1 00:00:06,206 --> 00:00:08,608 - Last week on "American Ninja Warrior"... 2 00:00:08,641 --> 00:00:10,010 - Oh, doing the Gritty! 3 00:00:10,043 --> 00:00:12,178 - We had a party for the ages. 4 00:00:12,212 --> 00:00:13,446 - * It's on * 5 00:00:13,480 --> 00:00:16,349 - We had 70 birthday candles... 6 00:00:16,383 --> 00:00:17,350 And he did it! 7 00:00:17,384 --> 00:00:18,752 Good lung power! 8 00:00:18,785 --> 00:00:20,387 Four Mega Walls... 9 00:00:20,420 --> 00:00:22,222 Oh! Whoa! - Oh! Yes! 10 00:00:22,255 --> 00:00:23,256 - Will you marry me? 11 00:00:23,289 --> 00:00:24,724 - Two marriage proposals... 12 00:00:24,758 --> 00:00:25,792 - You said yes? 13 00:00:25,825 --> 00:00:27,794 Oh, she said yes! 14 00:00:27,827 --> 00:00:30,797 - And the first teen girl to ever hit a buzzer. 15 00:00:30,830 --> 00:00:31,798 [buzzer blares] 16 00:00:31,831 --> 00:00:33,333 - Let's go! 17 00:00:33,366 --> 00:00:36,069 - And tonight, we're gonna run it back. 18 00:00:36,102 --> 00:00:37,237 We've got Olympians. 19 00:00:37,270 --> 00:00:38,905 - Whoo-hoo! - Hey! 20 00:00:38,938 --> 00:00:41,508 Beauty queens, 21 00:00:41,541 --> 00:00:43,276 world record holders... 22 00:00:43,309 --> 00:00:44,444 - Look at that! 23 00:00:44,477 --> 00:00:45,679 That's me! 24 00:00:45,712 --> 00:00:47,914 - And superheroes. 25 00:00:47,947 --> 00:00:48,915 - * Oh * 26 00:00:48,948 --> 00:00:49,916 - Buckle up... 27 00:00:49,949 --> 00:00:51,685 - * Oh * 28 00:00:51,718 --> 00:00:54,087 - And get your dancing shoes on 29 00:00:54,120 --> 00:00:55,922 'cause it's gonna be fire. 30 00:01:01,461 --> 00:01:04,130 We're back inside the massive Alamodome 31 00:01:04,164 --> 00:01:05,732 in San Antonio, 32 00:01:05,765 --> 00:01:07,734 where it's night two of qualifying 33 00:01:07,767 --> 00:01:10,303 on "American Ninja Warrior." 34 00:01:10,337 --> 00:01:11,671 Hello, everyone. I'm Matt Iseman. 35 00:01:11,705 --> 00:01:13,340 - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 36 00:01:13,373 --> 00:01:14,574 Matt, I've got a feeling 37 00:01:14,607 --> 00:01:17,243 it's gonna be another hot night in Texas. 38 00:01:17,277 --> 00:01:19,546 - We got some of our biggest stars, 39 00:01:19,579 --> 00:01:22,082 including stuntwoman Jessie Graff... 40 00:01:22,082 --> 00:01:23,683 Her fifth buzzer! 41 00:01:23,717 --> 00:01:27,821 Connecticut's lightning-fast weatherman, Joe Moravsky. 42 00:01:27,854 --> 00:01:30,256 What a run! 43 00:01:30,290 --> 00:01:31,391 Plus, the return 44 00:01:31,424 --> 00:01:32,692 of the Phoenix... - Aah! 45 00:01:32,726 --> 00:01:35,095 - Philadelphia's Najee Richardson... 46 00:01:35,095 --> 00:01:36,529 He's done it! 47 00:01:36,563 --> 00:01:39,099 And Super Mom Sandy Zimmerman. 48 00:01:39,099 --> 00:01:40,266 - Yes! 49 00:01:40,300 --> 00:01:42,535 - Soccer Mom! 50 00:01:42,569 --> 00:01:44,137 - Last week we had 12 finishers, 51 00:01:44,170 --> 00:01:46,473 including four who made it up the Mega Wall, 52 00:01:46,506 --> 00:01:48,508 but the ninjas tonight face new challenges. 53 00:01:48,541 --> 00:01:50,877 For more on that, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 54 00:01:50,910 --> 00:01:52,245 - Thanks, guys. 55 00:01:52,278 --> 00:01:55,115 Some of those crazy obstacles from last week are back, 56 00:01:55,115 --> 00:01:58,585 and we've even added another new one tonight. 57 00:01:58,618 --> 00:02:00,353 It's called Piston Plunge. 58 00:02:00,387 --> 00:02:03,056 Ninjas will have to jump from piston to piston 59 00:02:03,056 --> 00:02:05,358 and then grab the steering wheel at the end. 60 00:02:05,392 --> 00:02:07,060 - It drops! - Oh! 61 00:02:07,060 --> 00:02:10,163 - Then, it's the 14 1/2 foot Warped Wall 62 00:02:10,196 --> 00:02:11,498 to reach the buzzer, 63 00:02:11,531 --> 00:02:14,134 or they can try for the 18-foot Mega Wall 64 00:02:14,167 --> 00:02:15,969 for a chance at a cool 10 grand. 65 00:02:16,069 --> 00:02:17,303 Guys. 66 00:02:17,337 --> 00:02:19,506 - Well, we're gonna start things out strong, 67 00:02:19,539 --> 00:02:20,874 really strong. 68 00:02:20,907 --> 00:02:23,543 This is 38-year-old Ace Goodson. 69 00:02:23,576 --> 00:02:26,079 He works for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 70 00:02:26,112 --> 00:02:27,981 but don't let the smile fool you. 71 00:02:28,081 --> 00:02:29,716 He is a beast. 72 00:02:29,749 --> 00:02:31,217 - Aah! 73 00:02:31,251 --> 00:02:33,253 - Oh, look! Okay! 74 00:02:33,286 --> 00:02:34,988 - Dude is shredded. 75 00:02:35,088 --> 00:02:37,357 - I hope he doesn't tear a muscle out here. 76 00:02:37,390 --> 00:02:39,793 - I like that half red hair, too, Akbar. 77 00:02:39,826 --> 00:02:42,295 - His hair, his abs, and his chest... 78 00:02:42,328 --> 00:02:44,197 and his back and his triceps. 79 00:02:44,230 --> 00:02:45,198 Dang! 80 00:02:45,231 --> 00:02:47,133 - Aah! 81 00:02:47,167 --> 00:02:48,601 - Well, there are his wife and two kids 82 00:02:48,635 --> 00:02:51,271 watching back in Maryland. 83 00:02:51,304 --> 00:02:53,473 - Okay! And the pick in the hair. 84 00:02:53,506 --> 00:02:55,108 He's doing that one for the culture, man. 85 00:02:55,141 --> 00:02:56,943 I gotta give him props! 86 00:02:56,976 --> 00:03:00,246 - And this crowd is ready to get tonight going. 87 00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:03,116 [countdown clock beeping] 88 00:03:03,149 --> 00:03:04,884 Well, he is obviously fit 89 00:03:04,918 --> 00:03:07,354 but has not had a lot of Ninja training. 90 00:03:07,387 --> 00:03:09,689 - Uh-oh, uh-oh--okay. - Ace does it! 91 00:03:09,723 --> 00:03:11,391 Makes it through the Shrinking Steps. 92 00:03:11,424 --> 00:03:12,826 And the pick stays in. 93 00:03:12,859 --> 00:03:14,294 [cheers and applause] 94 00:03:14,327 --> 00:03:16,763 Now it's the second obstacle, Overpass. 95 00:03:16,796 --> 00:03:19,232 That bar above him will start to roll. 96 00:03:19,265 --> 00:03:20,967 He has to grab it as it slides by. 97 00:03:21,067 --> 00:03:22,335 And he's got plenty of time. 98 00:03:22,369 --> 00:03:23,636 Will he make it on the Overpass? 99 00:03:23,670 --> 00:03:24,904 No. - Oh, boy. 100 00:03:24,938 --> 00:03:26,806 That's a 9-foot lache now, Matt. 101 00:03:26,840 --> 00:03:28,408 - Didn't even attempt it. 102 00:03:28,441 --> 00:03:29,743 Now he's got to fly. 103 00:03:29,776 --> 00:03:31,411 - Come on. You got the muscles. 104 00:03:31,444 --> 00:03:32,645 - Gotta go big! 105 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:36,416 Ooh! Had to reach for that one! 106 00:03:36,449 --> 00:03:38,585 Well, this guy is a Renaissance man. 107 00:03:38,618 --> 00:03:39,986 A dancer, a poet. 108 00:03:40,086 --> 00:03:41,988 Runs a non-profit called M.A.N.U.P. 109 00:03:42,088 --> 00:03:44,090 that helps kids in the D.C. area, 110 00:03:44,090 --> 00:03:45,658 and he looks good doing all of it. 111 00:03:45,692 --> 00:03:48,528 - He's trying to muscle his way through the Overpass. 112 00:03:48,561 --> 00:03:51,331 - And he's through the first two obstacles. 113 00:03:51,364 --> 00:03:53,299 Now facing Split Decision, 114 00:03:53,333 --> 00:03:55,335 the choice between balance obstacles: 115 00:03:55,368 --> 00:03:56,936 the new one, Serpent, on the right, 116 00:03:56,970 --> 00:03:58,571 or Domino Effect on the left. 117 00:03:58,605 --> 00:04:00,273 - Oh, he's dancing through. 118 00:04:00,306 --> 00:04:01,775 He's got the little flavor going on. 119 00:04:01,808 --> 00:04:03,109 - Where's he going? He's going with the dominoes? 120 00:04:03,143 --> 00:04:04,844 No, he's going with the Serpent. 121 00:04:04,878 --> 00:04:06,146 - Oh, he's playing with us now. 122 00:04:06,179 --> 00:04:07,213 - No, he's going with the dominoes, 123 00:04:07,247 --> 00:04:09,449 What's he doing? Let's see. 124 00:04:09,482 --> 00:04:12,085 Can he dance his way through the Domino Effect? 125 00:04:12,118 --> 00:04:15,121 - All I got to say is, keep that pick in the hair. 126 00:04:15,155 --> 00:04:17,057 - See if those dancing skills keep him balanced. 127 00:04:17,057 --> 00:04:18,358 - Nice, nice. Stay on top! Stay on top! 128 00:04:18,391 --> 00:04:19,659 - Oh! - Oh, my goodness! 129 00:04:19,693 --> 00:04:22,228 He got body-slammed! all: No! 130 00:04:22,262 --> 00:04:24,931 - Flipped out on Domino Effect. 131 00:04:24,964 --> 00:04:27,067 - Oh, where's the pick? Where's the pick? 132 00:04:27,067 --> 00:04:28,935 He better find that pick! 133 00:04:28,968 --> 00:04:31,538 - That was my favorite part of his run. 134 00:04:31,571 --> 00:04:33,340 The pick stayed in his hair. 135 00:04:33,373 --> 00:04:36,242 It survived that 9-foot leap on Overpass 136 00:04:36,276 --> 00:04:38,111 and was there until the end 137 00:04:38,144 --> 00:04:40,447 when he tripped on that last domino. 138 00:04:42,349 --> 00:04:43,983 - Uh-oh, and there's the pick. 139 00:04:44,084 --> 00:04:45,885 Hey, Matt, get that pick. I need that pick. 140 00:04:45,919 --> 00:04:47,253 - Fortunately, that pick floats, Akbar. 141 00:04:47,287 --> 00:04:48,621 - Yes, it does. - And I think 142 00:04:48,655 --> 00:04:50,857 it would work great for you, maybe for your goatee. 143 00:04:50,890 --> 00:04:52,726 - [laughs] 144 00:04:52,759 --> 00:04:55,295 - Well, up next is another competitor from Maryland 145 00:04:55,328 --> 00:04:56,963 who's also a rookie. 146 00:04:56,996 --> 00:04:58,832 This is Ryan Hermstein. 147 00:04:58,865 --> 00:05:00,300 He's a software engineer 148 00:05:00,333 --> 00:05:01,935 with two degrees from Stanford. 149 00:05:02,035 --> 00:05:03,737 And, yes, he's a nerd. 150 00:05:03,770 --> 00:05:05,705 - Ah, look at that. The shirt's coming off! 151 00:05:05,739 --> 00:05:07,807 What is it with these Maryland guys? 152 00:05:07,841 --> 00:05:09,743 - Well, he may be a nerd, but he is ripped. 153 00:05:09,776 --> 00:05:12,812 This is definitely not your typical techie. 154 00:05:12,846 --> 00:05:14,047 - Hi. I'm a software engineer. 155 00:05:14,047 --> 00:05:15,782 I write code all day. 156 00:05:15,815 --> 00:05:17,851 Coding comes very naturally to me. 157 00:05:17,884 --> 00:05:19,719 I can just see it all in my head. 158 00:05:19,753 --> 00:05:21,454 I know what I want to accomplish, 159 00:05:21,488 --> 00:05:23,890 and it just--it's almost like writing a book. 160 00:05:23,923 --> 00:05:25,959 I would identify myself as a nerd. 161 00:05:26,059 --> 00:05:29,729 I'm really into video games, math, engineering. 162 00:05:29,763 --> 00:05:32,966 When I started high school, I was such a scrawny kid. 163 00:05:33,066 --> 00:05:36,336 I was under 5 feet, maybe around 100 pounds, but... 164 00:05:36,369 --> 00:05:38,738 [quirky music] 165 00:05:38,772 --> 00:05:40,240 I put on some muscle, 166 00:05:40,273 --> 00:05:42,108 and I'm ready for "American Ninja Warrior." 167 00:05:42,142 --> 00:05:44,244 * * 168 00:05:44,277 --> 00:05:45,779 I'm here to break stereotypes. 169 00:05:45,812 --> 00:05:47,847 Nerds can be cool, nerds can be athletic, 170 00:05:47,881 --> 00:05:49,716 and I'm aiming for that buzzer. 171 00:05:52,385 --> 00:05:53,787 It's revenge of the nerds tonight. 172 00:05:57,390 --> 00:06:00,026 So happy to be here! Ay! 173 00:06:00,026 --> 00:06:02,195 - Ryan's got friends, including his girlfriend, 174 00:06:02,228 --> 00:06:04,064 watching from D.C. 175 00:06:04,097 --> 00:06:06,199 Some of them are also self-proclaimed nerds. 176 00:06:06,232 --> 00:06:07,867 - Let's go! 177 00:06:07,901 --> 00:06:11,137 [countdown clock beeping] 178 00:06:11,171 --> 00:06:12,172 - This guy has endurance. 179 00:06:12,205 --> 00:06:14,074 He's completed two marathons 180 00:06:14,107 --> 00:06:16,242 and has been rocking climbing for a couple years. 181 00:06:16,276 --> 00:06:19,145 [cheers and applause] - Let's go, Ryan! 182 00:06:19,179 --> 00:06:21,247 - There are his parents down on the sideline. 183 00:06:21,281 --> 00:06:23,049 Now the software engineer has to try 184 00:06:23,083 --> 00:06:26,052 to calculate the trajectory of the bar on Overpass. 185 00:06:26,086 --> 00:06:27,620 - That's a lot of scientific talk. 186 00:06:27,654 --> 00:06:28,788 You just got to have the mu-- 187 00:06:28,822 --> 00:06:30,223 oh, he's going backwards to get it. 188 00:06:30,256 --> 00:06:32,225 Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa! Extra movement. 189 00:06:32,258 --> 00:06:34,060 - But the timing was off. 190 00:06:34,060 --> 00:06:35,362 He let the bar go 191 00:06:35,395 --> 00:06:37,497 and now has to make this big 9-foot swing. 192 00:06:37,530 --> 00:06:38,798 - According to his calculation, 193 00:06:38,832 --> 00:06:40,700 he couldn't make it, but he got it. 194 00:06:40,734 --> 00:06:41,868 - And he is pumped! 195 00:06:41,901 --> 00:06:43,103 - Okay, save your energy. 196 00:06:43,136 --> 00:06:45,071 I know you got a lot of stamina 197 00:06:45,071 --> 00:06:47,474 from running all them marathons... 198 00:06:47,507 --> 00:06:50,143 Matt, he's doing a lot of swinging right now. 199 00:06:50,176 --> 00:06:52,078 - He is, and you can see that handle does have 200 00:06:52,078 --> 00:06:53,747 some play in it that steals momentum, 201 00:06:53,780 --> 00:06:55,648 but Hermstein's got it. 202 00:06:55,682 --> 00:06:57,083 You can see that 2-inch ledge. 203 00:06:57,083 --> 00:07:00,787 Gotta kip it up and over and then roll it down. 204 00:07:00,820 --> 00:07:02,055 - Oh! 205 00:07:02,088 --> 00:07:04,024 Oh, bro almost fell backwards. 206 00:07:06,059 --> 00:07:08,128 - And there it is. His folks are going nuts. 207 00:07:08,161 --> 00:07:10,897 They're so proud of him, and why wouldn't they be? 208 00:07:10,930 --> 00:07:13,066 Now facing Split Decision, 209 00:07:13,099 --> 00:07:15,669 and he's gonna go over and ask his mom for advice. 210 00:07:15,702 --> 00:07:17,537 - Which one, Mom? 211 00:07:17,570 --> 00:07:19,239 - Serpent! Serpent! 212 00:07:19,272 --> 00:07:22,075 - Mom knows best. I'll go with Serpent. 213 00:07:22,108 --> 00:07:24,678 - Well, sometimes, the son has to make his own choices, 214 00:07:24,711 --> 00:07:26,613 and he's going with Serpent. 215 00:07:26,646 --> 00:07:29,449 Last week, four of the six ninjas who tried it fell. 216 00:07:29,482 --> 00:07:32,619 - Uh-oh, Matt. He's already tripping up. 217 00:07:32,652 --> 00:07:34,487 Go. Stay on top. 218 00:07:34,521 --> 00:07:36,923 - No! Oh, what a save! - Oh! Oh, my goodness! 219 00:07:36,956 --> 00:07:40,060 Now, that's the advantage of being 135! 220 00:07:40,093 --> 00:07:41,961 He pulled himself up easily. 221 00:07:42,062 --> 00:07:45,832 [cheers and applause] 222 00:07:45,865 --> 00:07:47,100 - Now he'll give us 223 00:07:47,133 --> 00:07:49,202 our first look tonight at Carnival. 224 00:07:49,235 --> 00:07:51,604 Has to use those rings to control that ball 225 00:07:51,638 --> 00:07:54,307 and roll into one of the three chutes. 226 00:07:54,341 --> 00:07:58,078 Ball placement determines what handle you will be grabbing. 227 00:07:58,078 --> 00:08:00,480 Let's see the approach here on the tilting tube. 228 00:08:02,882 --> 00:08:05,118 It looks like he's going for slot one 229 00:08:05,151 --> 00:08:06,820 to get the easiest handle. 230 00:08:06,853 --> 00:08:09,556 Burning up some of his strength hanging up there. 231 00:08:11,224 --> 00:08:14,461 - But he got it! - And look at his excitement. 232 00:08:14,494 --> 00:08:17,130 - He on the rings turning up. He's not done yet. 233 00:08:20,533 --> 00:08:22,836 - Oh, still has to swing over to the T-bar. 234 00:08:27,340 --> 00:08:29,576 - All right, here we go. Get that T-bar. Nice! 235 00:08:29,609 --> 00:08:31,511 - Now just needs to dismount, 236 00:08:31,544 --> 00:08:33,813 but those arms have to be tired. 237 00:08:36,616 --> 00:08:38,718 - Oh! Wow! - Oh, no! 238 00:08:38,752 --> 00:08:40,053 He got thrown! - He went a little too high! 239 00:08:40,053 --> 00:08:43,156 - Hit his hand on the dismount. 240 00:08:43,189 --> 00:08:45,425 That was a high wire act there. 241 00:08:45,458 --> 00:08:48,695 The big top not big enough to contain Ryan Hermstein. 242 00:08:48,728 --> 00:08:50,530 - Take a look at this, Matt. 243 00:08:50,563 --> 00:08:52,332 He threw his body all the way up. 244 00:08:52,365 --> 00:08:53,900 And look at that arm! Boom! 245 00:08:53,933 --> 00:08:56,069 Just hit it. It almost threw him off! 246 00:08:56,069 --> 00:09:00,073 - Incredible save there, Akbar! 247 00:09:00,106 --> 00:09:02,876 Overpass and Carnival ate up a lot of grip strength. 248 00:09:02,909 --> 00:09:05,512 Will he have anything for this new obstacle, 249 00:09:05,545 --> 00:09:08,181 the Piston Plunge? 250 00:09:08,214 --> 00:09:10,750 He has to fling himself from piston to piston, 251 00:09:10,784 --> 00:09:12,552 hanging by his fingertips. 252 00:09:14,487 --> 00:09:16,423 It's like the pistons in an engine, 253 00:09:16,456 --> 00:09:18,425 and he'll have a drop here, almost a foot, 254 00:09:18,458 --> 00:09:20,527 when he catches that. 255 00:09:20,560 --> 00:09:22,595 - Nice! Matt, I can't believe 256 00:09:22,629 --> 00:09:25,031 this skinny nerd is tearing up this course. 257 00:09:25,065 --> 00:09:27,567 - But this obstacle is tough, and he is struggling. 258 00:09:27,600 --> 00:09:28,935 - Uh-oh, uh-oh. Come on. 259 00:09:29,035 --> 00:09:30,437 Fight through it now. Fight through it. 260 00:09:30,470 --> 00:09:32,172 This is when it counts, right here, 261 00:09:32,205 --> 00:09:33,840 when you're tired, when you're fatigued. 262 00:09:33,873 --> 00:09:36,076 - Oh! - Oh, he had nothing left. 263 00:09:36,109 --> 00:09:38,278 - Well, you always say it. It catches up to you. 264 00:09:38,311 --> 00:09:39,813 - Yep, when it catches up to you... 265 00:09:39,846 --> 00:09:42,282 - And it just caught up with Ryan Hermstein. 266 00:09:44,617 --> 00:09:46,686 - This nerd was not about to get bullied 267 00:09:46,720 --> 00:09:48,054 by this course. 268 00:09:48,054 --> 00:09:50,290 Ryan had some close calls, but looked like 269 00:09:50,323 --> 00:09:52,659 he was having the time of his life out there 270 00:09:52,692 --> 00:09:55,595 until he ran out of gas on Piston Plunge. 271 00:09:57,197 --> 00:10:00,533 - Ryan, that was quite the rookie run, man. 272 00:10:00,567 --> 00:10:02,002 I got to know, what message do you have 273 00:10:02,035 --> 00:10:04,137 for the nerds out there, because you rep it proud? 274 00:10:04,170 --> 00:10:05,572 You want to know that athleticism 275 00:10:05,605 --> 00:10:06,973 and nerds can coexist. 276 00:10:07,007 --> 00:10:08,675 I'm all about it. I love a nerd. 277 00:10:08,708 --> 00:10:09,709 I was one growing up. 278 00:10:09,743 --> 00:10:11,344 Talk to us. - Yeah, me too. 279 00:10:11,378 --> 00:10:13,380 Honestly, I think nowadays, nerds are cool. 280 00:10:13,413 --> 00:10:15,382 Not gonna lie. - I love it. I love it. 281 00:10:15,415 --> 00:10:17,817 Well, your peers have been here cheering you on the entire way. 282 00:10:17,851 --> 00:10:19,352 Mom, Dad, get in here. 283 00:10:19,386 --> 00:10:22,255 Let's hug Ryan, show him some love. 284 00:10:22,288 --> 00:10:24,824 Congratulations. That was quite a run, Ryan. 285 00:10:28,094 --> 00:10:30,730 - We're off to a flying start. 