1 00:00:05,005 --> 00:00:06,306 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:06,339 --> 00:00:07,340 - Yes! 3 00:00:07,374 --> 00:00:09,542 [buzzer blares] - Let's go! 4 00:00:09,576 --> 00:00:11,544 - How's it feel? - It still doesn't feel real. 5 00:00:11,578 --> 00:00:15,148 I don't think it'll kick in until I see it on TV, honestly. 6 00:00:15,181 --> 00:00:16,449 It's real. 7 00:00:16,483 --> 00:00:18,351 [cheers and applause] 8 00:00:18,385 --> 00:00:20,320 - For nine weeks, 9 00:00:20,353 --> 00:00:22,355 they have defied expectations. 10 00:00:22,389 --> 00:00:25,325 - These teenagers are coming out ready for the big course. 11 00:00:25,358 --> 00:00:29,229 - Refusing to let youth and inexperience hold them back. 12 00:00:29,262 --> 00:00:30,563 - * Yeah, we came to win * 13 00:00:30,597 --> 00:00:32,198 - It's awesome to see what these kids can do. 14 00:00:32,232 --> 00:00:33,733 - Might even take a shot at that Mega Wall. 15 00:00:33,767 --> 00:00:34,734 - I am. 16 00:00:34,768 --> 00:00:35,769 - That boy just answered me 17 00:00:35,802 --> 00:00:36,770 in the middle of his run. 18 00:00:36,803 --> 00:00:38,038 - They are unreal. 19 00:00:38,071 --> 00:00:39,739 - * It feels like, it feels like * 20 00:00:39,773 --> 00:00:40,807 * Our time is now * 21 00:00:40,840 --> 00:00:41,975 - And now, 22 00:00:42,008 --> 00:00:43,877 they've reached the promised land: 23 00:00:43,910 --> 00:00:47,681 the National Finals of "American Ninja Warrior." 24 00:00:47,714 --> 00:00:51,351 - * We were born to be champions * 25 00:00:51,384 --> 00:00:52,819 - The fact that I'm here, it's-- 26 00:00:52,852 --> 00:00:55,155 it's everything I could have wished for and more. 27 00:00:55,188 --> 00:00:58,491 - * We were born to be champions * 28 00:00:58,525 --> 00:00:59,726 - This season is already 29 00:00:59,759 --> 00:01:02,128 everything I've ever dreamed of. 30 00:01:02,162 --> 00:01:05,131 - Tonight, Stage 1 begins, 31 00:01:05,165 --> 00:01:08,101 the first of four grueling mountains to climb... 32 00:01:08,134 --> 00:01:09,502 - * To the top, to the top * 33 00:01:09,536 --> 00:01:13,239 - On the road to the $1 million grand prize. 34 00:01:13,273 --> 00:01:17,077 - We live and sleep ninja. This is what I do. 35 00:01:17,077 --> 00:01:18,111 I'm built different! 36 00:01:18,144 --> 00:01:21,114 - * Born to be champions * 37 00:01:21,147 --> 00:01:23,116 - Vegas is here to test your will. 38 00:01:23,149 --> 00:01:25,585 - This course is unpredictable. 39 00:01:25,618 --> 00:01:26,920 - You make the wrong choice, 40 00:01:26,953 --> 00:01:29,255 and you hit that water, your season's over. 41 00:01:29,289 --> 00:01:31,324 - * It feels like, it feels like * 42 00:01:31,358 --> 00:01:32,692 - In Vegas, 43 00:01:32,726 --> 00:01:34,627 only the best compete. 44 00:01:34,661 --> 00:01:38,331 - * We were born to be champions * 45 00:01:38,365 --> 00:01:41,968 - And only the best of the best survive. 46 00:01:42,002 --> 00:01:45,271 - It blows my mind knowing that I'm finally here. 47 00:01:45,305 --> 00:01:47,340 - Time to add my name to the history books. 48 00:01:47,374 --> 00:01:51,177 - * Born to be champions * 49 00:01:51,211 --> 00:01:53,680 - This is going to be awesome! 50 00:01:53,713 --> 00:01:56,683 [cheers and applause] 51 00:01:56,716 --> 00:01:59,686 [upbeat music] 52 00:01:59,719 --> 00:02:00,920 * * 53 00:02:00,954 --> 00:02:02,856 - There's nothing like Vegas. 54 00:02:02,889 --> 00:02:05,358 And we're thrilled to be back once again 55 00:02:05,392 --> 00:02:08,962 for the National Finals of "American Ninja Warrior." 56 00:02:09,062 --> 00:02:11,164 Hello, everyone, and thanks for being with us. 57 00:02:11,197 --> 00:02:13,933 I'm Matt Iseman. - And I'm Akbar Gbajabiamila. 58 00:02:13,967 --> 00:02:16,970 Matt, this is where every ninja wants to be-- 59 00:02:17,070 --> 00:02:20,774 in Vegas, with a chance to win a million dollars. 60 00:02:20,807 --> 00:02:22,375 - Now, to win that money, 61 00:02:22,409 --> 00:02:24,911 they have to conquer all four stages. 62 00:02:24,944 --> 00:02:29,182 The first test, the all-out sprint known as Stage 1. 63 00:02:29,215 --> 00:02:31,418 For all the details, let's go down to Zuri Hall. 64 00:02:31,451 --> 00:02:35,655 - Guys, it is a blast to be back in windy Las Vegas. 65 00:02:35,689 --> 00:02:38,191 Stage 1 has eight intense obstacle, 66 00:02:38,224 --> 00:02:40,660 and five are brand-new, 67 00:02:40,694 --> 00:02:44,230 including the very first one, Slide Surfer, 68 00:02:44,264 --> 00:02:47,100 which is followed by the Swinging Blades. 69 00:02:47,100 --> 00:02:50,403 Then, at number seven, it's a new balance obstacle, 70 00:02:50,437 --> 00:02:52,105 Dipping Birds. 71 00:02:52,105 --> 00:02:55,208 And the big change is what's waiting at number eight. 72 00:02:55,241 --> 00:02:57,477 For the first time, at the National Finals, 73 00:02:57,510 --> 00:02:59,879 our ninjas will have a Split Decision. 74 00:02:59,913 --> 00:03:02,449 With the clock ticking, they can choose the safer 75 00:03:02,482 --> 00:03:05,685 but slower Fly Hooks, 76 00:03:05,719 --> 00:03:07,354 or they can take The High Road. 77 00:03:07,387 --> 00:03:08,922 They hit a button and race 78 00:03:08,955 --> 00:03:10,590 to time their jump up to a handle 79 00:03:10,623 --> 00:03:12,792 that will carry them to the cargo net. 80 00:03:12,826 --> 00:03:15,829 It's a faster, but riskier option. 81 00:03:15,862 --> 00:03:19,733 You only have 2 minutes and 45 seconds to hit that buzzer, 82 00:03:19,766 --> 00:03:21,101 so they better get moving. 83 00:03:21,134 --> 00:03:22,268 Guys. 84 00:03:22,302 --> 00:03:23,737 - Well, it's a windy night, 85 00:03:23,770 --> 00:03:26,573 but we've got stands filled with excited fans, 86 00:03:26,606 --> 00:03:29,542 and we're ready to kick off the National Finals. 87 00:03:29,576 --> 00:03:32,545 We're gonna start with one of our youngest competitors. 88 00:03:32,579 --> 00:03:35,482 This is 16-year-old Christian Youst. 89 00:03:35,515 --> 00:03:36,950 He's one of the many teenagers 90 00:03:36,983 --> 00:03:40,286 who made history on our courses this season. 91 00:03:40,320 --> 00:03:42,989 - The teen invasion is on, Matt. 92 00:03:43,089 --> 00:03:45,558 - For the first time, athletes under 19 93 00:03:45,592 --> 00:03:47,360 were invited to compete this year. 94 00:03:47,394 --> 00:03:50,096 No one was exactly sure how they'd do. 95 00:03:50,096 --> 00:03:51,598 - Oh! - Vance Walker! 96 00:03:51,631 --> 00:03:54,200 - Let's go! Let's go! 97 00:03:54,234 --> 00:03:57,604 - Teenagers comminated the leaderboards in qualifying. 98 00:03:57,637 --> 00:03:59,906 - This is a dream come true. 99 00:03:59,939 --> 00:04:00,907 - Yes! 100 00:04:00,940 --> 00:04:03,343 - A history-making run. 101 00:04:03,376 --> 00:04:05,045 And claimed nearly half the spots 102 00:04:05,045 --> 00:04:08,314 on the Power Tower in semis. 103 00:04:08,348 --> 00:04:11,951 In all, 18 teenagers made it to the National Finals. 104 00:04:12,052 --> 00:04:14,421 Over a quarter of the field here in Vegas 105 00:04:14,454 --> 00:04:16,489 can't even walk into a casino. 106 00:04:16,523 --> 00:04:18,792 - Oh, my goodness. 107 00:04:18,825 --> 00:04:20,694 - * We're off the ground * 108 00:04:20,727 --> 00:04:21,961 - Getting to Vegas 109 00:04:22,062 --> 00:04:23,930 on my first year competing on the show, 110 00:04:23,963 --> 00:04:27,233 as a part of this first wave of teens, 111 00:04:27,267 --> 00:04:29,269 is insane. 112 00:04:29,302 --> 00:04:31,171 - Oh! - This kid just looked like 113 00:04:31,204 --> 00:04:33,707 he was on an amusement park ride! 114 00:04:33,740 --> 00:04:35,909 - I've known for a long time that we're super strong, 115 00:04:35,942 --> 00:04:37,944 and I think a teen could win this. 116 00:04:37,977 --> 00:04:39,312 I hope that teen's me. 117 00:04:39,346 --> 00:04:41,614 - * Look at us * 118 00:04:41,648 --> 00:04:44,851 all: [chanting] Youst! Youst! Youst! Youst! 119 00:04:44,884 --> 00:04:47,354 - He's got Isaiah Thomas and some of the other teenagers 120 00:04:47,387 --> 00:04:50,223 down on the sidelines, starting the "Youst" chant. 121 00:04:50,256 --> 00:04:51,624 - 100%! 122 00:04:51,658 --> 00:04:52,926 - Let's go! 123 00:04:52,959 --> 00:04:54,527 - And watching back in the Dallas area 124 00:04:54,561 --> 00:04:57,097 are his mom, Lisa, and some other friends. 125 00:04:57,130 --> 00:04:58,998 - Lots of excitement for this run. 126 00:04:59,099 --> 00:05:01,701 - Well, Youst calls himself the Dark Horse Ninja, 127 00:05:01,735 --> 00:05:03,536 because he's only 5'4". 128 00:05:03,570 --> 00:05:05,038 Has an underdog mentality. 129 00:05:05,038 --> 00:05:07,173 - He needs that attitude on Stage 1. 130 00:05:07,207 --> 00:05:09,876 Only 2 minutes and 45 seconds to hit that buzzer. 131 00:05:09,909 --> 00:05:12,379 [countdown clock beeping] 132 00:05:12,412 --> 00:05:15,382 - First off, this new balance obstacle, Slide Surfer. 133 00:05:15,415 --> 00:05:17,517 - Whoa! He's going really fast! 134 00:05:17,550 --> 00:05:20,387 - Leaps right on to the all-new Swinging Blades. 135 00:05:20,420 --> 00:05:22,288 Only small ledges to grab on to, 136 00:05:22,322 --> 00:05:24,290 and those blades are angled. 137 00:05:24,324 --> 00:05:26,659 - Youst is one of those classic video game players, 138 00:05:26,693 --> 00:05:29,262 and this course-- kind of like "Mario Brothers." 139 00:05:29,295 --> 00:05:30,630 You gotta keep it moving. 140 00:05:30,663 --> 00:05:31,765 - And he's through. 141 00:05:31,798 --> 00:05:33,633 - Yeah! There we go! 142 00:05:33,667 --> 00:05:36,236 - This next one, Double Dipper, will be a test. 143 00:05:36,269 --> 00:05:37,804 In fact, each of the past three times 144 00:05:37,837 --> 00:05:40,373 we've seen this obstacle, it has taken out more ninjas 145 00:05:40,407 --> 00:05:42,475 than any other obstacle on Stage 1. 146 00:05:42,509 --> 00:05:44,444 - Matt, this is just like a roller coaster. 147 00:05:44,477 --> 00:05:47,447 51 feet long. You better hang on tight. 148 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:48,948 - Perfect! - Nice. 149 00:05:48,982 --> 00:05:50,684 - Let's go! 150 00:05:50,717 --> 00:05:53,687 - And obstacle four is the iconic Jumping Spider. 