 - Up next is one of the greatest 1060 00:38:59,439 --> 00:39:01,841 women's soccer players of all time. 1061 00:39:01,875 --> 00:39:03,910 Carrying her three Olympic gold medals, 1062 00:39:04,010 --> 00:39:05,812 it's Heather O'Reilly. 1063 00:39:05,845 --> 00:39:08,281 She was a midfielder for the U.S. national team 1064 00:39:08,314 --> 00:39:10,050 for 14 years. 1065 00:39:10,083 --> 00:39:12,852 She's won gold at the Olympics and the World Cup, 1066 00:39:12,886 --> 00:39:15,855 and been on those great U.S. Women's teams. 1067 00:39:15,889 --> 00:39:18,491 She's known as HAO to her teammates, 1068 00:39:18,525 --> 00:39:20,293 two of whom are ready to cheer her on. 1069 00:39:20,326 --> 00:39:22,896 - Let's go! - It's Abby Wambach... 1070 00:39:22,929 --> 00:39:25,198 - HAO! - And Julie Foudy. 1071 00:39:25,231 --> 00:39:27,867 The gold medalists are in the building, y'all. 1072 00:39:27,901 --> 00:39:30,103 Abby, you talk to me first. How proud are you? 1073 00:39:30,136 --> 00:39:32,172 How excited are you for Heather to hit the course tonight? 1074 00:39:32,205 --> 00:39:33,340 - I mean, come on! 1075 00:39:33,373 --> 00:39:34,774 This is so exciting. 1076 00:39:34,808 --> 00:39:36,376 She's gonna crush it! 1077 00:39:36,409 --> 00:39:38,278 - USA! 1078 00:39:38,311 --> 00:39:39,846 USA! 1079 00:39:39,879 --> 00:39:41,481 - Julie, how are you feeling 1080 00:39:41,514 --> 00:39:43,283 about your girl taking the course? 1081 00:39:43,316 --> 00:39:45,452 - My girl is going to rock it. 1082 00:39:45,485 --> 00:39:47,520 Let's go, HAO! 1083 00:39:47,554 --> 00:39:49,756 - All right, and lastly, you know I got to ask, 1084 00:39:49,789 --> 00:39:51,958 might we ever see you two on the course? 1085 00:39:52,058 --> 00:39:54,327 Any chance one day? 1086 00:39:54,361 --> 00:39:55,428 - Never! 1087 00:39:55,462 --> 00:39:56,930 - [laughs] All right. 1088 00:39:56,963 --> 00:39:59,232 Well, in the meantime, let's watch Heather do her thing. 1089 00:39:59,265 --> 00:40:00,433 Let's cheer her on, you ready? 1090 00:40:00,467 --> 00:40:02,202 - Yeah! - Let's go, sisters. 1091 00:40:02,235 --> 00:40:05,572 - Heather's got the USA chant going here at the dome. 1092 00:40:05,605 --> 00:40:07,574 Everyone's into this run. 1093 00:40:07,607 --> 00:40:10,410 all: [chanting] USA, USA! 1094 00:40:10,443 --> 00:40:13,446 [countdown clock beeping] 1095 00:40:13,480 --> 00:40:15,081 - It's amazing she's out here. 1096 00:40:15,115 --> 00:40:17,384 Just had a baby three months ago, 1097 00:40:17,417 --> 00:40:19,185 hasn't had much time to train. 1098 00:40:19,219 --> 00:40:21,021 - Uh-oh. - And HAO stumbled up. 1099 00:40:21,054 --> 00:40:22,288 - Hold on! 1100 00:40:22,322 --> 00:40:24,391 Oh! 1101 00:40:24,424 --> 00:40:25,525 Come on, get it, get it. 1102 00:40:25,558 --> 00:40:26,826 HAO. Nice. 1103 00:40:26,860 --> 00:40:28,962 - Gets through it. - Whoo! 1104 00:40:28,995 --> 00:40:30,964 - And she is pumped. 1105 00:40:30,997 --> 00:40:33,533 - Sounds like she just scored a goal, Matt! 1106 00:40:33,566 --> 00:40:34,968 - Heather's now a soccer coach 1107 00:40:35,001 --> 00:40:36,970 at the University of North Carolina. 1108 00:40:37,003 --> 00:40:39,305 And the whole team's watching back on campus. 1109 00:40:39,339 --> 00:40:42,575 But now facing a real test here on Rollercoaster. 1110 00:40:42,609 --> 00:40:44,778 - Well, she is used to big pressure moments, 1111 00:40:44,811 --> 00:40:46,012 big man. 1112 00:40:46,046 --> 00:40:48,181 Always been a big fan of the show 1113 00:40:48,214 --> 00:40:49,549 and wanted to come out and try it. 1114 00:40:49,582 --> 00:40:51,951 - Roll of thunder, let me hear your cry. 1115 00:40:51,985 --> 00:40:53,186 Oh! - Oh, no! 1116 00:40:53,219 --> 00:40:56,556 - No, no--oh, my goodness. - No! 1117 00:40:56,589 --> 00:40:58,525 - We're proud of you, Heather! 1118 00:40:58,558 --> 00:41:00,760 - Well, it ends on the second obstacle, 1119 00:41:00,794 --> 00:41:02,395 but a courageous effort 1120 00:41:02,429 --> 00:41:04,631 by the soccer legend Heather O'Reilly. 1121 00:41:04,664 --> 00:41:06,599 - How cool is this, to come out and try this 1122 00:41:06,633 --> 00:41:09,069 three months after giving birth, wow. 1123 00:41:09,102 --> 00:41:11,104 - All these guys are incredible athletes. 1124 00:41:11,137 --> 00:41:14,741 I kicked a ball for a while, but these guys, they're beasts. 1125 00:41:14,774 --> 00:41:16,409 Well done. 1126 00:41:16,443 --> 00:41:18,078 Well done, guys. 1127 00:41:18,111 --> 00:41:21,581 - Still to come, meet Trey the Wonder Dog. 1128 00:41:21,614 --> 00:41:23,683 Three legs, but all heart. 1129 00:41:23,717 --> 00:41:25,085 - Come on, Trey. 1130 00:41:25,085 --> 00:41:26,353 Come on, Trey. 1131 00:41:26,386 --> 00:41:29,089 - And up next, if he gets a buzzer, 1132 00:41:29,089 --> 00:41:31,091 she gets a ring. 1133 00:41:31,091 --> 00:41:33,093 The surprise of a lifetime 1134 00:41:33,093 --> 00:41:35,929 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1135 00:41:39,933 --> 00:41:42,936 - Welcome back to "American Ninja Warrior," 1136 00:41:42,969 --> 00:41:46,006 coming to you from San Antonio's Alamodome. 1137 00:41:46,106 --> 00:41:47,407 We're only halfway through the night, 1138 00:41:47,440 --> 00:41:49,509 and it has already been one to remember. 1139 00:41:49,542 --> 00:41:54,280 With scorpions, 70-year-olds, and some surprise finishers. 1140 00:41:54,314 --> 00:41:56,116 Minutes ago, 12-time veteran, 1141 00:41:56,116 --> 00:41:58,651 Flip Rodriguez, got his shot at the course. 1142 00:41:58,685 --> 00:42:00,053 - Remember when he was just a kid. 1143 00:42:00,086 --> 00:42:01,221 - With many of his students 1144 00:42:01,254 --> 00:42:02,856 and training partners watching, 1145 00:42:02,889 --> 00:42:05,058 the movie stuntman avoided crashes 1146 00:42:05,058 --> 00:42:06,426 and worked his way to Salmon Roll. 1147 00:42:06,459 --> 00:42:08,762 - The 32-year-old still has that power! 1148 00:42:08,795 --> 00:42:10,430 Oh! 1149 00:42:10,463 --> 00:42:12,766 - He didn't get a buzzer, but he's in good position 1150 00:42:12,799 --> 00:42:14,701 to move on to the semifinals. 1151 00:42:14,734 --> 00:42:16,403 - Keep pushing, baby. 1152 00:42:16,436 --> 00:42:19,506 - One of Flip's old students, 16-year-old Cal Plohoros, 1153 00:42:19,539 --> 00:42:20,774 did even better. 1154 00:42:20,807 --> 00:42:22,142 - Look at that, nice. - Wow. 1155 00:42:22,175 --> 00:42:23,843 - Riding the rhythm. I love it! 1156 00:42:23,877 --> 00:42:26,813 - The high school student not only schooled the Salmon Roll. 1157 00:42:26,846 --> 00:42:28,682 - Matt, he didn't even flinch. 1158 00:42:28,715 --> 00:42:31,651 - At just 5'6", he almost took down the Mega Wall. 1159 00:42:31,685 --> 00:42:33,987 - Ehh--oh! - Oh! 1160 00:42:34,087 --> 00:42:35,455 [crowd groaning] 1161 00:42:35,488 --> 00:42:36,690 - Even with the miss, he put up 1162 00:42:36,723 --> 00:42:38,458 the fastest finish so far... 1163 00:42:38,491 --> 00:42:40,193 - Let's go! both: Yes! 1164 00:42:40,226 --> 00:42:41,761 - And then played matchmaker. 1165 00:42:41,795 --> 00:42:43,997 - My Spanish teacher has the biggest crush 1166 00:42:44,097 --> 00:42:45,098 on you, Matt Iseman. 1167 00:42:45,098 --> 00:42:46,099 - Oh, sí? 1168 00:42:46,132 --> 00:42:47,300 - So if you'd like to say hi 1169 00:42:47,334 --> 00:42:49,102 to Señora Meyer, that'd be great. 1170 00:42:49,102 --> 00:42:51,671 - Señora Meyer, hola, como está? 1171 00:42:52,806 --> 00:42:54,908 - Then it was one of our favorite teachers, 1172 00:42:54,941 --> 00:42:57,377 seven-time veteran, Allyssa Beird. 1173 00:42:57,410 --> 00:42:58,611 - Let's go! 1174 00:42:58,645 --> 00:43:00,680 - Beird's boyfriend, fellow ninja, 1175 00:43:00,714 --> 00:43:02,816 James McGrath, and her mom, Daria, 1176 00:43:02,849 --> 00:43:05,051 were on the sidelines as the fourth grade teacher 1177 00:43:05,085 --> 00:43:07,087 worked her way to Split Decision. 1178 00:43:07,120 --> 00:43:08,288 Beird chose to take the road 1179 00:43:08,321 --> 00:43:09,823 less traveled, the Serpent. 1180 00:43:09,856 --> 00:43:14,094 - Oh, no! Bitten by the Serpent. 1181 00:43:14,127 --> 00:43:16,229 - I did not expect Allyssa Beird to go out 1182 00:43:16,262 --> 00:43:17,864 on the third obstacle. 1183 00:43:17,897 --> 00:43:19,599 Wow, that is a shocker. 1184 00:43:19,632 --> 00:43:22,268 - Well, that was upsetting. 1185 00:43:22,302 --> 00:43:24,571 - Well, now her boyfriend gets his shot. 1186 00:43:24,604 --> 00:43:27,307 And this one could be life changing. 1187 00:43:27,340 --> 00:43:31,544 It's the long-awaited return of James "The Beast" McGrath. 1188 00:43:31,578 --> 00:43:33,747 This ten-time "Ninja" veteran has faced 1189 00:43:33,780 --> 00:43:35,782 numerous injuries the past few years, 1190 00:43:35,815 --> 00:43:38,251 and Allyssa's always helped him battle back. 1191 00:43:38,284 --> 00:43:40,320 Tonight, he's ready to cap his return 1192 00:43:40,353 --> 00:43:43,123 with a buzzer and a ring. 1193 00:43:44,991 --> 00:43:47,127 - This is going to be my tenth season competing. 1194 00:43:47,160 --> 00:43:48,628 [tense music] 1195 00:43:48,661 --> 00:43:53,366 - The Beast annihilating this course. 1196 00:43:53,400 --> 00:43:56,670 - The last time you saw me was Vegas, season ten. 1197 00:43:56,703 --> 00:43:59,105 - Well, this obstacle has been his nemesis. 1198 00:43:59,105 --> 00:44:01,207 No hesitation! 1199 00:44:01,241 --> 00:44:03,043 No! - Oh, my goodness! 1200 00:44:03,076 --> 00:44:05,745 - And Allyssa Beird can't look. 1201 00:44:05,779 --> 00:44:07,914 - I tweaked my shoulder, and it ended up being 1202 00:44:07,947 --> 00:44:09,616 a really bad injury. 1203 00:44:09,649 --> 00:44:13,086 I was on the table for, like, seven and a half hours. 1204 00:44:13,119 --> 00:44:15,655 For almost four years straight, 1205 00:44:15,689 --> 00:44:19,192 I basically made it my job to recover and come back. 1206 00:44:19,225 --> 00:44:20,894 It wasn't fun. It wasn't easy. 1207 00:44:20,927 --> 00:44:23,797 But having Allyssa with me and having her support me 1208 00:44:23,830 --> 00:44:26,066 through all this has been amazing. 