286 00:10:30,764 --> 00:10:32,298 - Whoa! - Hey, Quinn! 287 00:10:32,332 --> 00:10:35,769 And tonight, we'll see some of our best young stars 288 00:10:35,802 --> 00:10:38,038 and a few of our old friends. 289 00:10:38,071 --> 00:10:39,239 - Mom! 290 00:10:39,272 --> 00:10:41,574 Soccer Mom! 291 00:10:41,608 --> 00:10:43,843 - Plus, a world champion boxer 292 00:10:43,877 --> 00:10:46,312 ready to go the distance, 293 00:10:46,346 --> 00:10:49,115 and a pageant queen looking for a new crown. 294 00:10:49,149 --> 00:10:51,117 - Trying to be Miss Ninja tonight. 295 00:10:51,151 --> 00:10:53,053 - You never know what might happen... 296 00:10:53,086 --> 00:10:55,155 - Cannonball! Boom! 297 00:10:55,188 --> 00:10:56,589 - Oh! - Ooh! 298 00:10:56,623 --> 00:10:58,792 - Clean up on aisle one. 299 00:10:58,825 --> 00:11:00,960 On "American Ninja Warrior." 300 00:11:05,331 --> 00:11:07,200 - Welcome back to the Alamodome. 301 00:11:07,233 --> 00:11:08,435 While we were away... 302 00:11:08,468 --> 00:11:10,170 - What's up, ladies and gentlemen? 303 00:11:10,203 --> 00:11:12,472 Are you ready for some Ninja? 304 00:11:12,505 --> 00:11:14,307 [cheers and applause] 305 00:11:14,341 --> 00:11:17,243 - Mary Leighton's a budding broadcaster, 306 00:11:17,277 --> 00:11:20,480 and she calls the action at local Ninja competitions. 307 00:11:20,513 --> 00:11:22,415 - What an exciting run! 308 00:11:22,449 --> 00:11:25,585 - And this is how she'd call her run tonight. 309 00:11:25,618 --> 00:11:27,220 - All right, looking pretty confident 310 00:11:27,253 --> 00:11:30,357 through the Shrinking Steps, grabbing onto that rope. 311 00:11:30,390 --> 00:11:34,627 Now this next obstacle, is gonna be some big laches. 312 00:11:34,661 --> 00:11:35,829 [air horn blares] Ooh! 313 00:11:35,862 --> 00:11:37,330 Ow, and that was definitely 314 00:11:37,364 --> 00:11:39,933 not the end to the run that Mary Leighton wanted. 315 00:11:39,966 --> 00:11:42,202 Matt and Akbar, back to you. 316 00:11:42,235 --> 00:11:44,571 - Thanks, Mary. I'll take it from here. 317 00:11:44,604 --> 00:11:47,007 Up next, it was Bryan "Muscle" Mendez, 318 00:11:47,107 --> 00:11:49,309 celebrating his college graduation 319 00:11:49,342 --> 00:11:50,977 and his Salvadoran heritage. 320 00:11:51,011 --> 00:11:52,512 - Let's get it! - Let's go! 321 00:11:52,545 --> 00:11:54,781 - At Split Decision, the future accountant 322 00:11:54,814 --> 00:11:57,484 weighed the odds and went with the Serpent... 323 00:11:57,517 --> 00:11:59,552 - Ooh! 324 00:11:59,586 --> 00:12:02,222 - But it didn't go as planned. 325 00:12:02,255 --> 00:12:05,592 - Wow, knocked his glasses right off his nose! 326 00:12:07,427 --> 00:12:10,063 - Well, our next athlete will get this crowd jumping. 327 00:12:10,096 --> 00:12:13,133 This is Robert Moffitt. - Oh, look at that. 328 00:12:13,166 --> 00:12:14,567 He's got them MC Hammer pants on. 329 00:12:14,601 --> 00:12:15,969 He about to put on a show. 330 00:12:16,069 --> 00:12:18,071 - He and his wife run an Italian restaurant 331 00:12:18,104 --> 00:12:20,640 in Vermont, and he brought us some of his best. 332 00:12:20,674 --> 00:12:22,709 - Yeah, I got a-- - That's a cheesesteak. 333 00:12:22,742 --> 00:12:24,811 Cheesesteak. What you got? You got an eggplant parm? 334 00:12:24,844 --> 00:12:26,913 - I've got the eggplant parmesan 335 00:12:26,946 --> 00:12:28,648 with some-- with some pasta here. 336 00:12:28,682 --> 00:12:29,749 - Oh. 337 00:12:29,783 --> 00:12:31,384 Well, this is delicious, 338 00:12:31,418 --> 00:12:33,953 and Moffit takes great pride in his food. 339 00:12:35,355 --> 00:12:36,723 - What's up, hungry people? 340 00:12:36,756 --> 00:12:39,259 it's the lovely, wonderful, beautiful Mama Tamara. 341 00:12:39,292 --> 00:12:41,127 My wife, Tamara, is from Italy. 342 00:12:41,161 --> 00:12:43,096 I'm originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 343 00:12:43,129 --> 00:12:45,899 and we make the best food anywhere in America. 344 00:12:45,932 --> 00:12:47,667 If you want authentic Italian food 345 00:12:47,701 --> 00:12:49,102 or if you want that taste of Philadelphia, 346 00:12:49,102 --> 00:12:50,270 you can come and see us. 347 00:12:50,303 --> 00:12:51,638 We do have the cheesesteaks today. 348 00:12:51,671 --> 00:12:53,340 We should have that going forward. 349 00:12:53,373 --> 00:12:54,841 The secret to my cheesesteaks: 350 00:12:54,874 --> 00:12:57,777 black pepper, fried onions, and Amoroso rolls. 351 00:12:57,811 --> 00:13:00,380 That's one of my workouts to get my forearms strong, 352 00:13:00,413 --> 00:13:02,248 just chopping up those cheesesteaks. 353 00:13:02,282 --> 00:13:03,783 [meat sizzling] 354 00:13:03,817 --> 00:13:05,652 Bring your appetite, and we'll see you soon. 355 00:13:05,685 --> 00:13:07,487 I like to give people quality food. 356 00:13:07,520 --> 00:13:10,123 It gives me satisfaction similar to being on "Ninja." 357 00:13:10,156 --> 00:13:12,559 [upbeat music] 358 00:13:12,592 --> 00:13:14,094 Ninja saved my life. 359 00:13:14,127 --> 00:13:16,830 I've lost 70 pounds since doing Ninja. 360 00:13:16,863 --> 00:13:20,066 When I hit that buzzer, it's gonna be very meaningful 361 00:13:20,066 --> 00:13:21,735 for my family, for myself. 362 00:13:21,768 --> 00:13:22,802 I know it is. 363 00:13:24,604 --> 00:13:26,439 - And there are the family and coworkers 364 00:13:26,473 --> 00:13:29,476 watching from the restaurant. 365 00:13:29,509 --> 00:13:32,078 And he's getting emotional just seeing them. 366 00:13:32,112 --> 00:13:34,381 You can tell how much family means a lot to him. 367 00:13:34,414 --> 00:13:38,084 [cheers and applause] 368 00:13:38,084 --> 00:13:40,353 - Time to wipe away the tears and get ready for this run. 369 00:13:40,387 --> 00:13:43,289 [countdown clock beeping] 370 00:13:43,323 --> 00:13:44,357 - His family's tight. 371 00:13:44,391 --> 00:13:45,925 He and his wife have three kids 372 00:13:45,959 --> 00:13:48,695 and live in a cabin in the Vermont woods, 373 00:13:48,728 --> 00:13:50,997 and he's got a big bunch of Northeast ninjas 374 00:13:51,097 --> 00:13:53,433 showing him love down on the sideline. 375 00:13:53,466 --> 00:13:55,168 - Yeah, he says he gets a lot of his workouts 376 00:13:55,201 --> 00:13:57,103 by chopping wood for the cabin. 377 00:13:58,872 --> 00:14:02,208 - And again, ninjas continue to pass 378 00:14:02,242 --> 00:14:05,478 on that quick transition on Overpass. 379 00:14:05,512 --> 00:14:06,846 9-foot lache. - Oh, Matt. 380 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:09,082 You see an early grimace right there 381 00:14:09,115 --> 00:14:11,851 in them MC Hammer pants. 382 00:14:11,885 --> 00:14:13,186 - The parachute pants, 383 00:14:13,219 --> 00:14:15,055 he doesn't want to have to use them, Akbar. 384 00:14:15,088 --> 00:14:17,257 - No, he doesn't, man. 385 00:14:17,290 --> 00:14:18,692 Nice. Nice control. 386 00:14:20,727 --> 00:14:22,195 - Gets through it. 387 00:14:22,228 --> 00:14:24,497 - Let's go! - Yes! 388 00:14:24,531 --> 00:14:26,332 - And again, showing love to the family 389 00:14:26,366 --> 00:14:28,535 back at the restaurant. 390 00:14:28,568 --> 00:14:30,770 - But he's got no love for the Serpent. 391 00:14:30,804 --> 00:14:32,739 He says, "I don't want none of that." 392 00:14:32,772 --> 00:14:34,374 He's taking dominoes. 393 00:14:34,407 --> 00:14:35,842 Look at that. - Oh, right there. 394 00:14:35,875 --> 00:14:37,844 - There we go! - There you go. 395 00:14:37,877 --> 00:14:39,913 - Oh, boy, Matt, I'ma tell you this right now. 396 00:14:39,946 --> 00:14:43,083 With them Hammer pants, he is too legit to quit! 397 00:14:46,553 --> 00:14:48,154 - And he's stopping to catch his breath 398 00:14:48,188 --> 00:14:49,589 before Carnival. 399 00:14:49,622 --> 00:14:52,258 Went out on the fourth obstacle two years ago. 400 00:14:52,292 --> 00:14:55,228 Just wants to make sure he's ready for this. 401 00:14:55,261 --> 00:14:57,397 5'10", 165. 402 00:14:57,430 --> 00:14:58,832 Hoping he doesn't have a cheesesteak 403 00:14:58,865 --> 00:15:00,433 in his belly on this one. - I'm not gonna lie, 404 00:15:00,467 --> 00:15:02,836 Moffit looks like he belongs at a carnival. 405 00:15:02,869 --> 00:15:05,338 Let's see if he can play like he's at the carnival. 406 00:15:05,372 --> 00:15:08,408 All right. Gotta control this tube, the tilting tube. 407 00:15:08,441 --> 00:15:10,610 Matt, he's tilting back and forth. 408 00:15:10,643 --> 00:15:12,345 - Well, I think it's because they were too wide. 409 00:15:12,379 --> 00:15:14,514 Couldn't control it. Can he flip it up? 410 00:15:14,547 --> 00:15:17,517 - Uh-uh. Oh! Aah! - Well, Akbar-- 411 00:15:17,550 --> 00:15:20,086 - He's trying to squeeze it in, and it falls on three! 412 00:15:20,120 --> 00:15:22,856 - And even worse, he hung there for a long time. 413 00:15:22,889 --> 00:15:24,457 Those forearms are gonna be gassed 414 00:15:24,491 --> 00:15:25,892 as he goes for that spike. 415 00:15:25,925 --> 00:15:27,727 - Oh, boy. He's gotta go for it. 416 00:15:27,761 --> 00:15:29,062 Can he touch it? 417 00:15:29,095 --> 00:15:30,930 Oh, he can't touch it. - Oh. 418 00:15:30,964 --> 00:15:32,732 - He can't touch it. 419 00:15:32,766 --> 00:15:34,134 - Definitely entertaining, 420 00:15:34,167 --> 00:15:37,070 but Robert Moffit, our first casualty tonight 421 00:15:37,070 --> 00:15:38,905 on Carnival. 422 00:15:38,938 --> 00:15:42,475 On Carnival, he actually got both hands on the spike, 423 00:15:42,509 --> 00:15:44,778 but his left hand just slides off, 424 00:15:44,811 --> 00:15:48,415 and Hammer Pants ends up wet. 425 00:15:48,448 --> 00:15:49,916 Well, our next competitor 426 00:15:49,949 --> 00:15:52,085 is the only one wearing a crown tonight. 427 00:15:52,085 --> 00:15:53,820 In her sash and tiara, 428 00:15:53,853 --> 00:15:56,322 this is the former Miss Massachusetts, 429 00:15:56,356 --> 00:15:57,891 Lyndsey Littlefield. 430 00:15:57,924 --> 00:16:00,493 The pageant queen is now a science teacher, 431 00:16:00,527 --> 00:16:02,762 and her Ninja skills help her in both. 432 00:16:04,831 --> 00:16:06,266 - When I first began competing 433 00:16:06,299 --> 00:16:07,734 in the Miss America organization, 434 00:16:07,767 --> 00:16:09,135 I truly did not know 435 00:16:09,169 --> 00:16:10,804 that I would become Miss Massachusetts. 436 00:16:10,837 --> 00:16:12,706 - Miss Massachusetts! 437 00:16:12,739 --> 00:16:14,407 [cheers and applause] 438 00:16:14,441 --> 00:16:18,178 - The Miss America competition was a experience. 439 00:16:18,211 --> 00:16:21,081 You're waking up at 4:00 a.m. You have fake eyelashes on. 440 00:16:21,114 --> 00:16:24,150 I'm running on zero sleep. There is glitter everywhere. 441 00:16:24,184 --> 00:16:25,719 It's exciting, it's fun, 442 00:16:25,752 --> 00:16:28,388 but it's also extremely chaotic. 443 00:16:28,421 --> 00:16:30,457 There was a swimsuit portion of the competition, 444 00:16:30,490 --> 00:16:34,894 and I was so uncomfortable being in a swimsuit on stage. 445 00:16:34,928 --> 00:16:36,963 So while I was looking to get physically fit 446 00:16:37,063 --> 00:16:40,367 and gain that confidence, I stumbled upon a Ninja gym, 447 00:16:40,400 --> 00:16:43,370 and my Ninja skills are what helped me 448 00:16:43,403 --> 00:16:46,072 win the Miss Massachusetts title. 449 00:16:46,072 --> 00:16:48,074 From here, you can actually see your small intestine 450 00:16:48,108 --> 00:16:49,542 and your large intestine. 451 00:16:49,576 --> 00:16:50,910 Now I'm a high school teacher, 452 00:16:50,944 --> 00:16:53,079 and I teach biology and zoology. 453 00:16:53,079 --> 00:16:54,714 So right now, we're at Warped Wall. 454 00:16:54,748 --> 00:16:56,449 Pick an animal and tell me why 455 00:16:56,483 --> 00:16:58,385 that would be a good animal for this obstacle. 456 00:16:58,418 --> 00:17:00,420 - A tree frog because they can stick to it. 457 00:17:00,453 --> 00:17:03,590 - Right, it has those nice, sticky pads on their fingers. 458 00:17:03,623 --> 00:17:05,492 The kids at my school are amazing. 459 00:17:05,525 --> 00:17:07,560 I don't know how sturdy that Warped Wall would be 460 00:17:07,594 --> 00:17:09,462 with a rhino. 461 00:17:09,496 --> 00:17:11,264 And I'm so excited they get to witness this 462 00:17:11,297 --> 00:17:13,133 because I think it just shows that you don't need 463 00:17:13,166 --> 00:17:15,468 to be defined by just one career. 464 00:17:15,502 --> 00:17:16,770 You can do it all. 465 00:17:21,574 --> 00:17:23,610 - And there are her students watching 466 00:17:23,643 --> 00:17:26,046 from back in Massachusetts, 467 00:17:26,046 --> 00:17:28,214 plus some very special guests-- 468 00:17:28,248 --> 00:17:30,417 three former Miss America contestants 469 00:17:30,450 --> 00:17:32,052 who competed with Lyndsey: 470 00:17:32,052 --> 00:17:35,422 Miss Maine, Miss New Jersey, and Miss Rhode Island. 471 00:17:35,455 --> 00:17:36,856 - Aw, she out there flexing for 'em. 472 00:17:36,890 --> 00:17:40,427 [countdown clock beeping] 473 00:17:40,460 --> 00:17:42,062 - She held the Miss Massachusetts title 474 00:17:42,062 --> 00:17:44,698 from 2019 to 2021. 475 00:17:44,731 --> 00:17:47,934 And she's through the first obstacle. 476 00:17:47,967 --> 00:17:51,071 The scholarship money she won paid for her college tuition. 477 00:17:52,605 --> 00:17:54,641 - She's still got that pageant wave. 478 00:17:54,674 --> 00:17:56,142 I love Lyndsey Littlefield. 479 00:17:56,176 --> 00:17:57,477 - Those students have to think 480 00:17:57,510 --> 00:18:00,213 they've got the coolest teacher. 481 00:18:00,246 --> 00:18:02,515 Her talent in the Miss America contest was dance, 482 00:18:02,549 --> 00:18:05,485 and she's gonna need some moves to get across Overpass. 483 00:18:05,518 --> 00:18:07,887 - Aah! - Lets the bar go by. 484 00:18:07,921 --> 00:18:10,023 Not a ton of Ninja training. 485 00:18:10,023 --> 00:18:13,393 She's leaving herself a very long lache, Akbar. 486 00:18:13,426 --> 00:18:15,095 9 feet. 487 00:18:15,128 --> 00:18:17,030 - She's 5'5"! 488 00:18:17,030 --> 00:18:19,199 She's gonna have to generate enough power! 489 00:18:19,232 --> 00:18:21,634 - Oh! 490 00:18:21,668 --> 00:18:23,603 Well, she was a ton of fun. 491 00:18:23,636 --> 00:18:26,239 You gotta love her energy, but we're unfortunately 492 00:18:26,272 --> 00:18:29,743 gonna have to wave goodbye to Lyndsey Littlefield. 493 00:18:29,776 --> 00:18:31,144 - Let me see your pageant wave. 494 00:18:31,177 --> 00:18:33,313 You're a little--you're a little stiff in the wrist. 495 00:18:33,346 --> 00:18:35,048 A little stiff in the wrist. Just... 496 00:18:36,916 --> 00:18:39,386 - Coming up, gymnast MyKayla Skinner's 497 00:18:39,419 --> 00:18:40,954 got an Olympic medal. 498 00:18:41,054 --> 00:18:43,390 Now her husband gets his chance for glory 499 00:18:43,423 --> 00:18:44,891 on our course. 500 00:18:44,924 --> 00:18:48,094 Plus, she's one of the greatest ninjas of all time. 501 00:18:48,128 --> 00:18:49,396 - She's done it! 502 00:18:49,429 --> 00:18:51,531 - After some devastating injuries, 503 00:18:51,564 --> 00:18:54,501 tonight, Jessie Graff makes her return. 504 00:18:54,534 --> 00:18:57,337 Coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 505 00:19:01,708 --> 00:19:05,512 - The party's just getting started here in San Antonio. 506 00:19:05,545 --> 00:19:07,514 Local bartender Josh Giles 507 00:19:07,547 --> 00:19:09,616 served up the drinks before his run. 508 00:19:09,649 --> 00:19:12,085 - Got the margarita machine out, Matt! 509 00:19:12,118 --> 00:19:14,387 - The 33-year-old rookie works right up the street 510 00:19:14,421 --> 00:19:16,022 from the Alamodome. 511 00:19:16,022 --> 00:19:17,791 - Turn up on the turnup with these. 512 00:19:17,824 --> 00:19:20,026 - And while his margaritas were strong, 513 00:19:20,060 --> 00:19:22,262 his moves on Overpass were not. 514 00:19:22,295 --> 00:19:25,231 Ooh, last call came early. 515 00:19:25,265 --> 00:19:27,934 Fire-twirling carpenter Zac Palazzo 516 00:19:28,034 --> 00:19:29,469 really got the crowd lit up. 517 00:19:29,502 --> 00:19:31,037 - Look at that grand entrance. 518 00:19:31,037 --> 00:19:33,373 - The two-time "Ninja" veteran from Connecticut 519 00:19:33,406 --> 00:19:35,342 was especially impressive 520 00:19:35,375 --> 00:19:37,777 to his seven-year-old daughter, Skylyn. 521 00:19:37,811 --> 00:19:39,779 And though he took a disappointing fall 522 00:19:39,813 --> 00:19:40,914 on Domino Effect... 523 00:19:40,947 --> 00:19:42,549 - No! 524 00:19:42,582 --> 00:19:44,884 - His daughter was there to comfort him. 525 00:19:44,918 --> 00:19:48,421 - Aw, don't get your little girl wet. 526 00:19:48,455 --> 00:19:51,391 - Massachusetts teenager Sophia Lavallee 527 00:19:51,424 --> 00:19:54,327 made it to the semifinals last season, 528 00:19:54,361 --> 00:19:56,863 and she came out gunning for a buzzer tonight. 529 00:19:56,896 --> 00:19:59,065 - Matt, she's going straight for it. 530 00:19:59,099 --> 00:20:00,367 - The blue-haired 17-year-old 531 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:02,235 blew through the early obstacles 532 00:20:02,268 --> 00:20:04,504 and made a great save on Carnival... 533 00:20:04,537 --> 00:20:07,574 - Oh, almost slipped, Matt, but she got up high! 534 00:20:07,607 --> 00:20:09,175 That was a great grab. 535 00:20:09,209 --> 00:20:11,911 - Though her run finally ended on Piston Plunge... 536 00:20:11,945 --> 00:20:14,347 - Ooh! Okay, I see you. 537 00:20:14,381 --> 00:20:17,050 - That run puts her atop of the women's leaderboard. 538 00:20:17,083 --> 00:20:18,952 - That was so cool! 539 00:20:20,487 --> 00:20:23,289 - Up next, our youngest competitor of the night, 540 00:20:23,323 --> 00:20:25,492 15-year-old Jacob Arnstein. 541 00:20:25,525 --> 00:20:26,893 - Let's go! 542 00:20:26,926 --> 00:20:28,428 - Oh, he rolling up. He's ready! 543 00:20:28,461 --> 00:20:31,031 - Well, you can see his shirt says "Guat Ninja" 544 00:20:31,064 --> 00:20:34,167 because he was adopted from an orphanage in Guatemala, 545 00:20:34,200 --> 00:20:37,637 and he's never forgotten where he came from. 546 00:20:37,671 --> 00:20:41,041 [gentle music] 547 00:20:41,074 --> 00:20:42,275 - I was born in Guatemala, 548 00:20:42,308 --> 00:20:43,843 and I was adopted at 15 months old. 549 00:20:43,877 --> 00:20:47,113 - We went down to meet him when he was four months old, 550 00:20:47,147 --> 00:20:50,283 and he was just so happy and so peaceful, 551 00:20:50,316 --> 00:20:52,485 and it was just so easy with the transition. 