151 00:05:53,720 --> 00:05:56,222 5'4". Gotta get deep into the chute. 152 00:05:56,256 --> 00:05:57,323 - Boom! Get in there! 153 00:05:57,357 --> 00:05:59,426 - Oh! Whoa! - Nice! Okay! 154 00:05:59,459 --> 00:06:01,261 - Well, he likes vintage video games. 155 00:06:01,294 --> 00:06:03,029 This is kind of like "Frogger." 156 00:06:03,029 --> 00:06:05,031 Gotta use your legs to hop through it. 157 00:06:05,031 --> 00:06:06,533 - Come on. Push. Come on. 158 00:06:06,566 --> 00:06:08,335 - And he's through. 159 00:06:08,368 --> 00:06:09,836 - Whoo! 160 00:06:09,869 --> 00:06:12,038 - Now he's facing Tire Run. 161 00:06:12,072 --> 00:06:14,040 Gotta run across the angled tires. 162 00:06:14,040 --> 00:06:16,142 - You know, I think this one's more like "Donkey Kong." 163 00:06:16,176 --> 00:06:18,044 It's kind of crazy. 164 00:06:18,044 --> 00:06:19,713 Oh, okay! - Oh! Hesitation! 165 00:06:19,746 --> 00:06:22,115 - Okay! - Great job to regroup! 166 00:06:22,148 --> 00:06:26,186 But now has to swing over and land on top of the big tire. 167 00:06:26,219 --> 00:06:27,887 Keep your balance on the center, 168 00:06:27,921 --> 00:06:30,056 the top of this fifth wheel that spins. 169 00:06:30,090 --> 00:06:31,324 - All right, and nice. 170 00:06:31,358 --> 00:06:33,293 And did you see how he went up, and not out? 171 00:06:33,326 --> 00:06:35,362 So, that way, he didn't get the tire spinning. 172 00:06:35,395 --> 00:06:37,430 - Only 115 pounds. It barely moved. 173 00:06:37,464 --> 00:06:39,399 But Akbar, the clock ticking down. 174 00:06:39,432 --> 00:06:41,067 1:05 left. 175 00:06:41,067 --> 00:06:42,902 - Yes! - Let's go. 176 00:06:42,936 --> 00:06:44,571 - Come on! You got it! Let's go! 177 00:06:44,604 --> 00:06:48,575 - Now the 14-foot Warped Wall. Got the curved run-up. 178 00:06:48,608 --> 00:06:51,211 And he'll be the first to face Split Decision. 179 00:06:51,244 --> 00:06:52,712 Now here's a new element. 180 00:06:52,746 --> 00:06:54,080 He's gonna hit that button. 181 00:06:54,080 --> 00:06:55,815 This activates The High Road. 182 00:06:55,849 --> 00:06:57,917 He will then have 8 1/2 seconds 183 00:06:57,951 --> 00:07:00,020 to get across the brand-new obstacle, 184 00:07:00,020 --> 00:07:03,123 the Dipping Birds, and grab that moving red ring. 185 00:07:03,156 --> 00:07:04,491 That takes you to the cargo net. 186 00:07:04,524 --> 00:07:05,892 - Whoo! - Okay! 187 00:07:05,925 --> 00:07:07,460 Oh, he's about to get it! - No! 188 00:07:07,494 --> 00:07:10,296 And changed his mind at the last minute, 189 00:07:10,330 --> 00:07:12,198 and now he has to choose the Fly Hooks. 190 00:07:12,232 --> 00:07:15,435 This will take longer, and the clock is ticking. 191 00:07:15,468 --> 00:07:16,670 - Come on, Christian Youst. 192 00:07:16,703 --> 00:07:18,438 - Be efficient on these transfers. 193 00:07:18,471 --> 00:07:20,306 An extra swing! - Come on, now. 194 00:07:20,340 --> 00:07:22,175 You don't get a tardy slip here! 195 00:07:22,208 --> 00:07:24,077 Oh! He thought about it! - Oh, no! 196 00:07:24,110 --> 00:07:25,612 - Well, the ring caught, Akbar! 197 00:07:25,645 --> 00:07:27,247 You gotta go up and out! No! It caught again! 198 00:07:27,280 --> 00:07:29,883 - Oh, Matt. He's gotta go up, Matt. 199 00:07:29,916 --> 00:07:32,085 Nice. Get up. Nice! 200 00:07:32,118 --> 00:07:34,821 - Oh, he's got to launch real high up to the net. 201 00:07:34,854 --> 00:07:36,890 Go for it! - Oh, boy. You don't get 202 00:07:36,923 --> 00:07:38,625 a tougher net for this one. - Five seconds! 203 00:07:38,658 --> 00:07:40,460 - Come on! You gotta go! 204 00:07:40,493 --> 00:07:42,362 - Oh, no! - Oh! 205 00:07:42,395 --> 00:07:46,633 - But it was that transfer on the Fly Hook! 206 00:07:46,666 --> 00:07:50,503 And shows just how tough it is to finish Stage 1. 207 00:07:50,537 --> 00:07:52,772 - Awesome, baby. Awesome. 208 00:07:52,806 --> 00:07:54,441 - He didn't have a lot of time left, 209 00:07:54,474 --> 00:07:56,376 so he tried to take the faster route, 210 00:07:56,409 --> 00:07:58,178 The High Road, but when he got there, 211 00:07:58,211 --> 00:08:00,580 he stopped his jump at the last minute, 212 00:08:00,613 --> 00:08:02,449 so he had to go with Fly Hooks. 213 00:08:02,482 --> 00:08:06,019 Got caught up, and came up a few seconds short. 214 00:08:06,052 --> 00:08:08,188 - Any mistake can cost you. 215 00:08:08,221 --> 00:08:11,691 And Christian Youst times out just short of the buzzer. 216 00:08:11,725 --> 00:08:14,427 Our next athlete is seven years older, 217 00:08:14,461 --> 00:08:16,196 but he's also one of the explosive, 218 00:08:16,229 --> 00:08:17,831 young stars of ninja. 219 00:08:17,864 --> 00:08:20,433 This is Cam "The Bomb" Baumgartner. 220 00:08:20,467 --> 00:08:23,036 He has been perfect so far this season, 221 00:08:23,036 --> 00:08:24,270 hitting two buzzers. 222 00:08:24,304 --> 00:08:26,172 But not only is he a super ninja, 223 00:08:26,206 --> 00:08:27,874 he's a supper nanny. 224 00:08:29,075 --> 00:08:30,110 [car lock chirps] 225 00:08:30,143 --> 00:08:32,045 - What's up, boys? Who's winning? 226 00:08:32,045 --> 00:08:35,882 I've been babysitting for a family with two boys 227 00:08:35,915 --> 00:08:37,317 for about four years now. 228 00:08:37,350 --> 00:08:40,520 [laughter] 229 00:08:40,553 --> 00:08:42,655 - Ever since we met Cameron, 230 00:08:42,689 --> 00:08:44,457 we just totally fell in love with him. 231 00:08:44,491 --> 00:08:47,060 And we call him our manny. 232 00:08:47,093 --> 00:08:49,529 - Our manny. - Our male nanny. 233 00:08:49,562 --> 00:08:51,064 - Angelo, I think I'm beating you. 234 00:08:51,064 --> 00:08:53,400 [laughter] 235 00:08:53,433 --> 00:08:54,868 - We just like to, like, hang out. 236 00:08:54,901 --> 00:08:58,338 We, like, play sports outside, and we play video games. 237 00:08:58,371 --> 00:09:01,307 - I think they were much better with a manny. 238 00:09:01,341 --> 00:09:02,742 Just listen right now. - Pick that. 239 00:09:02,776 --> 00:09:04,411 No, I could've won that. - What are you doing? 240 00:09:04,444 --> 00:09:06,012 - What are you doing? - They're playing. 241 00:09:06,012 --> 00:09:07,681 They're just, like, hanging out and playing. 242 00:09:07,714 --> 00:09:08,815 They're like three brothers. 243 00:09:08,848 --> 00:09:10,283 - It's fine. I'll take the shortcut. 244 00:09:10,316 --> 00:09:11,651 That's fine. That works. 245 00:09:11,685 --> 00:09:13,453 They do look up to me 246 00:09:13,486 --> 00:09:15,655 as, like, a positive role model in their lives. 247 00:09:15,689 --> 00:09:17,557 Seeing their struggles, whether it's with school 248 00:09:17,590 --> 00:09:19,225 or with sports, you know, I've been there, 249 00:09:19,259 --> 00:09:22,362 so I can relate and understand and help guide them. 250 00:09:22,395 --> 00:09:26,700 - Cam "The Bomb," fastest time of the night! 251 00:09:26,733 --> 00:09:28,234 - I didn't think it was possible 252 00:09:28,268 --> 00:09:30,637 for the average person to make it on that TV show. 253 00:09:30,670 --> 00:09:32,939 It's inspired us so that we could, like-- 254 00:09:33,039 --> 00:09:35,108 that you can do anything that you put your mind to. 255 00:09:35,141 --> 00:09:36,509 - All right. Bye, guys. See you later. 256 00:09:36,543 --> 00:09:37,711 - See you, Cam. - Bye, Cam. 257 00:09:37,744 --> 00:09:39,145 - Tonight, I'm gonna go out there 258 00:09:39,179 --> 00:09:40,780 and give it my all, and I'm gonna be the first 259 00:09:40,814 --> 00:09:42,048 manny American Ninja Warrior. 260 00:09:44,818 --> 00:09:45,919 Hey, guys! 261 00:09:45,952 --> 00:09:47,620 - And Cam's got that family, 262 00:09:47,654 --> 00:09:50,357 the LaVaccas, watching from back in Illinois, 263 00:09:50,390 --> 00:09:53,059 along with his fellow Chicago ninja Michael Torres. 264 00:09:53,059 --> 00:09:55,662 - Let's go. Come on. 265 00:09:55,695 --> 00:09:57,197 - And on the sidelines, here in Vegas, 266 00:09:57,230 --> 00:09:58,665 his girlfriend and his mom. 267 00:09:58,698 --> 00:10:00,100 - Go, Cam! 268 00:10:00,133 --> 00:10:03,069 [countdown clock beeping] 269 00:10:03,103 --> 00:10:06,306 - And Cam, oh, my, just exploding out. 270 00:10:06,339 --> 00:10:09,275 Akbar, this kid has been so good. 271 00:10:09,309 --> 00:10:10,310 - Whoa! - Oh, no! 272 00:10:10,343 --> 00:10:12,379 [air horn blares] 273 00:10:12,412 --> 00:10:13,880 - Oh, no. 274 00:10:13,913 --> 00:10:17,050 - Oh, no, Cameron! 275 00:10:17,083 --> 00:10:19,586 - Oh, my! How unexpected! 276 00:10:19,619 --> 00:10:23,023 Cam Baumgartner, who looked so strong this year, 277 00:10:23,056 --> 00:10:25,658 is out on just the second obstacle. 278 00:10:25,692 --> 00:10:27,594 An absolute heartbreaker. 279 00:10:27,627 --> 00:10:29,396 - What the heck happened? 280 00:10:29,429 --> 00:10:32,465 - Cam Baumgartner's one of the best, but watch. 281 00:10:32,499 --> 00:10:34,701 He grabs the blade with his right hand, 282 00:10:34,734 --> 00:10:36,436 but just whiffed with his left, 283 00:10:36,469 --> 00:10:38,304 proving anything can happen. 284 00:10:38,338 --> 00:10:41,207 And as always, it's gonna be an unpredictable night 285 00:10:41,241 --> 00:10:42,742 on Stage 1. 286 00:10:42,776 --> 00:10:45,345 - Ninja fans have hit the jackpot. 287 00:10:45,378 --> 00:10:47,080 - Whoo! - 'Cause tonight, 288 00:10:47,113 --> 00:10:49,582 we've got an all-star lineup. 289 00:10:49,616 --> 00:10:51,418 - I can't wait for this one! 290 00:10:51,451 --> 00:10:55,021 - Plus a few teenage wild cards. 291 00:10:55,055 --> 00:10:58,692 They're all hoping to run the table. 292 00:10:58,725 --> 00:11:00,326 Got it! - Nice! Yeah! 293 00:11:00,360 --> 00:11:03,296 - But many will just cash out. 294 00:11:03,329 --> 00:11:05,065 both: Oh! 295 00:11:05,065 --> 00:11:08,802 - It's Vegas, so anything can happen. 296 00:11:08,835 --> 00:11:10,570 - Is that a tattoo of us? 297 00:11:10,603 --> 00:11:12,339 - Whoo! - Oh! Okay, okay! 298 00:11:12,372 --> 00:11:15,075 - It's night one of the National Finals... 299 00:11:15,075 --> 00:11:16,409 - Let's go! 300 00:11:16,443 --> 00:11:19,546 - On "American Ninja Warrior." 301 00:11:24,150 --> 00:11:25,118 - Welcome back to night one 302 00:11:25,151 --> 00:11:26,519 of the National Finals. 