1209 00:44:26,066 --> 00:44:28,568 Like, I don't know what I would have done without her. 1210 00:44:28,601 --> 00:44:29,903 - James and I have been living together 1211 00:44:29,936 --> 00:44:31,471 for about a year and a half now. 1212 00:44:31,504 --> 00:44:33,373 [upbeat music] 1213 00:44:33,406 --> 00:44:35,709 He's created a gym in our living room, 1214 00:44:35,742 --> 00:44:38,445 just to have that opportunity to train all the time. 1215 00:44:38,478 --> 00:44:40,547 * * 1216 00:44:40,580 --> 00:44:41,815 When I'm getting up for work, 1217 00:44:41,848 --> 00:44:44,684 he is going to bed after doing 300 pull-ups. 1218 00:44:44,718 --> 00:44:51,391 * * 1219 00:44:51,424 --> 00:44:53,693 - It's taken thousands of hours of rehab, 1220 00:44:53,727 --> 00:44:55,095 and coming into the season, 1221 00:44:55,095 --> 00:44:57,464 I actually feel stronger than I've ever been before. 1222 00:44:57,497 --> 00:44:59,466 - Shoulder feeling good? - Yeah, yeah. 1223 00:44:59,499 --> 00:45:02,302 Shoulder's feeling strong and ready. 1224 00:45:02,335 --> 00:45:04,671 Allyssa's been my partner through this long journey, 1225 00:45:04,704 --> 00:45:06,906 and if things go as planned, 1226 00:45:06,940 --> 00:45:09,075 I've got a special surprise for her. 1227 00:45:09,109 --> 00:45:11,378 She's just the person I like, 1228 00:45:11,411 --> 00:45:15,749 and every day, I, you know, choose her. 1229 00:45:15,782 --> 00:45:17,417 - Aw. 1230 00:45:18,818 --> 00:45:20,553 - So here's the deal, he's told us, 1231 00:45:20,587 --> 00:45:23,056 if he gets a buzzer, he will propose to her. 1232 00:45:23,056 --> 00:45:24,924 We know it, but Allyssa doesn't. 1233 00:45:24,958 --> 00:45:26,659 She's gonna be watching on the sideline 1234 00:45:26,693 --> 00:45:27,861 with her mom, Daria. 1235 00:45:27,894 --> 00:45:29,729 - That is pressure right there. 1236 00:45:29,763 --> 00:45:31,631 You don't want to fall after that promise. 1237 00:45:31,664 --> 00:45:33,933 - Plus, another "Ninja" legend, Ryan Stratis, 1238 00:45:33,967 --> 00:45:35,335 will also be cheering him on. 1239 00:45:35,368 --> 00:45:36,703 - You got it, dude. 1240 00:45:36,736 --> 00:45:38,104 - McGrath and Stratis competed together 1241 00:45:38,138 --> 00:45:39,973 way back in season two. 1242 00:45:40,073 --> 00:45:42,575 [countdown clock beeping] 1243 00:45:42,609 --> 00:45:45,679 And The Beast is ready for his return, Akbar. 1244 00:45:45,712 --> 00:45:48,381 [cheers and applause] 1245 00:45:48,415 --> 00:45:50,083 - Nice. - Whoo! 1246 00:45:50,083 --> 00:45:52,085 - Rollercoaster will be a good test 1247 00:45:52,118 --> 00:45:54,254 to that surgically repaired shoulder though. 1248 00:45:54,287 --> 00:45:56,322 - I'm sure he's thinking about that shoulder, 1249 00:45:56,356 --> 00:45:59,626 but also thinking about the proposal at the end. 1250 00:45:59,659 --> 00:46:01,127 Got to make sure he's still thinking 1251 00:46:01,161 --> 00:46:03,229 about these obstacles. 1252 00:46:03,263 --> 00:46:04,531 - And he's through. 1253 00:46:04,564 --> 00:46:05,565 Now this will be the first time 1254 00:46:05,598 --> 00:46:08,168 he's faced Split Decision. 1255 00:46:08,201 --> 00:46:09,803 And he's shaking his head at Serpent. 1256 00:46:09,836 --> 00:46:12,439 Just watched Allyssa go down there. 1257 00:46:13,606 --> 00:46:15,175 - Come on, come on. 1258 00:46:15,208 --> 00:46:16,843 - He is back, Akbar. 1259 00:46:18,712 --> 00:46:20,914 - Three obstacles down, three to go. 1260 00:46:20,947 --> 00:46:22,649 - Halfway to a proposal. 1261 00:46:22,682 --> 00:46:24,351 - You got this. Come on. 1262 00:46:24,384 --> 00:46:28,054 - He and Allyssa support each other on the course and off. 1263 00:46:28,054 --> 00:46:31,358 They first met six years ago at a Ninja competition. 1264 00:46:32,492 --> 00:46:34,427 - Oh, Matt, just look at him! 1265 00:46:34,461 --> 00:46:36,129 He's out here ballin'. 1266 00:46:36,162 --> 00:46:38,231 - McGrath's now 35 years old, 1267 00:46:38,264 --> 00:46:40,066 hasn't competed in four years, 1268 00:46:40,066 --> 00:46:42,502 but he looks like someone running with a purpose. 1269 00:46:42,535 --> 00:46:45,839 - Probably never wanted a buzzer as much as this one. 1270 00:46:45,872 --> 00:46:47,440 - Gets the T-bar. 1271 00:46:47,474 --> 00:46:50,076 - Oh, look at that little lion looking down on The Beast. 1272 00:46:50,076 --> 00:46:51,878 - Well, there we go. 1273 00:46:51,911 --> 00:46:54,180 - Whoo! 1274 00:46:54,214 --> 00:46:56,883 - This dude is a beast on the Salmon Ladder. 1275 00:46:56,916 --> 00:46:58,618 Let's see how he does on Salmon Roll. 1276 00:46:58,651 --> 00:47:02,022 And you can see Stratis looking nervous. 1277 00:47:02,022 --> 00:47:04,391 - Poor Allyssa, she has no idea 1278 00:47:04,424 --> 00:47:05,859 how much her life could change 1279 00:47:05,892 --> 00:47:08,495 if James gets through these next two obstacles. 1280 00:47:08,528 --> 00:47:09,796 - Can be a little tricky. 1281 00:47:09,829 --> 00:47:11,498 There's some timing involved with it. 1282 00:47:11,531 --> 00:47:12,732 - Yes. 1283 00:47:12,766 --> 00:47:14,300 - Look at him, finding a rhythm there. 1284 00:47:14,334 --> 00:47:15,635 all: [chanting] Beast, Beast, Beast! 1285 00:47:15,669 --> 00:47:18,304 - One wrong move here, and it won't be 1286 00:47:18,338 --> 00:47:20,306 the fairy tale ending we all want. 1287 00:47:20,340 --> 00:47:22,342 - See the power of The Beast. 1288 00:47:22,375 --> 00:47:24,110 - Nice. - There it is! 1289 00:47:24,144 --> 00:47:25,311 - Okay, here we go. 1290 00:47:25,345 --> 00:47:26,780 - Good job riding the momentum. 1291 00:47:26,813 --> 00:47:28,915 He's so close to that buzzer now, 1292 00:47:28,948 --> 00:47:31,184 but this is where many have fallen tonight. 1293 00:47:31,217 --> 00:47:33,887 - Come on, you got this! Everything you got! 1294 00:47:33,920 --> 00:47:35,555 - I like to see him be a little bit 1295 00:47:35,588 --> 00:47:37,223 more methodical with this big gap. 1296 00:47:37,257 --> 00:47:39,125 - Power up. - Oh! 1297 00:47:39,159 --> 00:47:40,226 - He's flirting with disaster. 1298 00:47:40,260 --> 00:47:42,462 - He almost put that over the edge. 1299 00:47:42,495 --> 00:47:45,231 - He's got to go up and out a little bit. 1300 00:47:46,199 --> 00:47:47,334 - Watch that bar. 1301 00:47:47,367 --> 00:47:49,135 Nice! - Oh! 1302 00:47:49,169 --> 00:47:51,571 - He beasted it! - Wow! 1303 00:47:51,604 --> 00:47:53,573 - James McGrath! 1304 00:47:53,606 --> 00:47:56,443 - He saw that one coming, Matt. He's got extra motivation. 1305 00:47:56,476 --> 00:47:59,713 - Well, at 6'2", former track star, 1306 00:47:59,746 --> 00:48:01,481 can he get the dismount? 1307 00:48:01,514 --> 00:48:02,682 And he's done it! 1308 00:48:02,716 --> 00:48:05,018 I think he's gonna go for the Mega Wall. 1309 00:48:07,020 --> 00:48:10,056 Allyssa's just glad he's back on the course. 1310 00:48:10,090 --> 00:48:12,692 He's gonna do it. He wants the 10 grand! 1311 00:48:12,726 --> 00:48:14,694 - Baby, come on, let's go, James! 1312 00:48:14,728 --> 00:48:19,432 - Can those 35-year-old legs get him up 18 feet? 1313 00:48:19,466 --> 00:48:21,935 Talk about a fairy tale ending, 1314 00:48:22,035 --> 00:48:23,737 10 grand to go along with the ring. 1315 00:48:23,770 --> 00:48:25,271 Sha-na-na! 1316 00:48:25,305 --> 00:48:27,340 What a comeback this would be. 1317 00:48:27,374 --> 00:48:30,243 [dramatic music] 1318 00:48:30,276 --> 00:48:33,313 [cheering] 1319 00:48:34,614 --> 00:48:36,616 [buzzer blares] - Yeah! 1320 00:48:36,649 --> 00:48:38,385 Whoo! 1321 00:48:38,418 --> 00:48:39,953 * * 1322 00:48:40,053 --> 00:48:43,056 - The Beast is back! 1323 00:48:43,089 --> 00:48:45,859 - Wow! What a comeback! 1324 00:48:45,892 --> 00:48:48,495 * * 1325 00:48:48,528 --> 00:48:52,665 - We thought we would never see James "The Beast" McGrath, 1326 00:48:52,699 --> 00:48:55,101 and look at him on top of the Mega Wall! 1327 00:48:55,135 --> 00:48:56,336 - Wow! 1328 00:48:56,369 --> 00:49:00,006 * * 1329 00:49:00,006 --> 00:49:02,475 - He's going down to celebrate. 1330 00:49:04,844 --> 00:49:07,180 What a great moment for them. 1331 00:49:07,213 --> 00:49:10,350 - These two met through "Ninja Warrior." 1332 00:49:10,383 --> 00:49:13,353 [soft music] 1333 00:49:13,386 --> 00:49:17,657 * * 1334 00:49:17,691 --> 00:49:20,026 He's dropping to one knee! 1335 00:49:20,060 --> 00:49:23,830 * * 1336 00:49:23,863 --> 00:49:25,932 She said yes! - She said yes! 1337 00:49:26,032 --> 00:49:27,901 Oh, she said yes. - She said yes! 1338 00:49:27,934 --> 00:49:29,502 I'm tearing up up here. 1339 00:49:29,536 --> 00:49:31,037 - This is special. 1340 00:49:31,037 --> 00:49:32,706 And he got $10,000. 1341 00:49:32,739 --> 00:49:34,541 That should be down payment for the wedding. 1342 00:49:34,574 --> 00:49:39,546 * * 1343 00:49:39,579 --> 00:49:41,348 Zuri, take it away. 1344 00:49:41,381 --> 00:49:43,717 - You guys! 1345 00:49:43,750 --> 00:49:45,885 Y'all are gonna make me cry! 1346 00:49:45,919 --> 00:49:48,154 Oh, my goodness, what a day. 1347 00:49:48,188 --> 00:49:50,056 Congratulations. - Thank you. 1348 00:49:50,056 --> 00:49:51,558 - How do you feel? - I feel amazing. 1349 00:49:51,591 --> 00:49:53,626 I mean, I didn't feel tired, 1350 00:49:53,660 --> 00:49:56,696 but my heart was just beating so hard the whole time. 1351 00:49:56,730 --> 00:49:58,665 - Okay, now is that because you were running out of breath, 1352 00:49:58,698 --> 00:50:00,533 or because you knew you were gonna propose 1353 00:50:00,567 --> 00:50:02,135 at the end of this if you hit the buzzer? 1354 00:50:02,168 --> 00:50:03,570 - You know, maybe a little bit of both. 1355 00:50:03,603 --> 00:50:05,505 - And, Allyssa, how are you feeling? 1356 00:50:05,538 --> 00:50:07,173 You're engaged. 1357 00:50:07,207 --> 00:50:08,408 - Really excited. 1358 00:50:08,441 --> 00:50:09,809 - Yeah? - Yeah. 1359 00:50:09,843 --> 00:50:11,444 - Okay, well, now you got $10,000 1360 00:50:11,478 --> 00:50:15,348 towards that party, so congratulations you two. 1361 00:50:15,382 --> 00:50:18,618 * * 1362 00:50:18,651 --> 00:50:20,387 - Coming up, a king... 1363 00:50:20,420 --> 00:50:21,421 - Yeah! 1364 00:50:21,454 --> 00:50:22,789 - A cake, 1365 00:50:22,822 --> 00:50:24,057 and an NBA great. 