552 00:20:52,519 --> 00:20:55,288 And then, when we hit the airport, 553 00:20:55,321 --> 00:20:57,157 he just, like, almost came out of his shell. 554 00:20:58,625 --> 00:20:59,826 - When I was ten years old, 555 00:20:59,859 --> 00:21:01,895 I actually went back to Guatemala. 556 00:21:04,764 --> 00:21:07,701 We went to the orphanage where I was originally from. 557 00:21:07,734 --> 00:21:10,570 [indistinct chatter] 558 00:21:10,603 --> 00:21:13,073 It was really cool just seeing where I was from, 559 00:21:13,073 --> 00:21:15,608 but I could also tell that they were struggling. 560 00:21:17,077 --> 00:21:20,246 They were in desperate need of clothes, toys, and books, 561 00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:22,515 and even just money in general. 562 00:21:22,549 --> 00:21:24,317 Now that I'm grown up a little bit, 563 00:21:24,351 --> 00:21:25,752 I really want to be the one 564 00:21:25,785 --> 00:21:27,153 that can help take care of them. 565 00:21:29,289 --> 00:21:31,591 We're raising money for the Luz de María orphanage. 566 00:21:31,624 --> 00:21:33,393 It's the same orphanage that I came from. 567 00:21:33,426 --> 00:21:34,994 And they're really struggling right now, 568 00:21:35,095 --> 00:21:36,796 so let's go do some Ninja and help them out. 569 00:21:39,899 --> 00:21:41,534 Great speed. You got it! 570 00:21:41,568 --> 00:21:42,635 Let's go! 571 00:21:42,669 --> 00:21:43,937 I started a fundraiser. 572 00:21:43,970 --> 00:21:45,105 It's a Ninja course, 573 00:21:45,105 --> 00:21:47,107 and we sold tickets to run. 574 00:21:47,107 --> 00:21:48,641 Come on. Really fast, really fast. 575 00:21:48,675 --> 00:21:50,143 Oh, what a dismount! 576 00:21:50,176 --> 00:21:52,479 Nice, 1:58. Fastest time so far. 577 00:21:52,512 --> 00:21:55,448 And ninjas from all over come and run the course. 578 00:21:55,482 --> 00:21:58,151 One, two three. all: Guat Ninja! 579 00:21:58,184 --> 00:22:00,887 - Yeah! [cheers and applause] 580 00:22:00,920 --> 00:22:02,822 - The director of the orphanage, Dinora, 581 00:22:02,856 --> 00:22:05,792 was the person that was there when I was adopted. 582 00:22:12,966 --> 00:22:14,934 - He's always just thinking of other people, 583 00:22:14,968 --> 00:22:16,970 and he has such a connection to her, 584 00:22:17,070 --> 00:22:20,273 and she's, like, part of our family. 585 00:22:22,208 --> 00:22:23,510 - Thank you. 586 00:22:23,543 --> 00:22:25,712 all: Go Guat Ninja! 587 00:22:28,181 --> 00:22:30,583 - It meant so much to me that it meant so much to them. 588 00:22:34,454 --> 00:22:36,823 - I'm gonna do everything in my power to help the kids, 589 00:22:36,856 --> 00:22:39,492 and if it means hitting buzzers, I'm all for it. 590 00:22:42,862 --> 00:22:46,099 - And look at this, the kids from that same orphanage 591 00:22:46,099 --> 00:22:48,635 have gathered to watch Jacob run tonight. 592 00:22:48,668 --> 00:22:50,337 [cheers and applause] 593 00:22:50,370 --> 00:22:51,838 - Let's go, Jacob! Come on, buddy! You got this! 594 00:22:51,871 --> 00:22:53,206 - His parents on the sideline, 595 00:22:53,239 --> 00:22:54,741 along with his little brother, Sam, 596 00:22:54,774 --> 00:22:56,476 who is also adopted. 597 00:22:56,509 --> 00:22:59,245 [countdown clock beeping] 598 00:22:59,279 --> 00:23:00,413 And we got to know him well 599 00:23:00,447 --> 00:23:01,581 on "American Ninja Warrior Junior" 600 00:23:01,614 --> 00:23:02,816 this last season, Akbar. 601 00:23:02,849 --> 00:23:04,050 - Yeah, that's right, 602 00:23:04,050 --> 00:23:05,251 and he hit quite a few buzzers. 603 00:23:05,285 --> 00:23:06,619 He's a little bigger now, 604 00:23:06,653 --> 00:23:10,223 but he's still only 5'3", 113 pounds! 605 00:23:11,758 --> 00:23:14,761 - Let the bar go by. Now he needs a big swing. 606 00:23:14,794 --> 00:23:16,563 But he's got the power. Look at him! 607 00:23:16,596 --> 00:23:18,631 - Look at that, Matt. - Launching himself! 608 00:23:18,665 --> 00:23:21,735 - I gave him the nickname "Strong Arm" Arnstein, 609 00:23:21,768 --> 00:23:22,902 and he is showing out. 610 00:23:22,936 --> 00:23:24,437 - He is looking powerful here, 611 00:23:24,471 --> 00:23:25,772 running with a good pace... 612 00:23:25,805 --> 00:23:27,307 - Breathe! Breathe! 613 00:23:27,340 --> 00:23:29,776 - But now has to make the choice at Split Decision. 614 00:23:29,809 --> 00:23:31,344 - I don't like snakes! 615 00:23:31,378 --> 00:23:33,179 - Ah, he says he doesn't like snakes, 616 00:23:33,213 --> 00:23:35,348 so he's walking away from the Serpent. 617 00:23:35,382 --> 00:23:37,083 - Right through, Jacob. Right through. 618 00:23:38,451 --> 00:23:40,086 - He's just hoping for a little higher power 619 00:23:40,086 --> 00:23:41,788 there, Akbar. - All you, Jacob! 620 00:23:41,821 --> 00:23:43,623 - All right, this obstacle's pretty tricky. 621 00:23:43,656 --> 00:23:45,992 - Akbar, what? - And he solved it! 622 00:23:46,092 --> 00:23:48,962 - And he is pumped, because he knows with his power, 623 00:23:48,995 --> 00:23:51,364 he's confident in these next two upper body obstacles, 624 00:23:51,398 --> 00:23:53,099 starting with Carnival. 625 00:23:54,300 --> 00:23:56,169 - Look at this. This is just like recess to him. 626 00:23:56,202 --> 00:23:57,170 Look at Arnstein. 627 00:23:57,203 --> 00:23:59,439 15 years old. Uh-oh! 628 00:23:59,472 --> 00:24:01,808 - Oh, he was going for slot one or two, 629 00:24:01,841 --> 00:24:03,343 but the ball ended up in three. 630 00:24:03,376 --> 00:24:05,278 - He still goes to the carnival, too, 631 00:24:05,311 --> 00:24:06,913 so he's about to have a good time. 632 00:24:06,946 --> 00:24:09,783 It didn't matter if the ball fell in one, two, or three. 633 00:24:09,816 --> 00:24:11,117 Look at that, Matt! 634 00:24:11,151 --> 00:24:12,952 I think Jacob wants his stuffed animal! 635 00:24:13,053 --> 00:24:16,456 [cheers and applause] 636 00:24:18,124 --> 00:24:19,426 - 15 years old, 637 00:24:19,459 --> 00:24:21,661 and you can see the motor on him is revving. 638 00:24:21,695 --> 00:24:23,697 Let's see how he does on Piston Plunge. 639 00:24:23,730 --> 00:24:24,764 - All right. Here we go. 640 00:24:24,798 --> 00:24:25,765 This is where you gotta live up 641 00:24:25,799 --> 00:24:27,067 to that nickname... 642 00:24:27,067 --> 00:24:29,402 "Strong Arm" Arnstein. - "Strong Arm." 643 00:24:30,870 --> 00:24:33,073 No one's gotten through this yet. 644 00:24:33,073 --> 00:24:34,341 - Uh-oh. Uh-oh. 645 00:24:34,374 --> 00:24:35,775 - Well, he's really slowing down here. 646 00:24:35,809 --> 00:24:37,844 Gotta get up to that next piston. 647 00:24:37,877 --> 00:24:40,347 Again, only 113 pounds. 648 00:24:40,380 --> 00:24:42,816 It's gotta be a big advantage on this obstacle. 649 00:24:42,849 --> 00:24:44,951 Now, this one, you can only go front and back. 650 00:24:44,984 --> 00:24:47,854 He's gonna have to rotate 90 degrees in midair. 651 00:24:47,887 --> 00:24:48,922 - Here we go. Switch up. 652 00:24:48,955 --> 00:24:50,390 Nice. - Nice transfer. 653 00:24:50,423 --> 00:24:53,126 - Nice transfer and nice orientation in midair. 654 00:24:53,159 --> 00:24:54,594 That's hard to do! - Well, you can see, 655 00:24:54,627 --> 00:24:57,263 this is a challenge 'cause you are now facing to the side 656 00:24:57,297 --> 00:24:58,865 but gotta move forward. He got it! 657 00:24:58,898 --> 00:25:01,868 - Man, this ain't nothin' for him, Matt! 658 00:25:01,901 --> 00:25:03,737 - Watch the drop here on the steering wheel. 659 00:25:03,770 --> 00:25:05,705 It's on a bungee cord. 660 00:25:05,739 --> 00:25:07,807 Gotta get a sure grip. 661 00:25:07,841 --> 00:25:09,609 - And Arnstein does it! - Nice. 662 00:25:09,642 --> 00:25:11,711 - Arnstein is not playing around! 663 00:25:11,745 --> 00:25:13,046 - Yes! 664 00:25:13,046 --> 00:25:16,216 [all shouting] 665 00:25:16,249 --> 00:25:17,851 - And now he's got a chance 666 00:25:17,884 --> 00:25:19,419 to be our first finisher. 667 00:25:19,452 --> 00:25:20,487 all: [chanting] Beat that wall! 668 00:25:20,520 --> 00:25:22,188 - Get that wall! Let's go! 669 00:25:22,222 --> 00:25:24,090 - Think about how far he's come 670 00:25:24,124 --> 00:25:25,959 from that orphanage in Guatemala. 671 00:25:26,059 --> 00:25:27,727 [clapping and banging instruments] 672 00:25:27,761 --> 00:25:28,895 - 5'3". 673 00:25:28,928 --> 00:25:31,164 Can he get his first buzzer? 674 00:25:31,197 --> 00:25:33,933 Yes! - Oh, my goodness! 675 00:25:33,967 --> 00:25:36,469 Oh! [buzzer blares] 676 00:25:36,503 --> 00:25:39,539 - And he is loving that buzzer! 677 00:25:39,572 --> 00:25:42,742 - * Keep going and going * 678 00:25:42,776 --> 00:25:44,377 - Oh, my God! - Yes! 679 00:25:44,411 --> 00:25:47,714 - What an emotional run for Jacob Arnstein. 680 00:25:47,747 --> 00:25:50,417 Oh, and he is just broken up, Akbar. 681 00:25:50,450 --> 00:25:53,486 What a beautiful moment for this 15-year-old. 682 00:25:53,520 --> 00:25:55,955 all: [chanting] Jacob! Jacob! Jacob! 683 00:25:55,989 --> 00:25:57,891 - Jacob! - Jacob! 684 00:25:57,924 --> 00:26:00,160 Get over here, man. You're gonna make me cry, man. 685 00:26:00,193 --> 00:26:02,562 You're gonna make me cry. 686 00:26:02,595 --> 00:26:04,030 The tears, where are they coming from? 687 00:26:04,030 --> 00:26:05,365 - I just worked so hard for this, 688 00:26:05,398 --> 00:26:09,369 and, like, I just can't believe I did this. 689 00:26:09,402 --> 00:26:11,538 - Guat Ninja! Guat Ninja! 690 00:26:13,139 --> 00:26:15,842 - Jacob, we are all impressed. 691 00:26:15,875 --> 00:26:18,278 What do you want to say to those kids watching? 692 00:26:18,311 --> 00:26:20,780 - This was all for you guys. 693 00:26:20,814 --> 00:26:22,215 - Hey, now stand up, man, 694 00:26:22,248 --> 00:26:23,783 'cause I gave you that nickname, 695 00:26:23,817 --> 00:26:25,585 "Strong Arm" Arnstein. 696 00:26:25,618 --> 00:26:28,588 Show me them muscles! Show me them muscles! 697 00:26:28,621 --> 00:26:31,091 - Jacob Arnstein, the Guat Ninja! 698 00:26:31,124 --> 00:26:34,494 Hey, buddy, we'll see you in Los Angeles. 699 00:26:34,527 --> 00:26:37,364 - Wow, that was an emotional run, Matt. 700 00:26:37,397 --> 00:26:39,399 - He was so excited. 701 00:26:39,432 --> 00:26:42,168 You could see what this meant to Jacob Arnstein. 702 00:26:42,202 --> 00:26:46,072 And that last obstacle may have been 14 1/2 feet tall, 703 00:26:46,072 --> 00:26:48,408 but this kid's come a lot further than that 704 00:26:48,441 --> 00:26:49,576 for this moment. 705 00:26:49,609 --> 00:26:51,778 - Jacob! Good job! 706 00:26:53,613 --> 00:26:57,150 - We are so proud of you, dude. So proud of you. 707 00:26:57,183 --> 00:26:59,719 - Coming up, she's made history before. 708 00:26:59,753 --> 00:27:02,822 - The first mother ever to hit a buzzer! 709 00:27:02,856 --> 00:27:05,225 - Can Super Mom Sandy Zimmermann do it again? 710 00:27:05,258 --> 00:27:08,895 We'll see her next on "American Ninja Warrior"! 711 00:27:15,235 --> 00:27:16,903 - Welcome back to San Antonio. 712 00:27:16,936 --> 00:27:18,405 Moments ago, college student 713 00:27:18,438 --> 00:27:22,108 and drone pilot Quinn Nguyen did some aerial recon. 714 00:27:22,142 --> 00:27:23,910 [upbeat music] 715 00:27:23,943 --> 00:27:26,246 - This is how you visualize a course, right here. 716 00:27:26,279 --> 00:27:27,847 Oh, go for the Mega Wall! 717 00:27:27,881 --> 00:27:30,116 - And even got a closer look at the host tower. 718 00:27:30,150 --> 00:27:31,651 - I come in peace. 719 00:27:31,685 --> 00:27:34,354 Whoa! Whoa! - Hey, Quinn! 720 00:27:34,387 --> 00:27:36,356 But despite the bird's-eye view, 721 00:27:36,389 --> 00:27:38,124 when he reached Split Decision, 722 00:27:38,158 --> 00:27:40,060 he couldn't decide which way to go... 723 00:27:40,060 --> 00:27:41,828 - Come on. - Before finally settling 724 00:27:41,861 --> 00:27:44,197 on Domino Effect and crash landing. 725 00:27:44,230 --> 00:27:47,734 - Oh, guess he didn't see that one coming. 726 00:27:47,767 --> 00:27:49,336 - Louisiana's Wes Meador 727 00:27:49,369 --> 00:27:52,939 has his own history with Split Decision. 728 00:27:52,972 --> 00:27:54,908 Last year, he passed up the dominoes 729 00:27:54,941 --> 00:27:56,776 and chose Spinning Log... 730 00:27:56,810 --> 00:27:58,812 - Oh! - And it didn't work out. 731 00:27:58,845 --> 00:28:00,580 - Ah, I should've went with dominoes, I guess. 732 00:28:00,613 --> 00:28:02,782 - Tonight, the father of two got another chance 733 00:28:02,816 --> 00:28:05,452 to choose the dominoes, 734 00:28:05,485 --> 00:28:08,388 but he passed on them again, going with the Serpent. 735 00:28:08,421 --> 00:28:09,856 - Boom! Oh! 736 00:28:09,889 --> 00:28:11,925 - And history repeated itself. 737 00:28:12,025 --> 00:28:13,159 - Should've went with the dominoes. 738 00:28:13,193 --> 00:28:14,761 - Man, he had those in his pocket, 739 00:28:14,794 --> 00:28:17,297 and he still didn't choose the dominoes! 740 00:28:17,330 --> 00:28:19,833 - Jenny Remack has a unique training partner 741 00:28:19,866 --> 00:28:22,802 back in Colorado: her pet goat, Fonzo. 742 00:28:22,836 --> 00:28:23,937 - Look at Fonzo, Matt! 743 00:28:24,037 --> 00:28:25,338 - Fonzo had no problem 744 00:28:25,372 --> 00:28:26,873 getting through a couple obstacles 745 00:28:26,906 --> 00:28:28,375 back on his home course, 746 00:28:28,408 --> 00:28:31,945 but Jenny didn't fare as well here in San Antonio. 747 00:28:32,045 --> 00:28:34,581 - [imitates bleating] - Well, she is not the GOAT. 748 00:28:34,614 --> 00:28:38,251 But Fonzo is. [Fonzo bleats] 749 00:28:38,284 --> 00:28:40,787 Up next, a ninja who makes house calls. 750 00:28:40,820 --> 00:28:45,058 This is Dr. Stewart Mahler. - Yeah! 751 00:28:45,091 --> 00:28:47,093 - And don't let the medical degree fool you, 752 00:28:47,127 --> 00:28:49,295 this guy likes to have fun. 753 00:28:49,329 --> 00:28:51,064 - Look, now he's gonna check his heart rate, 754 00:28:51,064 --> 00:28:53,066 make sure he's ready for this. 755 00:28:53,099 --> 00:28:55,068 [upbeat music] 756 00:28:55,068 --> 00:28:56,603 - Well, he's a primary care physician 757 00:28:56,636 --> 00:28:58,872 at the University of Rochester Medical Center, 758 00:28:58,905 --> 00:29:01,307 treating patients and teaching residents, 759 00:29:01,341 --> 00:29:03,309 so he doesn't get a lot of time to train. 760 00:29:03,343 --> 00:29:05,045 - Paging Dr. Mahler. 761 00:29:06,379 --> 00:29:08,548 - Plus, he's got three kids at home. 762 00:29:08,581 --> 00:29:11,017 They're watching back in New York with other family. 763 00:29:11,051 --> 00:29:13,153 - Let's go! - Yeah! 764 00:29:13,186 --> 00:29:15,488 - His wife, Jamie, down on the sideline. 765 00:29:15,522 --> 00:29:16,656 - You got this! 766 00:29:16,690 --> 00:29:19,492 [countdown clock beeping] 767 00:29:19,526 --> 00:29:21,027 - Back when he was in medical school, 768 00:29:21,061 --> 00:29:23,530 he actually lost his eyesight for six months 769 00:29:23,563 --> 00:29:25,198 because of a corneal disease. 770 00:29:25,231 --> 00:29:28,435 - Let's do this! - Whoo! 771 00:29:28,468 --> 00:29:30,136 - He regained his sight after a procedure 772 00:29:30,170 --> 00:29:32,505 but still has vision challenges. 773 00:29:32,539 --> 00:29:34,040 - So he's probably not gonna try 774 00:29:34,040 --> 00:29:36,376 to catch this moving bar. 775 00:29:36,409 --> 00:29:37,544 - And he doesn't. 776 00:29:37,577 --> 00:29:40,046 Now has to make that 9-foot leap. 777 00:29:43,216 --> 00:29:44,451 - Nice grab! 778 00:29:44,484 --> 00:29:45,952 Doc has been putting in work! 779 00:29:46,052 --> 00:29:47,821 - Well, he built a mini gym 780 00:29:47,854 --> 00:29:49,456 in the basement where he and his kids 781 00:29:49,489 --> 00:29:52,959 could train, and it's paying off. 782 00:29:53,059 --> 00:29:55,328 - Come on down! - Gets through Overpass. 783 00:29:57,130 --> 00:30:00,166 And sending some love to his wife, 784 00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:02,469 but now, gotta choose between balance obstacles 785 00:30:02,502 --> 00:30:04,437 here at Split Decision. 786 00:30:04,471 --> 00:30:06,139 Last year, he chose Log Runner, 787 00:30:06,172 --> 00:30:07,474 and that did not go well. 788 00:30:07,507 --> 00:30:09,576 - Ooh! 789 00:30:09,609 --> 00:30:12,746 After that gut shot, he's gonna need some probiotics. 790 00:30:12,779 --> 00:30:15,515 - No Log Runner this year. He's going with the dominoes. 791 00:30:15,548 --> 00:30:17,017 - Go, go, go! Go, go, go, go! 792 00:30:17,050 --> 00:30:18,718 - Go! - Oh, Matt--oh, oh, oh, oh! 793 00:30:18,752 --> 00:30:21,688 - Oh, my! - Oh, what a save! 794 00:30:21,721 --> 00:30:24,824 Are you kidding me? Are you kidding me? 795 00:30:24,858 --> 00:30:29,496 - The doctor passes that examination. 796 00:30:29,529 --> 00:30:31,164 - Matt, that was so close! 797 00:30:31,197 --> 00:30:33,299 He started to fall on the third domino, 798 00:30:33,333 --> 00:30:36,002 but he got to the pad and barely kept his feet 799 00:30:36,036 --> 00:30:37,604 out of the water, wow! 800 00:30:39,072 --> 00:30:41,107 - Mahler's still alive! 801 00:30:41,141 --> 00:30:42,642 I thought he flatlined there. 802 00:30:44,611 --> 00:30:46,046 Now on Carnival. 803 00:30:46,079 --> 00:30:48,281 5'10", 160. 804 00:30:48,314 --> 00:30:51,484 - All right, he's trying to get it to that second--oh! 805 00:30:51,518 --> 00:30:53,887 - Got it! - Nice! 806 00:30:53,920 --> 00:30:55,188 His wife is impressed. 807 00:30:55,221 --> 00:30:58,024 She's like, "That's my baby!" 808 00:30:58,058 --> 00:31:01,795 - Well, this doctor, he is looking sharp, Akbar. 809 00:31:01,828 --> 00:31:04,531 - Yes, he is, Matt. He's being surgical with this. 810 00:31:07,500 --> 00:31:08,868 - Let's go, baby! 811 00:31:11,838 --> 00:31:14,441 - I see it, Doc! - I see you, Doc! 812 00:31:18,712 --> 00:31:21,114 - This is gonna test his grip strength, Akbar. 813 00:31:21,147 --> 00:31:22,649 Piston Plunge. 814 00:31:22,682 --> 00:31:24,117 This is relentless. 815 00:31:26,319 --> 00:31:27,687 Good control. - Oh, boy. 816 00:31:27,721 --> 00:31:29,356 That was a little aggressive, though, Matt. 817 00:31:29,389 --> 00:31:32,192 I'm not sure if he has enough left for this third jump here. 818 00:31:32,225 --> 00:31:34,461 - And you can see it's--oh! - Oh! 819 00:31:34,494 --> 00:31:37,597 - Just didn't have the height! 820 00:31:37,630 --> 00:31:39,699 A fun run by the doctor, 821 00:31:39,733 --> 00:31:42,135 but he can't survive Piston Plunge. 822 00:31:42,168 --> 00:31:44,337 We'll have to wait to see if that's enough to move on. 823 00:31:46,239 --> 00:31:49,142 Our next athlete has her banner hanging in the rafters 824 00:31:49,175 --> 00:31:51,177 along with other Ninja greats, 825 00:31:51,211 --> 00:31:53,513 and Zuri's gonna get her started. 