303 00:11:26,553 --> 00:11:28,221 Well, whether she's throwing axes 304 00:11:28,254 --> 00:11:30,623 or throwing herself across the course, 305 00:11:30,657 --> 00:11:33,259 our next ninja's always entertaining. 306 00:11:33,293 --> 00:11:35,595 This is the mighty Megan Rowe, 307 00:11:35,628 --> 00:11:38,298 the axe-throwing, jewelry-making barista 308 00:11:38,331 --> 00:11:40,333 from Green Bay, Wisconsin. 309 00:11:40,367 --> 00:11:41,901 The 24-year-old has had 310 00:11:41,935 --> 00:11:43,403 a breakout season. 311 00:11:43,436 --> 00:11:45,505 She was the top woman in her semifinal 312 00:11:45,538 --> 00:11:47,107 and earned her first trip 313 00:11:47,107 --> 00:11:48,808 to the National Finals. 314 00:11:48,842 --> 00:11:50,210 Her family and friends 315 00:11:50,243 --> 00:11:52,612 back in the Midwest wouldn't miss this. 316 00:11:52,645 --> 00:11:54,347 - Love you guys! 317 00:11:54,381 --> 00:11:56,116 - Megan's also got her dad, Tim, 318 00:11:56,116 --> 00:11:58,418 and her boyfriend, fellow competitor Dalton Knapp, 319 00:11:58,451 --> 00:11:59,886 down on the sideline. 320 00:11:59,919 --> 00:12:01,688 - Come on, Megan! You got it! 321 00:12:01,721 --> 00:12:03,556 [countdown clock beeping] 322 00:12:03,590 --> 00:12:05,325 - She's the first of 12 women 323 00:12:05,358 --> 00:12:06,926 who qualified for the National Finals. 324 00:12:06,960 --> 00:12:09,662 Megan Rowe has some explosive power, Akbar. 325 00:12:09,696 --> 00:12:10,930 A high-level gymnast. 326 00:12:10,964 --> 00:12:13,366 - The Swinging Blades look like axes. 327 00:12:13,400 --> 00:12:16,069 No way she's gonna fall on this obstacle. 328 00:12:16,069 --> 00:12:17,771 - You can see her there using her hips 329 00:12:17,804 --> 00:12:19,939 to control her momentum. I like it. 330 00:12:19,973 --> 00:12:22,842 An aggressive start here out of Megan Rowe. 331 00:12:22,876 --> 00:12:24,477 - And she's taking extra swings. 332 00:12:24,511 --> 00:12:27,113 Those are costly when the clock's ticking. 333 00:12:27,147 --> 00:12:28,982 Matt, that time is precious. 334 00:12:29,082 --> 00:12:31,484 - Come on, Megan! You got it! 335 00:12:31,518 --> 00:12:33,653 - There we go. Now she's got to hustle up. 336 00:12:33,687 --> 00:12:36,089 - Yeah, Megan! - Come on, Megan! Go! 337 00:12:36,122 --> 00:12:38,091 - The former gymnast should be comfortable here 338 00:12:38,091 --> 00:12:39,826 on Double Dipper. - All right. 339 00:12:39,859 --> 00:12:42,095 Come on, Megan. Rowe with it. Rowe with it. 340 00:12:42,095 --> 00:12:44,164 - The challenge on Double Dipper is just-- 341 00:12:44,197 --> 00:12:46,466 let the bar throw you to that second one. 342 00:12:46,499 --> 00:12:48,568 - Yeah. Use it. Nice. Catch it. 343 00:12:48,601 --> 00:12:50,103 You can tell--no! - Oh, no! 344 00:12:50,103 --> 00:12:52,339 Just missed it! - Meggy... 345 00:12:52,372 --> 00:12:55,108 - Rowe chopped down on Double Dipper. 346 00:12:55,108 --> 00:12:58,712 A terrific season comes to an end on the third obstacle. 347 00:12:58,745 --> 00:13:01,047 - She made the leap to the second bar, 348 00:13:01,047 --> 00:13:02,449 but when it starts to come down, 349 00:13:02,482 --> 00:13:04,417 that's a lot of force on your hands. 350 00:13:04,451 --> 00:13:05,852 Look at her face. 351 00:13:05,885 --> 00:13:07,754 And that's when her fingers peeled right off. 352 00:13:09,689 --> 00:13:14,127 - It's okay, though. Get it next time. 353 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:17,197 - Our next ninja has become a huge inspiration 354 00:13:17,230 --> 00:13:19,466 to ninja fans in the past two years. 355 00:13:19,499 --> 00:13:23,103 This is Gnarly Ninja Nate, Nate Hansen. 356 00:13:23,136 --> 00:13:24,871 Due to a growth hormone deficiency, 357 00:13:24,904 --> 00:13:28,308 the 20-year-old college student stands just 5'2", 358 00:13:28,341 --> 00:13:30,443 yet it never stops him on the course. 359 00:13:30,477 --> 00:13:32,912 And not only did he make it to the National Finals, 360 00:13:32,946 --> 00:13:35,448 so did all three of his roommates. 361 00:13:35,482 --> 00:13:36,850 - Whoo! 362 00:13:38,651 --> 00:13:41,855 - I live in a ninja house full of American Ninja Warriors. 363 00:13:43,323 --> 00:13:45,125 It's pretty wicked. 364 00:13:45,158 --> 00:13:46,393 [doorbell rings] 365 00:13:46,426 --> 00:13:47,627 - It's 900 square feet. 366 00:13:50,597 --> 00:13:53,099 The living room, we call that Kevin's room. 367 00:13:53,133 --> 00:13:54,467 - See if you can make it in Kevin's ear. 368 00:13:54,501 --> 00:13:55,802 - What? [laughter] 369 00:13:55,835 --> 00:13:57,837 - And then, we have two bedrooms. 370 00:13:57,871 --> 00:14:00,273 Austin and his girlfriend, Jaylen, 371 00:14:00,306 --> 00:14:02,475 and then me and Gnarly Nate. 372 00:14:02,509 --> 00:14:04,444 We have, like, twin beds going on. 373 00:14:04,477 --> 00:14:06,112 [laughter] 374 00:14:06,146 --> 00:14:08,348 - Shut up! 375 00:14:08,381 --> 00:14:10,316 - I try to keep the house as tidy as can be, 376 00:14:10,350 --> 00:14:12,252 but it can get wild sometimes. 377 00:14:12,285 --> 00:14:15,121 - Jonah's bed is a pile of all of Jonah's stuff, 378 00:14:15,155 --> 00:14:17,323 and he sleeps on top of the pile. 379 00:14:17,357 --> 00:14:18,692 - Well, that's not completely true. 380 00:14:18,725 --> 00:14:20,794 I move the pile when I go to sleep. 381 00:14:20,827 --> 00:14:22,662 But Gnarly Nate, he's really clean. 382 00:14:22,696 --> 00:14:24,531 He makes his bed every day. 383 00:14:24,564 --> 00:14:26,499 I don't understand why you would make a bed 384 00:14:26,533 --> 00:14:28,301 that you're gonna get back into. 385 00:14:28,335 --> 00:14:32,072 - Am I in the way here? - You're always in the way. 386 00:14:32,072 --> 00:14:34,674 The apartment's definitely not big enough for five of us. 387 00:14:34,708 --> 00:14:35,942 Get--get out of my way. 388 00:14:35,975 --> 00:14:37,510 - Nate is definitely the chef, 389 00:14:37,544 --> 00:14:38,945 and Austin makes everybody laugh. 390 00:14:38,978 --> 00:14:40,280 - I'm making tortellini, okay? 391 00:14:40,313 --> 00:14:42,515 What are you making? Pancakes out of a box? 392 00:14:42,549 --> 00:14:45,652 Nate's not the chef, and I'm not the jokester, okay? 393 00:14:45,685 --> 00:14:46,820 It is backwards. 394 00:14:46,853 --> 00:14:48,254 - Don't flip my pancake. 395 00:14:48,288 --> 00:14:49,389 - It's not even round. 396 00:14:49,422 --> 00:14:50,690 For sure, I am the only one 397 00:14:50,724 --> 00:14:52,292 that knows how to cook out of us. 398 00:14:52,325 --> 00:14:54,361 Like, I cook anything. 399 00:14:54,394 --> 00:14:55,762 all: Oh! 400 00:14:55,795 --> 00:14:58,631 - * Champion * 401 00:14:58,665 --> 00:15:00,734 - I love having roommates who do "Ninja Warrior." 402 00:15:03,470 --> 00:15:05,171 - We train together, we push each other, 403 00:15:05,205 --> 00:15:06,606 We lift each other up, and I think 404 00:15:06,639 --> 00:15:08,074 that's why we're succeeding. 405 00:15:08,108 --> 00:15:12,112 - And Gnarly Ninja Nate Hansen's going to Vegas. 406 00:15:12,145 --> 00:15:14,381 - All four of us are now competing 407 00:15:14,414 --> 00:15:16,516 in the National Finals, so my roommates 408 00:15:16,549 --> 00:15:19,052 will definitely be on the sidelines watching me. 409 00:15:19,085 --> 00:15:21,688 And tonight, I'm gonna hit a buzzer for them. 410 00:15:21,721 --> 00:15:23,857 - * Champion * 411 00:15:26,059 --> 00:15:28,495 - Let's go! - Come on! Let's go! 412 00:15:28,528 --> 00:15:30,797 - Well, Nate's roomies are ready for his run... 413 00:15:30,830 --> 00:15:31,798 - There you go, bud. 414 00:15:31,831 --> 00:15:33,366 - As are his parents 415 00:15:33,400 --> 00:15:34,668 and family and friends, 416 00:15:34,701 --> 00:15:37,370 including his biggest fan, Aiden, who deals 417 00:15:37,404 --> 00:15:40,640 with the same growth hormone deficiency condition Nate has. 418 00:15:40,674 --> 00:15:42,308 - You got this, Nate. 419 00:15:42,342 --> 00:15:44,344 - Aiden is one of the many who have been inspired 420 00:15:44,377 --> 00:15:46,813 watching Nate run the course. 421 00:15:46,846 --> 00:15:49,082 [countdown clock beeping] 422 00:15:49,115 --> 00:15:51,084 - Nate's had a great season already. 423 00:15:51,084 --> 00:15:53,386 Hit buzzers in qualifying and semifinals. 424 00:15:53,420 --> 00:15:56,289 It's gonna be tough to hit another one on Stage 1, 425 00:15:56,322 --> 00:15:58,158 but don't ever count out Gnarly Nate. 426 00:15:58,191 --> 00:16:00,593 - These supersized obstacles are especially tough 427 00:16:00,627 --> 00:16:01,861 when you're 5'2", 428 00:16:01,895 --> 00:16:04,731 but this guy always comes up big. 429 00:16:04,764 --> 00:16:06,766 - He's been doubted for a long time, 430 00:16:06,800 --> 00:16:09,035 and he's done nothing here on "Ninja Warrior" 431 00:16:09,069 --> 00:16:10,236 but prove himself. 432 00:16:10,270 --> 00:16:12,205 That's why he's here on Stage 1. 433 00:16:12,238 --> 00:16:14,040 - Let's go! - Let's go! 434 00:16:14,040 --> 00:16:16,209 - And look at him, getting the crowd hyped up 435 00:16:16,242 --> 00:16:18,078 as he faces the third obstacle. 436 00:16:18,111 --> 00:16:20,180 - He knows what to do. - Go for a ride here 437 00:16:20,213 --> 00:16:21,581 on the Double Dipper. - All right. 438 00:16:21,614 --> 00:16:23,249 - Make this transfer easy. - He's 125 pounds. 439 00:16:23,283 --> 00:16:25,118 That's a lot of--oh! Whoa! - Wow! 440 00:16:25,151 --> 00:16:27,687 - He almost missed that grab! Nice! 441 00:16:27,721 --> 00:16:28,822 - Whoo! 442 00:16:28,855 --> 00:16:29,923 - Jumping Spider, though, 443 00:16:29,956 --> 00:16:31,891 gonna be a big challenge. 444 00:16:31,925 --> 00:16:33,893 Needs a deep jump off the trampoline. 445 00:16:33,927 --> 00:16:35,695 - Yeah, he's gotta get far in there, Matt. 446 00:16:35,729 --> 00:16:38,064 And he's gotta stick it. 447 00:16:38,064 --> 00:16:39,599 - Oh! - Oh, no! 448 00:16:39,632 --> 00:16:41,634 Oh, no! 449 00:16:41,668 --> 00:16:42,635 - Attaway, Nate! 450 00:16:42,669 --> 00:16:44,170 - Had an exciting start, 451 00:16:44,204 --> 00:16:47,407 but Gnarly Nate can't stick it on the Jumping Spider, 452 00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:49,876 and his impressive season comes to an end. 453 00:16:49,909 --> 00:16:51,277 - Nice run, man. - Whoo! 454 00:16:51,311 --> 00:16:53,980 - He had great extension on Double Dipper. 