Ep 1. U.S. Preliminaries

The U.S. Preliminaries kick off the highly anticipated seventh season of American Gladiators with a bang! This thrilling episode showcases a brand new batch of extraordinary contenders from across the nation as they battle it out against the mighty Gladiators on an assortment of jaw-dropping obstacles and intense challenges. Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping, action-packed ride as these athletes put their strength, agility, and determination to the ultimate test.

In this episode, host Hulk Hogan and co-host Laila Ali introduce us to the latest crop of contenders, hailing from various backgrounds and possessing a wide range of athletic abilities. These contenders have one common goal in mind – to prove they have what it takes to conquer the titans of American Gladiators and earn a coveted spot in the thrilling Grand Finale.

The U.S. Preliminaries begin with a unique round called "The Gauntlet." This treacherous test of endurance and resilience pits each contender against a lineup of Gladiators in a fierce obstacle course. As the contenders make their way through the gauntlet, they must evade the Gladiators' relentless attempts to hinder their progress. It's a gut-wrenching race against the clock as the contenders strive to reach the finish line and avoid elimination.

Next, the contenders gear up for the exhilarating event known as "Joust." Armed with padded pugil sticks, these brave individuals must stand their ground on a narrow platform while facing off against one of the formidable Gladiators. The objective is simple but challenging: knock your adversary off the platform before getting knocked off yourself. It's a battle of skill, strategy, and sheer determination, with each contender hoping to come out on top.

The competition heats up as the contenders then take on the "Hang Tough" challenge. Hanging from a series of rings suspended high above the arena floor, the contenders must navigate their way across while evading the swift and agile Gladiators below. It's a true test of upper body strength, agility, and mental focus as the contenders try to outmaneuver their opponents and make it to the opposite platform. Only those with incredible strength and strategic prowess will emerge victorious.

Next on the list is a fan-favorite event, "Powerball." In this fast-paced game of tag, the contenders must swiftly collect as many scoring balls as possible from a cluster of scoring pods while evading the relentless pursuit of the Gladiators. The contenders must rely on their speed, agility, and evasive maneuvers to outsmart the Gladiators and secure valuable points. Every second counts as the contenders strive to accumulate the highest score in this electrifying event.

Lastly, the contenders face their toughest obstacle yet – the "Eliminator." This grueling race combines endurance, strength, and sheer grit as the contenders push themselves to the limit. Scaling a towering pyramid, descending a treacherous zip line, maneuvering through a tire gauntlet, conquering the dreaded Travelator – these are just a few of the challenges that await the contenders. With the Gladiators hot on their heels, the contenders must summon every ounce of their physical and mental fortitude to complete this daunting course in the fastest time possible.

With each event, the excitement, athleticism, and sheer determination of the contenders and Gladiators shine through. Whether it's a first-time competitor or a seasoned veteran, every contender is pushed to their limits, leaving it all on the arena floor in their quest for glory.

Tune in to American Gladiators Season 7 Episode 1 to witness the extraordinary athleticism, heart-stopping moments, and unforgettable displays of sheer power and determination that make this show a standout in the world of competitive sports. The U.S. Preliminaries are just the beginning of an incredible journey as the contenders battle their way to becoming the ultimate American Gladiators.