1366 00:50:24,090 --> 00:50:25,825 - Go hard, go strong. 1367 00:50:25,859 --> 00:50:27,627 - Plus... - Good boy, Trey! 1368 00:50:27,660 --> 00:50:30,163 - The rescue dog who saved this ninja, 1369 00:50:30,196 --> 00:50:32,399 and he did it on three legs. 1370 00:50:32,432 --> 00:50:36,970 Their story when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1371 00:50:41,908 --> 00:50:44,144 - Welcome back to the Alamodome 1372 00:50:44,177 --> 00:50:47,881 where our season premiere definitely has a vibe going. 1373 00:50:47,914 --> 00:50:49,816 Georgia's Antwon Reeves is 1374 00:50:49,849 --> 00:50:53,453 a holistic-focused personal trainer. 1375 00:50:53,486 --> 00:50:56,022 So he took a spiritual approach 1376 00:50:56,056 --> 00:50:58,625 and tried a blessing at the start. 1377 00:50:58,658 --> 00:51:01,761 Then the former army sergeant got physical, 1378 00:51:01,795 --> 00:51:04,698 showing off his 190 pounds of muscle. 1379 00:51:04,731 --> 00:51:07,801 - He wants to show up and show out. 1380 00:51:07,834 --> 00:51:09,536 All right, here we go. 1381 00:51:09,569 --> 00:51:11,738 Oh, oh! 1382 00:51:11,771 --> 00:51:13,940 - But neither approach seemed to work. 1383 00:51:13,973 --> 00:51:15,975 - Too excited. 1384 00:51:16,076 --> 00:51:18,945 - 16-year-old Karen Potts is already a star 1385 00:51:18,978 --> 00:51:20,580 on her high school softball team. 1386 00:51:20,613 --> 00:51:24,617 Okay, she's calling her shot, Matt. 1387 00:51:24,651 --> 00:51:27,520 And tonight, she looked like a ninja star. 1388 00:51:27,554 --> 00:51:30,090 - Really athletic. Look at her go, Matt. 1389 00:51:30,090 --> 00:51:32,592 - With her teammates back in Maryland watching, 1390 00:51:32,625 --> 00:51:34,894 the 5'11" shortstop sprinted 1391 00:51:34,928 --> 00:51:36,363 through the first four obstacles... 1392 00:51:36,396 --> 00:51:38,231 - Go up, go up! Oh! 1393 00:51:38,264 --> 00:51:41,101 - Before finally flying out at Salmon Roll, 1394 00:51:41,101 --> 00:51:44,437 but that should be enough to get her to the semis. 1395 00:51:44,471 --> 00:51:48,274 San Antonio chef Parish Cardenas dropped off 1396 00:51:48,308 --> 00:51:50,343 one of his dishes before he hit the start line. 1397 00:51:50,377 --> 00:51:52,946 - Chicken fajitas, baby, yeah. 1398 00:51:52,979 --> 00:51:54,647 - And while we were chowing down, 1399 00:51:54,681 --> 00:51:57,117 Cardenas was carving up the course. 1400 00:51:57,117 --> 00:51:58,852 [cheering] 1401 00:51:58,885 --> 00:52:01,154 - After rolling the ball into the number one slot 1402 00:52:01,187 --> 00:52:02,389 on Carnival... 1403 00:52:02,422 --> 00:52:04,557 Matt, he's got some flavor to his run. 1404 00:52:04,591 --> 00:52:07,060 He rolled onto the fifth obstacle. 1405 00:52:07,093 --> 00:52:08,428 [upbeat music] 1406 00:52:08,461 --> 00:52:10,964 But Salmon Roll was more than he could chew. 1407 00:52:11,064 --> 00:52:13,733 - Oh! 1408 00:52:13,767 --> 00:52:16,269 I could smell what he was cooking on that move. 1409 00:52:16,302 --> 00:52:18,571 - Whoo! 1410 00:52:18,605 --> 00:52:21,107 - Our next ninja's coming to the start line 1411 00:52:21,141 --> 00:52:23,410 with his best friend, who happens to be 1412 00:52:23,443 --> 00:52:25,845 his three-legged dog named Trey. 1413 00:52:25,879 --> 00:52:29,683 These two have an amazing bond after rescuing each other. 1414 00:52:31,718 --> 00:52:35,588 - In 2019, I was going through a divorce. 1415 00:52:35,622 --> 00:52:37,424 We did have two dogs. 1416 00:52:37,457 --> 00:52:40,393 We decided that my ex-wife would take them. 1417 00:52:40,427 --> 00:52:42,262 What used to be a full house was 1418 00:52:42,295 --> 00:52:44,397 now just me in this empty house. 1419 00:52:44,431 --> 00:52:46,966 So I was really lonely, and I'd go home every day, 1420 00:52:47,000 --> 00:52:49,002 and just lay there, and not see anybody, 1421 00:52:49,102 --> 00:52:51,304 not talk to anybody. 1422 00:52:51,338 --> 00:52:53,473 I just felt like, "What's the point?" 1423 00:52:53,506 --> 00:52:55,809 When I saw a picture online of Trey, 1424 00:52:55,842 --> 00:52:57,344 that he was at a local shelter, 1425 00:52:57,377 --> 00:52:59,412 something about him missing a leg, 1426 00:52:59,446 --> 00:53:00,847 I gravitated towards him. 1427 00:53:00,880 --> 00:53:03,316 Just like, "Man, I feel like I can help this dog." 1428 00:53:03,350 --> 00:53:05,585 Come on, buddy. 1429 00:53:05,618 --> 00:53:07,454 Come on, bud. Get up. 1430 00:53:07,487 --> 00:53:09,122 Being an occupational therapist, 1431 00:53:09,155 --> 00:53:11,424 I had some skills to offer this dog, 1432 00:53:11,458 --> 00:53:13,660 and it no longer became about me. 1433 00:53:13,693 --> 00:53:15,362 It was about me helping him, 1434 00:53:15,395 --> 00:53:17,931 and that helped give me a purpose. 1435 00:53:17,964 --> 00:53:20,967 You can do it. Yeah, good boy. 1436 00:53:22,202 --> 00:53:24,938 I had to pull him in and out of his crate, 1437 00:53:24,971 --> 00:53:26,539 carry him outside. 1438 00:53:26,573 --> 00:53:28,375 I would hold a Trey in the water, 1439 00:53:28,408 --> 00:53:30,276 let him doggy paddle through the water 1440 00:53:30,310 --> 00:53:32,345 so that he could build the strength in that leg. 1441 00:53:32,379 --> 00:53:34,314 Up we go! 1442 00:53:34,347 --> 00:53:35,882 As the days went on... 1443 00:53:35,915 --> 00:53:37,250 Come on, buddy, come on! 1444 00:53:37,283 --> 00:53:38,351 Trey got stronger and stronger, 1445 00:53:38,385 --> 00:53:40,086 and within a year, 1446 00:53:40,086 --> 00:53:42,455 Trey was running around the yard, 1447 00:53:42,489 --> 00:53:44,791 doing anything that any other dog can do. 1448 00:53:44,824 --> 00:53:46,559 Come on, Trey. Come on, Trey. 1449 00:53:46,593 --> 00:53:48,795 He's my partner in crime. He's my best friend. 1450 00:53:48,828 --> 00:53:53,266 Trey has been a therapy dog for people with special needs, 1451 00:53:53,299 --> 00:53:55,301 specifically who are limb different. 1452 00:53:55,335 --> 00:53:57,904 He's just a superstar everywhere he goes. 1453 00:53:57,937 --> 00:53:59,506 * * 1454 00:53:59,539 --> 00:54:01,841 Trey inspired me to chase my dream 1455 00:54:01,875 --> 00:54:03,877 to compete on "American Ninja Warrior." 1456 00:54:03,910 --> 00:54:06,613 It took me five years to finally get here, 1457 00:54:06,646 --> 00:54:08,815 but I'm so happy that I stuck it out. 1458 00:54:08,848 --> 00:54:10,784 And I wouldn't be here without Trey. 1459 00:54:10,817 --> 00:54:12,786 * * 1460 00:54:14,921 --> 00:54:16,856 - Aw, Matt, you've got to love dogs. 1461 00:54:16,890 --> 00:54:19,492 - Absolutely, big man, and Trey is gonna be running 1462 00:54:19,526 --> 00:54:22,128 along the sideline with Kyle's parents and friends. 1463 00:54:22,162 --> 00:54:25,165 [countdown clock beeping] 1464 00:54:25,198 --> 00:54:27,233 - This guy is known as the Sunshine Ninja, 1465 00:54:27,267 --> 00:54:28,702 spreading sunshine. 1466 00:54:28,735 --> 00:54:31,671 - And look at that confidence. 1467 00:54:31,705 --> 00:54:33,740 - Stepping up to try Rollercoaster. 1468 00:54:33,773 --> 00:54:36,309 It's Kyle's first time on a Ninja course. 1469 00:54:36,343 --> 00:54:38,778 Has some hops, played high school basketball. 1470 00:54:38,812 --> 00:54:40,547 - He was a baller, a little hooper. 1471 00:54:40,580 --> 00:54:43,316 - Oh, nice! 1472 00:54:43,350 --> 00:54:45,085 - Well, already through two, Akbar. 1473 00:54:45,085 --> 00:54:47,687 I don't know what's better, his moves or his tan. 1474 00:54:50,824 --> 00:54:52,292 He's gonna choose Domino Effect. 1475 00:54:52,325 --> 00:54:53,860 He's waving off the Serpent. 1476 00:54:53,893 --> 00:54:56,563 He likes dogs, not snakes. - Matt, that's a good one. 1477 00:54:56,596 --> 00:54:58,832 The training he's done with Trey is working. 1478 00:54:58,865 --> 00:55:00,133 The dude is shredded. 1479 00:55:00,166 --> 00:55:01,901 - Go, go, go, go, hit it! 1480 00:55:01,935 --> 00:55:03,903 Nice. Ooh! 1481 00:55:03,937 --> 00:55:06,473 - Well, Trey is a black lab, but his dad, Kyle, 1482 00:55:06,506 --> 00:55:08,141 is looking like a greyhound. 1483 00:55:08,174 --> 00:55:10,043 Stepping up to Carnival. 1484 00:55:10,043 --> 00:55:11,277 As he said, he and Trey work 1485 00:55:11,311 --> 00:55:12,812 with those who are missing limbs, 1486 00:55:12,846 --> 00:55:14,848 and some of them are watching this run. 1487 00:55:14,881 --> 00:55:16,616 - Whoo! 1488 00:55:18,952 --> 00:55:21,154 - Get that tilting tube right there. 1489 00:55:21,187 --> 00:55:22,555 Get it into the chute. 1490 00:55:22,589 --> 00:55:24,057 Looks like he's trying to go for number one. 1491 00:55:24,057 --> 00:55:25,125 Oh, playing, a little fetch. 1492 00:55:25,158 --> 00:55:26,426 And he got the treat! 1493 00:55:26,459 --> 00:55:29,162 - He gets the line. - He gets a treat! 1494 00:55:29,195 --> 00:55:30,363 - Gets to use that T-bar, 1495 00:55:30,397 --> 00:55:32,298 which makes the dismount much easier. 1496 00:55:32,332 --> 00:55:33,767 - Nice! 1497 00:55:35,101 --> 00:55:37,737 - And this rookie continues to impress. 1498 00:55:37,771 --> 00:55:39,272 - Let's go! 1499 00:55:39,305 --> 00:55:41,508 - Kyle McCreight starting to feel it. 1500 00:55:41,541 --> 00:55:44,878 What a surprise this is. He's at the fifth obstacle. 1501 00:55:44,911 --> 00:55:46,780 - Great athlete, but doesn't have 1502 00:55:46,813 --> 00:55:48,648 a ton of Ninja experience. 1503 00:55:48,682 --> 00:55:50,617 We'll see what he does with the bar in his hands. 1504 00:55:50,650 --> 00:55:52,719 - Hey, I said it before, but that training 1505 00:55:52,752 --> 00:55:54,187 with Trey is clearly working. 1506 00:55:54,220 --> 00:55:56,790 That's 144 pounds of muscle 1507 00:55:56,823 --> 00:55:58,124 he's got to move on this wheel. 1508 00:55:58,158 --> 00:56:00,026 Making some good progress. 1509 00:56:00,060 --> 00:56:03,430 Big move here. Let the big dog eat! 1510 00:56:03,463 --> 00:56:05,732 Nice, nice. 1511 00:56:05,765 --> 00:56:09,769 And the sun continues to rise here for the Sunshine Ninja. 