Cliff Notes – Amazon Prime confirms iconic 90s gameshow revival with WWE legend host
- Revival Announcement: Amazon Prime Video is rebooting American Gladiators, originally aired from 1989 to 1996, with WWE superstar Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin as the host.
- New and Classic Events: The show will feature a mix of new competitions alongside beloved classics such as Gauntlet and The Eliminator, promising an evolution in sports Entertainment.
- Cultural Impact: Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, emphasised the significance of the reboot, stating it aims to honour the original while appealing to a new generation of fans.
Amazon Prime confirms iconic 90s gameshow revival with WWE legend host
Amazon Prime Video is bringing back an iconic gameshow with a WWE legend as the new host.
American Gladiators, which first aired later in 1989 and initially ran until 1996 before returning for a short-lived revival in 2008, is making a comeback with another reboot.
The show inspired the UK version and others around the world, and former WWE Champion Mike ‘The Miz’ Mizanin has been confirmed as host for the new series.
The announcement was made on Monday ahead of the annual Amazon upfront presentation, as bosses promised an ‘All Star cast of Gladiators for the modern era’.
A press release promised: ‘The competition will feature brand new events, as well incorporate some classics from the original series like Gauntlet, Hang Tough, and The Eliminator.’
Barry Poznick, general manager of MGM Alternative, Evolution Media, and Big Fish Entertainment said he’s ‘excited to officially welcome’ Miz into ‘the American Gladiators family’.
‘He’s the perfect host for the new era of this iconic franchise,’ he added in a statement. ‘This isn’t just a comeback, it’s a cultural revival. Fans, old and new, are going to love this evolution in sports entertainment.’
Meanwhile, seven seasons of the original run are available to stream on a newly launched American Gladiators’ FAST Channel on Prime Video, which includes UK viewers.
Poznick noted that ‘the US reboot, combined with our epic success in the UK’ and the subsequent tour makes 2025 a great time for the franchise.
In a post on X, Miz admitted his childhood self is ‘screaming’ at the idea of being at the helm of the revival.
He wrote: ‘I’m thrilled to announce I’m the new host of AMERICAN GLADIATORS! The 10-year-old me is screaming.
‘Huge thanks to MGM & Amazon Prime Video for trusting me with this iconic legacy.’
The 44-year-old wrestler promised the new show would be ‘honouring the original’ as well as ‘bringing fresh energy to a whole new generation’.
He’s also no stranger to TV, having previously appeared on The Challenge as a contestant and host over 17 years.
As well as his own reality show, Miz & Mrs., he’s appeared on Dancing With The Stars, Fear Factor, and more.
Miz recently missed out on a spot on the WrestleMania 41 card, and admitted while it was ‘not easy’, he’s proud to be a ‘utility player’.
He exclusively told Metro: ‘If the cards don’t fall where they may, you better believe I’m trying my best to try to get into a spot, or trying to get to that level of what I feel I can produce.
‘And I do feel I can produce at that level still to this day. It’s just, you know, sometimes the cards don’t fall where they may.’
American Gladiators is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.