826 00:31:53,546 --> 00:31:56,916 - She is an inspiration to women everywhere. 827 00:31:56,950 --> 00:31:58,518 Three years ago, Sandy Zimmerman 828 00:31:58,551 --> 00:32:01,054 became the first mom ever to hit a buzzer, 829 00:32:01,054 --> 00:32:04,357 and at age 45, she is ready to do it again. 830 00:32:04,391 --> 00:32:07,827 - And this woman is beloved in the Ninja community. 831 00:32:07,861 --> 00:32:09,295 When a storm knocked down 832 00:32:09,329 --> 00:32:11,731 her legendary backyard course, The Fortress... 833 00:32:11,765 --> 00:32:14,100 all: Surprise! 834 00:32:14,134 --> 00:32:15,969 - I got to go up to Spokane 835 00:32:16,069 --> 00:32:19,506 and help the Ninja community surprise her by rebuilding it. 836 00:32:19,539 --> 00:32:21,808 You could really feel the love for her that day. 837 00:32:21,841 --> 00:32:23,443 Group hug, group hug. - Ah, group hug! 838 00:32:25,478 --> 00:32:27,147 - And there's some of those folks watching 839 00:32:27,180 --> 00:32:29,115 from back in Washington, 840 00:32:29,149 --> 00:32:31,151 and, of course, her husband and three kids, 841 00:32:31,184 --> 00:32:34,521 all ninjas themselves, watching from home. 842 00:32:34,554 --> 00:32:37,557 [countdown clock beeping] 843 00:32:37,590 --> 00:32:39,659 - And being up at her home in Spokane, 844 00:32:39,693 --> 00:32:41,528 I see where the magic is made, 845 00:32:41,561 --> 00:32:44,698 and she puts in a lot of work in that backyard course. 846 00:32:47,934 --> 00:32:50,236 - And she's really become an icon. 847 00:32:50,270 --> 00:32:53,173 You can see her banner hanging up behind this obstacle. 848 00:32:53,206 --> 00:32:55,475 Let's see if she'll try to grab the bar here. 849 00:32:55,508 --> 00:32:57,544 And didn't even attempt it there. 850 00:32:57,577 --> 00:32:59,446 I'm surprised at Sandy Zimmerman, 851 00:32:59,479 --> 00:33:01,047 but she trusts her laches. 852 00:33:01,081 --> 00:33:02,449 - Oh, yeah. Look. Watch this. 853 00:33:02,482 --> 00:33:04,417 Watch the power she generates. Look at this. 854 00:33:04,451 --> 00:33:05,585 Nice power! - Great job. 855 00:33:05,618 --> 00:33:07,120 - Whoo! 856 00:33:07,153 --> 00:33:08,488 - And look at that reaction. 857 00:33:08,521 --> 00:33:09,756 Man, I get so excited 858 00:33:09,789 --> 00:33:11,825 watching Sandy Zimmermann run, Matt. 859 00:33:11,858 --> 00:33:13,693 Every single year we've seen her compete, 860 00:33:13,727 --> 00:33:15,495 she just puts on a show. 861 00:33:18,698 --> 00:33:20,867 - A lot of extra swings, though, here, Akbar. 862 00:33:20,900 --> 00:33:22,535 - Yeah, Matt, and I love the body control 863 00:33:22,569 --> 00:33:25,105 as she made that shorter lache. 864 00:33:25,138 --> 00:33:27,140 - Went to Gonzaga on a scholarship 865 00:33:27,173 --> 00:33:28,375 as a point guard. 866 00:33:28,408 --> 00:33:30,677 Her nickname, "The Bulldog." 867 00:33:30,710 --> 00:33:32,612 - Yeah! - Atta girl! 868 00:33:32,645 --> 00:33:36,383 - Now, Split Decision, 869 00:33:36,416 --> 00:33:38,184 and not a lot of hesitation. 870 00:33:38,218 --> 00:33:40,120 Going with Domino Effect. 871 00:33:40,153 --> 00:33:42,756 - She's got incredible athleticism. 872 00:33:42,789 --> 00:33:44,357 - She's got quick feet. 873 00:33:44,391 --> 00:33:45,992 - Yeah, as a former point guard, 874 00:33:46,092 --> 00:33:47,293 she had a mean crossover, 875 00:33:47,327 --> 00:33:48,561 and she ain't about to get crossed up 876 00:33:48,595 --> 00:33:50,463 by Domino Effect. 877 00:33:50,497 --> 00:33:51,798 Safe! 878 00:33:51,831 --> 00:33:54,300 - Absolutely. Get a little baseball in. 879 00:33:55,835 --> 00:33:58,004 Now the test begins. 880 00:33:58,104 --> 00:34:00,940 Let's see what she can do on Carnival, Akbar. 881 00:34:01,041 --> 00:34:02,542 - Sandy Zimmermann, she's gotta make 882 00:34:02,575 --> 00:34:05,378 that decision quickly, gotta get off of this tilting tube 883 00:34:05,412 --> 00:34:07,213 as quickly as possible. 884 00:34:07,247 --> 00:34:08,715 Manage it. There you go. 885 00:34:08,748 --> 00:34:10,517 Counterbalance. There you go. 886 00:34:10,550 --> 00:34:12,352 Get it right there in that second one. 887 00:34:12,385 --> 00:34:14,754 Ni--oh, oh! Oh, no! - Oh, no! 888 00:34:14,788 --> 00:34:17,190 The ball misses all three slots, 889 00:34:17,223 --> 00:34:19,726 which means she gets the hardest possible handhold, 890 00:34:19,759 --> 00:34:21,461 the tiny cliffhanger grip. 891 00:34:21,494 --> 00:34:23,263 - And you don't even get a stuffed animal 892 00:34:23,296 --> 00:34:24,597 with that one. 893 00:34:24,631 --> 00:34:27,233 - This just got a lot more challenging. 894 00:34:27,267 --> 00:34:30,236 - Sha-na-na, I have no idea how she's gonna do this. 895 00:34:30,270 --> 00:34:32,072 - She's building up momentum. 896 00:34:32,105 --> 00:34:34,541 You can see it, and that is the longest move. 897 00:34:34,574 --> 00:34:36,376 It's gonna be a big lache. 898 00:34:36,409 --> 00:34:37,610 - Keep your eyes in the middle. 899 00:34:37,644 --> 00:34:39,579 - Oh! 900 00:34:39,612 --> 00:34:41,915 Just couldn't hold on! 901 00:34:41,948 --> 00:34:44,084 A tough break for Sandy. 902 00:34:44,084 --> 00:34:46,119 Now she'll have to wait to see if that's good enough 903 00:34:46,152 --> 00:34:48,088 to move on to the semifinals. 904 00:34:48,121 --> 00:34:51,324 - She had the passion and looked strong early, 905 00:34:51,358 --> 00:34:53,426 but at Carnival-- watch that ball. 906 00:34:53,460 --> 00:34:56,296 It bounces around and comes all the way out, 907 00:34:56,329 --> 00:34:57,864 so it was a long leap. 908 00:34:57,897 --> 00:35:02,135 Got both hands on it, but it wasn't enough. 909 00:35:02,168 --> 00:35:03,870 - [sighs] 910 00:35:03,903 --> 00:35:06,539 God, it feels good to be back on the course. 911 00:35:06,573 --> 00:35:08,641 A live crowd. 912 00:35:08,675 --> 00:35:12,746 Would have felt even better to get that obstacle, though. 913 00:35:12,779 --> 00:35:14,247 Whoo! 914 00:35:22,555 --> 00:35:23,857 - Oh! 915 00:35:23,890 --> 00:35:25,525 - It's night two of qualifying... 916 00:35:25,558 --> 00:35:27,327 Oh, no! 917 00:35:27,360 --> 00:35:29,929 And this course is getting a little wet. 918 00:35:29,963 --> 00:35:32,365 Luckily for us, New York janitor Nick Roalef 919 00:35:32,399 --> 00:35:34,501 was around to mop up the mess. 920 00:35:34,534 --> 00:35:36,069 - Clean up on aisle one. 921 00:35:36,102 --> 00:35:37,437 all: [chanting] Nick! Nick! Nick! Nick! 922 00:35:37,470 --> 00:35:39,539 - Then, the 24-year-old custodian 923 00:35:39,572 --> 00:35:42,275 went to work on the course. - Wow! 924 00:35:42,308 --> 00:35:44,477 - After flipping through the first obstacle, 925 00:35:44,511 --> 00:35:46,813 the janitor wiped out on the second. 926 00:35:46,846 --> 00:35:47,947 - Oh! 927 00:35:47,981 --> 00:35:49,382 Got bonked off! 928 00:35:49,416 --> 00:35:51,785 Oh, his beanie is done. 929 00:35:51,818 --> 00:35:55,088 - Preschool teacher McKinley Pierce is only 5'1", 930 00:35:55,088 --> 00:35:58,525 but she was able to make the long leap on Overpass. 931 00:35:58,558 --> 00:36:00,360 - You got it! Yeah! 932 00:36:00,393 --> 00:36:02,128 - The four-time veteran from Vermont 933 00:36:02,162 --> 00:36:03,863 stared down the Serpent, 934 00:36:03,897 --> 00:36:06,900 then changed her mind and went with the dominoes. 935 00:36:06,933 --> 00:36:08,134 - Oh, boom! 936 00:36:08,168 --> 00:36:09,869 And gets hit on the top of the head! 937 00:36:09,903 --> 00:36:11,805 - It was harder than I thought. 938 00:36:11,838 --> 00:36:14,274 - Darion Bennet showed off some of his best moves 939 00:36:14,307 --> 00:36:15,542 at the start line. 940 00:36:15,575 --> 00:36:16,843 - I like the pants. 941 00:36:16,876 --> 00:36:19,346 - Then, the New Jersey dad took flight. 942 00:36:19,379 --> 00:36:21,948 His parachute pants didn't slow him down. 943 00:36:22,048 --> 00:36:23,249 They actually seemed to give him a lift. 944 00:36:23,283 --> 00:36:24,884 - The pants are actually giving him 945 00:36:24,918 --> 00:36:26,486 a little extra hang time. 946 00:36:26,519 --> 00:36:28,855 - And he looked like he might be our second finisher... 947 00:36:28,888 --> 00:36:30,256 - Ooh! 948 00:36:30,290 --> 00:36:32,158 - Before coming up short. 949 00:36:33,793 --> 00:36:35,395 Hey, big man, this next athlete 950 00:36:35,428 --> 00:36:37,797 deserves a big introduction, so let's do it. 951 00:36:37,831 --> 00:36:38,798 [bell dings] 952 00:36:38,832 --> 00:36:40,967 - In this corner, 953 00:36:41,067 --> 00:36:44,104 out of Albany, New York, 954 00:36:44,137 --> 00:36:47,440 140 pounds 955 00:36:47,474 --> 00:36:49,809 of pure power, 956 00:36:49,843 --> 00:36:53,179 it's the featherweight champion. 957 00:36:53,213 --> 00:36:56,449 Ladies and gentlemen, shield your eyes 958 00:36:56,483 --> 00:37:01,821 for Abraham "Super" Nova! 959 00:37:01,855 --> 00:37:04,491 [bell rings] - Man, that was good! 960 00:37:04,524 --> 00:37:06,493 - Thank you. - That was good. 961 00:37:06,526 --> 00:37:08,228 Abraham Nova is the current 962 00:37:08,261 --> 00:37:11,731 World Boxing Association champion in his weight class. 963 00:37:11,765 --> 00:37:15,502 This guy has 15 knockouts and is undefeated. 964 00:37:15,535 --> 00:37:17,837 Well, he's got his hype crew in there, Akbar. 965 00:37:17,871 --> 00:37:19,305 They're getting him pumped up. 966 00:37:19,339 --> 00:37:21,608 And his friends and family back home in New York, 967 00:37:21,641 --> 00:37:23,576 they're all ready for the main event. 968 00:37:23,610 --> 00:37:25,278 - No fear, no doubt! 969 00:37:25,311 --> 00:37:26,513 - All right, Abraham. 970 00:37:26,546 --> 00:37:28,915 Obstacle one. Here we go. 971 00:37:28,948 --> 00:37:33,153 - Let's get ready to Ninja! 972 00:37:33,186 --> 00:37:34,921 [countdown clock beeping] 973 00:37:34,954 --> 00:37:37,190 - Let's go, Abraham! You got it! 974 00:37:37,223 --> 00:37:38,491 - And here we go. 975 00:37:38,525 --> 00:37:39,592 First round. - Here we go. 976 00:37:39,626 --> 00:37:41,261 Oh, boy, float like a butterfly 977 00:37:41,294 --> 00:37:42,696 right through Shrinking Steps. - Oh, no! 978 00:37:42,729 --> 00:37:44,197 - Oh! - An extra swing. 979 00:37:44,230 --> 00:37:45,298 Stays calm. - Ooh. 980 00:37:45,331 --> 00:37:46,599 A little rope-a-dope here. 981 00:37:46,633 --> 00:37:47,934 A little rope-a-dope! - Oh, no! 982 00:37:47,967 --> 00:37:49,102 He's on the verge of getting 983 00:37:49,135 --> 00:37:51,805 knocked out early, Akbar. 984 00:37:51,838 --> 00:37:53,239 - Come on, man. 985 00:37:53,273 --> 00:37:55,075 Keep bobbing and weaving, bobbing and weaving. 986 00:37:55,075 --> 00:37:56,676 - Hoping that the bell will save him, 987 00:37:56,710 --> 00:37:58,712 but that's not how it works in "Ninja." 988 00:37:58,745 --> 00:38:01,281 - Go ahead! Take a chance! 989 00:38:01,314 --> 00:38:04,851 [bell rings] - Oh, his foot goes down. 990 00:38:04,884 --> 00:38:07,153 TKO! - That's all right! 991 00:38:07,187 --> 00:38:10,090 - The Super Nova exploded on his debut! 992 00:38:10,123 --> 00:38:13,293 - Well, the Super Nova turned out to be more of a fizzle. 993 00:38:13,326 --> 00:38:14,694 - [laughs] 994 00:38:14,728 --> 00:38:16,629 - So we go from a featherweight 995 00:38:16,663 --> 00:38:18,131 to a heavyweight. 996 00:38:18,164 --> 00:38:20,934 This is "Big Daddy" Steve Donnelly. 997 00:38:21,034 --> 00:38:23,570 He's 6'5" and 225 pounds, 998 00:38:23,603 --> 00:38:25,071 the night's heaviest competitor. 999 00:38:25,105 --> 00:38:27,707 - Akbar, this one's for you! 1000 00:38:27,741 --> 00:38:30,176 - Oh, wow, stripping down to jorts! 1001 00:38:30,210 --> 00:38:32,379 He's fully embracing the dad bod. 1002 00:38:32,412 --> 00:38:35,382 - Well, he's got three kids at home and a full-time job, 1003 00:38:35,415 --> 00:38:37,584 so being a ninja is not easy. 1004 00:38:40,053 --> 00:38:42,055 - The one disadvantage I do have is that 1005 00:38:42,055 --> 00:38:44,591 I'm twice the size of some of these other ninjas, 1006 00:38:44,624 --> 00:38:48,061 and I am not in the gym 24/7 like some of these guys are. 1007 00:38:48,094 --> 00:38:52,265 - [giggles] - You are going crazy! Dylan! 1008 00:38:52,298 --> 00:38:56,136 I work as a engineer 8:00 to 5:00 every day, 1009 00:38:56,169 --> 00:39:00,240 and going home and keeping three kids happy is not simple. 1010 00:39:00,273 --> 00:39:01,875 - Three, two, one, go. 1011 00:39:01,908 --> 00:39:04,344 - And trying to train with what little time I have, 1012 00:39:04,377 --> 00:39:06,413 but I'm still gonna rock this course. 1013 00:39:09,616 --> 00:39:12,686 Let's go! - Let's go, Big Daddy! 1014 00:39:12,719 --> 00:39:15,288 - And that family is gonna be screaming for Daddy 1015 00:39:15,321 --> 00:39:17,357 on this run. 1016 00:39:17,390 --> 00:39:19,759 He's got a big group of Massachusetts ninjas 1017 00:39:19,793 --> 00:39:20,894 down on the sideline as well. 1018 00:39:20,927 --> 00:39:23,930 [countdown clock beeping] 1019 00:39:24,030 --> 00:39:27,767 - He's got the dad shoes, the dad's shorts, the dad bod. 1020 00:39:27,801 --> 00:39:30,103 "Big Daddy" Donnelly is doing it big 1021 00:39:30,136 --> 00:39:31,638 for the dads out there. 1022 00:39:31,671 --> 00:39:33,306 - Let's go! 1023 00:39:33,340 --> 00:39:36,743 - Let's go! Come on! 1024 00:39:36,776 --> 00:39:38,578 - He's got this crowd excited, 1025 00:39:38,611 --> 00:39:42,215 but now he's got to get his big body across Overpass. 1026 00:39:42,248 --> 00:39:45,151 Let's see if he can time this lache. 1027 00:39:45,185 --> 00:39:48,922 Nope, he's going for the big 9-foot transfer. 1028 00:39:48,955 --> 00:39:50,123 - He's 6'5". 1029 00:39:50,156 --> 00:39:51,958 That reach should help him here. 1030 00:39:52,058 --> 00:39:53,827 A little more power. 1031 00:39:53,860 --> 00:39:55,428 Whoa! Nice catch! 1032 00:39:55,462 --> 00:39:56,663 - Well, he was a baseball 1033 00:39:56,696 --> 00:39:58,431 and basketball player in high school. 1034 00:39:58,465 --> 00:40:00,467 He's got good hand-eye coordination. 1035 00:40:01,501 --> 00:40:04,304 - And no cap, Matt, for a guy without much Ninja training, 1036 00:40:04,337 --> 00:40:06,573 he looking pretty good! 1037 00:40:08,675 --> 00:40:10,577 - And he is through. 1038 00:40:10,610 --> 00:40:12,579 - Oh, nice! 1039 00:40:12,612 --> 00:40:13,747 - Yeah! Let's go! 1040 00:40:13,780 --> 00:40:15,515 Yeah! Yeah! 1041 00:40:15,548 --> 00:40:18,018 - Yes! - Let's go! 1042 00:40:18,051 --> 00:40:20,754 - Oh, Big Daddy got this crowd turnt up! 1043 00:40:20,787 --> 00:40:23,056 - But now, it's Split Decision. 1044 00:40:23,089 --> 00:40:25,325 Last season, he chose Log Runner, 1045 00:40:25,358 --> 00:40:27,360 and it didn't end well. 1046 00:40:27,394 --> 00:40:30,797 This year, he said he's gonna let the kids decide. 1047 00:40:30,830 --> 00:40:32,732 - No, no, no! No, no, no, no, no! 1048 00:40:32,766 --> 00:40:35,201 - His son Jordan says no to dominoes, 1049 00:40:35,235 --> 00:40:37,570 so he's heading over to the Serpent. 1050 00:40:37,604 --> 00:40:39,005 Does he get a thumbs-up on that one? 1051 00:40:39,039 --> 00:40:40,774 - Yes! Yes! - That's a yes! 1052 00:40:40,807 --> 00:40:42,442 - Yeah, Steve Donnelly doing it 1053 00:40:42,475 --> 00:40:44,110 in dad shoes, too, Matt. 1054 00:40:44,144 --> 00:40:46,513 That's the coolest part about this run. 1055 00:40:46,546 --> 00:40:49,349 Do it in dad shoes, then! Do it in dad shoes! 1056 00:40:49,382 --> 00:40:52,719 - Can he hold on? Big Daddy coming up big! 1057 00:40:52,752 --> 00:40:54,487 - Matt, it's gotta be the shoes! 1058 00:40:54,521 --> 00:40:57,824 [cheers and applause] 1059 00:40:57,857 --> 00:40:59,793 [giggles] He kissed the dad shoes! 1060 00:40:59,826 --> 00:41:01,795 - Well, he owes his son a kiss too. 1061 00:41:01,828 --> 00:41:03,763 He picked the Serpent, and it worked. 1062 00:41:03,797 --> 00:41:06,066 Now stepping up to take on Carnival. 1063 00:41:06,099 --> 00:41:08,068 This requires a lot of precision. 1064 00:41:08,068 --> 00:41:10,603 And remember, he's 100 pounds heavier 1065 00:41:10,637 --> 00:41:12,472 than some of these teenagers. 1066 00:41:12,505 --> 00:41:14,307 6'5", 225. 1067 00:41:14,341 --> 00:41:16,509 This is the big boy, Akbar, and this is 1068 00:41:16,543 --> 00:41:18,778 where that weight's gonna really tax him. 1069 00:41:21,081 --> 00:41:23,683 - Nice! - Wow! 1070 00:41:23,717 --> 00:41:26,619 Gets the number one chute, so he gets that T-bar. 1071 00:41:26,653 --> 00:41:28,722 That makes it a lot easier to get through this. 1072 00:41:28,755 --> 00:41:30,724 - Let's go, Steven! 1073 00:41:30,757 --> 00:41:32,192 - Well, keep in mind, this guy 1074 00:41:32,225 --> 00:41:34,227 is not just a big dude, he is smart. 1075 00:41:34,260 --> 00:41:36,363 Had a bachelor's in electrical engineering. 1076 00:41:36,396 --> 00:41:37,630 Ended up going to business school. 1077 00:41:37,664 --> 00:41:39,733 Has his MBA. 1078 00:41:39,766 --> 00:41:42,402 Works as a sales engineer. 1079 00:41:42,435 --> 00:41:46,106 And Akbar, he's through four obstacles! 1080 00:41:53,813 --> 00:41:55,615 - That was for you, buddy! - Hey, man! 1081 00:41:55,648 --> 00:41:57,517 - And brought the jorts just for you! 1082 00:41:57,550 --> 00:41:58,752 - Hey, no, I don't do dad shorts! 1083 00:41:58,785 --> 00:42:00,153 I'm too cool for dad shorts! 1084 00:42:00,186 --> 00:42:01,287 - You gotta do the dad shoes like me. 1085 00:42:01,321 --> 00:42:02,622 - I don't do the dad shoes, though. 1086 00:42:02,655 --> 00:42:04,057 - Come on! Come on! - I don't do the dad shoes. 1087 00:42:04,057 --> 00:42:06,059 - Let's see if those dad shoes can stay dry 1088 00:42:06,059 --> 00:42:08,161 as he takes on Piston Plunge. 1089 00:42:08,194 --> 00:42:10,397 - Boy, he's closing in on a buzzer, Matt! 1090 00:42:10,430 --> 00:42:12,298 How great would this be? 1091 00:42:12,332 --> 00:42:15,268 - Only one finisher so far tonight, but this is 1092 00:42:15,301 --> 00:42:17,871 where his weight is gonna be a real disadvantage. 1093 00:42:17,904 --> 00:42:20,273 - Come on, big fella! He's 6'5". 1094 00:42:20,306 --> 00:42:22,575 Get them big legs up there. - He's looking strong! 1095 00:42:22,609 --> 00:42:24,244 - Yes, he is, Matt, but he is grimacing. 1096 00:42:24,277 --> 00:42:26,713 Oh! - Oh! 1097 00:42:26,746 --> 00:42:28,481 - Aw, that's okay. 1098 00:42:28,515 --> 00:42:31,084 - Doesn't get the buzzer, but still, an incredible run 1099 00:42:31,084 --> 00:42:33,086 by "Big Daddy" Steve Donnelly. 1100 00:42:33,119 --> 00:42:35,689 [cheers and applause] 1101 00:42:35,722 --> 00:42:36,756 - Let's go! 1102 00:42:39,759 --> 00:42:41,895 - He may dress like a typical dad, 1103 00:42:41,928 --> 00:42:44,297 but he didn't look like one on the course. 1104 00:42:44,330 --> 00:42:48,234 Steve Donnelly made big saves, big moves, 1105 00:42:48,268 --> 00:42:52,305 and we may see him in the semifinals. 