1512 00:56:09,803 --> 00:56:11,638 He's getting closer to a buzzer, 1513 00:56:11,671 --> 00:56:13,773 and Trey is starting to take notice. 1514 00:56:13,807 --> 00:56:15,208 - And you could see him 1515 00:56:15,241 --> 00:56:16,409 checking both sides of the bar, adjusting it. 1516 00:56:16,443 --> 00:56:17,677 - Yeah, that's right. 1517 00:56:17,711 --> 00:56:19,112 This is a big jump right here, Matt. 1518 00:56:19,145 --> 00:56:20,413 This is where many have-- 1519 00:56:20,447 --> 00:56:23,183 oh, no! 1520 00:56:23,216 --> 00:56:25,685 The great run of Kyle McCreight 1521 00:56:25,719 --> 00:56:28,388 ends on Salmon Roll, but that could still be 1522 00:56:28,421 --> 00:56:30,156 good enough for him to move on. 1523 00:56:30,190 --> 00:56:33,360 Every dog has his day, and Kyle McCreight 1524 00:56:33,393 --> 00:56:35,662 must have learned some new tricks from Trey 1525 00:56:35,695 --> 00:56:38,231 because he just had a great debut 1526 00:56:38,264 --> 00:56:40,066 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1527 00:56:40,066 --> 00:56:41,901 Makes it to the fifth obstacle, 1528 00:56:41,935 --> 00:56:44,971 and we may see him in the semifinal. 1529 00:56:46,873 --> 00:56:50,143 - Well, who do we have here? Hi! 1530 00:56:50,176 --> 00:56:51,945 What did it mean for you to have Trey here? 1531 00:56:51,978 --> 00:56:53,079 Because you two have built 1532 00:56:53,079 --> 00:56:54,347 the most incredible bond together. 1533 00:56:54,381 --> 00:56:56,816 - Yeah, people say all the time 1534 00:56:56,850 --> 00:56:58,685 they want to thank me for saving his life. 1535 00:56:58,718 --> 00:57:01,254 I always tell people-- you know, they shake my hand. 1536 00:57:01,287 --> 00:57:02,789 I say, "You shake his hand 1537 00:57:02,822 --> 00:57:04,057 'cause he really saved my life." 1538 00:57:04,090 --> 00:57:05,291 - Oh, my goodness. 1539 00:57:05,325 --> 00:57:07,327 Well, I'll shake his paw in just a second here. 1540 00:57:07,360 --> 00:57:09,029 He's lucky to have a dad like you. 1541 00:57:09,062 --> 00:57:10,363 It's nice to meet you, Trey. 1542 00:57:10,397 --> 00:57:12,032 Great work out there, Kyle. - Thank you so much. 1543 00:57:12,032 --> 00:57:15,168 - Up next, her first buzzer made history... 1544 00:57:15,201 --> 00:57:18,071 - Her-story was just made tonight. 1545 00:57:18,104 --> 00:57:21,041 - Now Casey Rothschild goes for another 1546 00:57:21,041 --> 00:57:24,044 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1547 00:57:27,647 --> 00:57:28,915 - We've already seen a loony bunch 1548 00:57:28,948 --> 00:57:30,650 from Lynchburg, Virginia, hit the course. 1549 00:57:30,684 --> 00:57:32,919 And minutes ago, it was another crew, 1550 00:57:32,952 --> 00:57:35,321 all from Greenville, South Carolina. 1551 00:57:35,355 --> 00:57:38,825 Seven-time "Ninja" veteran Grace Sims celebrated 1552 00:57:38,858 --> 00:57:40,593 just being at the start line. 1553 00:57:40,627 --> 00:57:43,863 The 34-year-old tore her ligaments roller skating 1554 00:57:43,897 --> 00:57:45,065 just a few months ago. 1555 00:57:46,499 --> 00:57:48,168 - So it was a minor miracle 1556 00:57:48,201 --> 00:57:50,070 she was able to be ready to compete. 1557 00:57:50,103 --> 00:57:53,540 But the knee brace didn't slow her down on Shrinking Steps... 1558 00:57:53,573 --> 00:57:55,742 - Matt, looks stable to me. 1559 00:57:55,775 --> 00:57:59,412 - Or on Rollercoaster. - Nice timing, nice timing. 1560 00:57:59,446 --> 00:58:02,549 - But Domino Effect was a step too much. 1561 00:58:02,582 --> 00:58:04,918 - Oh-oh! 1562 00:58:05,018 --> 00:58:06,286 - I did great! 1563 00:58:06,319 --> 00:58:08,822 - Then it was her husband, Brett Sims, 1564 00:58:08,855 --> 00:58:11,558 who wears a stripe for all 11 seasons 1565 00:58:11,591 --> 00:58:13,860 he's competed on "American Ninja Warrior." 1566 00:58:13,893 --> 00:58:16,262 - He's earned every single one of them, Matt. 1567 00:58:16,296 --> 00:58:18,932 - The gym owner was able to dash through Domino Effect. 1568 00:58:19,032 --> 00:58:20,300 - Oh, nice! 1569 00:58:20,333 --> 00:58:23,136 - He powered through Carnival and Salmon Roll. 1570 00:58:23,169 --> 00:58:25,238 - New obstacle, no problem. 1571 00:58:25,271 --> 00:58:26,639 - Then he raced up the wall 1572 00:58:26,673 --> 00:58:29,042 for his sixth straight qualifying finish 1573 00:58:29,042 --> 00:58:31,344 and the 11th buzzer of his career. 1574 00:58:31,378 --> 00:58:34,080 - Okay, I see you! 1575 00:58:34,114 --> 00:58:36,549 - Then it was another ninja from Greenville, 1576 00:58:36,583 --> 00:58:38,885 gourmet cake maker Becca Anderson. 1577 00:58:38,918 --> 00:58:40,920 Her brother, Bob, held her cake version 1578 00:58:40,954 --> 00:58:42,422 of the Warped Walls. 1579 00:58:42,455 --> 00:58:43,823 - I say she's got them cakes. 1580 00:58:43,857 --> 00:58:46,059 - And the rookie showed off some sweet moves... 1581 00:58:46,092 --> 00:58:47,827 - Nice, wow! 1582 00:58:47,861 --> 00:58:49,896 - Making a big save on Domino Effect 1583 00:58:49,929 --> 00:58:52,499 and took a trip to the Carnival, 1584 00:58:52,532 --> 00:58:54,601 but couldn't make the grab. 1585 00:58:54,634 --> 00:58:58,405 Her brother Bob's a social media sensation 1586 00:58:58,438 --> 00:59:00,040 for doing crazy stunts. 1587 00:59:00,073 --> 00:59:02,142 - Man, he's got 3 million followers on TikTok. 1588 00:59:02,175 --> 00:59:03,710 He's big-time, prime-time. 1589 00:59:03,743 --> 00:59:05,812 - Tonight, the 26-year-old's moves 1590 00:59:05,845 --> 00:59:07,681 were equally as impressive... 1591 00:59:07,714 --> 00:59:09,015 - Oh! 1592 00:59:09,015 --> 00:59:10,450 You don't do that on the Ninja course. 1593 00:59:10,483 --> 00:59:12,385 - As he blew through the rest of the course 1594 00:59:12,419 --> 00:59:15,555 and decided to take a run at the Mega Wall. 1595 00:59:15,588 --> 00:59:16,823 all: [chanting] Beat that wall! 1596 00:59:16,856 --> 00:59:19,659 - Becca's brother about to get that 10 G. 1597 00:59:19,693 --> 00:59:21,795 [tense music] 1598 00:59:21,828 --> 00:59:23,363 Yes! 1599 00:59:23,396 --> 00:59:26,499 And he made the 18-foot wall look like a piece of cake. 1600 00:59:26,533 --> 00:59:28,601 - Oh yeah, you know it's about to blow up 1601 00:59:28,635 --> 00:59:31,438 on the Gram and TikTok. All right. 1602 00:59:31,471 --> 00:59:33,707 - Well, we've had so many great moments 1603 00:59:33,740 --> 00:59:35,875 at the Warped Wall, including this one. 1604 00:59:35,909 --> 00:59:38,478 - Yes! - Yeah, yeah! 1605 00:59:38,511 --> 00:59:40,714 History has been made! 1606 00:59:40,747 --> 00:59:44,351 - That was four years ago, as Casey Rothschild became 1607 00:59:44,384 --> 00:59:46,319 the youngest woman ever to hit a buzzer 1608 00:59:46,353 --> 00:59:48,088 at just 20 years old. 1609 00:59:48,121 --> 00:59:50,790 And now here she comes again. 1610 00:59:50,824 --> 00:59:53,159 She's carrying the bisexual pride flag. 1611 00:59:53,193 --> 00:59:55,729 Casey started the group "Queer Ninjas Unite" 1612 00:59:55,762 --> 00:59:58,231 to promote LGBTQ acceptance. 1613 00:59:58,264 --> 01:00:02,268 And some of the other members are cheering her on tonight. 1614 01:00:02,302 --> 01:00:04,704 [countdown clock beeping] 1615 01:00:04,738 --> 01:00:06,272 Casey did well last season, 1616 01:00:06,306 --> 01:00:07,941 made it to the national finals, 1617 01:00:07,974 --> 01:00:11,211 but hasn't hit a buzzer since her first one four years ago. 1618 01:00:11,244 --> 01:00:12,912 - I'll never forget that night. 1619 01:00:12,946 --> 01:00:14,914 It was such a special night, Matt. 1620 01:00:14,948 --> 01:00:17,751 - She inspired many of our young women competitors. 1621 01:00:17,784 --> 01:00:20,453 Casey was 20 when she got up the wall. 1622 01:00:20,487 --> 01:00:22,756 These teenagers would love to break her record 1623 01:00:22,789 --> 01:00:24,924 as the youngest woman to hit a buzzer. 1624 01:00:24,958 --> 01:00:26,793 - She is an all-round athlete, 1625 01:00:26,826 --> 01:00:28,228 still holds the triple jump record 1626 01:00:28,261 --> 01:00:30,196 at Wesleyan University. 1627 01:00:30,230 --> 01:00:32,432 - And no problem jumping through Rollercoaster there. 1628 01:00:32,465 --> 01:00:35,335 Now heads to Split Decision. 1629 01:00:35,368 --> 01:00:37,037 - Oh, wow, she's going serpent. 1630 01:00:37,070 --> 01:00:39,773 She's not scared of the snake! 1631 01:00:39,806 --> 01:00:41,941 - 5'8", 140. 1632 01:00:41,975 --> 01:00:43,877 - She's got long legs, Matt. 1633 01:00:43,910 --> 01:00:45,845 - Oh, get the feet up! Get the feet up! 1634 01:00:45,879 --> 01:00:48,248 - Nice, that's what I'm talking about! 1635 01:00:48,281 --> 01:00:50,717 - She's the first to conquer The Serpent. 1636 01:00:50,750 --> 01:00:53,119 Those cylinders will spin under your feet, 1637 01:00:53,153 --> 01:00:54,888 but she stayed on top, 1638 01:00:54,921 --> 01:00:57,991 then made a great save at the end. 1639 01:00:58,024 --> 01:00:59,793 Remember, the top five women 1640 01:00:59,826 --> 01:01:02,295 from tonight will move on to the semifinals. 1641 01:01:02,328 --> 01:01:03,897 Casey will have a good shot at being one 1642 01:01:03,930 --> 01:01:05,899 of them if she gets through Carnival. 1643 01:01:05,932 --> 01:01:07,300 - Good plan. You got it. 1644 01:01:07,334 --> 01:01:08,902 Nice, in control. 1645 01:01:08,935 --> 01:01:10,637 You got this, all day. 1646 01:01:10,670 --> 01:01:13,139 Good, keep breathing. You're okay. 1647 01:01:13,173 --> 01:01:14,641 - Goes right for three. 1648 01:01:15,942 --> 01:01:17,444 So she's gonna have a long swing 1649 01:01:17,477 --> 01:01:18,745 over to the nunchucks. 1650 01:01:18,778 --> 01:01:21,081 Oh, misses the ring. 1651 01:01:21,081 --> 01:01:22,716 Now she's got it. 1652 01:01:22,749 --> 01:01:24,084 - She talked about the pressure 1653 01:01:24,084 --> 01:01:25,885 of hitting the buzzer in her first year 1654 01:01:25,919 --> 01:01:28,588 and how she just really was trying to outdo herself. 