455 00:16:54,080 --> 00:16:56,616 Look at that grab. But on Jumping Spider, 456 00:16:56,649 --> 00:16:58,785 he didn't get deep enough into the chute. 457 00:16:58,818 --> 00:17:02,055 He was trying to land his feet when the walls are far apart, 458 00:17:02,088 --> 00:17:03,723 and no way to hold it. 459 00:17:05,925 --> 00:17:08,795 - Gnarliest time of my life. Coolest course ever. 460 00:17:08,828 --> 00:17:11,731 Thank you, "Ninja Warrior." I'll be back. Whoo! 461 00:17:11,765 --> 00:17:15,502 - These fans are hyped to have "Ninja" back in Vegas. 462 00:17:15,535 --> 00:17:17,037 And when we come back, 463 00:17:17,037 --> 00:17:19,039 they're gonna see one of the hotshot teenagers. 464 00:17:19,039 --> 00:17:21,374 It's the Flyboy, Isaiah Thomas. 465 00:17:21,408 --> 00:17:22,909 His run is up next, 466 00:17:22,942 --> 00:17:25,679 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 467 00:17:25,712 --> 00:17:26,913 [cheers and applause] 468 00:17:33,253 --> 00:17:34,788 - It's great to be back in Vegas 469 00:17:34,821 --> 00:17:36,556 in front of a rowdy crowd. 470 00:17:36,589 --> 00:17:38,324 And they're getting a good show 471 00:17:38,358 --> 00:17:41,061 on the first night of the National Finals. 472 00:17:41,094 --> 00:17:44,064 Minutes ago, another member of the Colorado ninja house, 473 00:17:44,064 --> 00:17:47,667 Jonah Muñoz, made his National Finals debut. 474 00:17:47,701 --> 00:17:49,135 - Nice! - Whoo! 475 00:17:49,169 --> 00:17:50,870 - Get out of there! - Okay, Jonah! 476 00:17:50,904 --> 00:17:52,072 - Come on, baby! 477 00:17:52,105 --> 00:17:53,473 - With his roommates cheering him on, 478 00:17:53,506 --> 00:17:55,175 the 19-year-old college student 479 00:17:55,208 --> 00:17:57,610 looked good through the first four obstacles. 480 00:17:57,644 --> 00:17:59,079 [cheers and applause] 481 00:17:59,079 --> 00:18:01,681 But his run went flat on Tire Run. 482 00:18:01,715 --> 00:18:03,683 - Oh! [air horn blares] 483 00:18:05,018 --> 00:18:08,121 - At just 16, Danbury, Connecticut's Devan Alexander 484 00:18:08,154 --> 00:18:11,124 was making his first appearance in Vegas. 485 00:18:11,157 --> 00:18:12,325 - Whoo! - Whoo! 486 00:18:12,359 --> 00:18:14,027 Look at the energy out of Pow. 487 00:18:14,027 --> 00:18:16,563 - With his mom, Pow, providing enough enthusiasm 488 00:18:16,596 --> 00:18:19,065 to light up the Vegas Strip, 489 00:18:19,099 --> 00:18:21,868 this high school junior set a sizzling pace. 490 00:18:21,901 --> 00:18:24,304 - And you can see, nice technique there. 491 00:18:24,337 --> 00:18:25,872 - But he couldn't stick the landing 492 00:18:25,905 --> 00:18:27,307 at the start of Jumping Spider. 493 00:18:27,340 --> 00:18:30,243 - No! No! No! [airhorn blares] 494 00:18:30,276 --> 00:18:31,578 - Oh, my goodness. 495 00:18:31,611 --> 00:18:33,079 - Slipped out. [sighs] 496 00:18:33,113 --> 00:18:35,415 - Teens like Devan have been the story this season. 497 00:18:35,448 --> 00:18:38,051 And here's another one who's made a big impression. 498 00:18:38,084 --> 00:18:41,621 This is Isaiah Thomas, AKA the Flyboy. 499 00:18:41,654 --> 00:18:43,490 He just turned 16 years old, 500 00:18:43,523 --> 00:18:45,425 but he is brimming with confidence. 501 00:18:45,458 --> 00:18:47,394 And he credits that to the ninja star 502 00:18:47,427 --> 00:18:48,661 he's been training with. 503 00:18:50,697 --> 00:18:52,065 And he's done it! 504 00:18:52,065 --> 00:18:54,901 The youngest ever to hit a buzzer! 505 00:18:54,934 --> 00:18:56,803 - Flyboy, it's just not my name. 506 00:18:56,836 --> 00:18:58,705 It's like a mentality. 507 00:18:58,738 --> 00:19:00,573 I'm built different! 508 00:19:00,607 --> 00:19:02,042 - Oh, ho! 509 00:19:02,075 --> 00:19:04,678 - I have a lot of confidence because of how much I train. 510 00:19:04,711 --> 00:19:06,212 - Up you go, baby. Let's get it. 511 00:19:06,246 --> 00:19:08,181 - But if it wasn't for Karsten Williams, 512 00:19:08,214 --> 00:19:09,916 I wouldn't be where I am today. 513 00:19:10,016 --> 00:19:12,318 - Nice jump. And now. 514 00:19:12,352 --> 00:19:13,720 Whoo! Let's go! 515 00:19:13,753 --> 00:19:16,923 - Karsten is my coach, but he's also like a mentor. 516 00:19:17,023 --> 00:19:18,558 - Smooth and quick. Smooth and quick. 517 00:19:18,591 --> 00:19:20,260 - He's the one that named me Flyboy. 518 00:19:20,293 --> 00:19:22,028 - Way to push it. Way to push it. 519 00:19:22,028 --> 00:19:23,596 - I have all respect for him. 520 00:19:23,630 --> 00:19:26,032 - Let's see what we got. 521 00:19:26,032 --> 00:19:27,767 I didn't have too many mentors, so I felt 522 00:19:27,801 --> 00:19:30,303 it was important for me to be a influence to Isaiah. 523 00:19:30,337 --> 00:19:32,605 Keep his head on straight and keep him focused. 524 00:19:32,639 --> 00:19:34,808 Now he's on the National Finals 525 00:19:34,841 --> 00:19:36,276 in his first season, 526 00:19:36,309 --> 00:19:39,779 and not only is Isaiah gonna crush it on Stage 1, 527 00:19:39,813 --> 00:19:41,047 but he's gonna bring that swag, 528 00:19:41,047 --> 00:19:42,582 that personality that he has. 529 00:19:42,615 --> 00:19:44,951 It's gonna be fun to watch. 530 00:19:45,051 --> 00:19:46,553 [laughter] - Go get it! 531 00:19:46,586 --> 00:19:48,421 Hey, you built different, aren't you? 532 00:19:48,455 --> 00:19:49,422 You built different. 533 00:19:49,456 --> 00:19:50,657 - Tonight, I want to prove 534 00:19:50,690 --> 00:19:52,525 that Flyboy is more than a rookie. 535 00:19:52,559 --> 00:19:54,961 Flyboy is an all-star. 536 00:19:58,865 --> 00:20:00,667 - Karsten's been injured and hasn't been able 537 00:20:00,700 --> 00:20:03,336 to compete this year, but he's on the sidelines, 538 00:20:03,370 --> 00:20:04,871 along with Isaiah's mom. 539 00:20:04,904 --> 00:20:07,273 And remember, just 2 minutes and 45 seconds 540 00:20:07,307 --> 00:20:08,742 to complete the course. 541 00:20:08,775 --> 00:20:11,378 [countdown clock beeping] 542 00:20:11,411 --> 00:20:13,880 - Karsten Williams has run Stage 1 six times, 543 00:20:13,913 --> 00:20:15,982 so he can tell the rookie a few things 544 00:20:16,016 --> 00:20:18,351 about competing when the clock's tick-tick-ticking. 545 00:20:18,385 --> 00:20:20,520 - And you can see, this kid moving with a great pace, 546 00:20:20,553 --> 00:20:22,922 making it in a single move to the second blade. 547 00:20:22,956 --> 00:20:24,824 - Matt, he is so fearless. 548 00:20:24,858 --> 00:20:28,261 He has no regards for the difficulty of Stage 1. 549 00:20:28,294 --> 00:20:31,564 - But he's never seen anything as big as Double Dipper. 550 00:20:31,598 --> 00:20:33,199 You're not gonna find this in any ninja gym. 551 00:20:33,233 --> 00:20:36,302 - You gotta stay in control. Fly with it, Flyboy! 552 00:20:36,336 --> 00:20:39,072 - Look at him. Wow! - Okay! I love this kid, Matt! 553 00:20:39,105 --> 00:20:41,207 - Let's go! - Let's go! 554 00:20:41,241 --> 00:20:44,077 The challenges continue here on Jumping Spider. 555 00:20:44,110 --> 00:20:45,879 - Nice! - Great, locking it in. 556 00:20:45,912 --> 00:20:47,080 He's 6 feet tall. 557 00:20:47,113 --> 00:20:49,349 Got longer legs than some of the others, 558 00:20:49,382 --> 00:20:52,952 and he's using them here on Jumping Spider. 559 00:20:52,986 --> 00:20:54,654 - Yeah, he's really got a nice tempo. 560 00:20:54,688 --> 00:20:55,889 I love the tempo. 561 00:20:55,922 --> 00:20:58,091 - Doesn't have a driver's license yet. 562 00:20:58,124 --> 00:20:59,559 Can he navigating Tire Run? 563 00:20:59,592 --> 00:21:01,061 - Nice agility. Good. 564 00:21:01,061 --> 00:21:04,097 - Watch it here. Top of this tire, it spins. 565 00:21:04,130 --> 00:21:05,765 - Yeah, you can see he's got a lot of momentum. 566 00:21:05,799 --> 00:21:07,934 He's got to come down controlled. 567 00:21:07,967 --> 00:21:09,502 Nice! - Great job. 568 00:21:09,536 --> 00:21:11,971 - Look at him! - Great control! 569 00:21:12,072 --> 00:21:13,940 - He plays on his high school basketball team, 570 00:21:13,973 --> 00:21:15,675 so this is like hanging on the rim. 571 00:21:15,709 --> 00:21:17,444 Just needs to get off this. 572 00:21:17,477 --> 00:21:19,412 - And he's done it. 573 00:21:19,446 --> 00:21:21,848 Well, he has given himself a big cushion here 574 00:21:21,881 --> 00:21:23,750 as he's staring down the Warped Wall. 575 00:21:23,783 --> 00:21:26,319 And at 6'0" tall, he goes right up it. 576 00:21:26,353 --> 00:21:28,822 - He is crushing this course! - There we go. 577 00:21:28,855 --> 00:21:30,557 - Look at how much time he has, Matt. 578 00:21:30,590 --> 00:21:32,892 - Will he hit the button and try The High Road? 579 00:21:32,926 --> 00:21:35,595 His buddy, Christian Youst, couldn't get the timing right. 580 00:21:35,628 --> 00:21:37,831 - Whoo! Light work here. 581 00:21:37,864 --> 00:21:40,000 - All right. Hits the button. He's gonna try it. 582 00:21:40,100 --> 00:21:41,835 All right. Here we go. Nice. 583 00:21:41,868 --> 00:21:45,005 - Gets himself time. He's ahead of the ring. 584 00:21:45,105 --> 00:21:46,906 Oh, but changes his mind. 585 00:21:46,940 --> 00:21:48,475 Don't know if the timing was off, 586 00:21:48,508 --> 00:21:50,210 but decides to go to the Fly Hooks, 587 00:21:50,243 --> 00:21:53,680 and this kid really can fly. 588 00:21:53,713 --> 00:21:55,248 - Come on. 589 00:21:55,281 --> 00:21:56,716 Nice. Whoo! 590 00:21:56,750 --> 00:21:58,184 - And plenty of time, Akbar. 591 00:21:58,218 --> 00:22:00,754 His pace giving him a good cushion. 592 00:22:00,787 --> 00:22:02,522 - Oh, he did his homework, Matt. 593 00:22:02,555 --> 00:22:03,757 He did his homework. 594 00:22:03,790 --> 00:22:05,425 And he's about to turn it in early. 595 00:22:05,458 --> 00:22:07,527 - Well, look at this! - Oh! 596 00:22:07,560 --> 00:22:09,162 - Well, Akbar, we've been talking about 597 00:22:09,195 --> 00:22:11,197 the teen invasion all season long. 598 00:22:11,231 --> 00:22:14,367 Well, the Flyboy, flying through the course, 599 00:22:14,401 --> 00:22:17,637 is gonna be our first finisher here on Stage 1. 