1106 00:42:52,339 --> 00:42:54,974 - Daddy did his thing, y'all! Good work out there, Steve. 1107 00:42:55,008 --> 00:42:56,409 We'll see if you were far enough, fast enough. 1108 00:42:56,443 --> 00:42:57,944 Matt, Akbar. 1109 00:42:57,977 --> 00:42:59,879 - Coming up, she's battled 1110 00:42:59,913 --> 00:43:03,483 through three major injuries in the past year. 1111 00:43:03,516 --> 00:43:05,518 Now, "Ninja" great Jessie Graff 1112 00:43:05,552 --> 00:43:08,321 is finally ready for her return. 1113 00:43:08,355 --> 00:43:10,957 Plus, he's fast on two legs. 1114 00:43:11,057 --> 00:43:13,259 - Go, go, go, go, go, go! 1115 00:43:13,293 --> 00:43:16,162 - Wait till you see what teen sensation Josiah Pippel 1116 00:43:16,196 --> 00:43:18,064 can do with four wheels 1117 00:43:18,064 --> 00:43:20,667 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1118 00:43:24,304 --> 00:43:26,840 - Welcome back to San Antonio 1119 00:43:26,873 --> 00:43:28,842 and the second night of qualifying 1120 00:43:28,875 --> 00:43:30,443 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1121 00:43:30,477 --> 00:43:31,611 If you're just joining us, 1122 00:43:31,644 --> 00:43:33,380 it has been an action-packed night 1123 00:43:33,413 --> 00:43:35,915 here in the Alamodome. 1124 00:43:35,949 --> 00:43:38,551 Moments ago, one of the night's top competitors, 1125 00:43:38,585 --> 00:43:40,153 Connecticut's Conor Galvin, 1126 00:43:40,186 --> 00:43:42,555 made quick work of the first two obstacles. 1127 00:43:42,589 --> 00:43:45,392 - Good for Galvin. This is setting up nicely. 1128 00:43:45,425 --> 00:43:47,894 - At Split Decision, the three-time veteran 1129 00:43:47,927 --> 00:43:50,530 was one of the few to choose the Serpent. 1130 00:43:50,563 --> 00:43:52,098 - No! - What? 1131 00:43:52,098 --> 00:43:53,833 The Serpent just beat him. 1132 00:43:53,867 --> 00:43:57,270 - And just like that, his season was over. 1133 00:43:57,303 --> 00:43:59,706 Another top veteran, Lucas Reale, 1134 00:43:59,739 --> 00:44:01,675 did make it past Split Decision. 1135 00:44:01,708 --> 00:44:04,811 - Lucas Reale putting on a show right now. 1136 00:44:04,844 --> 00:44:06,446 - The 23-year-old from Massachusetts 1137 00:44:06,479 --> 00:44:09,683 has completed the last three qualifying courses he's faced 1138 00:44:09,716 --> 00:44:12,152 and looked like he was heading for another buzzer... 1139 00:44:12,185 --> 00:44:13,920 - No! - No! 1140 00:44:13,953 --> 00:44:17,691 - But came up short on Piston Plunge. 1141 00:44:17,724 --> 00:44:20,393 Then it was one of last year's top teenagers, 1142 00:44:20,427 --> 00:44:23,263 Jay Lewis, AKA Jay Lache. 1143 00:44:23,296 --> 00:44:25,965 - Great laches out of Jay. - You go, young fella! 1144 00:44:26,066 --> 00:44:27,934 - The 17-year-old was able 1145 00:44:27,967 --> 00:44:29,769 to solve the puzzle of Piston Plunge. 1146 00:44:29,803 --> 00:44:32,605 At 5'4", he tried to become the shortest ninja 1147 00:44:32,639 --> 00:44:35,075 to conquer the Mega Wall, 1148 00:44:35,075 --> 00:44:36,710 but instead, the high school senior 1149 00:44:36,743 --> 00:44:39,913 became our second finisher of the night. 1150 00:44:39,946 --> 00:44:41,314 - We're gonna see you in LA. 1151 00:44:41,348 --> 00:44:42,649 You're going on to the semifinals. 1152 00:44:42,682 --> 00:44:44,250 Congrats, buddy. - Thank you so much, man. 1153 00:44:46,319 --> 00:44:47,821 - Well, up next is another one 1154 00:44:47,854 --> 00:44:50,090 of last year's breakout teenagers. 1155 00:44:50,090 --> 00:44:52,826 It's 16-year-old Josiah Pippel. 1156 00:44:52,859 --> 00:44:56,496 This kid got three buzzers and almost made it to stage three 1157 00:44:56,529 --> 00:44:58,198 as a 15-year-old. 1158 00:44:58,231 --> 00:45:01,167 And he likes to go fast on the course and off. 1159 00:45:02,902 --> 00:45:05,071 [drill whirring] 1160 00:45:05,105 --> 00:45:07,807 - From a very young age, I've been into woodworking, 1161 00:45:07,841 --> 00:45:11,044 taking things apart, rebuilding them. 1162 00:45:11,044 --> 00:45:13,079 And now, I'm putting my effort and my skills 1163 00:45:13,113 --> 00:45:15,081 into another hobby: 1164 00:45:15,115 --> 00:45:16,149 building a race car. 1165 00:45:18,184 --> 00:45:20,820 Well, not a real race car. 1166 00:45:20,854 --> 00:45:21,821 It's a simulator. 1167 00:45:21,855 --> 00:45:24,791 [upbeat music] 1168 00:45:24,824 --> 00:45:26,960 I've always had a love for cars-- 1169 00:45:27,060 --> 00:45:29,129 just looking at race cars, seeing how they work, 1170 00:45:29,162 --> 00:45:30,230 how they were put together. 1171 00:45:30,263 --> 00:45:33,066 So this has inboard brakes. 1172 00:45:33,099 --> 00:45:34,834 All the weight is gonna be at the center. 1173 00:45:34,868 --> 00:45:36,569 It would be fun to be a Formula 1 driver one day, 1174 00:45:36,603 --> 00:45:38,471 but until I get my driver's license, 1175 00:45:38,505 --> 00:45:40,340 I guess we'll have to settle for go-karts. 1176 00:45:40,373 --> 00:45:42,742 - * I'm gonna go fast, ready, set, go * 1177 00:45:42,776 --> 00:45:44,377 - Let's do this. 1178 00:45:44,411 --> 00:45:47,380 - * 'Cause I'm cookin' on gas, ain't stoppin' me, no * 1179 00:45:47,414 --> 00:45:49,449 * I'm going my way * 1180 00:45:49,482 --> 00:45:51,351 * Just like a jet plane * 1181 00:45:51,384 --> 00:45:54,921 * They're gonna swoon when I shine like the moon * 1182 00:45:56,556 --> 00:45:58,291 - Racing's all about pushing the speed, 1183 00:45:58,324 --> 00:45:59,359 pushing the limits... 1184 00:46:01,094 --> 00:46:02,429 And Ninja is the same way. 1185 00:46:02,462 --> 00:46:03,663 Your goal is to get through that course 1186 00:46:03,697 --> 00:46:05,265 with as quick a time as possible. 1187 00:46:05,298 --> 00:46:07,133 - Go, go, go! Go, go, go! 1188 00:46:07,167 --> 00:46:09,469 [buzzer blares] 1189 00:46:09,502 --> 00:46:11,805 - I may not be able to go 230 miles an hour, 1190 00:46:11,838 --> 00:46:13,540 but I can hit a buzzer in a blink of an eye. 1191 00:46:13,573 --> 00:46:16,042 - This kid is so fluid, Akbar! 1192 00:46:16,042 --> 00:46:17,544 [buzzer blares] 1193 00:46:17,577 --> 00:46:19,646 - If I get that Mega Wall, I'll have enough money 1194 00:46:19,679 --> 00:46:21,281 to start building my own race car. 1195 00:46:21,314 --> 00:46:23,249 - Whoa! Ha ha! How? 1196 00:46:23,283 --> 00:46:24,384 [buzzer blares] 1197 00:46:26,052 --> 00:46:27,487 You better not blink at home 1198 00:46:27,520 --> 00:46:29,255 'cause you'll miss his entire run. 1199 00:46:29,289 --> 00:46:31,324 Has a big group of supporters watching 1200 00:46:31,358 --> 00:46:34,227 back in New Jersey, including his mom and siblings. 1201 00:46:34,260 --> 00:46:36,563 Has his dad and his coach, Najee Richardson, 1202 00:46:36,596 --> 00:46:37,964 down on the sideline. 1203 00:46:38,064 --> 00:46:40,233 [countdown clock beeping] 1204 00:46:40,266 --> 00:46:41,868 - All right, buckle up your seatbelt 1205 00:46:41,901 --> 00:46:44,104 because this kid doesn't mess around. 1206 00:46:44,137 --> 00:46:45,505 - Well, last year, even as a rookie, 1207 00:46:45,538 --> 00:46:47,107 he went full throttle. 1208 00:46:47,140 --> 00:46:49,309 He was second fastest in semifinals. 1209 00:46:49,342 --> 00:46:50,710 - Yeah, he likes the speed. 1210 00:46:50,744 --> 00:46:52,145 He's addicted to speed, Matt, 1211 00:46:52,178 --> 00:46:54,080 and he's gotta use that speed here tonight. 1212 00:46:54,080 --> 00:46:56,583 - But on the Overpass, elects to take the long way. 1213 00:46:56,616 --> 00:46:59,519 - Yep, easy. There you go! 1214 00:46:59,552 --> 00:47:01,121 - No problem, though. 1215 00:47:03,390 --> 00:47:05,392 Pippel pushing the pace, 1216 00:47:05,425 --> 00:47:08,862 and he's sprinting straight over to the dominoes. 1217 00:47:08,895 --> 00:47:10,263 - Go, go, go! 1218 00:47:10,296 --> 00:47:13,233 - Those dominoes barely moved. 1219 00:47:13,266 --> 00:47:17,037 Just outstanding body control there out of Josiah Pippel. 1220 00:47:17,070 --> 00:47:19,639 6 feet tall, 150 pounds, 1221 00:47:19,673 --> 00:47:22,409 and no problem moving through Carnival. 1222 00:47:22,442 --> 00:47:25,045 - He just let it roll into the number three chute. 1223 00:47:25,078 --> 00:47:26,579 - Trusting that long lache, 1224 00:47:26,613 --> 00:47:28,715 we're seeing these ninjas confident in their lache 1225 00:47:28,748 --> 00:47:30,917 and their grip strength. 1226 00:47:30,950 --> 00:47:33,620 And he has flown through these first four obstacles. 1227 00:47:33,653 --> 00:47:35,055 - Let's go! 1228 00:47:35,055 --> 00:47:37,457 - He's reached this point in under a minute. 1229 00:47:37,490 --> 00:47:41,261 He's once again got a shot at the fastest time. 1230 00:47:41,294 --> 00:47:44,898 Oh, he's a car guy, but he may not like these pistons. 1231 00:47:46,366 --> 00:47:49,069 And he has been efficient, Akbar. 1232 00:47:49,069 --> 00:47:52,205 Doesn't even look like he's breathing hard. 1233 00:47:52,238 --> 00:47:54,841 - Matt, he's long, so you can see he can use those long legs 1234 00:47:54,874 --> 00:47:56,743 to stop the pistons from moving. 1235 00:47:56,776 --> 00:47:57,944 Nice, little touch. 1236 00:47:57,977 --> 00:48:00,013 - He's got to do a 90 degree rotation 1237 00:48:00,013 --> 00:48:02,248 with his hands, get that left hand over-- 1238 00:48:02,282 --> 00:48:03,850 - That is so hard! 1239 00:48:03,883 --> 00:48:06,720 Do you know how hard that is to get the hand placement? 1240 00:48:06,753 --> 00:48:09,856 - Impressed he held on. One more transfer. 1241 00:48:09,889 --> 00:48:11,191 - He's got enough strength, Matt. 1242 00:48:11,224 --> 00:48:12,759 He's about to do it! - But this is the drop. 1243 00:48:12,792 --> 00:48:16,029 Can he hold on for the drop? He did it! 1244 00:48:16,062 --> 00:48:18,031 - Yeah, he'll propel himself to number one. 1245 00:48:18,031 --> 00:48:19,933 - He may be going for $10,000. 1246 00:48:20,033 --> 00:48:22,602 And he is looking at it. - Get that money. 1247 00:48:25,038 --> 00:48:26,906 - Yes! - Get that money, homey! 1248 00:48:26,940 --> 00:48:28,775 - You look confident. Go for it! 1249 00:48:28,808 --> 00:48:31,144 - Remember your training! - Just like you practiced! 1250 00:48:31,177 --> 00:48:33,546 - Come on! - 16 years old. 1251 00:48:33,580 --> 00:48:37,317 Got to get up 18 feet to get $10,000. 1252 00:48:37,350 --> 00:48:39,052 Four people did it last week. 1253 00:48:39,085 --> 00:48:41,054 So far tonight, no one has done it. 1254 00:48:42,856 --> 00:48:43,890 - You got this! 1255 00:48:43,923 --> 00:48:45,258 - He'd still be the fastest too, 1256 00:48:45,291 --> 00:48:46,326 but gotta go. 1257 00:48:48,528 --> 00:48:49,729 Fingertips! 1258 00:48:49,763 --> 00:48:52,399 Yes, he's done it! [buzzer blares] 1259 00:48:54,467 --> 00:48:56,603 $10,000! 1260 00:48:56,636 --> 00:48:59,339 - Oh, my goodness! 1261 00:48:59,372 --> 00:49:00,407 - Are you kidding me? 1262 00:49:00,440 --> 00:49:03,209 - Whoo! 1263 00:49:03,243 --> 00:49:05,145 - That's 10 Gs, bruh! 1264 00:49:06,780 --> 00:49:08,715 Najee's running up to celebrate. 1265 00:49:08,748 --> 00:49:11,151 Get up there and celebrate with the young fella! 1266 00:49:11,184 --> 00:49:13,086 Get up there! 1267 00:49:13,119 --> 00:49:16,156 [cheering and applause] 1268 00:49:17,824 --> 00:49:19,259 - Let's look at this again. 1269 00:49:19,292 --> 00:49:21,161 He gets one hand over the edge 1270 00:49:21,194 --> 00:49:23,329 and was able to pull himself up. 1271 00:49:23,363 --> 00:49:25,699 That grab is worth 10 grand. 1272 00:49:25,732 --> 00:49:27,667 Our first Mega Wall of the night, 1273 00:49:27,701 --> 00:49:31,404 and he still got the fastest finish so far. 1274 00:49:31,438 --> 00:49:33,239 Well, we're only halfway through the night, 1275 00:49:33,273 --> 00:49:35,642 but check out our finishers so far. 1276 00:49:35,675 --> 00:49:37,410 All of them are teenagers. 1277 00:49:37,444 --> 00:49:40,313 Will they be able to hold on to the top spots? 1278 00:49:40,347 --> 00:49:44,150 Coming up, MyKayla Skinner had an Olympic dream. 1279 00:49:44,184 --> 00:49:46,686 Her husband's got a Ninja dream. 1280 00:49:46,720 --> 00:49:49,723 He's on the course, and she's in the booth with us, 1281 00:49:49,756 --> 00:49:52,692 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1282 00:49:56,496 --> 00:49:58,098 - Welcome back to Texas, where we just had 1283 00:49:58,131 --> 00:50:01,101 a showstopping performance by the Jersey Girls, 1284 00:50:01,134 --> 00:50:03,436 three ninja friends from the Garden State. 1285 00:50:03,470 --> 00:50:06,639 You might catch these three on the Jersey Shore boardwalk, 1286 00:50:06,673 --> 00:50:10,276 so they all got a kick out of Carnival. 1287 00:50:10,310 --> 00:50:14,114 First, Cara Mack rolled the ball into chute number one, 1288 00:50:14,147 --> 00:50:16,449 which rewarded her with the stuffed lion 1289 00:50:16,483 --> 00:50:17,751 and a T-Bar 1290 00:50:17,784 --> 00:50:20,286 and the easiest exit. - Yes! 1291 00:50:20,320 --> 00:50:23,623 - Rachel Degutz bounced her ball into chute number two, 1292 00:50:23,656 --> 00:50:26,426 so she got a stuffed fish and a Y-bar. 1293 00:50:26,459 --> 00:50:28,928 A little tougher, but she made it through as well. 1294 00:50:28,962 --> 00:50:30,263 - Nice! Ooh! 1295 00:50:30,296 --> 00:50:32,265 - Then Abby Clark rolled the ball 1296 00:50:32,298 --> 00:50:35,001 into chute number three, so she got a duck 1297 00:50:35,035 --> 00:50:37,337 and only a single nunchuck to grab... 1298 00:50:37,370 --> 00:50:38,571 - Look at that! 1299 00:50:38,605 --> 00:50:40,974 - But she also survived. - Okay, Abby! 1300 00:50:41,007 --> 00:50:43,576 - All three made it to the fifth obstacle, 1301 00:50:43,610 --> 00:50:44,744 where Cara... 1302 00:50:44,778 --> 00:50:46,813 - Oh! 1303 00:50:46,846 --> 00:50:48,915 - Rachel... - No! 1304 00:50:48,948 --> 00:50:52,118 - And Abby... - Oh! Oh! 1305 00:50:52,152 --> 00:50:54,054 - All fell. 1306 00:50:54,087 --> 00:50:56,990 But all three still have a good chance of moving on. 1307 00:50:58,692 --> 00:51:01,061 Well, we got something special for this next runner. 1308 00:51:01,061 --> 00:51:03,063 Joining us in the host tower right now, 1309 00:51:03,096 --> 00:51:05,198 our friend from Tokyo 2020, 1310 00:51:05,231 --> 00:51:08,301 Olympic silver medalist in the vault, MyKayla Skinner! 1311 00:51:08,335 --> 00:51:09,903 - Whoo-hoo! - Hey! 1312 00:51:09,936 --> 00:51:11,237 There's the hardware. 1313 00:51:11,271 --> 00:51:12,872 I love it. - I brought it. I brought it. 1314 00:51:12,906 --> 00:51:14,240 - Well, we bought you up here, not just because 1315 00:51:14,274 --> 00:51:15,675 of your athletic prowess, but because you have 1316 00:51:15,709 --> 00:51:17,277 a pretty good connection to this next runner: 1317 00:51:17,310 --> 00:51:18,945 he happens to be your husband, 1318 00:51:18,978 --> 00:51:22,315 Jonas Harmer, all 6'7" of him. 1319 00:51:22,349 --> 00:51:24,250 - Okay, that's what I like to see, no shirt. 1320 00:51:24,284 --> 00:51:26,086 - Oh, you like to see that, huh? 1321 00:51:26,086 --> 00:51:27,787 Oh, my God! - And the handstand. 1322 00:51:27,821 --> 00:51:29,422 - Oh, showing off all the strength. 1323 00:51:29,456 --> 00:51:30,590 - I'd rate that, like, a five. 1324 00:51:30,623 --> 00:51:33,993 You know, not a ten, but... [laughter] 1325 00:51:34,094 --> 00:51:36,930 - Well, you two met at the University of Utah, 1326 00:51:36,963 --> 00:51:38,832 got married three years ago. 1327 00:51:38,865 --> 00:51:40,567 And there's his mom, Elayne, on the sideline 1328 00:51:40,600 --> 00:51:43,436 along with other family members. 1329 00:51:43,470 --> 00:51:45,171 - How do you think Jonas is gonna do? 1330 00:51:45,205 --> 00:51:46,840 - You know, it's kind of hard to say. 1331 00:51:46,873 --> 00:51:48,475 I mean, I feel like he'll do good, 1332 00:51:48,508 --> 00:51:51,411 but after watching it tonight, I'm kind of worried. 1333 00:51:51,444 --> 00:51:53,546 I'm like, man, it's really easy to fall, 1334 00:51:53,580 --> 00:51:56,383 like, so you better bring it. 1335 00:51:56,416 --> 00:51:58,218 - He's been a fan of "American Ninja Warrior" 1336 00:51:58,251 --> 00:51:59,786 since he was 14 years old. 1337 00:51:59,819 --> 00:52:01,554 This has been a dream. Come on, big guy. 1338 00:52:01,588 --> 00:52:03,823 Come on, big fella! - Okay, okay, okay. 1339 00:52:03,857 --> 00:52:05,158 We got one down. 1340 00:52:05,191 --> 00:52:06,760 Okay. - And wiping it off. 1341 00:52:06,793 --> 00:52:08,328 Stepping up to Overpass. 1342 00:52:08,361 --> 00:52:10,063 This is like the high bar here. 1343 00:52:10,063 --> 00:52:11,264 You're the gymnast in the family. 1344 00:52:11,297 --> 00:52:12,766 Any tips? - I can't. 1345 00:52:12,799 --> 00:52:14,834 I'm feeling sick right now. - Are you? 1346 00:52:14,868 --> 00:52:17,971 I mean, you're pretty good on the bars. 1347 00:52:18,071 --> 00:52:21,374 - Well, he's gonna have a long lache here, 9 feet. 1348 00:52:21,408 --> 00:52:22,709 - He is 6'7". 1349 00:52:22,742 --> 00:52:25,712 He can just almost reach out and grab it. 1350 00:52:25,745 --> 00:52:26,880 Wow! - Yeah! 1351 00:52:26,913 --> 00:52:28,081 That's what I'm talking about. 1352 00:52:28,081 --> 00:52:29,382 - That was easy. 1353 00:52:29,416 --> 00:52:30,684 - I mean, he is tall, so it's not like 1354 00:52:30,717 --> 00:52:31,818 he has to go very far. 1355 00:52:31,851 --> 00:52:34,087 [laughter] 1356 00:52:34,087 --> 00:52:36,589 - Oh, almost caught that with his chin 1357 00:52:36,623 --> 00:52:38,324 but hangs on. 1358 00:52:38,358 --> 00:52:39,959 Gotta kip it up and over. 1359 00:52:39,993 --> 00:52:41,227 And he's through. - Okay. 1360 00:52:43,196 --> 00:52:45,899 - All right, this is where it gets real: Split Decision. 1361 00:52:45,932 --> 00:52:47,634 Which way do you think he should go, MyKayla? 1362 00:52:47,667 --> 00:52:48,868 - I think the-- 1363 00:52:48,902 --> 00:52:50,170 what is that, a dragon? - The Serpent? 1364 00:52:50,203 --> 00:52:51,638 Yeah, the Serpent? - Yeah, yeah. 1365 00:52:51,671 --> 00:52:53,573 - He's going for it. He's going for the Serpent. 1366 00:52:53,606 --> 00:52:57,010 He heard MyKayla. He took her advice. 1367 00:52:57,110 --> 00:52:59,212 Gotta use those long legs. 1368 00:52:59,245 --> 00:53:00,480 - All right. Nice! 1369 00:53:00,513 --> 00:53:02,615 Oh, no! - Oh! 1370 00:53:02,649 --> 00:53:04,517 - And he was betrayed by his height. 1371 00:53:04,551 --> 00:53:07,120 His feet touched the water. 1372 00:53:07,153 --> 00:53:08,655 He's disappointed, but you know what, 1373 00:53:08,688 --> 00:53:10,657 he got to live out his childhood dream, 1374 00:53:10,690 --> 00:53:12,058 and he did all right. 1375 00:53:12,058 --> 00:53:14,761 Almost made it through three obstacles. 