1655 01:01:28,621 --> 01:01:31,091 This year, she's coming in with a new mindset, 1656 01:01:31,091 --> 01:01:32,625 just to go out here and have fun. 1657 01:01:32,659 --> 01:01:34,527 And look, she's having fun on Carnival. 1658 01:01:34,561 --> 01:01:36,196 Nice grab! 1659 01:01:36,229 --> 01:01:40,000 - Good grip strength there on that single spike. 1660 01:01:40,100 --> 01:01:41,735 And she's pumped. 1661 01:01:44,104 --> 01:01:48,308 - Okay, Casey, are you having fun? 1662 01:01:48,341 --> 01:01:51,111 You're having fun? Yeah, she's having fun. 1663 01:01:51,111 --> 01:01:53,113 - She is. You can see the smiles. 1664 01:01:53,113 --> 01:01:55,215 But now she's down to business. 1665 01:01:55,248 --> 01:01:57,217 No woman has made it past the fifth obstacle, 1666 01:01:57,250 --> 01:01:58,852 the Salmon Roll. 1667 01:01:58,885 --> 01:02:00,453 - Remember, she hasn't hit a buzzer 1668 01:02:00,487 --> 01:02:03,156 since that history-making run four years ago, 1669 01:02:03,189 --> 01:02:04,958 but she's getting closer, 1670 01:02:05,058 --> 01:02:07,927 trying to be our first female finisher of the season. 1671 01:02:09,863 --> 01:02:12,332 - Looking left to right. Focusing on that right side. 1672 01:02:12,365 --> 01:02:13,800 Got it over the first gap. - Good power! 1673 01:02:13,833 --> 01:02:15,402 - Now this next one, she's got it! 1674 01:02:15,435 --> 01:02:16,603 Matt, she's got the rhythm. 1675 01:02:16,636 --> 01:02:17,904 - She just kept moving forward. 1676 01:02:17,937 --> 01:02:20,173 I liked it, that she's edging that bar 1677 01:02:20,206 --> 01:02:22,709 forward to get it to the next rung there. 1678 01:02:22,742 --> 01:02:26,479 But it all comes down to this final move, big man. 1679 01:02:26,513 --> 01:02:27,914 - Here we go, up and over. 1680 01:02:27,947 --> 01:02:30,717 Wow, there you go, Casey! - What a powerful kick! 1681 01:02:30,750 --> 01:02:34,554 - You got it, okay, homegirl! - Casey Rothschild. 1682 01:02:34,587 --> 01:02:36,523 - Isn't the mindset so different 1683 01:02:36,556 --> 01:02:39,092 when you're just going out there to have fun? 1684 01:02:40,293 --> 01:02:42,662 - And she is in disbelief. 1685 01:02:42,696 --> 01:02:46,332 - Yeah, go get yours! Go get yours! 1686 01:02:46,366 --> 01:02:47,734 - Go, Casey! 1687 01:02:47,767 --> 01:02:49,903 - A four-year drought since her last buzzer. 1688 01:02:49,936 --> 01:02:51,204 You know she wants it! 1689 01:02:51,237 --> 01:02:52,839 14 1/2 feet away 1690 01:02:52,872 --> 01:02:54,941 from the second buzzer in her career. 1691 01:02:54,974 --> 01:02:57,110 She could be the first woman in season 14 1692 01:02:57,110 --> 01:02:58,278 to get that buzzer! 1693 01:02:58,311 --> 01:03:00,046 - Oh, here we go, Matt. 1694 01:03:00,046 --> 01:03:01,848 Uh-oh! - That's all right. 1695 01:03:01,881 --> 01:03:03,350 She's been here before. 1696 01:03:03,383 --> 01:03:05,719 - Visualize it, breathe. You're okay. 1697 01:03:05,752 --> 01:03:08,054 - She knows how to get up that Warped Wall. 1698 01:03:08,054 --> 01:03:11,591 - Again, trying to lead the way for other young women. 1699 01:03:11,624 --> 01:03:13,059 - She's looking up. See it. 1700 01:03:13,059 --> 01:03:14,194 If you can see it-- 1701 01:03:14,227 --> 01:03:16,329 - Casey Rothschild's such a strong ninja. 1702 01:03:16,363 --> 01:03:18,198 - Get up there! Reach for it, nice! 1703 01:03:18,231 --> 01:03:20,433 By the fingertips, and she's got it! 1704 01:03:20,467 --> 01:03:22,202 [buzzer blares] 1705 01:03:22,235 --> 01:03:24,404 [upbeat music] 1706 01:03:24,437 --> 01:03:26,473 - And she's emotional! 1707 01:03:26,506 --> 01:03:28,675 - * Show the world I am * 1708 01:03:28,708 --> 01:03:33,913 * * 1709 01:03:33,947 --> 01:03:35,181 - Oh, my God! 1710 01:03:35,215 --> 01:03:37,951 - Casey, you told me you wanted to have fun. 1711 01:03:37,984 --> 01:03:40,253 Did you have fun out here? - I had so much fun! 1712 01:03:40,286 --> 01:03:41,488 - So much fun! 1713 01:03:41,521 --> 01:03:44,324 - Oh, my God, I love you guys! 1714 01:03:44,357 --> 01:03:45,925 Represent. 1715 01:03:45,959 --> 01:03:48,795 - Casey, you're the first woman 1716 01:03:48,828 --> 01:03:50,964 to hit a buzzer this season, and I don't know if you saw, 1717 01:03:50,997 --> 01:03:53,867 but there are a lot of little girls watching you. 1718 01:03:53,900 --> 01:03:55,268 What do you want to tell those kids 1719 01:03:55,301 --> 01:03:56,803 watching you right now? 1720 01:03:56,836 --> 01:03:59,139 - I want to say women are strong, 1721 01:03:59,172 --> 01:04:00,907 and I'm so excited to see one of those teen girls 1722 01:04:00,940 --> 01:04:02,175 get a buzzer this season. 1723 01:04:02,208 --> 01:04:03,376 - Well, there you go. 1724 01:04:03,410 --> 01:04:05,111 - I want someone to take that title from me. 1725 01:04:05,145 --> 01:04:07,681 - You are still the youngest ever, 1726 01:04:07,714 --> 01:04:09,049 and you just got another. 1727 01:04:09,049 --> 01:04:11,584 We'll see you in LA! - Whoo! 1728 01:04:13,353 --> 01:04:15,955 - Well, there's one more teen girl to run tonight, 1729 01:04:16,056 --> 01:04:17,557 Jordan Carr. 1730 01:04:17,590 --> 01:04:20,060 We'll see if she can break Casey's record in just a bit. 1731 01:04:20,060 --> 01:04:21,761 - Let's go. 1732 01:04:21,795 --> 01:04:24,297 - Plus, he overcame cerebral palsy 1733 01:04:24,330 --> 01:04:26,533 to become one of the top Ninja stars. 1734 01:04:26,566 --> 01:04:28,068 - All he does is this. 1735 01:04:28,101 --> 01:04:31,137 - Is he on his way to becoming a teenage millionaire? 1736 01:04:31,171 --> 01:04:32,839 - Let's go! 1737 01:04:32,872 --> 01:04:36,276 - He's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1738 01:04:40,580 --> 01:04:41,815 - Welcome back to the season premiere 1739 01:04:41,848 --> 01:04:43,283 of "American Ninja Warrior," 1740 01:04:43,316 --> 01:04:45,251 coming to you from San Antonio. 1741 01:04:45,285 --> 01:04:47,787 - Minutes ago, one of our top veterans, 1742 01:04:47,821 --> 01:04:51,157 "The Maker," obstacle designer Kevin Carbone, 1743 01:04:51,191 --> 01:04:52,759 came out ready to go to work. 1744 01:04:52,792 --> 01:04:54,461 - Oh, Matt, we know he's made a lot 1745 01:04:54,494 --> 01:04:56,763 of different obstacles in his career. 1746 01:04:56,796 --> 01:04:59,766 - The 26-year-old rolled through Rollercoaster, 1747 01:04:59,799 --> 01:05:01,568 and then thought about the Serpent, 1748 01:05:01,601 --> 01:05:04,037 but decided to go with Domino Effect. 1749 01:05:04,037 --> 01:05:07,507 - Whoa, okay, he is hustling. 1750 01:05:07,540 --> 01:05:10,076 - The five-time veteran turned it on through Carnival 1751 01:05:10,110 --> 01:05:11,378 and then Salmon Roll... 1752 01:05:11,411 --> 01:05:14,347 - Whoa, big move! 1753 01:05:14,381 --> 01:05:15,482 - And looked like he might have 1754 01:05:15,515 --> 01:05:17,183 the fastest time of the night. 1755 01:05:17,217 --> 01:05:19,819 - Oh! [buzzer blares] 1756 01:05:19,853 --> 01:05:21,788 - It was a shocking fall, 1757 01:05:21,821 --> 01:05:23,556 but his fast time guarantees 1758 01:05:23,590 --> 01:05:25,258 he's moving on to the semifinals. 1759 01:05:25,291 --> 01:05:28,294 - I second-guessed myself, but I think I'm gonna move on 1760 01:05:28,328 --> 01:05:30,864 to the next round, so here's to that. 1761 01:05:30,897 --> 01:05:33,266 - Then we were graced by royalty, 1762 01:05:33,299 --> 01:05:34,868 the self- proclaimed 1763 01:05:34,901 --> 01:05:36,903 "King of Obstacles," Mack Roesch. 1764 01:05:36,936 --> 01:05:39,673 - I see you, big fella. I see you. 1765 01:05:39,706 --> 01:05:42,342 - Roesch is a veteran OCR racer, 1766 01:05:42,375 --> 01:05:44,244 and when he first competed on "Ninja" 1767 01:05:44,277 --> 01:05:46,446 six years ago, he conquered the course. 1768 01:05:46,479 --> 01:05:48,448 - I got it! 1769 01:05:48,481 --> 01:05:52,852 - Tonight, as the heaviest competitor at 215 pounds, 1770 01:05:52,886 --> 01:05:55,689 Roesch muscled his way through the first four obstacles. 1771 01:05:55,722 --> 01:05:56,990 - Oh, he's sliding. 1772 01:05:57,090 --> 01:06:00,527 Get out of there, King, the King! 1773 01:06:00,560 --> 01:06:02,929 And, Matt, he still has his crown on. 1774 01:06:03,029 --> 01:06:05,065 - But on Salmon Roll, the King found out 1775 01:06:05,098 --> 01:06:07,534 that heavy is the head that wears the crown. 1776 01:06:07,567 --> 01:06:08,868 - Trust yourself, King! 1777 01:06:08,902 --> 01:06:10,437 Oh! 1778 01:06:10,470 --> 01:06:12,339 [upbeat music] 1779 01:06:12,372 --> 01:06:16,142 - Shoot, almost had that. 1780 01:06:16,176 --> 01:06:18,478 - Up next, he's still a teenager, 1781 01:06:18,511 --> 01:06:20,313 but is one of the favorites to win 1782 01:06:20,347 --> 01:06:21,948 that million dollars this year. 1783 01:06:22,048 --> 01:06:23,783 This is Vance Walker, 1784 01:06:23,817 --> 01:06:25,685 a two-time champion on "Ninja Junior," 1785 01:06:25,719 --> 01:06:28,421 and in his debut on the big show last year, 1786 01:06:28,455 --> 01:06:31,191 he came close to winning it all again. 1787 01:06:32,692 --> 01:06:34,894 - Last season was amazing. 1788 01:06:34,928 --> 01:06:37,397 - Matt, he will be the shortest ever to get up 1789 01:06:37,430 --> 01:06:38,631 the Mega Wall. 1790 01:06:38,665 --> 01:06:40,767 - Never underestimate this young man. 1791 01:06:40,800 --> 01:06:42,635 Come on, Vance. Look at the speed! 1792 01:06:42,669 --> 01:06:44,437 Oh, yeah! 1793 01:06:44,471 --> 01:06:45,905 [buzzer blares] 1794 01:06:45,939 --> 01:06:47,273 - Let's go! 1795 01:06:47,307 --> 01:06:48,875 - As a rookie, I was the youngest 1796 01:06:48,908 --> 01:06:50,543 and shortest person up the Mega Wall, 1797 01:06:50,577 --> 01:06:53,580 got the $10,000, and in Vegas, 1798 01:06:53,613 --> 01:06:55,882 I was one of only two teams to make it to stage three. 1799 01:06:55,915 --> 01:06:57,917 - Oh, my goodness! 1800 01:06:57,951 --> 01:06:59,219 He ran off the course! 1801 01:06:59,252 --> 01:07:03,857 - Vance Walker going to stage three! 