600 00:22:17,671 --> 00:22:19,572 [buzzer blares] 601 00:22:19,606 --> 00:22:22,275 - Yeah! That's what we do! 602 00:22:22,308 --> 00:22:25,478 - Whoo! Yes! 603 00:22:25,512 --> 00:22:26,680 - Let's go! 604 00:22:26,713 --> 00:22:28,882 You already know. I don't even gotta say it. 605 00:22:28,915 --> 00:22:31,751 - We sure do. He's just-- both: Built different. 606 00:22:31,785 --> 00:22:33,720 - Matt, I'm gonna go ahead and say it now. 607 00:22:33,753 --> 00:22:36,256 I think he might get to Stage 4. 608 00:22:36,289 --> 00:22:39,926 He just turned 16, but showed no fear on this course. 609 00:22:39,959 --> 00:22:42,395 Ran through everything with confidence. 610 00:22:42,429 --> 00:22:45,198 Decided not to try High Road. But that's okay. 611 00:22:45,231 --> 00:22:47,901 He had plenty of time left to go with Fly Hooks. 612 00:22:47,934 --> 00:22:50,437 And we're gonna see Flyboy on Stage 2. 613 00:22:50,470 --> 00:22:53,340 - All right, Flyboy putting in work. 614 00:22:53,373 --> 00:22:55,975 Now, you made it look effortless out there. 615 00:22:56,009 --> 00:22:58,511 Was it as easy as you made it look? 616 00:22:58,545 --> 00:23:01,047 - Yeah, it was pretty light. [laughter] 617 00:23:01,047 --> 00:23:03,950 - Isaiah, it was light work. That's what you're telling me? 618 00:23:04,050 --> 00:23:06,186 - No, no, it took some-- it took some breath out of me. 619 00:23:06,219 --> 00:23:07,420 But it was light work. 620 00:23:07,454 --> 00:23:08,655 - You knew you could. You did it. 621 00:23:08,688 --> 00:23:10,223 You clearly had a plan, and it worked. 622 00:23:10,256 --> 00:23:12,926 Safe to say you got a plan for Stage 2? 623 00:23:12,959 --> 00:23:14,394 - Well, we'll have to wait for that. 624 00:23:14,427 --> 00:23:17,063 - Ooh, well, we'll just wait and see then, won't we? 625 00:23:17,063 --> 00:23:20,133 Congratulations, Isaiah. We'll see you at Stage 2. 626 00:23:20,166 --> 00:23:22,869 Guys, back to you. 627 00:23:22,902 --> 00:23:25,472 - Coming up, we're going to the dogs 628 00:23:25,505 --> 00:23:28,942 with last year's breakout star, Amir Malik. 629 00:23:28,975 --> 00:23:31,444 And if you're a "Ninja" fan, you should check out 630 00:23:31,478 --> 00:23:34,848 all the great merchandise at NBCStore.com. 631 00:23:34,881 --> 00:23:37,083 You'll find t-shirts, hats, and more. 632 00:23:37,083 --> 00:23:40,120 Shop NBCStore.com. 633 00:23:46,893 --> 00:23:49,229 - Welcome back to the National Finals. 634 00:23:49,262 --> 00:23:51,731 Minutes ago, 16-year-old Nate Pardo 635 00:23:51,765 --> 00:23:55,268 had no problem flying across Double Dipper. 636 00:23:55,301 --> 00:23:57,337 - Whoo! - Whoo! 637 00:23:57,370 --> 00:23:59,939 - We saw his fro flying in the wind on that one. 638 00:24:00,040 --> 00:24:02,709 - The high school senior from Cambridge, Massachusetts 639 00:24:02,742 --> 00:24:04,244 kept getting through obstacles, 640 00:24:04,277 --> 00:24:06,046 but at a slower pace. 641 00:24:06,046 --> 00:24:07,681 - Time is ticking. - Whoo! 642 00:24:07,714 --> 00:24:09,849 - So with time running out, he hit the button 643 00:24:09,883 --> 00:24:12,552 for High Road, but as he rushed to get there, 644 00:24:12,585 --> 00:24:15,088 he became the first victim of Dipping Birds. 645 00:24:15,121 --> 00:24:16,623 - No! 646 00:24:16,656 --> 00:24:19,492 [air horn blares] - Good try, buddy! 647 00:24:19,526 --> 00:24:22,095 - Dirty bird got him! 648 00:24:22,128 --> 00:24:24,631 - New Jersey teacher Rachel Degutz 649 00:24:24,664 --> 00:24:27,233 had her fellow Jersey Girls on the sideline. 650 00:24:27,267 --> 00:24:29,803 - I see you! I see you! 651 00:24:29,836 --> 00:24:31,705 - Degutz is one of three women who made it 652 00:24:31,738 --> 00:24:34,107 to the National Finals in their first season, 653 00:24:34,140 --> 00:24:35,709 and she came out hot. 654 00:24:35,742 --> 00:24:37,177 - Oh! Wow! 655 00:24:37,210 --> 00:24:38,845 - Yeah! - Let's go, Rachel! 656 00:24:38,878 --> 00:24:41,448 - But her inexperience cost her on Double Dipper, 657 00:24:41,481 --> 00:24:43,216 when she didn't let go of the bar. 658 00:24:43,249 --> 00:24:44,718 - Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa. 659 00:24:44,751 --> 00:24:46,152 - That's all right! 660 00:24:46,186 --> 00:24:48,088 - Though she tried to build up enough momentum 661 00:24:48,088 --> 00:24:49,189 to save it... 662 00:24:49,222 --> 00:24:50,690 - Come on! Yeah! 663 00:24:50,724 --> 00:24:52,292 - It was a lost cause. 664 00:24:52,325 --> 00:24:53,593 - Oh! [air horn blares] 665 00:24:53,626 --> 00:24:55,428 [audience groans] - Oh. 666 00:24:55,462 --> 00:24:59,232 - That's a tough one, Matt. That's a tough one. 667 00:24:59,265 --> 00:25:00,900 - Well, here's another one of the women 668 00:25:00,934 --> 00:25:02,635 who made it to Vegas as a rookie, 669 00:25:02,669 --> 00:25:04,838 and she's also from New Jersey. 670 00:25:04,871 --> 00:25:08,041 This is 16-year-old Ava Colasanti, 671 00:25:08,041 --> 00:25:11,644 the youngest female ever on Stage 1. 672 00:25:11,678 --> 00:25:13,279 The incoming high school junior's 673 00:25:13,313 --> 00:25:16,616 crisscrossed the country in search of ninja competitions. 674 00:25:16,649 --> 00:25:18,551 - Hold. - Good. Go. 675 00:25:18,585 --> 00:25:21,588 - Racking up victories and ninja knowledge along the way. 676 00:25:21,621 --> 00:25:23,189 - Nice. 677 00:25:23,223 --> 00:25:25,592 - And her dad's been with her every step of the journey. 678 00:25:25,625 --> 00:25:27,160 - [laughs] 679 00:25:27,193 --> 00:25:29,062 - We were one of those families that said 680 00:25:29,095 --> 00:25:30,964 we're never gonna be that crazy ninja family, 681 00:25:31,064 --> 00:25:32,832 where we just take her all over the country. 682 00:25:32,866 --> 00:25:36,069 And then, after seeing her excel the way she has, 683 00:25:36,069 --> 00:25:38,405 it's hard not to jump on board. 684 00:25:38,438 --> 00:25:41,241 - Come on, Ava! - Come on! You got this! 685 00:25:41,274 --> 00:25:43,643 - When I'm on the course, my dad is so nervous. 686 00:25:43,677 --> 00:25:45,645 - Come on. Light feet, Ave. Light feet. 687 00:25:45,679 --> 00:25:47,614 - But it's, like, so cool to have him by my side 688 00:25:47,647 --> 00:25:49,082 for this whole experience. 689 00:25:49,082 --> 00:25:50,717 - Yeah! Let's go! 690 00:25:50,750 --> 00:25:53,119 - I'm so excited. It's, like, surreal. 691 00:25:56,222 --> 00:25:58,124 - Of course, Dad's on the sideline, 692 00:25:58,158 --> 00:25:59,659 along with her mom and brother, 693 00:25:59,693 --> 00:26:01,194 and the two other female rookies 694 00:26:01,227 --> 00:26:02,896 who qualified for Vegas. 695 00:26:02,929 --> 00:26:06,099 - Let's go! Whoo! 696 00:26:06,132 --> 00:26:09,269 - She looks a little nervous, but her nickname is Savage, 697 00:26:09,302 --> 00:26:12,138 because she turns it on when she hears those beeps. 698 00:26:12,172 --> 00:26:14,374 [countdown clock beeping] 699 00:26:14,407 --> 00:26:16,710 - Now keep in mind, only two women ever have 700 00:26:16,743 --> 00:26:20,180 hit a Stage 1 buzzer: Jessie Graff and Allyssa Beird. 701 00:26:20,213 --> 00:26:23,049 This is a difficult course, especially as a rookie. 702 00:26:23,049 --> 00:26:25,885 - And you can't spell "Savage" without "Ava," Matt. 703 00:26:25,919 --> 00:26:27,153 - Here on the Swinging Blades. 704 00:26:27,187 --> 00:26:28,488 And for the women, 705 00:26:28,521 --> 00:26:31,091 the problem has often been time, Akbar. 706 00:26:31,124 --> 00:26:32,859 The clock runs out before they can get 707 00:26:32,892 --> 00:26:35,729 to the end of the course. 708 00:26:35,762 --> 00:26:38,465 - Come on, Ava. - Come on, Ave! Let's do this! 709 00:26:38,498 --> 00:26:40,433 - You got it, Ava! - Did you see that? 710 00:26:40,467 --> 00:26:43,169 That is a fingertip save right there. 711 00:26:43,203 --> 00:26:45,305 - Nice. - 5'3", 122. 712 00:26:45,338 --> 00:26:47,507 You can see those hands moving forward on to the blade. 713 00:26:47,540 --> 00:26:48,608 Gets the dismount. 714 00:26:48,641 --> 00:26:50,076 A little slip. - Oh, watch out. 715 00:26:50,076 --> 00:26:52,212 That's steep right there. That's a steep incline. 716 00:26:52,245 --> 00:26:55,081 - But she gets through. Stay calm. 717 00:26:55,115 --> 00:26:57,650 Go for a ride here on Double Dipper. 718 00:26:57,684 --> 00:27:00,220 This is where Rachel Degutz got hung up. 719 00:27:00,253 --> 00:27:02,288 - And Matt, this is so intimidating 720 00:27:02,322 --> 00:27:04,791 when you're upon top, looking down on this obstacle. 721 00:27:04,824 --> 00:27:07,160 But the teenager's gonna take it on. 722 00:27:07,193 --> 00:27:09,229 Nice! - And remember the switch grip. 723 00:27:09,262 --> 00:27:11,531 - Whoa! - Lands, and makes it. 724 00:27:11,564 --> 00:27:13,933 [cheers and applause] 725 00:27:14,034 --> 00:27:15,368 Now the Jumping Spider. 726 00:27:15,402 --> 00:27:18,371 Only a handful of women have ever gotten through this. 727 00:27:18,405 --> 00:27:20,373 - Take that power from the tramp and get in there. 728 00:27:20,407 --> 00:27:23,343 both: No! [air horn blares] 729 00:27:23,376 --> 00:27:27,047 - At 16, the youngest woman to ever take on Stage 1, 730 00:27:27,047 --> 00:27:28,915 and she handled it like a veteran. 731 00:27:28,948 --> 00:27:30,250 - We love you, Ava! 732 00:27:30,283 --> 00:27:31,751 - Oh, I have a feeling we'll see her back 733 00:27:31,785 --> 00:27:34,487 at the National Finals for years to come. 734 00:27:34,521 --> 00:27:37,257 - She survived a hard fall on Double Dipper, 735 00:27:37,290 --> 00:27:39,826 and then just didn't get deep enough into the chute 736 00:27:39,859 --> 00:27:41,061 on Jumping Spider. 737 00:27:41,061 --> 00:27:43,063 But nothing to be ashamed of. 738 00:27:43,096 --> 00:27:46,733 A savage run by this rookie. 739 00:27:46,766 --> 00:27:49,269 - Well, up next is the top rookie from last year. 740 00:27:49,302 --> 00:27:52,072 This is Vermont's Amir Malik. 741 00:27:52,072 --> 00:27:54,874 He's come back with a strong sophomore season. 742 00:27:54,908 --> 00:27:56,443 And ninja's not his only passion. 