1376 00:53:14,794 --> 00:53:17,697 MyKayla, what was it like watching him on the course? 1377 00:53:17,731 --> 00:53:18,765 - He went out there and did his best, 1378 00:53:18,798 --> 00:53:20,333 so just proud of him living his dream 1379 00:53:20,367 --> 00:53:21,868 like I got to live mine, so... 1380 00:53:21,901 --> 00:53:23,870 - Aw. - That is beautiful. 1381 00:53:23,903 --> 00:53:26,906 MyKayla Skinner, you are always welcome in our host tower. 1382 00:53:26,940 --> 00:53:29,476 - Thank you. Appreciate it. - You're an absolute gem. 1383 00:53:29,509 --> 00:53:30,710 We'll let MyKayla go down 1384 00:53:30,744 --> 00:53:32,879 and give her husband a big hug, 1385 00:53:32,912 --> 00:53:34,214 but we're gonna keep it rolling 1386 00:53:34,247 --> 00:53:35,448 and head to the start line 1387 00:53:35,482 --> 00:53:38,084 for the Hip-Hop Ninja, Jeremy Warters. 1388 00:53:38,118 --> 00:53:40,086 - That's the Hip-Hop Ninja? 1389 00:53:40,086 --> 00:53:41,488 - Well, let's see what he's got. 1390 00:53:41,521 --> 00:53:43,656 - * Hey, yo, every day you wake up * 1391 00:53:43,690 --> 00:53:45,959 * You got a Split Decision, you gotta take action * 1392 00:53:45,992 --> 00:53:47,327 * If you're gonna get to winnin' * 1393 00:53:47,360 --> 00:53:48,928 * The Hip-Hop Ninja about to help you * 1394 00:53:48,962 --> 00:53:50,730 * Get in the rhythm in Eyeglass Alley * 1395 00:53:50,764 --> 00:53:52,098 * As you start to see the vision * 1396 00:53:52,098 --> 00:53:53,133 * And, Mom, who I adore * 1397 00:53:53,166 --> 00:53:54,234 * Yo, I'm comin' for you * 1398 00:53:54,267 --> 00:53:56,169 - Okay! 1399 00:53:56,202 --> 00:53:59,239 That white boy can rap! 1400 00:53:59,272 --> 00:54:01,041 - Well, he's got a big posse. 1401 00:54:01,041 --> 00:54:04,110 He's got family watching back in Syracuse, New York... 1402 00:54:04,144 --> 00:54:05,278 - Hi, guys! 1403 00:54:05,311 --> 00:54:06,579 - As well as on the sidelines, 1404 00:54:06,613 --> 00:54:08,648 wearing those shirts with the glasses. 1405 00:54:08,682 --> 00:54:10,750 That's his trademark look. Kind of nerdy. 1406 00:54:10,784 --> 00:54:12,419 Not what you might expect as a rapper. 1407 00:54:12,452 --> 00:54:15,055 [countdown clock beeping] 1408 00:54:15,088 --> 00:54:17,290 - Hip-Hop Ninja, let's go! 1409 00:54:17,323 --> 00:54:18,725 - All right. Here goes the Hip-Hop Ninja. 1410 00:54:18,758 --> 00:54:19,926 Hip-hop-hop-hop. 1411 00:54:19,959 --> 00:54:22,395 Hip-hop hooray. Nice! 1412 00:54:22,429 --> 00:54:24,064 - Warters has been writing his own lyrics 1413 00:54:24,064 --> 00:54:27,067 and creating his own beats since high school. 1414 00:54:27,100 --> 00:54:28,234 Only 21, but looks like 1415 00:54:28,268 --> 00:54:29,969 he could still be in high school. 1416 00:54:30,070 --> 00:54:32,405 The crowd's got the "Hip-Hop" chant going 1417 00:54:32,439 --> 00:54:34,441 as Warters hops over to the bar. 1418 00:54:34,474 --> 00:54:36,076 - He didn't do a lot of sports in high school 1419 00:54:36,109 --> 00:54:37,444 but did cheerleading, 1420 00:54:37,477 --> 00:54:39,145 and it looks like it's working for him. 1421 00:54:40,380 --> 00:54:42,615 - And he is through. 1422 00:54:42,649 --> 00:54:44,651 Well, he rapped about Split Decision, 1423 00:54:44,684 --> 00:54:47,087 and his choice is gonna be the Serpent. 1424 00:54:47,087 --> 00:54:48,722 This is a gutsy choice. 1425 00:54:48,755 --> 00:54:51,558 Remember, big Jonas Harmer just fell on this minutes ago. 1426 00:54:51,591 --> 00:54:53,393 - Come on, boy. - You got this. 1427 00:54:53,426 --> 00:54:55,161 - Oh, oh, oh! Oh, hold on! 1428 00:54:55,195 --> 00:54:57,430 Hold on! - And he's through three. 1429 00:55:01,735 --> 00:55:04,104 Let's see what he does here on Carnival, Akbar. 1430 00:55:04,137 --> 00:55:06,506 5'10", 150. 1431 00:55:08,708 --> 00:55:10,877 - All right, but no time for a remix. 1432 00:55:10,910 --> 00:55:12,645 Just go for it. Nice. 1433 00:55:12,679 --> 00:55:14,347 All right, now the chute drops down, 1434 00:55:14,381 --> 00:55:16,049 the little nunchuck. 1435 00:55:16,049 --> 00:55:17,717 Now that's a bar for you right there. 1436 00:55:17,751 --> 00:55:19,319 That's a bar for the rapper. 1437 00:55:19,352 --> 00:55:20,420 And he got it! 1438 00:55:20,453 --> 00:55:21,888 - No problem there. 1439 00:55:21,921 --> 00:55:23,390 Warters finding his rhythm. 1440 00:55:23,423 --> 00:55:25,825 - Let's go! Let's go, baby! Let's go! 1441 00:55:25,859 --> 00:55:28,361 - On now to Piston Plunge. 1442 00:55:28,395 --> 00:55:31,197 Just started Ninja a couple of years ago. 1443 00:55:31,231 --> 00:55:34,467 Now, here he is on this fifth obstacle, Akbar, 1444 00:55:34,501 --> 00:55:36,236 looking pretty solid. 1445 00:55:36,269 --> 00:55:39,139 - All right, first track is called "ANW Freestyle." 1446 00:55:39,172 --> 00:55:40,774 He's freestylin' on this one. 1447 00:55:42,676 --> 00:55:44,644 Nice! - He's got it. 1448 00:55:44,678 --> 00:55:47,514 As Eminem would say, "You only get one shot. 1449 00:55:47,547 --> 00:55:49,416 Do not miss your chance to blow." 1450 00:55:49,449 --> 00:55:51,451 - I hope his palms aren't sweaty. 1451 00:55:51,484 --> 00:55:53,353 - Yeah, he's lookin' real strong, Akbar, 1452 00:55:53,386 --> 00:55:56,356 but this is where the arms start to wear out. 1453 00:55:56,389 --> 00:55:59,826 Got a couple more moves here. - Let's get it! 1454 00:55:59,859 --> 00:56:02,195 - On to the steering wheel. Holds on! 1455 00:56:02,228 --> 00:56:04,731 - The steering wheel knocked his glasses off. 1456 00:56:04,764 --> 00:56:06,132 I hope he can see the landing. 1457 00:56:06,166 --> 00:56:08,601 - Powered by Mom's spaghetti, he gets through! 1458 00:56:08,635 --> 00:56:09,736 - Okay. 1459 00:56:09,769 --> 00:56:11,905 - You don't need your glasses! Let's go! 1460 00:56:11,938 --> 00:56:14,708 - Dad says he doesn't need glasses. 1461 00:56:14,741 --> 00:56:16,343 Well, let's take a look at what happened. 1462 00:56:16,376 --> 00:56:17,944 He grabbed the steering wheel, 1463 00:56:18,044 --> 00:56:22,449 and the edge came down and knocked his glasses right off. 1464 00:56:22,482 --> 00:56:24,617 Well, he only needs to see 14 1/2 feet 1465 00:56:24,651 --> 00:56:27,120 to the top of the Warped Wall. 1466 00:56:27,153 --> 00:56:28,955 - All you! - Let's go! 1467 00:56:29,055 --> 00:56:32,726 - Can the Hip-Hop Ninja bring home his first buzzer? 1468 00:56:32,759 --> 00:56:35,695 Yes, hit that buzzer! [buzzer blares] 1469 00:56:35,729 --> 00:56:38,965 [cheers and applause] 1470 00:56:39,065 --> 00:56:40,900 - Let's go! 1471 00:56:40,934 --> 00:56:43,169 - Let me see you flex one real quick. 1472 00:56:43,203 --> 00:56:46,072 - Oh! - Yeah! 1473 00:56:46,072 --> 00:56:47,741 Come on. Drop a bar real quick. 1474 00:56:47,774 --> 00:56:48,942 I know you got something for me. 1475 00:56:48,975 --> 00:56:50,076 - I can't even breathe, bro. 1476 00:56:50,076 --> 00:56:51,277 I mean-- [laughter] 1477 00:56:51,311 --> 00:56:52,412 - Hey, remix. 1478 00:56:52,445 --> 00:56:53,880 Hit that buzzer one more time, bud. 1479 00:56:53,913 --> 00:56:55,882 [buzzer blares] 1480 00:56:56,850 --> 00:57:00,053 - Up next is the return of Najee Richardson... 1481 00:57:00,086 --> 00:57:02,322 - The Phoenix is rising! 1482 00:57:02,355 --> 00:57:05,592 - And he's now a world record holder. 1483 00:57:05,625 --> 00:57:09,062 He's coming up on "American Ninja Warrior." 1484 00:57:13,500 --> 00:57:16,036 - Sparks are flying here in the Alamodome. 1485 00:57:16,069 --> 00:57:18,038 That's because minutes ago, 1486 00:57:18,071 --> 00:57:20,106 New York welder Anthony Eardley 1487 00:57:20,140 --> 00:57:21,808 electrified the start line. 1488 00:57:21,841 --> 00:57:25,178 - He's about to light this thing up. 1489 00:57:25,211 --> 00:57:26,846 - The four-time veteran survived 1490 00:57:26,880 --> 00:57:28,281 a close call on the Serpent. 1491 00:57:28,314 --> 00:57:30,050 - Oh, my goodness! 1492 00:57:30,050 --> 00:57:31,851 Oh, he is so close. 1493 00:57:31,885 --> 00:57:33,319 Oh-ho-ho! 1494 00:57:33,353 --> 00:57:34,654 Puttin' on a show! 1495 00:57:34,688 --> 00:57:36,890 [cheers and applause] - Yeah! 1496 00:57:36,923 --> 00:57:39,325 - And powered his way to the fifth obstacle, 1497 00:57:39,359 --> 00:57:42,295 where he was closing in on his very first buzzer... 1498 00:57:42,328 --> 00:57:43,897 - Oh, my goodness! 1499 00:57:45,899 --> 00:57:48,702 - But he's still in good position to move on. 1500 00:57:48,735 --> 00:57:51,104 20-year-old Luke Dillon hit a buzzer last year 1501 00:57:51,137 --> 00:57:52,439 in his rookie season. 1502 00:57:52,472 --> 00:57:54,441 - He knew he was going for Domino Effect 1503 00:57:54,474 --> 00:57:56,076 because he just dominated! 1504 00:57:56,076 --> 00:57:57,844 - And the Rhode Island College student 1505 00:57:57,877 --> 00:57:59,846 came out roaring in his second season. 1506 00:57:59,879 --> 00:58:01,915 - Hey, this kid can go. 1507 00:58:02,015 --> 00:58:04,084 - With his girlfriend, Aly, cheering him on, 1508 00:58:04,117 --> 00:58:07,721 Dylan put up the fastest finish of the night so far. 1509 00:58:07,754 --> 00:58:10,090 [buzzer blares] - Let's go! 1510 00:58:11,391 --> 00:58:12,826 That's one. 1511 00:58:12,859 --> 00:58:14,761 We got five more to go. 1512 00:58:14,794 --> 00:58:18,031 - Then his girlfriend, Aly Merto, got her chance. 1513 00:58:18,031 --> 00:58:19,799 - Here we go! 1514 00:58:19,833 --> 00:58:22,035 - The 19-year-old Springfield College student 1515 00:58:22,035 --> 00:58:25,405 is a die-hard "Ninja" fan and was thrilled to make it 1516 00:58:25,438 --> 00:58:27,774 to the third obstacle in her "Ninja" debut. 1517 00:58:27,807 --> 00:58:30,210 - No! 1518 00:58:30,243 --> 00:58:33,546 - That was the most fun I've had in my entire life. 1519 00:58:33,580 --> 00:58:35,415 - He missed last year with an injury, 1520 00:58:35,448 --> 00:58:38,184 but the Phoenix is ready to rise again. 1521 00:58:38,218 --> 00:58:40,887 We are talking about the pride of Philadelphia, 1522 00:58:40,920 --> 00:58:42,622 Najee Richardson. 1523 00:58:42,655 --> 00:58:45,358 An ankle injury kept him out of "Ninja" competition 1524 00:58:45,392 --> 00:58:47,327 last year, but it did not stop him 1525 00:58:47,360 --> 00:58:49,796 from reaching record-breaking heights. 1526 00:58:51,197 --> 00:58:54,167 [upbeat music] 1527 00:58:54,200 --> 00:58:57,637 - Najee Richardson. He loves to fly, Akbar. 1528 00:58:57,671 --> 00:58:59,673 - Nice! - Wow! 1529 00:58:59,706 --> 00:59:02,075 - Last time you guys saw me was season 12. 1530 00:59:02,108 --> 00:59:03,476 [buzzer blares] 1531 00:59:03,510 --> 00:59:05,879 - Your first buzzer of the night! 1532 00:59:05,912 --> 00:59:09,015 Najee Richardson! 1533 00:59:09,015 --> 00:59:12,185 - And I was training to be a part of season 13, 1534 00:59:12,218 --> 00:59:14,120 but unfortunately got injured. 1535 00:59:16,790 --> 00:59:18,858 As far as ankle dislocations go, 1536 00:59:18,892 --> 00:59:20,727 do not recommend, hard pass. 1537 00:59:20,760 --> 00:59:23,229 I had to just sit down for about four months total 1538 00:59:23,263 --> 00:59:25,031 before I was even able to run. 1539 00:59:25,065 --> 00:59:26,232 I remember sitting at home, 1540 00:59:26,266 --> 00:59:27,834 and I was watching some old clips 1541 00:59:27,867 --> 00:59:28,935 of "ANW" skills. 1542 00:59:29,035 --> 00:59:31,204 all: [chanting] Najee! Najee! 1543 00:59:31,237 --> 00:59:33,573 - Oh, he got it! - Oh! 1544 00:59:33,606 --> 00:59:35,108 - He got it! - At the last minute! 1545 00:59:35,141 --> 00:59:36,843 - Oh, look at that! - Yes! 1546 00:59:36,876 --> 00:59:38,945 - The launching of a human satellite. 1547 00:59:40,814 --> 00:59:43,683 - It was such a huge inspiration to me, 1548 00:59:43,717 --> 00:59:46,386 so the second that my ankle was able to handle 1549 00:59:46,419 --> 00:59:48,054 what I wanted to do, I was just like, 1550 00:59:48,054 --> 00:59:49,956 how cool would it be to just break a world record? 1551 00:59:50,056 --> 00:59:52,759 And somehow, I managed to break three. 1552 00:59:54,361 --> 00:59:58,064 I have the farthest lache from a bar to another bar. 1553 00:59:59,733 --> 01:00:01,801 I have the farthest lache to a wall 1554 01:00:01,835 --> 01:00:03,236 doing a cat grab. 1555 01:00:05,105 --> 01:00:09,009 And I have the highest lache from one bar to another. 1556 01:00:09,042 --> 01:00:12,012 Aah! Oh! - Oh! 1557 01:00:12,045 --> 01:00:15,081 - I really can't put into words how proud I am of myself 1558 01:00:15,115 --> 01:00:16,616 being in the "Guinness Book of World Records" 1559 01:00:16,649 --> 01:00:19,219 and having three Guinness World Records. 1560 01:00:19,252 --> 01:00:22,188 Look at that! That's me! 1561 01:00:22,222 --> 01:00:24,524 Aah, that's so cool! 1562 01:00:24,557 --> 01:00:26,059 But I'm still looking forward to the moment 1563 01:00:26,092 --> 01:00:27,327 of just getting back on the course. 1564 01:00:27,360 --> 01:00:29,362 Being a Guinness World Record holder 1565 01:00:29,396 --> 01:00:31,064 and then coming back from injury, 1566 01:00:31,097 --> 01:00:33,633 Ninja just means even more to me now. 1567 01:00:37,170 --> 01:00:38,772 - Well, besides breaking records, 1568 01:00:38,805 --> 01:00:41,141 Najee's also gotten engaged. 1569 01:00:41,174 --> 01:00:42,409 There's his fiancée, McKenzie, 1570 01:00:42,442 --> 01:00:44,344 watching along with his parents. 1571 01:00:46,413 --> 01:00:48,148 And on the sidelines, Ninja friends, 1572 01:00:48,181 --> 01:00:50,483 including Jessie Graff, Josiah Pippel, 1573 01:00:50,517 --> 01:00:52,652 and Joe Moravsky. Three's company. 1574 01:00:52,686 --> 01:00:55,221 [countdown clock beeping] 1575 01:00:55,255 --> 01:00:56,790 - Here we go! 1576 01:00:56,823 --> 01:00:59,859 The return to the course for Najee Richardson! 1577 01:00:59,893 --> 01:01:02,128 - And survives the first test of his ankle. 1578 01:01:02,162 --> 01:01:04,364 His world record laches will definitely come in handy 1579 01:01:04,397 --> 01:01:06,066 here on Overpass. 1580 01:01:06,066 --> 01:01:07,300 But is he gonna make it easy? 1581 01:01:07,334 --> 01:01:08,868 Oh, no! - No, but that's all right. 1582 01:01:08,902 --> 01:01:10,470 He's got the Guinness World Record. 1583 01:01:10,503 --> 01:01:12,305 - He could've caught that with his teeth! 1584 01:01:12,339 --> 01:01:13,606 - He had so much power, 1585 01:01:13,640 --> 01:01:16,309 he almost hit his Adam's apple. 1586 01:01:16,343 --> 01:01:18,645 - Looking very comfortable in his return 1587 01:01:18,678 --> 01:01:21,715 but has never had to make the choice at Split Decision. 1588 01:01:21,748 --> 01:01:24,684 What will be the best for that rehabbed ankle? 1589 01:01:24,718 --> 01:01:26,653 Getting some advice from the sidelines here. 1590 01:01:28,221 --> 01:01:29,756 Took a look at Serpent, but he's going 1591 01:01:29,789 --> 01:01:31,891 with Domino Effect. 1592 01:01:31,925 --> 01:01:33,660 - Get the speed! Get the speed going! 1593 01:01:33,693 --> 01:01:35,328 - Naj, you got it! - Get the speed! 1594 01:01:35,362 --> 01:01:36,896 - And you see, he just stomped that ankle. 1595 01:01:36,930 --> 01:01:38,365 He's testing it. - All right. 1596 01:01:38,398 --> 01:01:39,799 Come on. You got this. 1597 01:01:39,833 --> 01:01:42,268 Overcome it. Don't let that fear stop you. 1598 01:01:42,302 --> 01:01:44,471 There you go! - Can the Phoenix fly? Yes! 1599 01:01:44,504 --> 01:01:45,705 - That's what I'm talking about! 1600 01:01:45,739 --> 01:01:46,806 Whoo! 1601 01:01:48,308 --> 01:01:50,810 - And what a relief that's gotta be. 1602 01:01:50,844 --> 01:01:53,580 Dominoes delivers for Najee Richardson. 1603 01:01:53,613 --> 01:01:56,016 - Yes! - Come on! 1604 01:01:56,116 --> 01:01:59,252 - Survives the Domino Effect. Now on Carnival. 1605 01:01:59,285 --> 01:02:01,388 Najee's such a powerful ninja, 1606 01:02:01,421 --> 01:02:03,556 I'll bet he's gonna have excellent body awareness. 1607 01:02:03,590 --> 01:02:05,125 Should be able to control the tilting tube. 1608 01:02:05,158 --> 01:02:06,693 He's just going for it. - Yeah, he's going for it. 1609 01:02:06,726 --> 01:02:08,328 He knows he can do it, Matt, and there's nothing 1610 01:02:08,361 --> 01:02:11,297 like an injury to really change your perspective. 1611 01:02:11,331 --> 01:02:12,766 - Easy. Nice grab! 1612 01:02:12,799 --> 01:02:14,901 - He's got a better appreciation for this sport. 1613 01:02:14,934 --> 01:02:16,636 He just crushed Carnival. 1614 01:02:16,670 --> 01:02:18,538 - Yeah! - Whoo! 1615 01:02:18,571 --> 01:02:20,674 - Now facing Piston Plunge. 1616 01:02:20,707 --> 01:02:22,208 We've seen a lot of good ninjas 1617 01:02:22,242 --> 01:02:23,810 fall here already tonight. 1618 01:02:23,843 --> 01:02:25,612 Doesn't have to worry about the ankle here 1619 01:02:25,645 --> 01:02:29,082 but does need good hands to grab the pistons. 1620 01:02:29,082 --> 01:02:30,917 And Najee's put on some muscle on in the past year 1621 01:02:30,950 --> 01:02:32,285 with strength training. 1622 01:02:32,318 --> 01:02:34,921 Now weighs 165 pounds. 1623 01:02:34,954 --> 01:02:37,757 And Najee, we know he can fly, he can launch up. 1624 01:02:37,791 --> 01:02:38,892 That gives him time to make sure 1625 01:02:38,925 --> 01:02:40,293 his hand placement's correct. 1626 01:02:40,326 --> 01:02:41,961 - East-west grab here. Okay. 1627 01:02:41,995 --> 01:02:43,563 Let's do a north-south grab here. 1628 01:02:43,596 --> 01:02:44,731 - Now, this is a real challenge. 1629 01:02:44,764 --> 01:02:46,499 Gotta rotate 90 degrees in midair. 1630 01:02:46,533 --> 01:02:47,867 - That's the hard part. You got to get up. 1631 01:02:47,901 --> 01:02:49,736 You got to--nice! - Got it. 1632 01:02:49,769 --> 01:02:52,205 - You saw how he got a little bit more elevation 1633 01:02:52,238 --> 01:02:54,441 just to be able to make that transition. 1634 01:02:54,474 --> 01:02:56,743 - Now he's gotta rotate back. - Nice. 1635 01:02:56,776 --> 01:02:59,646 - Now the big drop, about a foot drop here 1636 01:02:59,679 --> 01:03:01,381 on this bungee chord on the steering wheel. 1637 01:03:01,414 --> 01:03:03,950 - Matt, he's got plenty left in the reserve. 1638 01:03:04,050 --> 01:03:05,618 He's got plenty left in the reserve. 1639 01:03:05,652 --> 01:03:08,221 He's just seeing it, going for it. 1640 01:03:08,254 --> 01:03:09,856 Nice! - Got it! 1641 01:03:09,889 --> 01:03:11,624 Najee Richardson! 1642 01:03:11,658 --> 01:03:13,059 - You talk about coming off of an injury... 1643 01:03:13,093 --> 01:03:14,327 - And there it is. The question is, 1644 01:03:14,361 --> 01:03:17,697 will he go for the Mega Wall? 1645 01:03:17,731 --> 01:03:21,634 - He's back! - Phoenix is gonna fly, baby! 1646 01:03:21,668 --> 01:03:23,370 - Now, I don't think you go for the Mega Wall, Matt, 1647 01:03:23,403 --> 01:03:25,572 after that major dislocation. 