1802 01:07:03,890 --> 01:07:05,158 - But it's a little heartbreaking 1803 01:07:05,191 --> 01:07:07,027 to get that close to stage four. 1804 01:07:07,060 --> 01:07:09,529 - Only two obstacles away from stage four. 1805 01:07:09,562 --> 01:07:13,900 - No, no! - No! 1806 01:07:13,933 --> 01:07:15,702 - Last season, I hit four buzzers, 1807 01:07:15,735 --> 01:07:17,504 but want to hit six buzzers this year, 1808 01:07:17,537 --> 01:07:19,039 and that's exactly what I intend to do. 1809 01:07:19,039 --> 01:07:21,374 I have the experience, and I'm super confident 1810 01:07:21,408 --> 01:07:24,044 that I have a good chance to win the million dollars. 1811 01:07:26,946 --> 01:07:30,050 - Vance's nickname is Walker, Texas Ninja, 1812 01:07:30,083 --> 01:07:32,619 and he just moved back to Texas from Georgia, 1813 01:07:32,652 --> 01:07:35,088 so there is a sea of red-shirted fans 1814 01:07:35,121 --> 01:07:36,623 down on the sidelines to cheer him on, 1815 01:07:36,656 --> 01:07:38,892 including his family. 1816 01:07:38,925 --> 01:07:41,628 [countdown clock beeping] 1817 01:07:41,661 --> 01:07:44,330 - His success on the course is so remarkable 1818 01:07:44,364 --> 01:07:46,266 considering his cerebral palsy. 1819 01:07:46,299 --> 01:07:48,201 He wore braces on his legs as a kid. 1820 01:07:48,234 --> 01:07:50,470 - Sometimes, you just know greatness when you see it, 1821 01:07:50,503 --> 01:07:52,706 and he's shown that in his rookie year. 1822 01:07:52,739 --> 01:07:53,940 And we knew because we saw him 1823 01:07:53,973 --> 01:07:55,575 on "American Ninja Warrior Junior," 1824 01:07:55,608 --> 01:07:59,312 but Vance Walker is an absolute prodigy. 1825 01:08:00,213 --> 01:08:02,349 - He never fell once during two seasons 1826 01:08:02,382 --> 01:08:03,583 of "Ninja Junior." 1827 01:08:03,616 --> 01:08:05,785 He expects to hit buzzers. 1828 01:08:05,819 --> 01:08:09,089 At 5'5", the shortest ever to get up the Mega Wall. 1829 01:08:09,122 --> 01:08:12,158 And he's gonna choose Domino Effect. 1830 01:08:12,192 --> 01:08:14,427 And flies right through. 1831 01:08:14,461 --> 01:08:17,330 - Matt, he is not stopping, right into Carnival. 1832 01:08:19,432 --> 01:08:23,036 - He always has his foot on the accelerator, Akbar, 1833 01:08:23,036 --> 01:08:25,038 but always in control. 1834 01:08:25,038 --> 01:08:28,241 Vance Walker is the total package. 1835 01:08:30,377 --> 01:08:32,045 - Nice. 1836 01:08:32,045 --> 01:08:33,480 Nice precision too on that jump. 1837 01:08:33,513 --> 01:08:34,881 And look how efficient he is. 1838 01:08:34,914 --> 01:08:37,417 all: [chanting] Walker, Walker, Walker! 1839 01:08:37,450 --> 01:08:39,819 - Taking a breath here, but he's got plenty of time 1840 01:08:39,853 --> 01:08:42,222 to catch Cal Plohoros for fastest finish. 1841 01:08:42,255 --> 01:08:45,792 - This one, Salmon Roll, a little bit more volatile. 1842 01:08:45,825 --> 01:08:47,761 - You have to be precise with every move. 1843 01:08:47,794 --> 01:08:49,362 - Come on, Vance! 1844 01:08:49,396 --> 01:08:52,399 - We've seen this obstacle give ninjas trouble all night. 1845 01:08:52,432 --> 01:08:54,734 We know it's still very early in this season, 1846 01:08:54,768 --> 01:08:56,670 but if you're thinking of someone who can achieve 1847 01:08:56,703 --> 01:08:58,705 total victory, I'd be hard pressed 1848 01:08:58,738 --> 01:09:01,207 to put someone on the list ahead of Vance Walker. 1849 01:09:02,776 --> 01:09:05,145 And he's being very careful on Salmon Roll, 1850 01:09:05,178 --> 01:09:06,746 really taking his time. 1851 01:09:06,780 --> 01:09:08,281 - Oh-ho! 1852 01:09:08,314 --> 01:09:10,517 - Well, let's see it, trying to take the next step, 1853 01:09:10,550 --> 01:09:12,018 get through this obstacle. 1854 01:09:12,052 --> 01:09:14,287 This is the big move, 1 1/2 foot gap. 1855 01:09:14,320 --> 01:09:15,922 Gotta fly that bar. 1856 01:09:16,022 --> 01:09:18,024 - Yeah, you can see him paying attention to that left side, 1857 01:09:18,058 --> 01:09:20,593 keep your eyes right there, even and steady, up. 1858 01:09:20,627 --> 01:09:23,229 Oh, no! 1859 01:09:23,263 --> 01:09:25,065 What? 1860 01:09:25,098 --> 01:09:27,567 Vance Walker, a rare misstep. 1861 01:09:27,600 --> 01:09:29,836 Wow! 1862 01:09:29,869 --> 01:09:32,339 - It's okay, Vance! - It's okay! 1863 01:09:32,372 --> 01:09:33,907 - Look at this again. 1864 01:09:33,940 --> 01:09:35,942 He seemed very tentative the whole way 1865 01:09:36,042 --> 01:09:37,344 through Salmon Roll. 1866 01:09:37,377 --> 01:09:39,179 And watch him hesitate and fidget 1867 01:09:39,212 --> 01:09:41,081 with the bar before that last move. 1868 01:09:41,114 --> 01:09:43,483 He got high enough on the rungs, 1869 01:09:43,516 --> 01:09:45,819 but the right side just slid off. 1870 01:09:47,354 --> 01:09:49,656 But the good news, he went far enough, 1871 01:09:49,689 --> 01:09:50,790 fast enough. 1872 01:09:50,824 --> 01:09:52,459 He'll be moving on. 1873 01:09:53,293 --> 01:09:55,762 Of course, it's not all about the teens out here. 1874 01:09:55,795 --> 01:09:58,832 Earlier tonight, some parents got their shot. 1875 01:09:58,865 --> 01:10:00,433 - Love you guys. 1876 01:10:00,467 --> 01:10:01,835 - 42-year-old Jennifer Bryant 1877 01:10:01,868 --> 01:10:03,636 had her two sons and husband 1878 01:10:03,670 --> 01:10:05,972 cheering her on from back in Virginia, 1879 01:10:06,006 --> 01:10:08,675 as the college science professor passed the test 1880 01:10:08,708 --> 01:10:09,876 on Shrinking Steps... 1881 01:10:09,909 --> 01:10:11,411 - Nice! 1882 01:10:11,444 --> 01:10:14,714 - But got a lesson in physics on the Rollercoaster. 1883 01:10:14,748 --> 01:10:17,317 - Oh! 1884 01:10:17,350 --> 01:10:19,319 - Peyton Glover had her two sons 1885 01:10:19,352 --> 01:10:22,389 and extended family watching from North Carolina. 1886 01:10:22,422 --> 01:10:24,858 The 28-year-old gymnastics coach was thrilled 1887 01:10:24,891 --> 01:10:27,193 to tumble through the first two obstacles... 1888 01:10:27,227 --> 01:10:29,129 - Okay, I see you. 1889 01:10:29,162 --> 01:10:31,264 - But didn't have the balance for the Dominoes. 1890 01:10:31,297 --> 01:10:33,433 - No! 1891 01:10:33,466 --> 01:10:36,102 - Proofreader Becky Adnot-Haynes was trying 1892 01:10:36,136 --> 01:10:37,637 to impress her son and husband 1893 01:10:37,671 --> 01:10:39,205 watching from back in Cincinnati. 1894 01:10:39,239 --> 01:10:41,374 Bookworm Becky got straight A's 1895 01:10:41,408 --> 01:10:43,076 on the first two obstacles... 1896 01:10:43,109 --> 01:10:45,645 - Yeah! Good job! 1897 01:10:45,679 --> 01:10:47,747 - But there was no storybook ending. 1898 01:10:47,781 --> 01:10:49,649 She was knocked out by the Dominoes. 1899 01:10:49,683 --> 01:10:50,817 - Oh, my goodness! 1900 01:10:50,850 --> 01:10:52,252 - Good job. 1901 01:10:52,285 --> 01:10:54,287 - I think I forgot to read that chapter. 1902 01:10:54,320 --> 01:10:56,856 * * 1903 01:11:00,493 --> 01:11:01,761 - Things have gotten wild 1904 01:11:01,795 --> 01:11:03,063 the last few minutes 1905 01:11:03,096 --> 01:11:05,432 since zookeeper Justin Andelin showed up. 1906 01:11:05,465 --> 01:11:07,934 - Oh, nice. - There we go. 1907 01:11:07,967 --> 01:11:09,669 - Andelin runs the Richmond zoo... 1908 01:11:09,703 --> 01:11:11,204 [owl hoots] 1909 01:11:11,237 --> 01:11:13,340 And he brought a very wise friend to the start line, 1910 01:11:13,373 --> 01:11:15,208 a whiskered screech owl. 1911 01:11:15,241 --> 01:11:18,411 - Go, go, go, go! Nice! 1912 01:11:18,445 --> 01:11:20,480 Look at the owl following Justin! 1913 01:11:20,513 --> 01:11:22,882 - The 34-year-old dad trekked all the way 1914 01:11:22,916 --> 01:11:24,351 to the fifth obstacle. 1915 01:11:24,384 --> 01:11:26,453 - Fly like an owl, fly like an owl. 1916 01:11:26,486 --> 01:11:28,088 Oh! 1917 01:11:28,121 --> 01:11:30,156 - But the animal expert's run 1918 01:11:30,190 --> 01:11:31,925 was ended by the Salmon Roll. 1919 01:11:31,958 --> 01:11:33,226 - You know what he said, Matt: 1920 01:11:33,259 --> 01:11:35,295 "Owl" be back. 1921 01:11:35,328 --> 01:11:39,265 - Atlanta DJ DeShawn Harris had the house rocking. 1922 01:11:39,299 --> 01:11:42,736 - Let's go, baby! Whoo, yeah! 1923 01:11:42,769 --> 01:11:44,104 - Let's go! 1924 01:11:44,137 --> 01:11:45,739 - The former college football player 1925 01:11:45,772 --> 01:11:48,108 made a one-handed grab on Carnival. 1926 01:11:48,141 --> 01:11:50,176 - Ooh! 1927 01:11:50,210 --> 01:11:52,012 [upbeat music] 1928 01:11:52,112 --> 01:11:53,880 Okay with the save! 1929 01:11:53,913 --> 01:11:56,683 - And when the party ended at Salmon Roll... 1930 01:11:56,716 --> 01:11:58,418 - Oh! 1931 01:11:58,451 --> 01:12:01,521 - He could celebrate because he's moving on 1932 01:12:01,554 --> 01:12:03,123 to the semifinals. 1933 01:12:03,156 --> 01:12:04,791 - Moving on, baby! 1934 01:12:04,824 --> 01:12:08,228 - North Carolina's Brett Hernandez Strong had one 1935 01:12:08,261 --> 01:12:10,230 of last year's best moments 1936 01:12:10,263 --> 01:12:12,332 when the 19-year-old rookie 1937 01:12:12,365 --> 01:12:15,502 conquered the 18-foot Mega Wall. 1938 01:12:15,535 --> 01:12:17,771 - Oh! - Yes! 1939 01:12:17,804 --> 01:12:21,274 - Tonight, the college student made it to the wall again. 1940 01:12:21,307 --> 01:12:24,878 - He going for another $10,000. 1941 01:12:24,911 --> 01:12:27,981 - And he conquered it again. - Are you kidding me? 1942 01:12:28,081 --> 01:12:31,985 - The third ninja to take down the Mega Wall tonight. 1943 01:12:33,920 --> 01:12:35,388 - Well, up next is a competitor 1944 01:12:35,422 --> 01:12:37,123 we know very well, Akbar. 1945 01:12:37,157 --> 01:12:39,793 This is 15-year-old Jordan Carr, 1946 01:12:39,826 --> 01:12:41,728 who we watched tear up the course 1947 01:12:41,761 --> 01:12:42,829 during "Ninja Junior," 1948 01:12:42,862 --> 01:12:45,865 and this ninja is impressive. 1949 01:12:45,899 --> 01:12:47,200 * * 1950 01:12:47,233 --> 01:12:50,136 - I would definitely say I'm a fierce competitor. 1951 01:12:50,170 --> 01:12:52,806 - Yeah, nice, whoo! 1952 01:12:52,839 --> 01:12:54,708 - Whether it's pull-up competitions... 1953 01:12:54,741 --> 01:12:56,843 * * 1954 01:12:56,876 --> 01:12:58,411 Pie-eating contests... 1955 01:12:58,445 --> 01:13:00,880 * * 1956 01:13:00,914 --> 01:13:02,515 Everything. 