743 00:27:56,476 --> 00:28:00,180 He and his mom have saved the lives of dozens of dogs. 744 00:28:02,148 --> 00:28:05,051 - Dog fostering is a huge part of my life. 745 00:28:05,085 --> 00:28:07,554 Me and my mom, we foster over 50 dogs, 746 00:28:07,587 --> 00:28:10,490 and we've taken trips down to Costa Rica before 747 00:28:10,523 --> 00:28:13,193 to get some foster dogs and bring them back, 748 00:28:13,226 --> 00:28:15,028 make them our own family, pretty much. 749 00:28:15,028 --> 00:28:17,664 Oh, yeah, yeah. Your belly. 750 00:28:17,697 --> 00:28:20,033 Usually, when we get them, for the most part, they're scared. 751 00:28:20,033 --> 00:28:21,501 They don't want to come out of their cage. 752 00:28:21,534 --> 00:28:22,836 You want to come out? 753 00:28:22,869 --> 00:28:24,304 You have to make them feel comfortable. 754 00:28:24,337 --> 00:28:27,107 And it takes weeks, sometimes even months. 755 00:28:27,140 --> 00:28:28,375 Once we feel like they're ready, 756 00:28:28,408 --> 00:28:30,110 you know, we go through the applications 757 00:28:30,143 --> 00:28:33,780 and match the dog with the best home we can find. 758 00:28:33,813 --> 00:28:35,315 If I won a million dollars, 759 00:28:35,348 --> 00:28:37,384 I'm going to help so many dogs find their forever home, 760 00:28:37,417 --> 00:28:40,620 and I hope people seeing my story are inspired 761 00:28:40,653 --> 00:28:43,089 to do the same and go out there and foster. 762 00:28:43,123 --> 00:28:44,724 Dogs are just awesome. 763 00:28:44,758 --> 00:28:46,726 [dog barks] 764 00:28:46,760 --> 00:28:49,095 - A million dollars would buy a lot of dog food. 765 00:28:49,129 --> 00:28:50,630 And he could win it all. 766 00:28:50,663 --> 00:28:52,332 Made it to the final four last season. 767 00:28:52,365 --> 00:28:55,702 - And today is Amir's 21st birthday. 768 00:28:55,735 --> 00:28:57,437 And here to help him celebrate in Vegas 769 00:28:57,470 --> 00:28:59,572 are his brother and his mom. 770 00:28:59,606 --> 00:29:01,474 Among those watching from back on the east coast-- 771 00:29:01,508 --> 00:29:03,309 his dad, Jua. - Happy birthday! 772 00:29:03,343 --> 00:29:06,880 - Well, a Stage 1 buzzer would be a perfect birthday gift. 773 00:29:06,913 --> 00:29:09,683 [countdown clock beeping] 774 00:29:09,716 --> 00:29:12,018 - Amir, perfect so far this season. 775 00:29:12,018 --> 00:29:15,622 Hit buzzers in qualifying and semifinals. 776 00:29:15,655 --> 00:29:18,091 Last season, he was one of the final four competitors, 777 00:29:18,124 --> 00:29:21,761 but lost to Austin Gray in our Power Tower Playoff. 778 00:29:21,795 --> 00:29:24,130 - Ooh! How about that for a birthday, huh? 779 00:29:24,164 --> 00:29:25,799 - Did you see that catch, though, Akbar? 780 00:29:25,832 --> 00:29:27,167 You can see, the Swinging Blades, 781 00:29:27,200 --> 00:29:29,235 they throw your momentum sideways. 782 00:29:29,269 --> 00:29:30,670 But Malik survives. 783 00:29:30,704 --> 00:29:32,872 - Yes, yes. - Come on. 784 00:29:32,906 --> 00:29:34,674 - He only weighs 120 pounds. 785 00:29:34,708 --> 00:29:37,177 He may go flying off the Double Dipper. 786 00:29:37,210 --> 00:29:40,046 - This one was a ninja killer in the past, 787 00:29:40,080 --> 00:29:41,715 but the ninjas really seemed to figure it out. 788 00:29:41,748 --> 00:29:43,550 Just go for that easy ride-- 789 00:29:43,583 --> 00:29:45,085 oh, no! - Whoa! 790 00:29:45,118 --> 00:29:46,753 [air horn blares] 791 00:29:46,786 --> 00:29:49,889 - Whoa! Did you see him skywalking in the air? 792 00:29:49,923 --> 00:29:52,058 - He went up, not out, 793 00:29:52,058 --> 00:29:55,328 and Amir Malik is done! 794 00:29:55,362 --> 00:29:57,063 - All right. - It's all right, Amir. 795 00:29:57,063 --> 00:29:58,231 - Good job, Amir! 796 00:29:58,264 --> 00:30:01,101 - Matt, we gotta see that one again. 797 00:30:01,134 --> 00:30:03,370 He's sliding down on the first track, 798 00:30:03,403 --> 00:30:05,372 but he just held on too long. 799 00:30:05,405 --> 00:30:07,240 It came to the end of the track, 800 00:30:07,273 --> 00:30:09,175 and he was still hanging on, 801 00:30:09,209 --> 00:30:11,811 so he went straight up instead of out. 802 00:30:11,845 --> 00:30:16,049 - Not the birthday present he wanted. 803 00:30:16,082 --> 00:30:20,387 * * 804 00:30:24,357 --> 00:30:25,759 - Welcome back to the Las Vegas Strip 805 00:30:25,792 --> 00:30:27,727 and our National Finals. 806 00:30:27,761 --> 00:30:31,164 Minutes ago, three-time veteran Casey Rothschild 807 00:30:31,197 --> 00:30:35,035 proudly flew the flag for the LGBTQ community. 808 00:30:35,068 --> 00:30:38,038 - Everybody represented on "American Ninja Warrior." 809 00:30:38,071 --> 00:30:41,041 - The former college track star came out sprinting, 810 00:30:41,074 --> 00:30:42,909 but the long jumper surprisingly 811 00:30:42,942 --> 00:30:45,211 didn't fare as well on Swinging Blades. 812 00:30:45,245 --> 00:30:46,746 - Oh! [air horn blares] 813 00:30:46,780 --> 00:30:48,615 You can't go down like that! 814 00:30:48,648 --> 00:30:52,519 - Grabbed her nose like she's jumping into the pool! 815 00:30:52,552 --> 00:30:55,121 - 16-year-old Owen Dyer hit the course 816 00:30:55,155 --> 00:30:57,457 wearing his signature flamingo hat. 817 00:30:57,490 --> 00:30:59,225 - Okay! Let's go, flamingo! 818 00:30:59,259 --> 00:31:01,061 [cheers and applause] 819 00:31:01,061 --> 00:31:03,463 - The high school junior from Bentonville, Arkansas 820 00:31:03,496 --> 00:31:05,498 did get through Swinging Blades 821 00:31:05,532 --> 00:31:07,200 and sailed through Double Dipper. 822 00:31:07,233 --> 00:31:09,135 - The flamingo's still standing! 823 00:31:09,169 --> 00:31:10,670 - Yeah! Whoo! 824 00:31:10,704 --> 00:31:12,839 - But the Flamingo Kid didn't have the legs 825 00:31:12,872 --> 00:31:14,607 to stick it in the Jumping Spider. 826 00:31:14,641 --> 00:31:16,176 - It's a Dyer situation. 827 00:31:16,209 --> 00:31:17,210 No! - Oh! 828 00:31:17,243 --> 00:31:18,545 [all groan] 829 00:31:18,578 --> 00:31:20,080 both: Oh! 830 00:31:20,080 --> 00:31:21,348 - I can't believe I made it to Vegas. 831 00:31:21,381 --> 00:31:24,250 I'm a teen, and I made it to Vegas. 832 00:31:24,284 --> 00:31:26,086 - Still only one finisher 833 00:31:26,086 --> 00:31:27,954 on this unforgiving Stage 1 course, 834 00:31:27,987 --> 00:31:30,957 but up next is another talented youngster. 835 00:31:30,990 --> 00:31:33,293 This is 19-year-old Matt Bradley, 836 00:31:33,326 --> 00:31:35,695 who's been accepted at Penn State, 837 00:31:35,729 --> 00:31:39,933 but he gets his ninja education in the family barn. 838 00:31:39,966 --> 00:31:42,102 [upbeat country music] 839 00:31:42,102 --> 00:31:43,770 - Two years ago, my parents bought 840 00:31:43,803 --> 00:31:47,440 a 1,500-square-foot barn kind of middle of nowhere. 841 00:31:47,474 --> 00:31:49,876 People call it The Barn, The Brad Barn. 842 00:31:49,909 --> 00:31:51,711 We have 20-plus obstacles in here, 843 00:31:51,745 --> 00:31:54,114 but we're always changing them out. 844 00:31:54,147 --> 00:31:56,349 My barn's kind of infamous in the community. 845 00:31:56,383 --> 00:31:58,918 - He builds, like, crazy obstacles 846 00:31:58,952 --> 00:32:01,855 to torture people. 847 00:32:01,888 --> 00:32:03,089 all: Yeah! 848 00:32:03,123 --> 00:32:06,793 - We're making an En Garde bar from season ten. 849 00:32:06,826 --> 00:32:09,162 Me and my dad have built all the obstacles in here. 850 00:32:09,195 --> 00:32:12,432 The bar can contract and expand. 851 00:32:12,465 --> 00:32:15,268 My dad loves that I chose ninja as a sport. 852 00:32:15,301 --> 00:32:17,237 He was an engineer, so he's always telling me about 853 00:32:17,270 --> 00:32:19,506 how it's a sport that actually lets him use his talents 854 00:32:19,539 --> 00:32:21,207 to, like, help me get better at it. 855 00:32:23,376 --> 00:32:25,478 - He's learning all sorts of skills that will help him, 856 00:32:25,512 --> 00:32:28,348 whether it's improving his house or helping his kids, 857 00:32:28,381 --> 00:32:30,717 and so it's been a fun project for us. 858 00:32:30,750 --> 00:32:33,086 How'd you do, Matt? - It looks good. 859 00:32:33,086 --> 00:32:34,988 We got to spend so much together 860 00:32:35,088 --> 00:32:37,157 planning, welding, machine work. 861 00:32:37,190 --> 00:32:39,826 Really brought us closer together. 862 00:32:39,859 --> 00:32:41,361 I'm pretty well-known in the community 863 00:32:41,394 --> 00:32:43,863 for my grip strength, especially my finger strength. 864 00:32:43,897 --> 00:32:45,565 - I wouldn't put it past Matt Bradley 865 00:32:45,598 --> 00:32:47,100 to be able to just hang off of one finger, 866 00:32:47,133 --> 00:32:49,969 you know, on something that I probably need both hands for. 867 00:32:50,003 --> 00:32:52,539 You know, the kid is just-- he's a mutant. 868 00:32:52,572 --> 00:32:55,475 - From Wayne, Pennsylvania, he's going to Vegas! 869 00:32:55,508 --> 00:32:57,210 - Okay, Matt Bradley! 870 00:32:57,243 --> 00:32:58,445 - I want this more than anything. 871 00:32:58,478 --> 00:32:59,512 I've devoted my life to this 872 00:32:59,546 --> 00:33:00,780 for the past, like, eight years. 873 00:33:00,814 --> 00:33:03,049 I lose sleep, miss out on schoolwork. 874 00:33:03,083 --> 00:33:05,318 Like, this means everything to me. 875 00:33:05,352 --> 00:33:06,386 - After this season, 876 00:33:06,419 --> 00:33:08,588 people will know Matt Bradley's name. 877 00:33:12,726 --> 00:33:15,061 - Najee's not competing this year because of injuries, 878 00:33:15,061 --> 00:33:17,130 but he knows what this kid can do. 879 00:33:17,163 --> 00:33:18,965 And Matt Bradley's got lots of supporters 880 00:33:19,065 --> 00:33:22,736 back in Pennsylvania, including his dad and mom. 881 00:33:22,769 --> 00:33:24,237 - Thanks for staying up, everyone! 882 00:33:24,270 --> 00:33:26,439 - Oh, he looks cool as a cucumber right now, 883 00:33:26,473 --> 00:33:28,608 but this was him a few minutes ago, 884 00:33:28,641 --> 00:33:30,677 getting sick on the sidelines. 885 00:33:30,710 --> 00:33:32,645 He gets nervous before big runs 886 00:33:32,679 --> 00:33:36,116 and throws up before and after he hits the course. 