1648 01:03:25,605 --> 01:03:26,973 - Get those shoes ready. Let's go. 1649 01:03:27,073 --> 01:03:28,775 - Why not? - He's not going Mega. 1650 01:03:28,808 --> 01:03:30,110 No way he's going Mega! 1651 01:03:30,143 --> 01:03:32,379 all: [chanting] Beat that wall! Beat that wall! 1652 01:03:32,412 --> 01:03:33,813 - Well, he tried to do the Mega Wall 1653 01:03:33,847 --> 01:03:37,417 in seasons 11 and 12 and failed both times. 1654 01:03:37,450 --> 01:03:39,819 Now trying to do it on a rebuilt ankle. 1655 01:03:39,853 --> 01:03:41,454 - Oh! - Come on, up, up, up! 1656 01:03:41,488 --> 01:03:42,956 - Oh, and the grip. 1657 01:03:42,989 --> 01:03:46,092 You could just see the grip on the shoes gave out. 1658 01:03:46,126 --> 01:03:48,561 Najee, though, he's gonna easily get this one 1659 01:03:48,595 --> 01:03:50,663 and get that buzzer. 1660 01:03:50,697 --> 01:03:52,966 The Phoenix is flying once again! 1661 01:03:52,999 --> 01:03:54,234 - Good to be back. [buzzer blares] 1662 01:03:54,267 --> 01:03:56,336 - It's great to have you back. 1663 01:03:56,369 --> 01:03:59,406 [cheers and applause] 1664 01:04:01,207 --> 01:04:02,208 - I missed you guys. 1665 01:04:02,242 --> 01:04:03,510 - I missed you, too, man. 1666 01:04:05,879 --> 01:04:07,847 You weren't afraid of that Mega Wall. 1667 01:04:07,881 --> 01:04:09,249 - Nah. You know what? 1668 01:04:09,282 --> 01:04:10,684 I'm here. I missed a whole season. 1669 01:04:10,717 --> 01:04:12,752 It feels like I've been away for an eternity. 1670 01:04:12,786 --> 01:04:14,087 I love just playing on obstacles, 1671 01:04:14,120 --> 01:04:15,689 so if I get the chance to fail one 1672 01:04:15,722 --> 01:04:18,258 and then come here and still hit a buzzer, why not? 1673 01:04:18,291 --> 01:04:20,760 - Najee, we'll see you in LA, buddy. 1674 01:04:20,794 --> 01:04:22,629 Let the Phoenix continue to fly. 1675 01:04:22,662 --> 01:04:25,532 What a comeback for Najee Richardson. 1676 01:04:25,565 --> 01:04:28,535 Still to come, we've got top stars 1677 01:04:28,568 --> 01:04:30,437 and top guns. 1678 01:04:30,470 --> 01:04:34,741 We're gonna rock out on "American Ninja Warrior." 1679 01:04:41,715 --> 01:04:44,884 - It's been an emotional night here in San Antonio. 1680 01:04:44,918 --> 01:04:47,887 Moments ago, 20-year-old Tyler Behrle 1681 01:04:47,921 --> 01:04:49,589 saw his dream come true. 1682 01:04:49,622 --> 01:04:51,991 This kid started submitting to be on the show 1683 01:04:52,092 --> 01:04:53,259 six years ago. 1684 01:04:53,293 --> 01:04:56,096 - Hi. My name is Tyler Behrle. I'm 14 years old. 1685 01:04:56,096 --> 01:04:57,497 - He kept submitting 1686 01:04:57,530 --> 01:05:00,467 and was finally selected this season. 1687 01:05:00,500 --> 01:05:03,203 Tonight, the college student got his chance 1688 01:05:03,236 --> 01:05:06,573 and took full advantage, 1689 01:05:06,606 --> 01:05:08,775 surviving a hard hit on Serpent... 1690 01:05:08,808 --> 01:05:11,711 - Ooh! Matt, I love this kid. 1691 01:05:11,745 --> 01:05:14,347 - And made it all the way to the fifth obstacle. 1692 01:05:14,381 --> 01:05:15,648 - Ooh! 1693 01:05:15,682 --> 01:05:17,450 - Despite the fall, his speed 1694 01:05:17,484 --> 01:05:19,586 almost guarantees he'll be moving on. 1695 01:05:19,619 --> 01:05:22,055 - If I knew I was gonna be doing this six years ago, 1696 01:05:22,055 --> 01:05:24,424 I'd just be so proud of myself, and I am. 1697 01:05:24,457 --> 01:05:26,393 - Well, another ninja who was all smiles 1698 01:05:26,426 --> 01:05:30,196 was the Cystic Ninja, Branden McWilliams. 1699 01:05:30,230 --> 01:05:33,366 This dad from Pennsylvania has cystic fibrosis, 1700 01:05:33,400 --> 01:05:35,068 which makes it difficult to breathe, 1701 01:05:35,101 --> 01:05:38,104 but you'd never know from the way he attacks the course. 1702 01:05:38,138 --> 01:05:39,739 - He is doing big things. 1703 01:05:39,773 --> 01:05:42,275 - After waving to his wife and two sons, 1704 01:05:42,308 --> 01:05:44,744 the mill worker managed to get through the Serpent... 1705 01:05:44,778 --> 01:05:46,413 - Ooh-hoo-hoo-hoo! 1706 01:05:46,446 --> 01:05:48,081 - Carnival... - Ooh! 1707 01:05:48,081 --> 01:05:50,316 - And battled to the very end of Piston Plunge. 1708 01:05:50,350 --> 01:05:51,484 - This is the hard one, Matt, 1709 01:05:51,518 --> 01:05:53,720 He's throwing into it--oh! 1710 01:05:53,753 --> 01:05:55,488 - And that may well be enough 1711 01:05:55,522 --> 01:05:57,724 to get him into the semifinals. 1712 01:05:57,757 --> 01:06:01,394 Ohio's Ryan Sanders was making his "Ninja" debut. 1713 01:06:01,428 --> 01:06:03,029 - Go, go, go, go! Hit it! 1714 01:06:03,029 --> 01:06:04,130 Nice! 1715 01:06:04,164 --> 01:06:06,166 Ryan is showing that he is ready. 1716 01:06:06,199 --> 01:06:08,168 - As the long-haired 22-year-old raced 1717 01:06:08,201 --> 01:06:10,603 through the course, his fiancée, 1718 01:06:10,637 --> 01:06:13,940 fellow ninja Jennifer Stefano, could barely watch. 1719 01:06:14,040 --> 01:06:15,909 - He's got enough strength, Matt. He's about to do it! 1720 01:06:15,942 --> 01:06:17,744 - The physical therapy assistant made it 1721 01:06:17,777 --> 01:06:20,046 to the buzzer his first time on the course. 1722 01:06:20,046 --> 01:06:22,048 - Yeah! Whoo! 1723 01:06:22,082 --> 01:06:25,318 - Oh, my goodness. - Oh, my God! 1724 01:06:25,352 --> 01:06:28,421 - And now he's moving on to LA and the semifinals. 1725 01:06:28,455 --> 01:06:29,522 - Let's go! 1726 01:06:31,291 --> 01:06:34,260 - And so now, his fiancée gets her chance. 1727 01:06:34,294 --> 01:06:37,197 Jennifer Stefano runs a thrift store business, 1728 01:06:37,230 --> 01:06:39,766 and though you'd never know it from her boundless energy, 1729 01:06:39,799 --> 01:06:41,935 this three-time Ninja veteran struggles 1730 01:06:41,968 --> 01:06:43,536 with crippling anxiety. 1731 01:06:43,570 --> 01:06:44,904 - [exhales slowly] 1732 01:06:46,873 --> 01:06:49,175 Last year, I had a panic attack 1733 01:06:49,209 --> 01:06:51,945 the night before I competed. 1734 01:06:51,978 --> 01:06:55,315 I fell on the second obstacle, jumping up to the bar. 1735 01:06:55,348 --> 01:06:57,684 - Oh! - Oh, she just missed it. 1736 01:06:57,717 --> 01:06:59,352 Oh... 1737 01:06:59,386 --> 01:07:01,321 - After Tacoma, my mental health 1738 01:07:01,354 --> 01:07:04,157 was at a all-time low. 1739 01:07:04,190 --> 01:07:07,293 Every time I went in the gym, my anxiety got so bad 1740 01:07:07,327 --> 01:07:10,697 'cause it was my outlet for getting rid of my anxiety, 1741 01:07:10,730 --> 01:07:12,665 but then it was causing me anxiety. 1742 01:07:12,699 --> 01:07:14,534 [somber music] 1743 01:07:14,567 --> 01:07:18,638 What finally got me through it all was my fiancé, Ryan. 1744 01:07:18,672 --> 01:07:20,140 - Hey. - Hey. 1745 01:07:20,173 --> 01:07:22,042 - Got you a coffee. - Thank you. 1746 01:07:22,075 --> 01:07:23,176 - You're welcome. 1747 01:07:23,209 --> 01:07:24,210 - He would pick me up 1748 01:07:24,244 --> 01:07:25,645 every single time I fell, 1749 01:07:25,679 --> 01:07:26,946 and, like, he's like, "You're fine. 1750 01:07:27,047 --> 01:07:28,081 Just keep going." 1751 01:07:28,114 --> 01:07:29,616 It's all right. You'll get it next time. 1752 01:07:29,649 --> 01:07:32,052 - I want to go out there and crush it for him. 1753 01:07:32,085 --> 01:07:34,954 He's put so much time and effort into me. 1754 01:07:35,055 --> 01:07:37,057 I just want to show him that it was all worth it. 1755 01:07:37,057 --> 01:07:40,627 [lively music] 1756 01:07:42,929 --> 01:07:45,598 - And she'll have Ryan there to support her once again, 1757 01:07:45,632 --> 01:07:48,301 along with her dad and other family friends. 1758 01:07:48,335 --> 01:07:50,970 [countdown clock beeping] 1759 01:07:51,071 --> 01:07:53,273 Her motto is, "You've got it in you," 1760 01:07:53,306 --> 01:07:55,375 to remind herself how strong she is 1761 01:07:55,408 --> 01:07:57,210 and that anxiety doesn't control her. 1762 01:07:58,845 --> 01:08:00,213 - Yeah, she got the first one. 1763 01:08:00,246 --> 01:08:02,649 That'll help with the nerves. 1764 01:08:02,682 --> 01:08:04,718 - Come on, Jen! Keep going! 1765 01:08:04,751 --> 01:08:07,287 - But the second obstacle is where she fell last year. 1766 01:08:07,320 --> 01:08:08,588 You know she'll feel better 1767 01:08:08,621 --> 01:08:09,923 if she gets through this one tonight. 1768 01:08:10,023 --> 01:08:11,758 She's only 5'3", Akbar. 1769 01:08:11,791 --> 01:08:13,226 If she doesn't make the quick transfer, 1770 01:08:13,259 --> 01:08:16,062 that 9-foot lache could pose a problem. 1771 01:08:16,096 --> 01:08:17,464 - Do it right now. Go ahead and get it! 1772 01:08:17,497 --> 01:08:20,200 Get it, girl! 1773 01:08:20,233 --> 01:08:21,735 - Does not go for the moving bar, 1774 01:08:21,768 --> 01:08:25,038 so now, needs that big swing over. 1775 01:08:25,038 --> 01:08:27,474 - Whoo, look at her smile, though, Matt. 1776 01:08:27,507 --> 01:08:30,076 She made that 9-foot lache look easy! 1777 01:08:31,878 --> 01:08:35,215 Her fiancé just crushed it, and now she's looking 1778 01:08:35,248 --> 01:08:38,218 to have that same type of performance. 1779 01:08:38,251 --> 01:08:40,687 - And she surpassed her run from last season, 1780 01:08:40,720 --> 01:08:41,821 and she is pumped. 1781 01:08:41,855 --> 01:08:43,590 - Let's go! 1782 01:08:43,623 --> 01:08:45,058 - Ryan went dominoes. 1783 01:08:45,058 --> 01:08:47,227 Will she do the same? 1784 01:08:47,260 --> 01:08:49,729 - It's up to you. 1785 01:08:49,763 --> 01:08:51,364 - Looks like she's going for the dominoes. 1786 01:08:51,398 --> 01:08:52,499 - You can do it. 1787 01:08:52,532 --> 01:08:54,200 Dominoes, Jen. Fast feet. 1788 01:08:54,234 --> 01:08:55,502 Fast feet. 1789 01:08:55,535 --> 01:08:57,837 - Stay on the top. Keep your feet hot. 1790 01:08:57,871 --> 01:08:59,239 Nice! Just like that! 1791 01:08:59,272 --> 01:09:00,707 - Wow! Perfect! 1792 01:09:00,740 --> 01:09:03,777 [cheers and applause] 1793 01:09:05,779 --> 01:09:07,414 She is feeling it! 1794 01:09:07,447 --> 01:09:09,649 That has got to give her so much confidence! 1795 01:09:09,683 --> 01:09:11,051 - Keep it going! 1796 01:09:11,084 --> 01:09:13,420 - Well, turns out she does have it in her. 1797 01:09:13,453 --> 01:09:15,555 - She has never seen the fourth obstacle 1798 01:09:15,588 --> 01:09:17,257 on "Ninja Warrior." 1799 01:09:17,290 --> 01:09:18,858 Here she goes. 1800 01:09:18,892 --> 01:09:20,794 - Let's see what she can do on Carnival, though. 1801 01:09:20,827 --> 01:09:23,496 - All right, let's see. Here we go. 1802 01:09:23,530 --> 01:09:25,298 Nice. Control it. 1803 01:09:25,331 --> 01:09:27,801 - Looks like she's trying for that number one chute. 1804 01:09:27,834 --> 01:09:30,704 - All right. That's ni--oh! 1805 01:09:30,737 --> 01:09:33,773 - So close. Instead, it's three! 1806 01:09:33,807 --> 01:09:37,077 And that means just the single nunchuck handle. 1807 01:09:39,779 --> 01:09:41,548 - All right. Get that nunchuck. 1808 01:09:43,750 --> 01:09:46,286 - It's gonna be a big lache, and you gotta lock on 1809 01:09:46,319 --> 01:09:48,388 and then absorb it as you drop down. 1810 01:09:48,421 --> 01:09:50,357 - Keep your eyes focused and get up high 1811 01:09:50,390 --> 01:09:52,325 on that red part of the nunchuck. 1812 01:09:52,359 --> 01:09:54,327 Yes! Okay! - Yeah! Got it! 1813 01:09:54,361 --> 01:09:56,062 - She's a beast! 1814 01:09:56,062 --> 01:09:58,098 - That is a 9-foot transfer. 1815 01:09:58,131 --> 01:10:00,233 She made it. She's through. 1816 01:10:02,535 --> 01:10:03,903 - Hey! - Hey! 1817 01:10:03,937 --> 01:10:05,605 - I've never been here before! 1818 01:10:05,638 --> 01:10:08,842 - Hey, Ryan did it, and so can you! 1819 01:10:08,875 --> 01:10:10,377 - Hey, you know what we realized? 1820 01:10:10,410 --> 01:10:12,178 You got it in you! 1821 01:10:12,212 --> 01:10:14,381 - Thank you! - That's right. 1822 01:10:14,414 --> 01:10:16,282 Take your time! - Yeah, she does. 1823 01:10:16,316 --> 01:10:18,218 She's got it in her. It's a mindset. 1824 01:10:18,251 --> 01:10:20,253 - Carnival was tough on that spike. 1825 01:10:20,286 --> 01:10:21,621 Good grip strength. 1826 01:10:21,654 --> 01:10:23,790 Will she have enough to survive this? 1827 01:10:23,823 --> 01:10:25,725 Four women have made it to this point, 1828 01:10:25,759 --> 01:10:27,994 but none has made it past Piston Plunge. 1829 01:10:28,028 --> 01:10:29,696 - You can tell she's put in the work 1830 01:10:29,729 --> 01:10:31,031 during the offseason, Matt. 1831 01:10:31,064 --> 01:10:32,832 - You saw the high lache. 1832 01:10:32,866 --> 01:10:35,068 Allows her to have time to get her hands on there 1833 01:10:35,101 --> 01:10:36,836 and then prepare to absorb the fall. 1834 01:10:36,870 --> 01:10:38,171 - All right. You gotta control that. 1835 01:10:38,204 --> 01:10:39,906 Stop that from swinging. - Look at that. 1836 01:10:39,939 --> 01:10:42,142 At 5'3", that's a long reach. 1837 01:10:42,175 --> 01:10:44,344 She was on her tippy-toes gettin' that one. 1838 01:10:44,377 --> 01:10:45,378 - She ain't playin' around. 1839 01:10:45,412 --> 01:10:46,946 Come--oh! - Oh! 1840 01:10:46,980 --> 01:10:50,016 [cheers and applause] 1841 01:10:52,285 --> 01:10:54,788 And that great run pushes Sandy Zimmermann 1842 01:10:54,821 --> 01:10:56,656 out of the women's top five. 1843 01:10:56,690 --> 01:10:59,092 So now Jennifer Stefano's got a chance 1844 01:10:59,125 --> 01:11:01,227 to join her fiancé in the semifinals. 1845 01:11:01,261 --> 01:11:03,663 - Whoa! 1846 01:11:03,697 --> 01:11:06,332 - She's produced some of the most iconic moments 1847 01:11:06,366 --> 01:11:07,534 in "Ninja" history. 1848 01:11:07,567 --> 01:11:10,070 - The superhero delivers! 1849 01:11:10,070 --> 01:11:11,638 - Now, Jessie Graff is back. 1850 01:11:11,671 --> 01:11:15,475 We'll see her next on "American Ninja Warrior." 1851 01:11:22,515 --> 01:11:24,250 - While we were away, it was the debut 1852 01:11:24,284 --> 01:11:26,519 of the ninja known as Pop Pop, 1853 01:11:26,553 --> 01:11:28,955 50-year-old grandfather Josh Squire. 1854 01:11:28,988 --> 01:11:31,124 - He ain't playin'! - With his family, 1855 01:11:31,157 --> 01:11:33,560 including his granddaughter watching, 1856 01:11:33,593 --> 01:11:36,496 this P.E. teacher from Boston was impressive, 1857 01:11:36,529 --> 01:11:39,366 even going backwards for the grab on Overpass. 1858 01:11:39,399 --> 01:11:41,901 - Josh Squire's making 50 look good. 1859 01:11:41,935 --> 01:11:43,503 - But the grandpa's great run 1860 01:11:43,536 --> 01:11:45,472 finally ended on Domino Effect. 1861 01:11:45,505 --> 01:11:47,107 - Oh! Ooh! 1862 01:11:48,508 --> 01:11:51,578 - Then it was a competitor 34 years younger: 1863 01:11:51,611 --> 01:11:53,880 16-year-old rookie James Sannella. 1864 01:11:53,913 --> 01:11:55,348 - Look at that great hair! 1865 01:11:55,382 --> 01:11:57,417 - The New Jersey high schooler is well-known 1866 01:11:57,450 --> 01:12:00,520 for the viral videos of his Ninja tricks, 1867 01:12:00,553 --> 01:12:03,790 and his mind-blowing skills translated to the course 1868 01:12:03,823 --> 01:12:06,192 as he crushed every obstacle in his way. 1869 01:12:06,226 --> 01:12:07,527 - He's 16 years old. 1870 01:12:07,560 --> 01:12:09,362 He doesn't even have his driving permit! 1871 01:12:09,396 --> 01:12:11,631 - Earning his spot in the semifinals 1872 01:12:11,664 --> 01:12:14,067 with the first buzzer of his career. 1873 01:12:14,067 --> 01:12:15,268 [buzzers blares] - Let's go! 1874 01:12:17,070 --> 01:12:20,273 - She's another icon whose banner hangs in the arena, 1875 01:12:20,306 --> 01:12:23,543 and you can probably hear the excitement in this crowd, 1876 01:12:23,576 --> 01:12:26,479 because one of the most popular ninjas of all time 1877 01:12:26,513 --> 01:12:28,481 is about to hit the start line. 1878 01:12:28,515 --> 01:12:30,150 It's the great Jessie Graff. 1879 01:12:30,183 --> 01:12:32,652 The Hollywood stuntwoman is a superhero 1880 01:12:32,686 --> 01:12:34,220 in the sport of Ninja. 1881 01:12:34,254 --> 01:12:37,290 Some serious injuries sidelined her last season, 1882 01:12:37,323 --> 01:12:39,325 but she's ready for her return. 1883 01:12:41,594 --> 01:12:43,663 - Oh, yes! - Oh, yes! 1884 01:12:43,697 --> 01:12:46,299 Jessi Graff continues to deliver! 1885 01:12:46,332 --> 01:12:49,669 - It's about to go down in history! 1886 01:12:49,703 --> 01:12:53,873 - The first woman ever to complete stage one. 1887 01:12:55,475 --> 01:12:59,212 Jessie Graff, back to battle the Warped Wall. 1888 01:12:59,245 --> 01:13:01,381 - Nice. - And Jessie Graff has done it! 1889 01:13:01,414 --> 01:13:03,049 - Since the last time I competed, 1890 01:13:03,083 --> 01:13:05,852 I've had three major orthopedic surgeries. 1891 01:13:07,287 --> 01:13:09,055 My right ACL was torn, 1892 01:13:09,055 --> 01:13:11,558 and I tore out both shoulders at the same time. 1893 01:13:11,591 --> 01:13:13,860 I've definitely put my body through a lot. 1894 01:13:13,893 --> 01:13:17,063 [chuckles] Wow! 1895 01:13:17,063 --> 01:13:18,698 I think I was at a point in my life 1896 01:13:18,732 --> 01:13:21,901 where I needed to explore who I was outside of athletics. 1897 01:13:21,935 --> 01:13:25,071 My legs are working! My legs are working! 1898 01:13:25,071 --> 01:13:27,240 So I got a certification in nutrition. 1899 01:13:27,273 --> 01:13:28,842 I started studying sign language. 1900 01:13:28,875 --> 01:13:31,845 Hi, and welcome to Signing Sunday. 1901 01:13:31,878 --> 01:13:33,913 I also started free diving. 1902 01:13:33,947 --> 01:13:37,250 [uplifting music] 1903 01:13:37,283 --> 01:13:38,918 And I learned to hang glide. 1904 01:13:38,952 --> 01:13:41,221 That was pretty much my best flight ever. 1905 01:13:41,254 --> 01:13:44,391 These three injuries opened so many new doors for me. 1906 01:13:44,424 --> 01:13:47,227 My right arm is cleared for unlimited weights. 1907 01:13:47,260 --> 01:13:49,229 But then, as I got healthy... 1908 01:13:49,262 --> 01:13:51,431 [metal clanking] 1909 01:13:53,600 --> 01:13:58,004 I realized how much I loved what I've always been doing. 1910 01:13:58,104 --> 01:14:01,074 You know, I'm a stuntwoman and a ninja warrior. 1911 01:14:01,107 --> 01:14:03,276 And so as much as I love the new things I've learned, 1912 01:14:03,309 --> 01:14:05,912 I am just overwhelmingly grateful every day 1913 01:14:05,945 --> 01:14:08,081 that I still get to do what I love. 1914 01:14:10,483 --> 01:14:13,253 - And Jessie always has a new superhero outfit. 