1957 01:13:02,549 --> 01:13:04,417 * * 1958 01:13:04,451 --> 01:13:05,885 I started competitive rock climbing 1959 01:13:05,919 --> 01:13:08,521 when I was around nine years old. 1960 01:13:08,555 --> 01:13:11,391 I competed at nationals quite a few times. 1961 01:13:11,424 --> 01:13:13,059 - Let's go, Carr, come on. 1962 01:13:13,059 --> 01:13:14,427 Yeah! 1963 01:13:14,461 --> 01:13:16,563 - In my first year of "American Ninja Warrior Junior," 1964 01:13:16,596 --> 01:13:18,198 I placed in the top eight. 1965 01:13:18,231 --> 01:13:22,268 - Jordan has the pedal to the metal, here, Akbar. 1966 01:13:22,302 --> 01:13:23,703 [buzzer blares] 1967 01:13:23,737 --> 01:13:25,605 * * 1968 01:13:25,638 --> 01:13:28,508 - And then "Junior" season three. 1969 01:13:28,541 --> 01:13:30,110 - Just a handle behind! 1970 01:13:30,143 --> 01:13:31,244 Look at her go! 1971 01:13:31,277 --> 01:13:33,813 - Oh, my goodness! - Oh! 1972 01:13:33,847 --> 01:13:37,317 Couldn't stick the dismount, Jordan Carr. 1973 01:13:37,350 --> 01:13:38,685 - There's a lot of emotion 1974 01:13:38,718 --> 01:13:40,987 with the moment I shared with Akbar. 1975 01:13:41,087 --> 01:13:43,456 - I know, it hurts, and it should hurt, okay? 1976 01:13:43,490 --> 01:13:45,158 And these tears are only going to make you better. 1977 01:13:45,191 --> 01:13:46,659 I promise, you're going to do much better 1978 01:13:46,693 --> 01:13:47,660 next time, all right? 1979 01:13:47,694 --> 01:13:48,661 All right, good job. 1980 01:13:48,695 --> 01:13:51,231 All right? Okay. 1981 01:13:51,264 --> 01:13:53,500 - But that just showed that I was fighting 1982 01:13:53,533 --> 01:13:55,268 for something and how much I cared. 1983 01:13:55,301 --> 01:13:57,804 In Ninja, guys and girls compete side by side. 1984 01:13:57,837 --> 01:14:00,040 Usually, in every other sport, it's always separate. 1985 01:14:00,040 --> 01:14:02,542 So to be able to, like, prove myself on a course 1986 01:14:02,575 --> 01:14:05,612 alongside guys is just really awesome. 1987 01:14:05,645 --> 01:14:07,213 [soft music] 1988 01:14:07,247 --> 01:14:08,648 The big show is definitely 1989 01:14:08,682 --> 01:14:10,817 a little more intimidating than "Junior," 1990 01:14:10,850 --> 01:14:13,720 but I am feeling confident in my skills. 1991 01:14:13,753 --> 01:14:16,856 I will be the youngest woman to get up that Warped Wall. 1992 01:14:16,890 --> 01:14:19,159 * * 1993 01:14:20,427 --> 01:14:22,629 - Jordan's got her parents on the sideline 1994 01:14:22,662 --> 01:14:24,898 along with mentor Flip Rodriguez. 1995 01:14:24,931 --> 01:14:26,266 - Let's go, Jordan! 1996 01:14:26,299 --> 01:14:29,202 - And at 15, she's already coaching ninjas. 1997 01:14:29,235 --> 01:14:32,305 Some of her students watching back in Connecticut. 1998 01:14:32,339 --> 01:14:35,275 [countdown clock beeping] 1999 01:14:35,308 --> 01:14:37,077 - And Matt, on "Ninja Junior," 2000 01:14:37,077 --> 01:14:39,279 they were racing, so Jordan had to go fast, 2001 01:14:39,312 --> 01:14:40,480 which led to mistakes. 2002 01:14:40,513 --> 01:14:42,615 Doesn't have to do that here. 2003 01:14:42,649 --> 01:14:45,652 She can take her time, be a little more careful. 2004 01:14:45,685 --> 01:14:47,320 I think that's really gonna help her. 2005 01:14:47,354 --> 01:14:48,555 - Come on, Jordan! 2006 01:14:48,588 --> 01:14:50,657 She's competed in climbing competitions 2007 01:14:50,690 --> 01:14:52,158 all over the world, 2008 01:14:52,192 --> 01:14:54,094 ready to take on Rollercoaster. 2009 01:14:54,127 --> 01:14:55,528 Didn't release, 2010 01:14:55,562 --> 01:14:57,630 so now she's gonna generate swing to get over. 2011 01:14:57,664 --> 01:15:00,600 No problem. 2012 01:15:00,633 --> 01:15:03,236 And she is through. 2013 01:15:03,269 --> 01:15:05,338 The 15-year-old now through two 2014 01:15:05,372 --> 01:15:08,441 and letting out a big sigh of relief there. 2015 01:15:08,475 --> 01:15:11,144 - Looking over her options at Split Decision. 2016 01:15:11,177 --> 01:15:12,912 Looks like she's saying no to the Serpent 2017 01:15:12,946 --> 01:15:14,381 and headed for the Dominoes. 2018 01:15:14,414 --> 01:15:17,150 - Okay, fast, light on your feet, okay? 2019 01:15:17,183 --> 01:15:18,952 - Flip offering some advice. 2020 01:15:19,052 --> 01:15:20,754 - It's all about the timing here. 2021 01:15:20,787 --> 01:15:22,055 - Wow. - Nice speed, nice gait. 2022 01:15:22,088 --> 01:15:23,590 Wow, light on her feet. 2023 01:15:23,623 --> 01:15:25,325 - She was locked in. 2024 01:15:25,358 --> 01:15:27,093 - Whoo, let's go! 2025 01:15:27,127 --> 01:15:28,695 - She can use her climbing skills 2026 01:15:28,728 --> 01:15:30,096 here on Carnival. 2027 01:15:30,130 --> 01:15:32,098 Rock climbing since she was three years old, 2028 01:15:32,132 --> 01:15:34,801 placed seventh in the nation for sport climbing in 2019. 2029 01:15:34,834 --> 01:15:37,070 - I mean, at 15 years old, what were you doing? 2030 01:15:37,070 --> 01:15:39,439 - I was probably playing games at the carnival, 2031 01:15:39,472 --> 01:15:42,676 but nothing like this. 2032 01:15:42,709 --> 01:15:45,779 Jordan needs to swing over and grab that single nunchuck. 2033 01:15:47,180 --> 01:15:49,149 - Oh, look at that! - Wow! 2034 01:15:49,182 --> 01:15:50,417 - And she stops by to give a little look 2035 01:15:50,450 --> 01:15:51,618 at the stuffed animal. 2036 01:15:51,651 --> 01:15:54,521 - That was that rock climbing grip. 2037 01:15:54,554 --> 01:15:58,091 - Last year was the first with teens as young as 15, 2038 01:15:58,091 --> 01:16:00,326 and 14 teen boys hit the buzzer, 2039 01:16:00,360 --> 01:16:03,863 but no teen girls have done it so far. 2040 01:16:03,897 --> 01:16:05,732 Casey Rothschild did it at 20, 2041 01:16:05,765 --> 01:16:08,068 and that is still the youngest for women. 2042 01:16:08,101 --> 01:16:10,036 But she's got to get past Salmon Roll, 2043 01:16:10,070 --> 01:16:13,039 which has already knocked out 15 ninjas tonight. 2044 01:16:13,073 --> 01:16:14,874 - Wow! - Look at that, nice. 2045 01:16:14,908 --> 01:16:17,577 - Great power. Two moves, watch the bar. 2046 01:16:19,479 --> 01:16:21,181 - Nice and easy. Nice and easy. 2047 01:16:21,214 --> 01:16:22,415 Come on. 2048 01:16:22,449 --> 01:16:24,551 - Yes. - Nice. 2049 01:16:25,919 --> 01:16:31,057 - She's 5'6", 124 pounds, got to generate some power. 2050 01:16:31,091 --> 01:16:34,227 Now here comes the make-or-break moment. 2051 01:16:37,731 --> 01:16:39,399 Yes! - Wow! 2052 01:16:39,432 --> 01:16:41,368 - Okay! - That was the tough one. 2053 01:16:41,401 --> 01:16:43,837 Now just a few moves away from doing what 2054 01:16:43,870 --> 01:16:47,273 no teenage girl has ever done before. 2055 01:16:47,307 --> 01:16:52,078 - Jordan Carr, so strong, history in the making. 2056 01:16:52,078 --> 01:16:53,513 Yes! 2057 01:16:53,546 --> 01:16:56,583 [cheers and applause] 2058 01:16:58,852 --> 01:17:00,620 - Stop worrying, Jordan. Let's go. 2059 01:17:00,653 --> 01:17:02,589 - As we said, Casey Rothschild holds 2060 01:17:02,622 --> 01:17:04,758 the record as the youngest, at 20. 2061 01:17:04,791 --> 01:17:08,895 15-year-old Jordan Carr trying to break that record. 2062 01:17:08,928 --> 01:17:10,330 all: [chanting] Beat that wall! 2063 01:17:10,363 --> 01:17:12,265 - Can she do it? 2064 01:17:13,533 --> 01:17:15,201 And she did it! 2065 01:17:15,235 --> 01:17:16,469 [buzzer blares] 2066 01:17:16,503 --> 01:17:17,537 - Let's go! 2067 01:17:17,570 --> 01:17:20,373 [upbeat music] 2068 01:17:20,407 --> 01:17:21,541 - Let's go! 2069 01:17:21,574 --> 01:17:23,276 * * 2070 01:17:23,309 --> 01:17:26,613 - Akbar, we just saw a flying Carr! 2071 01:17:26,646 --> 01:17:29,849 - Elon Musk couldn't design a car that great! 2072 01:17:29,883 --> 01:17:32,052 - Jordan, congratulations. 2073 01:17:32,052 --> 01:17:34,354 You do know this is supposed to be hard. 2074 01:17:34,387 --> 01:17:35,955 - Really? No, I'm just kidding. 2075 01:17:36,056 --> 01:17:37,057 - [laughing] 2076 01:17:37,057 --> 01:17:38,191 - Well, hey-- - It was! 2077 01:17:38,224 --> 01:17:39,859 - Let me tell you, not only are you going 2078 01:17:39,893 --> 01:17:42,062 to Los Angeles, you just made history 2079 01:17:42,062 --> 01:17:44,264 as the youngest woman ever to hit a buzzer, Jordan! 2080 01:17:44,297 --> 01:17:45,565 - Let's go! 2081 01:17:45,598 --> 01:17:49,836 - 15 years, 5 months, and 28 days old! 2082 01:17:49,869 --> 01:17:52,172 We told you to watch out for this girl. 2083 01:17:52,205 --> 01:17:54,741 She was calm, cool, and confident, 2084 01:17:54,774 --> 01:17:57,610 and at 15, she's now a record holder, 2085 01:17:57,644 --> 01:18:00,280 and our second woman finisher of the season. 2086 01:18:03,383 --> 01:18:06,186 We're gonna see Jordan Carr in the semifinals 2087 01:18:06,219 --> 01:18:09,289 and probably for years to come. 2088 01:18:09,322 --> 01:18:11,124 And we're not done yet. 2089 01:18:12,292 --> 01:18:14,561 - He may be the most exciting ninja 2090 01:18:14,594 --> 01:18:15,762 on the planet, 2091 01:18:15,795 --> 01:18:18,031 and every run is a can't-miss moment 2092 01:18:18,064 --> 01:18:19,933 when you're RJ Roman. 2093 01:18:20,033 --> 01:18:23,903 He's next on "American Ninja Warrior." 2094 01:18:29,476 --> 01:18:31,911 - We're wrapping up an electrifying night 2095 01:18:31,945 --> 01:18:33,646 in San Antonio, 2096 01:18:33,680 --> 01:18:35,715 and the great runs keep on coming. 2097 01:18:35,749 --> 01:18:37,050 - Whoo! 2098 01:18:37,083 --> 01:18:38,451 Let's go! 2099 01:18:38,485 --> 01:18:41,354 - Minutes ago, it was Enzo DeFerrari Wilson. 2100 01:18:41,388 --> 01:18:44,157 He was one of last season's breakout teens, 2101 01:18:44,190 --> 01:18:46,426 making it all the way to stage two in Vegas. 2102 01:18:46,459 --> 01:18:48,061 - Let's go! 2103 01:18:48,061 --> 01:18:50,697 - When you're 130 pounds, you can throw your weight 2104 01:18:50,730 --> 01:18:52,832 around like that like it's nothing. 2105 01:18:52,866 --> 01:18:56,169 - Electric Enzo made the big move on Salmon Roll 2106 01:18:56,202 --> 01:18:58,304 and looked to be on his way to the buzzer, 2107 01:18:58,338 --> 01:19:01,307 but a small adjustment made the bar go sideways. 