887 00:33:36,149 --> 00:33:37,751 - It's nerve-racking to come out 888 00:33:37,784 --> 00:33:39,386 and run on national TV. 889 00:33:39,419 --> 00:33:41,888 I've seen a lot of NFL players do that before a game. 890 00:33:41,921 --> 00:33:44,290 - Let's go, Matt! [countdown clock beeping] 891 00:33:44,324 --> 00:33:46,459 - Here we go. 5'6"--ooh! 892 00:33:46,493 --> 00:33:48,161 - Nice. - Wow. 893 00:33:48,194 --> 00:33:50,230 Matt Bradley, he's coming out to run. 894 00:33:50,263 --> 00:33:51,865 - Despite his battle with nerves, 895 00:33:51,898 --> 00:33:53,867 he's been perfect so far this season. 896 00:33:53,900 --> 00:33:56,536 Hit buzzers in qualifying and semifinals. 897 00:33:56,569 --> 00:33:58,438 - You can see, an awkward transfer, though, Akbar. 898 00:33:58,471 --> 00:34:00,140 Had his hands on the same side of the blade. 899 00:34:00,173 --> 00:34:02,809 But he's made the adjustment. 900 00:34:02,842 --> 00:34:03,910 And he's through. 901 00:34:03,943 --> 00:34:05,412 [cheers and applause] 902 00:34:05,445 --> 00:34:06,880 But now one of the few obstacles 903 00:34:06,913 --> 00:34:09,049 he doesn't have in his barn-- the Double Dipper. 904 00:34:09,082 --> 00:34:11,251 - He plans to study business at Penn State. 905 00:34:11,284 --> 00:34:13,353 He's gotta go to work on Double Dipper. 906 00:34:13,386 --> 00:34:15,789 Come on, you Nittany Lion, you! 907 00:34:15,822 --> 00:34:18,525 Okay! - Outstanding control there! 908 00:34:18,558 --> 00:34:20,326 - Whoo! - Come on! Come on! 909 00:34:20,360 --> 00:34:22,328 - But now the Jumping Spider, 910 00:34:22,362 --> 00:34:25,131 which has ended several runs tonight. 911 00:34:25,165 --> 00:34:26,499 - Nice! Great stick. - Great job. 912 00:34:26,533 --> 00:34:27,901 - That was nice. - Really locked it in. 913 00:34:27,934 --> 00:34:30,136 - That was sticky. - Real smooth there. 914 00:34:30,170 --> 00:34:31,838 Finding his footing now. 915 00:34:31,871 --> 00:34:33,306 - On to Tire Run. 916 00:34:33,340 --> 00:34:34,841 - These young ninjas, 917 00:34:34,874 --> 00:34:38,545 they've waited so long to be out here. 918 00:34:38,578 --> 00:34:41,715 And just waves to his friends as he strolls on by. 919 00:34:41,748 --> 00:34:43,450 Cautious approach here on Tire Run. 920 00:34:43,483 --> 00:34:46,086 It's easy to get tripped up on these angled tires. 921 00:34:46,086 --> 00:34:47,087 - Okay! - Keep in mind, 922 00:34:47,087 --> 00:34:48,254 this fifth wheel spins. 923 00:34:48,288 --> 00:34:50,090 Gotta stay right on top of it. 924 00:34:50,090 --> 00:34:51,324 - All right, Matt. Here we go. 925 00:34:51,358 --> 00:34:53,360 It's showtime. 926 00:34:53,393 --> 00:34:55,462 - Taking an extra swing. 927 00:34:55,495 --> 00:34:56,763 - Nice. - Great balance. 928 00:34:56,796 --> 00:34:58,765 Great control! - Only 5'6". 929 00:34:58,798 --> 00:35:01,034 But coming up big on Tire Run! 930 00:35:01,034 --> 00:35:02,736 Nice. - Let's go. 931 00:35:02,769 --> 00:35:04,337 Come on. 932 00:35:04,371 --> 00:35:05,872 - This kid is showing why 933 00:35:05,905 --> 00:35:08,708 so many of the ninjas have so much respect for him. 934 00:35:08,742 --> 00:35:10,944 Up the wall, but what's he gonna do here 935 00:35:11,044 --> 00:35:12,379 at Split Decision? 936 00:35:12,412 --> 00:35:14,047 - With his nose? - Yep. 937 00:35:14,047 --> 00:35:16,616 He's gone fast enough he doesn't need to try High Road, 938 00:35:16,649 --> 00:35:18,551 and I don't think he's really considering it. 939 00:35:18,585 --> 00:35:20,787 - Go. - Go. Go quick. 940 00:35:20,820 --> 00:35:22,255 - Whoa! - Gets across Dipping Birds. 941 00:35:22,288 --> 00:35:24,691 And, yeah, he's going straight to the Fly Hooks. 942 00:35:24,724 --> 00:35:26,526 Just under a minute left. 943 00:35:26,559 --> 00:35:28,328 Just has to pop that ring off the hook 944 00:35:28,361 --> 00:35:31,064 and land it on the second one. 945 00:35:31,064 --> 00:35:32,665 Oh, no! - Oh, my goodness! 946 00:35:32,699 --> 00:35:35,835 Matt, he's gotta get himself up better on that front swing. 947 00:35:35,869 --> 00:35:36,836 Like that. 948 00:35:36,870 --> 00:35:38,071 - Good job generating power 949 00:35:38,071 --> 00:35:39,372 with those hips. 950 00:35:39,406 --> 00:35:41,074 Looking to get high up on this cargo net 951 00:35:41,107 --> 00:35:42,742 and make that climb a little easier. 952 00:35:42,776 --> 00:35:44,778 - Good hard, or go home! 953 00:35:44,811 --> 00:35:45,979 Okay! - Perfect! 954 00:35:46,079 --> 00:35:47,313 He's given himself plenty of time. 955 00:35:47,347 --> 00:35:48,782 - Oh, yeah. He's got it. 956 00:35:48,815 --> 00:35:50,216 Watch out. - Oh, boy. Oh-- 957 00:35:50,250 --> 00:35:52,552 - I've got my eyes on you! I see you, Matt Bradley! 958 00:35:52,585 --> 00:35:55,555 - And he's gonna be our second finisher tonight. 959 00:35:55,588 --> 00:35:58,491 From his barn to Vegas, now to Stage 2, 960 00:35:58,525 --> 00:36:01,861 Matt Bradley continues to be perfect! 961 00:36:01,895 --> 00:36:04,064 [cheers and applause] 962 00:36:04,097 --> 00:36:07,133 - His run almost ended early on Double Dipper. 963 00:36:07,167 --> 00:36:10,036 Watch his right hand. He missed the bar completely. 964 00:36:10,070 --> 00:36:13,106 But with that grip strength of this, was able to save it. 965 00:36:13,139 --> 00:36:15,241 And then, he cruised the rest of the way. 966 00:36:15,275 --> 00:36:17,711 Our second finisher of the night. 967 00:36:17,744 --> 00:36:19,412 - We're gonna let his stomach settle, 968 00:36:19,446 --> 00:36:21,414 but one thing we're not sick of-- 969 00:36:21,448 --> 00:36:23,917 seeing Matt Bradley hit buzzers. 970 00:36:23,950 --> 00:36:26,853 - Well, we're just getting started on Stage 1. 971 00:36:26,886 --> 00:36:30,123 Still to come, we've got the Weatherman, Joe Moravsky, 972 00:36:30,156 --> 00:36:32,592 the Big Dog from Texas, Jody Avila, 973 00:36:32,625 --> 00:36:34,127 and when we come back, 974 00:36:34,160 --> 00:36:35,895 it's stuntwoman Tiana Webberley, 975 00:36:35,929 --> 00:36:39,132 on "American Ninja Warrior's" National Finals. 976 00:36:43,503 --> 00:36:45,438 - Welcome back to the National Finals here in Vegas, 977 00:36:45,472 --> 00:36:47,640 where we're about halfway through the night on Stage 1. 978 00:36:47,674 --> 00:36:50,710 - And, Matt, there's one big storyline so far, 979 00:36:50,744 --> 00:36:52,479 and that's the Jumping Spider. 980 00:36:52,512 --> 00:36:54,881 - No! [air horn blares] 981 00:36:54,914 --> 00:36:57,450 - This obstacle has been an icon on Stage 1. 982 00:36:57,484 --> 00:36:59,686 It's been here for 10 years, 983 00:36:59,719 --> 00:37:01,654 but it's tripping up our ninjas tonight. 984 00:37:01,688 --> 00:37:03,023 - No! - Oh! 985 00:37:05,025 --> 00:37:07,927 - Minutes ago, Abel Gonzalez, an eight-time veteran, 986 00:37:08,028 --> 00:37:10,864 who's conquered this obstacle three times before, 987 00:37:10,897 --> 00:37:12,232 had an awkward jump. 988 00:37:12,265 --> 00:37:14,100 - No! - No! 989 00:37:14,134 --> 00:37:16,870 - And the Texas gym owner's season was over. 990 00:37:16,903 --> 00:37:19,139 - And Abel is stunned. 991 00:37:22,475 --> 00:37:25,311 - Boston-based bricklayer John Uga had 992 00:37:25,345 --> 00:37:27,047 a great leap into the chute, 993 00:37:27,047 --> 00:37:29,049 but once he started moving down the walls, 994 00:37:29,049 --> 00:37:30,183 he lost his footing. 995 00:37:30,216 --> 00:37:31,351 Oh! - [yelps] 996 00:37:31,384 --> 00:37:33,386 [air horn blares] - [groans] 997 00:37:33,420 --> 00:37:35,822 Eric Middleton is an entomologist. 998 00:37:35,855 --> 00:37:37,524 He studies bugs. 999 00:37:37,557 --> 00:37:39,626 And in three previous seasons, 1000 00:37:39,659 --> 00:37:41,461 he had never fallen on the Jumping Spider. 1001 00:37:41,494 --> 00:37:43,563 - Oh, no! [all groan] 1002 00:37:43,596 --> 00:37:46,066 - And he became the seventh victim 1003 00:37:46,066 --> 00:37:47,300 of this obstacle so far tonight. 1004 00:37:47,334 --> 00:37:48,468 - Good try. 1005 00:37:48,501 --> 00:37:50,070 - Oh, man, an entomologist taken out 1006 00:37:50,103 --> 00:37:51,705 by the Jumping Spider. 1007 00:37:51,738 --> 00:37:54,441 I think there's some irony in that. 1008 00:37:54,474 --> 00:37:56,843 - Our next competitor made it past the Jumping Spider 1009 00:37:56,876 --> 00:37:58,812 the last time she was in Vegas. 1010 00:37:58,845 --> 00:38:02,449 This is Sweet T, Tiana Webberley. 1011 00:38:02,482 --> 00:38:04,250 The Hollywood stuntwoman is coming off 1012 00:38:04,284 --> 00:38:06,286 another impressive season. 1013 00:38:06,319 --> 00:38:07,287 Would love to be just 1014 00:38:07,320 --> 00:38:08,388 the third woman ever 1015 00:38:08,421 --> 00:38:10,924 to get a Stage 1 buzzer. 1016 00:38:11,024 --> 00:38:12,125 all: [chanting] Tiana! Tiana! 1017 00:38:12,158 --> 00:38:14,160 - Sweet T's a favorite with fans. 1018 00:38:14,194 --> 00:38:16,262 Plus, she's got two ninja superstars 1019 00:38:16,296 --> 00:38:17,564 showing their support, 1020 00:38:17,597 --> 00:38:19,432 - You got this, Tiana! - Come on, T! 1021 00:38:19,466 --> 00:38:22,235 - Jesse "Flex" Labreck and Michelle Warnky Buurma. 1022 00:38:22,268 --> 00:38:24,904 - Come on, T! Whoo! - Come on, Tiana! 1023 00:38:24,938 --> 00:38:27,807 - It's so great to see her parents back on the sideline. 1024 00:38:27,841 --> 00:38:31,077 Her mom, Teresa, has been Tiana's inspiration. 1025 00:38:31,111 --> 00:38:33,446 Mom battled gestational diabetes for years, 1026 00:38:33,480 --> 00:38:36,816 and two years ago, had to get a kidney transplant. 1027 00:38:36,850 --> 00:38:38,084 Tiana's been with her 1028 00:38:38,118 --> 00:38:40,320 throughout her surgery and recovery. 1029 00:38:40,353 --> 00:38:42,589 - Fives. Give me hugs. 1030 00:38:42,622 --> 00:38:43,790 Good job. - Thanks. 1031 00:38:43,823 --> 00:38:46,726 [countdown clock beeping] 1032 00:38:46,760 --> 00:38:48,094 - She was a college track star. 1033 00:38:48,128 --> 00:38:49,963 Sweet T's gonna explode at the start. 1034 00:38:50,063 --> 00:38:51,898 - Hard impact there. 1035 00:38:51,931 --> 00:38:55,335 Tiana was a pole vaulter at Cal State-Northridge. 1036 00:38:55,368 --> 00:38:57,470 Oh! - Oh! My goodness! 1037 00:38:57,504 --> 00:39:00,774 - Somehow holds on. - With just her fingertips! 1038 00:39:00,807 --> 00:39:03,109 Oh, my goodness! 1039 00:39:03,143 --> 00:39:05,111 Incredible save. 1040 00:39:05,145 --> 00:39:06,913 - Watch the transition. 