1915 01:14:13,286 --> 01:14:14,754 I like this one! 1916 01:14:14,788 --> 01:14:16,322 - Well, it's inspired by some of the big TV shows 1917 01:14:16,356 --> 01:14:18,358 and movies she's been working on as a stuntwoman, 1918 01:14:18,391 --> 01:14:20,093 some of which we can't even name! 1919 01:14:20,126 --> 01:14:22,162 Waving over to her mom and stepdad. 1920 01:14:22,195 --> 01:14:24,764 - Jessie, you got this! - "Be your own hero." 1921 01:14:24,798 --> 01:14:26,066 They're wearing that shirt, Matt, 1922 01:14:26,066 --> 01:14:28,668 and she's been a hero to so many. 1923 01:14:28,702 --> 01:14:31,538 - And other Ninja stars come out to watch Jessie. 1924 01:14:33,106 --> 01:14:35,642 [countdown clock beeping] 1925 01:14:35,675 --> 01:14:37,977 - She was a track star at the University of Nebraska, 1926 01:14:38,078 --> 01:14:40,113 and just sprints across the steps. 1927 01:14:40,146 --> 01:14:42,082 - She's the real-life Wonder Woman. 1928 01:14:42,115 --> 01:14:44,217 I mean, just being back on this course 1929 01:14:44,250 --> 01:14:46,119 after a year away, 1930 01:14:46,152 --> 01:14:48,621 having multiple surgeries at the same time, 1931 01:14:48,655 --> 01:14:50,490 Matt, she is just an absolute beast. 1932 01:14:50,523 --> 01:14:51,958 - Can she make that early transfer? 1933 01:14:51,991 --> 01:14:53,693 No, she's gonna have a long lache. 1934 01:14:53,727 --> 01:14:56,229 She's going to test those surgically repaired shoulders. 1935 01:14:56,262 --> 01:14:58,365 - She talked about her shoulder mobility. 1936 01:14:58,398 --> 01:15:01,868 They are improved, but they're not where they should be. 1937 01:15:01,901 --> 01:15:03,103 - During her downtime, 1938 01:15:03,136 --> 01:15:05,438 because Jessie can never stay immobile, 1939 01:15:05,472 --> 01:15:07,407 she ended up studying kinesiology, 1940 01:15:07,440 --> 01:15:09,476 getting a master's, and actually feels 1941 01:15:09,509 --> 01:15:12,045 her shoulders are stronger, her movements are better. 1942 01:15:12,045 --> 01:15:14,781 - I can do these obstacles! 1943 01:15:14,814 --> 01:15:17,050 - You can tell she is thrilled to be back. 1944 01:15:17,083 --> 01:15:18,618 Now Split Decision. 1945 01:15:18,651 --> 01:15:20,587 And this debuted last year when she was out, 1946 01:15:20,620 --> 01:15:23,490 so this will be her first time making a choice on the course. 1947 01:15:23,523 --> 01:15:25,792 - Trust yourself, Jessie. - You know what to do! 1948 01:15:25,825 --> 01:15:28,161 - Balance obstacles always been a strength for her. 1949 01:15:28,194 --> 01:15:31,164 In seven seasons, she's never fallen on one. 1950 01:15:31,197 --> 01:15:32,966 - She's gonna go with the Serpent. 1951 01:15:34,401 --> 01:15:36,903 - Tremendous agility for Jessie Graff. 1952 01:15:36,936 --> 01:15:38,371 - Come on! 1953 01:15:38,405 --> 01:15:39,839 Boom, boom, boom, boom. 1954 01:15:39,873 --> 01:15:42,909 - Oh, no! 1955 01:15:42,942 --> 01:15:44,678 - Oh, my gosh. - Oh, no. 1956 01:15:44,711 --> 01:15:47,714 - Jessie Graff bitten by the Serpent. 1957 01:15:47,747 --> 01:15:48,948 - Oh, no. 1958 01:15:48,982 --> 01:15:50,750 - We love you, Jessie! - Love you, Jessie! 1959 01:15:50,784 --> 01:15:52,886 - A balance obstacle takes out 1960 01:15:52,919 --> 01:15:54,621 our real-life Wonder Woman. 1961 01:15:54,654 --> 01:15:56,589 - It's okay. It's okay. Mwah! 1962 01:15:56,623 --> 01:15:58,091 - We love you! 1963 01:15:58,091 --> 01:16:00,694 - [laughs] 1964 01:16:00,727 --> 01:16:03,029 That's so silly, 1965 01:16:03,029 --> 01:16:04,864 but, I mean, it happens to everyone. 1966 01:16:04,898 --> 01:16:08,702 That's my first balance fail, 1967 01:16:08,735 --> 01:16:11,771 on the year you least expect it. 1968 01:16:11,805 --> 01:16:14,040 - She looked very strong in her return. 1969 01:16:14,040 --> 01:16:16,142 On Serpent, the first two steps 1970 01:16:16,176 --> 01:16:18,078 were solid with long strides, 1971 01:16:18,111 --> 01:16:20,447 but the third one made the cylinder slide, 1972 01:16:20,480 --> 01:16:22,082 which threw her steps off 1973 01:16:22,115 --> 01:16:24,551 and sent her hurtling into the water. 1974 01:16:24,584 --> 01:16:25,752 - Jessie! 1975 01:16:25,785 --> 01:16:27,487 You're healthy, which is so great to see. 1976 01:16:27,520 --> 01:16:29,322 How were you feeling before you got to this obstacle? 1977 01:16:29,356 --> 01:16:31,424 - Oh, terrified of everything. - Really? 1978 01:16:31,458 --> 01:16:33,626 - Of course. - Wait. 1979 01:16:33,660 --> 01:16:35,962 You are like Wonder Woman, so "terrified" 1980 01:16:36,062 --> 01:16:38,164 is just so hard to believe, but you just do it scared. 1981 01:16:38,198 --> 01:16:40,567 - Yeah, I think I'm just used to being in situations 1982 01:16:40,600 --> 01:16:42,469 that are terrifying, and I do them anyway, 1983 01:16:42,502 --> 01:16:44,771 so it's just another day. 1984 01:16:44,804 --> 01:16:46,072 - Oh, well, you are so strong, 1985 01:16:46,106 --> 01:16:47,607 and we love to see you out on this course, 1986 01:16:47,640 --> 01:16:49,342 so thank you so much for hitting it again for us. 1987 01:16:49,376 --> 01:16:51,678 - Thank you. - Guys, back to you. 1988 01:16:51,711 --> 01:16:55,081 - Every run is a can't miss moment with Joe Moravsky... 1989 01:16:55,081 --> 01:16:56,116 - Whoa! 1990 01:16:56,149 --> 01:16:57,217 - And he's next 1991 01:16:57,250 --> 01:16:59,586 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1992 01:17:03,790 --> 01:17:05,558 - Well, it has been a dramatic last few minutes, 1993 01:17:05,592 --> 01:17:08,028 especially for ninja Ryan Hermstein, 1994 01:17:08,028 --> 01:17:10,063 who's trying to stay in the top 30 1995 01:17:10,096 --> 01:17:12,265 and move on to the semifinals. 1996 01:17:12,298 --> 01:17:15,802 Minutes ago, 21-year-old Matt D'Amico hit the course, 1997 01:17:15,835 --> 01:17:19,172 trying to earn his spot in the semifinals. 1998 01:17:19,205 --> 01:17:22,042 - This kid, Matt D'Amico's got some ninja swag! 1999 01:17:22,042 --> 01:17:23,877 - The rookie from Massachusetts got through 2000 01:17:23,910 --> 01:17:25,912 the first five obstacles so fast 2001 01:17:25,945 --> 01:17:29,416 he had time to attempt the Mega Wall, miss, 2002 01:17:29,449 --> 01:17:31,918 and still get the fastest time of the night. 2003 01:17:31,951 --> 01:17:34,087 - Hey, rookie, welcome to Ninja! 2004 01:17:34,120 --> 01:17:36,656 - But that pushed Hermstein to 28th place 2005 01:17:36,690 --> 01:17:38,558 with three runners left. 2006 01:17:38,591 --> 01:17:41,795 Then another top competitor, Matt Bradley, got his shot. 2007 01:17:41,828 --> 01:17:44,297 - This kid knows nothing but speed. 2008 01:17:44,330 --> 01:17:46,199 - Bradley made it to stage two in Vegas 2009 01:17:46,232 --> 01:17:48,802 last year as a rookie, and the Penn State student 2010 01:17:48,835 --> 01:17:50,470 showed he hasn't lost a step. 2011 01:17:50,503 --> 01:17:52,205 - Oh, he's going for speed! 2012 01:17:52,238 --> 01:17:53,873 Oh, what? 2013 01:17:53,907 --> 01:17:56,076 - Well, he did lose a step at the Warped Wall, 2014 01:17:56,076 --> 01:17:59,512 but that was his only mistake, and he beat D'Amico's time 2015 01:17:59,546 --> 01:18:01,314 by more than 15 seconds. 2016 01:18:01,348 --> 01:18:04,718 - That was blinding fast, the fastest time so far. 2017 01:18:04,751 --> 01:18:06,252 - Let's go, yes! 2018 01:18:06,286 --> 01:18:08,555 - But that knocked Hermstein to the 29th spot 2019 01:18:08,588 --> 01:18:10,857 with two runners to go. 2020 01:18:10,890 --> 01:18:14,194 So up next was New York filmmaker Daniel Novarro, 2021 01:18:14,227 --> 01:18:16,129 whose run was a cinematic thriller. 2022 01:18:16,162 --> 01:18:17,664 - Whoa, nice catch! 2023 01:18:17,697 --> 01:18:19,599 He almost peeled off on that one. 2024 01:18:19,632 --> 01:18:22,035 - With Hermstein's fate hanging in the balance, 2025 01:18:22,035 --> 01:18:25,038 Novarro just had to make it through the fourth obstacle, 2026 01:18:25,038 --> 01:18:27,040 Carnival, fast enough to advance. 2027 01:18:27,040 --> 01:18:28,341 - Do it--that's it. 2028 01:18:28,375 --> 01:18:29,909 - Novarro had the speed, 2029 01:18:29,943 --> 01:18:31,845 and when he swung over to catch the spike, 2030 01:18:31,878 --> 01:18:34,280 he was just a few feet from qualifying. 2031 01:18:34,314 --> 01:18:36,282 - Oh, boy, he's got to calm down. 2032 01:18:36,316 --> 01:18:37,617 His hands are slipping. 2033 01:18:37,650 --> 01:18:39,552 Fight for your life, everything you got. 2034 01:18:39,586 --> 01:18:42,422 Oh, he's going down--oh! 2035 01:18:42,455 --> 01:18:44,824 - But Novarro's fall meant Ryan Hermstein 2036 01:18:44,858 --> 01:18:46,860 was guaranteed a spot in the semis, 2037 01:18:46,893 --> 01:18:50,263 in the 29th spot with one runner remaining. 2038 01:18:51,598 --> 01:18:54,567 And that final runner is one of the best ever, 2039 01:18:54,601 --> 01:18:56,302 and Zuri's gonna get him going. 2040 01:18:56,336 --> 01:19:00,306 - Guys, every season, he is one of the favorites to win it all. 2041 01:19:00,340 --> 01:19:03,043 Tonight, Joe Moravsky is stepping up 2042 01:19:03,076 --> 01:19:06,780 to start his tenth season on "American Ninja Warrior." 2043 01:19:06,813 --> 01:19:08,848 And Joe is flipping out! 2044 01:19:08,882 --> 01:19:10,383 He wants to show he's still got it, 2045 01:19:10,417 --> 01:19:12,285 even at 32, and nobody's 2046 01:19:12,318 --> 01:19:15,221 been more consistent than Joe over the years. 2047 01:19:15,255 --> 01:19:16,856 He's made it to the National Finals 2048 01:19:16,890 --> 01:19:19,125 every season he's competed, and twice 2049 01:19:19,159 --> 01:19:20,560 was the Last Ninja Standing, 2050 01:19:20,593 --> 01:19:23,530 going further than anyone in the competition. 2051 01:19:23,563 --> 01:19:25,732 - Joe's got all kinds of family and friends 2052 01:19:25,765 --> 01:19:30,203 watching back in Connecticut, including his wife, Stephanie. 2053 01:19:30,236 --> 01:19:32,038 She just put their three kids to sleep. 2054 01:19:32,038 --> 01:19:33,673 - You got it, Joe! 2055 01:19:33,707 --> 01:19:35,041 - Straight line. 2056 01:19:35,075 --> 01:19:36,609 - He's telling her he's gonna go straight, 2057 01:19:36,643 --> 01:19:39,179 and he's laughing about it. 2058 01:19:39,212 --> 01:19:41,448 What he's talking about is last year on stage two 2059 01:19:41,481 --> 01:19:43,650 in Vegas, he veered to the right 2060 01:19:43,683 --> 01:19:46,286 and shockingly fell on the Striding Steps. 2061 01:19:46,319 --> 01:19:48,555 Now, he wants to erase that memory tonight. 2062 01:19:48,588 --> 01:19:52,592 [cheering and applause] 2063 01:19:52,625 --> 01:19:55,362 [countdown clock beeping] 2064 01:19:55,395 --> 01:19:57,964 - And these steps are just like the ones in Vegas. 2065 01:19:58,064 --> 01:20:00,000 He's ain't falling this time. 2066 01:20:00,033 --> 01:20:01,768 - And he's through. 2067 01:20:01,801 --> 01:20:03,837 Joe says he's going for the fastest time 2068 01:20:03,870 --> 01:20:05,839 and the Mega Wall. 2069 01:20:05,872 --> 01:20:07,907 - Here we go, I think he's going to go for it--nice! 2070 01:20:07,941 --> 01:20:09,709 He took a nice ride, and that was it. 2071 01:20:09,743 --> 01:20:12,479 Now this is just a 6'4" lache. 2072 01:20:12,512 --> 01:20:14,280 - And you saw him going sideways there, Akbar, 2073 01:20:14,314 --> 01:20:16,783 that's something we hadn't seen. 2074 01:20:16,816 --> 01:20:19,219 And Moravsky's quickly through two 2075 01:20:19,252 --> 01:20:20,787 and heads straight for the Serpent. 2076 01:20:20,820 --> 01:20:22,722 - And this is surprising after watching 2077 01:20:22,756 --> 01:20:24,591 Jessie Graff fall here earlier. 2078 01:20:24,624 --> 01:20:25,959 Go, go, go, go! 2079 01:20:25,992 --> 01:20:29,062 - Oh, a little stumble, but he's okay. 2080 01:20:29,095 --> 01:20:30,830 Joe's dad and a big group of friends 2081 01:20:30,864 --> 01:20:32,132 over on the sideline. 2082 01:20:32,165 --> 01:20:34,267 Stepping up to take on Carnival. 2083 01:20:34,300 --> 01:20:36,202 Only about a minute left if he wants to beat 2084 01:20:36,236 --> 01:20:37,404 Matt Bradley's time. 2085 01:20:37,437 --> 01:20:38,605 - All right, here he goes. 2086 01:20:38,638 --> 01:20:40,273 You can see he's got a nice plan. 2087 01:20:40,306 --> 01:20:41,608 He's just gonna go straight for three. 2088 01:20:41,641 --> 01:20:43,777 I'll tell you, he's going for speed. 2089 01:20:43,810 --> 01:20:46,479 - Perfect power, excellent control. 2090 01:20:49,115 --> 01:20:50,517 And he's through! 2091 01:20:50,550 --> 01:20:51,985 And there's some of the kids he coaches. 2092 01:20:52,018 --> 01:20:53,753 They're going nuts 2093 01:20:53,787 --> 01:20:57,290 as Joe Moravsky heads up to Piston Plunge. 2094 01:20:57,323 --> 01:20:58,758 Well, give him a lot of credit, Akbar, 2095 01:20:58,792 --> 01:21:00,060 he's already punched his ticket 2096 01:21:00,060 --> 01:21:01,828 with his time to this point, 2097 01:21:01,861 --> 01:21:03,263 he's in the semifinals. 2098 01:21:03,296 --> 01:21:04,764 Now it's house money. 2099 01:21:04,798 --> 01:21:06,533 Let's see what the weatherman can do. 2100 01:21:06,566 --> 01:21:08,635 - He's already thinking about the Mega Wall. 2101 01:21:08,668 --> 01:21:10,303 He's got a lot of energy, Matt. 2102 01:21:10,337 --> 01:21:11,838 He's got a lot of juice left. 2103 01:21:11,871 --> 01:21:14,307 This dude is running on AA battery, Matt. 2104 01:21:14,341 --> 01:21:17,677 - Well, Joe Moravsky believes total victory 2105 01:21:17,711 --> 01:21:21,281 is within his grasp and believes this is his year. 2106 01:21:21,314 --> 01:21:25,251 - And AA, allergic to average. He's always been great. 2107 01:21:25,285 --> 01:21:26,486 - Here we go, Akbar. 2108 01:21:26,519 --> 01:21:28,955 I don't think he's gonna get the fastest time, 2109 01:21:28,988 --> 01:21:32,625 but he is gonna go for the Mega Wall! 2110 01:21:32,659 --> 01:21:36,496 [cheering and applause] 2111 01:21:36,529 --> 01:21:38,398 - Well, he's taken down the Mega Wall 2112 01:21:38,431 --> 01:21:39,933 each of the last two seasons, 2113 01:21:39,966 --> 01:21:42,569 and if he does it now, he'll be the first ninja ever 2114 01:21:42,602 --> 01:21:44,104 to get it three times. 2115 01:21:44,104 --> 01:21:46,106 - Yeah, he's getting pumped up. 2116 01:21:46,106 --> 01:21:49,576 - Three young kids at home, so you know he can use $10,000. 2117 01:21:49,609 --> 01:21:53,246 - Beat that wall! Beat that wall! 2118 01:21:53,279 --> 01:21:54,447 - Here we go. 2119 01:21:54,481 --> 01:21:56,149 - Let's go! 2120 01:21:56,182 --> 01:21:57,650 - The weatherman... 2121 01:21:59,119 --> 01:22:01,054 - Yes! - Oh! 2122 01:22:01,054 --> 01:22:02,622 [buzzer blares] 2123 01:22:02,655 --> 01:22:05,792 - Moravsky continues his dominance on the Mega Wall! 2124 01:22:05,825 --> 01:22:08,061 - Whoa! 2125 01:22:08,061 --> 01:22:11,798 - Joe Moravsky, more Mega Walls than anyone in history. 2126 01:22:11,831 --> 01:22:14,901 [cheering and applause] 2127 01:22:16,836 --> 01:22:19,239 - Get that money! - Oh, my goodness! 2128 01:22:20,507 --> 01:22:22,075 - The shirt's coming off! - Oh! 2129 01:22:22,075 --> 01:22:23,810 He just did John Cena! 2130 01:22:29,149 --> 01:22:31,518 Well, Joe, you have been as consistent as anyone. 2131 01:22:31,551 --> 01:22:33,720 You came on here a fresh-faced bachelor. 2132 01:22:33,753 --> 01:22:35,321 Now you're married with three kids, 2133 01:22:35,355 --> 01:22:37,190 you're twice as old as some of the competitors. 2134 01:22:37,223 --> 01:22:38,491 - Let's go! 2135 01:22:40,360 --> 01:22:42,462 - Is this your year for total victory? 2136 01:22:42,495 --> 01:22:45,231 - I'm going all the way. - There it is! 2137 01:22:45,265 --> 01:22:47,767 - You got $10,000 in your pocket now, 2138 01:22:47,801 --> 01:22:50,270 $1 million waiting for you in Las Vegas. 2139 01:22:50,303 --> 01:22:51,638 Good job, man. 2140 01:22:51,671 --> 01:22:52,839 - We'll see you in LA! - We'll see you in LA, bud. 2141 01:22:52,872 --> 01:22:53,873 - Love you guys. 2142 01:22:53,907 --> 01:22:55,542 - Joe Moravsky delivers again. 2143 01:22:55,575 --> 01:22:57,010 - Let's go! 2144 01:22:58,645 --> 01:23:00,213 - So Matt Bradley ended up 2145 01:23:00,246 --> 01:23:02,115 with the night's fastest time 2146 01:23:02,148 --> 01:23:04,050 while Moravsky and Josiah Pippel 2147 01:23:04,050 --> 01:23:07,053 got the 10K for finishing on the Mega Wall. 2148 01:23:07,053 --> 01:23:09,055 Plenty of young bloods among our finishers, 2149 01:23:09,089 --> 01:23:11,925 including 15-year-old Jacob Arnstein. 2150 01:23:11,958 --> 01:23:14,060 And the Phoenix, Najee Richardson, 2151 01:23:14,060 --> 01:23:15,662 rounds out our finishers. 2152 01:23:15,695 --> 01:23:18,131 We had five women make it to the fifth obstacle. 2153 01:23:18,164 --> 01:23:20,367 They're all in the top 30. 2154 01:23:20,400 --> 01:23:22,068 And check out others moving on 2155 01:23:22,102 --> 01:23:24,537 during Akbar's Gbajabia-Moments. 2156 01:23:24,571 --> 01:23:26,239 - All right, here we go. 2157 01:23:26,272 --> 01:23:27,674 - Number three, 2158 01:23:27,707 --> 01:23:29,642 rock and roll pastor Robbie Jimenez 2159 01:23:29,676 --> 01:23:33,446 absolutely shredding his guitar at the start line, 2160 01:23:33,480 --> 01:23:36,850 but his bass playing lasted longer than his actual run. 2161 01:23:36,883 --> 01:23:38,251 No! 2162 01:23:38,284 --> 01:23:41,254 - Well, he gets baptized, Akbar. 2163 01:23:41,287 --> 01:23:43,289 - James Burns isn't just a ninja; 2164 01:23:43,323 --> 01:23:47,427 he's a Lego fanatic with more than 300,000 pieces, 2165 01:23:47,460 --> 01:23:49,462 and he made us something special. 2166 01:23:49,496 --> 01:23:52,132 - It's us! And we are in our host tower. 2167 01:23:52,165 --> 01:23:54,000 - Burns wasn't just playing; 2168 01:23:54,100 --> 01:23:55,702 he made it to the fifth obstacle, 2169 01:23:55,735 --> 01:23:59,205 but the Lego toy master let go on Piston Plunge. 2170 01:23:59,239 --> 01:24:01,174 - Oh! 2171 01:24:01,207 --> 01:24:02,475 - And number one 2172 01:24:02,509 --> 01:24:05,378 is retired air force pilot Dave Kozak. 2173 01:24:05,412 --> 01:24:06,746 - Let's go! 2174 01:24:06,780 --> 01:24:10,183 - At 75, he's the oldest competitor all season. 2175 01:24:10,216 --> 01:24:13,853 He flew 188 combat missions in Vietnam, 2176 01:24:13,887 --> 01:24:15,588 and though he didn't get far tonight... 2177 01:24:15,622 --> 01:24:17,123 - No! 2178 01:24:17,157 --> 01:24:19,325 - We salute him for his service in showing 2179 01:24:19,359 --> 01:24:21,628 you can be a ninja at any age. 2180 01:24:21,661 --> 01:24:23,229 I wish I was 74 again. 2181 01:24:24,764 --> 01:24:26,533 - That's it for night two of qualifying. 2182 01:24:26,566 --> 01:24:29,369 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 2183 01:24:29,402 --> 01:24:33,239 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior!" 2184 01:24:35,108 --> 01:24:38,078 [dramatic music] 2185 01:24:38,111 --> 01:24:45,151 * *