2108 01:19:01,341 --> 01:19:03,576 - No! [horn blares] 2109 01:19:03,610 --> 01:19:05,278 - And he came up just short. 2110 01:19:05,311 --> 01:19:06,513 - No! 2111 01:19:06,546 --> 01:19:08,348 - Frustration and complete shock. 2112 01:19:08,381 --> 01:19:11,351 - But his fast time meant Zuri could deliver some good news. 2113 01:19:11,384 --> 01:19:13,553 - You're moving on. - There we go, all right. 2114 01:19:13,586 --> 01:19:15,588 - We'll see you in Los Angeles, all right? 2115 01:19:15,622 --> 01:19:17,357 - Then another teenager, 2116 01:19:17,390 --> 01:19:19,559 Georgia rookie Ethan Bartnicki, 2117 01:19:19,592 --> 01:19:21,528 pulled off the save of the night. 2118 01:19:21,561 --> 01:19:23,463 - Uh-oh, hold on! 2119 01:19:23,496 --> 01:19:25,865 My goodness, that was a save right there! 2120 01:19:25,899 --> 01:19:27,434 That was a save! 2121 01:19:27,467 --> 01:19:30,603 - And though only 5'4" and 114 pounds... 2122 01:19:30,637 --> 01:19:32,105 - Nice! 2123 01:19:32,138 --> 01:19:33,907 - The 17-year-old hit the buzzer 2124 01:19:33,940 --> 01:19:35,342 in his "Ninja" debut. 2125 01:19:35,375 --> 01:19:37,844 - Let's go! - Let's go! 2126 01:19:37,877 --> 01:19:39,179 - How did you hold on, buddy? 2127 01:19:39,212 --> 01:19:40,613 - I'm the GOAT. 2128 01:19:40,647 --> 01:19:44,050 - Oh-ho-ho-ho-ho! 2129 01:19:44,050 --> 01:19:45,819 - And the Plumbing Ninja, 2130 01:19:45,852 --> 01:19:48,421 Vinnie Castranova, really had it flowing. 2131 01:19:48,455 --> 01:19:50,223 - I don't know too many plumbers 2132 01:19:50,256 --> 01:19:51,558 that could do that, Matt. 2133 01:19:51,591 --> 01:19:53,126 all: [chanting] Flush that course! 2134 01:19:53,159 --> 01:19:55,595 - With his girlfriend and newborn baby watching, 2135 01:19:55,628 --> 01:19:57,897 the three-time "Ninja" veteran snaked his way 2136 01:19:57,931 --> 01:20:02,068 to the fastest finish so far, 2 minutes, 27 seconds. 2137 01:20:02,102 --> 01:20:03,403 - Let's go! 2138 01:20:03,436 --> 01:20:05,605 - Flush that course! 2139 01:20:05,638 --> 01:20:09,075 - But his best performance came after the buzzer. 2140 01:20:09,109 --> 01:20:10,643 - Will you marry me? 2141 01:20:10,677 --> 01:20:11,911 - He popped the question 2142 01:20:11,945 --> 01:20:13,880 to his girlfriend Katie, 2143 01:20:13,913 --> 01:20:15,115 and she said yes. 2144 01:20:15,148 --> 01:20:17,283 - Oh, Castranova! 2145 01:20:17,317 --> 01:20:20,787 That's our second proposal of the night! 2146 01:20:20,820 --> 01:20:22,622 - And there's only one runner left 2147 01:20:22,655 --> 01:20:24,891 who can beat Vinnie for that top time. 2148 01:20:24,924 --> 01:20:27,827 Get ready to rock because up next 2149 01:20:27,861 --> 01:20:29,929 is Ninja's heavy metal musician, 2150 01:20:29,963 --> 01:20:34,401 the speed demon from Orlando, RJ Roman. 2151 01:20:34,434 --> 01:20:37,570 The five-time veteran always goes for broke. 2152 01:20:37,604 --> 01:20:39,873 He's had the fastest times in qualifying 2153 01:20:39,906 --> 01:20:41,608 the past two seasons. 2154 01:20:41,641 --> 01:20:43,476 - He'll have his family watching 2155 01:20:43,510 --> 01:20:44,878 back in Florida. 2156 01:20:44,911 --> 01:20:47,080 This is the Ninja spirit we've talked about, 2157 01:20:47,113 --> 01:20:50,150 supporting the last runner as much as the first. 2158 01:20:50,183 --> 01:20:53,553 - Oh, you know nobody wants to miss RJ. 2159 01:20:54,621 --> 01:20:56,890 [countdown clock beeping] 2160 01:20:56,923 --> 01:20:58,625 - Well, if he wants the fastest time 2161 01:20:58,658 --> 01:21:00,593 for the third straight year, he's gonna have to beat 2162 01:21:00,627 --> 01:21:03,463 Vinnie Castranova's 2 minutes, 27 seconds. 2163 01:21:03,496 --> 01:21:04,898 - The way he's going right now, Matt, 2164 01:21:04,931 --> 01:21:06,366 I'm going to pin him 2165 01:21:06,399 --> 01:21:08,568 at about 2:12, finishing this course. 2166 01:21:08,601 --> 01:21:10,537 Look at this, wasting no time. 2167 01:21:10,570 --> 01:21:12,138 - I'm gonna take the under, big man. 2168 01:21:12,172 --> 01:21:13,440 Oh no! 2169 01:21:13,473 --> 01:21:16,242 - He's so fast, he can't even mess up. 2170 01:21:16,276 --> 01:21:18,078 - A close call on the Dominoes, 2171 01:21:18,078 --> 01:21:19,979 but that's RJ Roman's style. 2172 01:21:20,080 --> 01:21:22,449 He throws caution to the wind on every run. 2173 01:21:22,482 --> 01:21:25,085 That's why he's so much fun to watch. 2174 01:21:26,953 --> 01:21:29,789 - Nice. Wow, he may go in a minute! 2175 01:21:29,823 --> 01:21:31,591 [cheers and applause] 2176 01:21:31,624 --> 01:21:32,992 - Well, with his speed, 2177 01:21:33,093 --> 01:21:35,195 he's already guaranteed a spot in the top 30, 2178 01:21:35,228 --> 01:21:37,230 but he's aiming to be number one. 2179 01:21:37,263 --> 01:21:38,965 Still needs to get through Salmon Roll. 2180 01:21:38,998 --> 01:21:41,768 - I said 2:20, I'm sorry. I disrespected the man. 2181 01:21:41,801 --> 01:21:43,236 - I told you it's gonna be under. 2182 01:21:43,269 --> 01:21:45,438 But this obstacle, Salmon Roll, has taken out 2183 01:21:45,472 --> 01:21:47,474 more ninjas than any other tonight. 2184 01:21:47,507 --> 01:21:49,642 - This Heavy Metal Ninja, this is heavy metal 2185 01:21:49,676 --> 01:21:50,844 you're moving right now. 2186 01:21:50,877 --> 01:21:53,646 - Find that baseline and slap it! 2187 01:21:53,680 --> 01:21:55,515 Yes! - Look at that! 2188 01:21:55,548 --> 01:21:58,785 - Oh, my goodness! - Are you serious? 2189 01:21:58,818 --> 01:22:01,054 - You gotta think he's gonna go for that Mega Wall. 2190 01:22:04,090 --> 01:22:07,293 - He's asking his crew if he should go for the Mega Wall. 2191 01:22:09,529 --> 01:22:11,064 - I think his mind is made up. 2192 01:22:12,899 --> 01:22:15,835 all: [chanting] Beat that wall! 2193 01:22:15,869 --> 01:22:17,404 - RJ is just 5'6", 2194 01:22:17,437 --> 01:22:19,739 has never conquered the Mega Wall before. 2195 01:22:19,773 --> 01:22:21,074 If he can do it, 2196 01:22:21,107 --> 01:22:24,511 it'll be a record-tying fourth one tonight. 2197 01:22:25,845 --> 01:22:28,314 - Can he rock the house? 2198 01:22:28,348 --> 01:22:30,116 Yes! 2199 01:22:30,150 --> 01:22:32,085 [buzzer blares] - Yes, let's go! 2200 01:22:32,118 --> 01:22:36,256 [rock music] 2201 01:22:36,289 --> 01:22:39,526 - And the fastest time. - And he is pumped! 2202 01:22:39,559 --> 01:22:42,228 I think he just about broke that buzzer. 2203 01:22:42,262 --> 01:22:44,164 * * 2204 01:22:44,197 --> 01:22:45,331 - I just got to tell you, man, 2205 01:22:45,365 --> 01:22:46,533 I'm about to write you a ticket 2206 01:22:46,566 --> 01:22:48,101 for going so daggone fast, man. 2207 01:22:48,134 --> 01:22:49,469 Slow your butt down, man. 2208 01:22:49,502 --> 01:22:50,904 Here you go. That's your ticket, man. 2209 01:22:50,937 --> 01:22:52,138 Great job. 2210 01:22:52,172 --> 01:22:53,440 - Hey, RJ, I didn't think we got 2211 01:22:53,473 --> 01:22:55,141 to say this, not only did you get 2212 01:22:55,175 --> 01:22:58,178 the Mega Wall, you got the fastest time of the night! 2213 01:22:58,211 --> 01:23:00,313 - Let's go! 2214 01:23:00,347 --> 01:23:02,615 - He had a close call on Domino Effect, 2215 01:23:02,649 --> 01:23:05,552 but RJ Roman never slowed down, and look, 2216 01:23:05,585 --> 01:23:07,854 he had room to spare getting on top 2217 01:23:07,887 --> 01:23:09,089 of the Mega Wall, 2218 01:23:09,122 --> 01:23:11,057 and for the third straight year, 2219 01:23:11,057 --> 01:23:13,059 has the fastest time in qualifying. 2220 01:23:13,059 --> 01:23:14,661 [buzzer blares] 2221 01:23:14,694 --> 01:23:16,229 * * 2222 01:23:16,262 --> 01:23:19,499 - What a way to end this history-making evening. 2223 01:23:19,532 --> 01:23:22,202 We had four Mega Walls in one night, 2224 01:23:22,235 --> 01:23:23,536 tying a record. 2225 01:23:23,570 --> 01:23:25,438 Jordon Carr becomes the youngest woman 2226 01:23:25,472 --> 01:23:26,740 ever to hit a buzzer, 2227 01:23:26,773 --> 01:23:30,243 and two proposals among our 13 finishers. 2228 01:23:30,276 --> 01:23:31,911 Check out others moving on 2229 01:23:31,945 --> 01:23:34,247 during Akbar's Gbajabia-Moments! 2230 01:23:34,280 --> 01:23:36,082 - All right, here we go! 2231 01:23:36,082 --> 01:23:38,118 The Dirtbike Ninja, Zach DiPaolo, 2232 01:23:38,151 --> 01:23:40,920 made some noise as he hit the start line. 2233 01:23:40,954 --> 01:23:43,223 DiPaulo flies high in front of thousands 2234 01:23:43,256 --> 01:23:44,691 at motocross shows, 2235 01:23:44,724 --> 01:23:46,426 but for the second year in a row, 2236 01:23:46,459 --> 01:23:49,763 he couldn't fly past the second obstacle. 2237 01:23:49,796 --> 01:23:52,098 - But at least he's used to crashing. 2238 01:23:52,132 --> 01:23:55,568 - NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire was cheering 2239 01:23:55,602 --> 01:23:58,772 for his financial adviser, James Bartholomew. 2240 01:23:58,805 --> 01:24:00,240 - Go hard, go strong. 2241 01:24:00,273 --> 01:24:02,876 - Bartholomew's a former basketball star himself, 2242 01:24:02,909 --> 01:24:06,146 but he shot an air ball on Carnival. 2243 01:24:06,179 --> 01:24:07,514 Game over. 2244 01:24:07,547 --> 01:24:10,050 And number one, Missouri dairy farmer 2245 01:24:10,083 --> 01:24:13,219 Caleb Dowden brought us milk straight from his own cow. 2246 01:24:13,253 --> 01:24:15,255 - That is fresh from the cow. 2247 01:24:15,288 --> 01:24:16,756 I can still hear it mooing. 2248 01:24:16,790 --> 01:24:18,324 - The milk was refreshing, 2249 01:24:18,358 --> 01:24:20,927 but Caleb's run got spoiled quick. 2250 01:24:20,960 --> 01:24:23,296 - Oh! 2251 01:24:23,329 --> 01:24:24,798 So that wraps up 2252 01:24:24,831 --> 01:24:26,232 an awesome first night of qualifying. 2253 01:24:26,266 --> 01:24:27,767 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, 2254 01:24:27,801 --> 01:24:29,169 I'm Matt Iseman. 2255 01:24:29,202 --> 01:24:32,639 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior"! 2256 01:24:35,342 --> 01:24:38,311 [dramatic music] 2257 01:24:38,345 --> 01:24:45,385 * *