1041 00:39:07,013 --> 00:39:08,181 Got it. 1042 00:39:08,214 --> 00:39:10,483 - She's putting in work. 1043 00:39:10,517 --> 00:39:13,620 - Extra swings here, though. Sapping that body strength. 1044 00:39:13,653 --> 00:39:16,856 Expending a lot of energy there, but survives. 1045 00:39:16,890 --> 00:39:18,191 - Yeah. Whoo! Whoo! - Whoo! 1046 00:39:18,224 --> 00:39:20,393 - Well, she's a stuntwoman on big movies. 1047 00:39:20,427 --> 00:39:21,861 You know she's fearless. 1048 00:39:21,895 --> 00:39:23,396 Gonna have to attack Double Dipper. 1049 00:39:23,430 --> 00:39:25,031 - I hope she has enough grip strength 1050 00:39:25,031 --> 00:39:28,034 to be able to hold on and then make that transfer. 1051 00:39:28,068 --> 00:39:29,836 - You got this, T! - You got it. 1052 00:39:29,869 --> 00:39:31,104 - Whoo! Come on, girl! 1053 00:39:31,137 --> 00:39:32,906 - Speed, speed, speed. See it. 1054 00:39:32,939 --> 00:39:35,308 Hold it. Ride it. Ride it. 1055 00:39:35,342 --> 00:39:38,712 Oh! Whoa! That was a superhero landing. 1056 00:39:38,745 --> 00:39:40,947 - Sweet T looking to be the first woman tonight 1057 00:39:41,047 --> 00:39:43,116 to make it past the Jumping Spider. 1058 00:39:43,149 --> 00:39:45,652 5'4", good on the trampoline. - Get in there! 1059 00:39:45,685 --> 00:39:46,653 Nice! - Locked. 1060 00:39:46,686 --> 00:39:48,388 Good flexibility. 1061 00:39:48,421 --> 00:39:50,457 - Sweet T looks so determined, Matt. 1062 00:39:50,490 --> 00:39:51,925 - But has to keep moving. 1063 00:39:51,958 --> 00:39:54,627 Very little time to rest on Stage 1. 1064 00:39:54,661 --> 00:39:56,096 - Oh, she got it. 1065 00:39:56,129 --> 00:39:58,932 - Yeah! Come on, baby! Come on! 1066 00:39:58,965 --> 00:40:01,301 - Four obstacles down, four more to go, 1067 00:40:01,334 --> 00:40:03,003 starting with Tire Run. 1068 00:40:03,036 --> 00:40:04,637 - Come on, T. [cheers and applause] 1069 00:40:04,671 --> 00:40:06,072 - She's got to just run with it. 1070 00:40:06,106 --> 00:40:08,641 Don't overstride and get off-balance. 1071 00:40:08,675 --> 00:40:11,544 Nice. - Grab the wheel. 1072 00:40:11,578 --> 00:40:13,279 Got it! - Yes. 1073 00:40:13,313 --> 00:40:15,115 - Again, only two women in history 1074 00:40:15,148 --> 00:40:17,217 have ever completed Stage 1. 1075 00:40:17,250 --> 00:40:18,618 - Well, Matt, at the pace now, 1076 00:40:18,651 --> 00:40:20,453 she's starting to slow down a little bit. 1077 00:40:20,487 --> 00:40:21,821 - Oh, no, no. - Oh, whoa! No, no! 1078 00:40:21,855 --> 00:40:23,723 - Whoa, whoa, whoa--ooh! - Oh, okay. Nice. 1079 00:40:23,757 --> 00:40:25,592 - Regrouping, but that clock is ticking. 1080 00:40:25,625 --> 00:40:26,893 - That was great. Come on, Tiana! 1081 00:40:26,926 --> 00:40:28,595 - Good jump! But she's gonna have 1082 00:40:28,628 --> 00:40:32,198 less than a minute for these final three obstacles. 1083 00:40:32,232 --> 00:40:34,434 And there it is. Reaches the Warped Wall. 1084 00:40:34,467 --> 00:40:36,169 She reached this point two years ago, 1085 00:40:36,202 --> 00:40:37,904 but the clock ran out. 1086 00:40:37,937 --> 00:40:39,539 - You gotta be aggressive! - You got this! 1087 00:40:39,572 --> 00:40:41,007 - Come on. We know you can do it! 1088 00:40:41,041 --> 00:40:44,110 - Last time, she couldn't get up it on tired legs. 1089 00:40:44,144 --> 00:40:45,745 - Well, Matt, she said she's been working 1090 00:40:45,779 --> 00:40:48,515 on her endurance to make sure she can run the Warped Wall 1091 00:40:48,548 --> 00:40:49,816 when she's exhausted. 1092 00:40:49,849 --> 00:40:51,217 Let's see if that training's worked. 1093 00:40:51,251 --> 00:40:52,652 - Get a big run up here! - Let's go. Nice. 1094 00:40:52,686 --> 00:40:54,821 Explosive! Nice! Yeah! - Got it! 1095 00:40:54,854 --> 00:40:56,389 - Under 30 seconds! - Okay, Sweet T! 1096 00:40:56,423 --> 00:40:58,658 - So, she needs The High Road, Akbar. 1097 00:40:58,692 --> 00:41:00,794 - That's her only chance. She's gotta race 1098 00:41:00,827 --> 00:41:02,328 across Dipping Birds and grab that ring. 1099 00:41:02,362 --> 00:41:03,963 - Gotta pick up the pace! - Don't let up. 1100 00:41:04,064 --> 00:41:06,232 Come on. Come on. You still got time. You still got time. 1101 00:41:06,266 --> 00:41:07,901 - 17-- - No. No, no. No, no. 1102 00:41:07,934 --> 00:41:10,503 Okay. - Oh, no, Akbar! 1103 00:41:10,537 --> 00:41:13,306 And now, a little hesitation could cost her. 1104 00:41:13,340 --> 00:41:15,308 both: Oh, no! 1105 00:41:15,342 --> 00:41:19,579 - Tiana Webberley makes it all the way to the end. 1106 00:41:19,612 --> 00:41:21,348 But not fast enough. 1107 00:41:21,381 --> 00:41:24,684 And time's out, just shy of the buzzer. 1108 00:41:24,718 --> 00:41:26,453 - What an amazing run right there. 1109 00:41:26,486 --> 00:41:27,654 - Absolutely. 1110 00:41:27,687 --> 00:41:29,255 - Good job, Tiana! 1111 00:41:29,289 --> 00:41:31,891 - Whoo! - Whoo! 1112 00:41:31,925 --> 00:41:34,794 - Well, time's run out, but she's gonna keep climbing 1113 00:41:34,828 --> 00:41:37,364 to show she can finish this course. 1114 00:41:37,397 --> 00:41:39,232 all: [chanting] Sweet T! Sweet T! 1115 00:41:39,265 --> 00:41:41,134 - Her best run ever in Vegas. 1116 00:41:41,167 --> 00:41:44,604 Came very close to finishing Stage 1. 1117 00:41:44,637 --> 00:41:46,239 - Love you, guys! 1118 00:41:46,272 --> 00:41:47,507 - Nice job, T! 1119 00:41:47,540 --> 00:41:49,642 - This run almost ended early, 1120 00:41:49,676 --> 00:41:52,412 but Sweet T made a great fingertip save 1121 00:41:52,445 --> 00:41:53,713 on the second obstacle. 1122 00:41:53,747 --> 00:41:55,949 She got past the Warped Wall on Stage 1 1123 00:41:55,982 --> 00:42:00,286 for the first time ever, but just ran out of time. 1124 00:42:00,320 --> 00:42:03,056 - Coming up, the best performers in Vegas 1125 00:42:03,056 --> 00:42:04,591 are on our course. 1126 00:42:04,624 --> 00:42:05,892 [trombone plays] 1127 00:42:05,925 --> 00:42:07,494 And we've got plenty of surprises. 1128 00:42:07,527 --> 00:42:08,561 - Hey! - Whoo! 1129 00:42:08,595 --> 00:42:09,763 - What's in the box? 1130 00:42:09,796 --> 00:42:13,266 - When "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1131 00:42:18,405 --> 00:42:20,073 - Things happen fast in Vegas. - Absolutely. 1132 00:42:20,073 --> 00:42:22,575 Take a look at what went down while we were away. 1133 00:42:22,609 --> 00:42:25,478 California's Francisco Barajas calls himself 1134 00:42:25,512 --> 00:42:27,480 the One Percent Ninja, 1135 00:42:27,514 --> 00:42:29,916 to represent the 1% of the population that, 1136 00:42:29,949 --> 00:42:31,584 like him, stutters. 1137 00:42:31,618 --> 00:42:33,353 - Let's go! 1138 00:42:33,386 --> 00:42:36,322 - The 24-year-old had a rocky start to his run. 1139 00:42:36,356 --> 00:42:38,625 - Whoa! Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Okay. 1140 00:42:38,658 --> 00:42:39,859 - Shake it off! Come on! 1141 00:42:39,893 --> 00:42:41,261 - And then, the pool technician 1142 00:42:41,294 --> 00:42:43,596 splashed down in one of our pools. 1143 00:42:43,630 --> 00:42:45,732 - Whoa! [air horn blares] 1144 00:42:45,765 --> 00:42:47,967 - Come on. - No. 1145 00:42:48,001 --> 00:42:49,269 - Wow. 1146 00:42:52,138 --> 00:42:54,674 - Deren Perez was proudly waving the flag 1147 00:42:54,708 --> 00:42:57,911 from his homeland, the U.S. territory of Guam. 1148 00:42:57,944 --> 00:43:00,280 - We made it, Guam! We're in Vegas! 1149 00:43:00,313 --> 00:43:02,248 - The wind standing that flag straight up. 1150 00:43:02,282 --> 00:43:04,351 - The 37-year-old father of four 1151 00:43:04,384 --> 00:43:05,618 left it all on the course. 1152 00:43:05,652 --> 00:43:07,554 - It's windy! And he's riding it! 1153 00:43:07,587 --> 00:43:08,621 Whoa! 1154 00:43:08,655 --> 00:43:09,923 [cheers and applause] 1155 00:43:09,956 --> 00:43:12,258 - Perez traveled more than 6,000 miles 1156 00:43:12,292 --> 00:43:14,094 to compete here on Stage 1, 1157 00:43:14,127 --> 00:43:17,697 but the Coast Guard recruiter needed rescuing at Tire Run. 1158 00:43:17,731 --> 00:43:20,133 - Whoa! [air horn blares] 1159 00:43:20,166 --> 00:43:21,468 [all groan] 1160 00:43:21,501 --> 00:43:23,636 - Man! 1161 00:43:23,670 --> 00:43:27,107 - The Papal Ninja, Catholic church worker Sean Bryan, 1162 00:43:27,140 --> 00:43:29,476 was praying for a better result on Stage 1 1163 00:43:29,509 --> 00:43:31,745 than his last appearance. 1164 00:43:31,778 --> 00:43:33,580 Two years ago, on this course... 1165 00:43:33,613 --> 00:43:35,181 - Ooh! Is he okay? 1166 00:43:35,215 --> 00:43:36,950 He's holding that shoulder! 1167 00:43:36,983 --> 00:43:39,919 - Bryan dislocated his shoulder on the Jumping Spider 1168 00:43:39,953 --> 00:43:41,921 and had to be carried off. 1169 00:43:41,955 --> 00:43:44,557 Tonight, he reached the obstacle once again. 1170 00:43:44,591 --> 00:43:46,092 - Put the pain behind you. 1171 00:43:46,092 --> 00:43:48,228 - Stick on this. Stick on this. 1172 00:43:48,261 --> 00:43:50,964 - With his nervous mom watching, he attacked. 1173 00:43:50,997 --> 00:43:52,198 - Boom! He's back! 1174 00:43:52,232 --> 00:43:54,734 This time, he stuck it with his legs first. 1175 00:43:54,768 --> 00:43:56,736 - Yes! All right, Sean. 1176 00:43:56,770 --> 00:43:58,538 - After that, the six-time veteran 1177 00:43:58,571 --> 00:44:00,573 cruised through the course, 1178 00:44:00,607 --> 00:44:03,476 and showed why he's one of the favorites to win it all. 1179 00:44:03,510 --> 00:44:04,811 - Look at him go! 1180 00:44:04,844 --> 00:44:06,813 - And he became the night's third finisher. 1181 00:44:06,846 --> 00:44:09,949 [buzzer blares] - He's back. He's back. 1182 00:44:10,050 --> 00:44:12,052 - Whoo! - Yeah! 1183 00:44:12,085 --> 00:44:13,720 - Yeah! - Yeah! 1184 00:44:13,753 --> 00:44:15,455 - Going back to Stage 2. 1185 00:44:15,488 --> 00:44:17,290 - Yeah! 1186 00:44:19,225 --> 00:44:22,328 - Well, now it's Sean Bryan's roommate, Adam Rayl. 1187 00:44:22,362 --> 00:44:24,064 He's another top competitor, 1188 00:44:24,064 --> 00:44:25,965 but things are different this season. 1189 00:44:26,066 --> 00:44:27,500 The blue-collar concrete worker 1190 00:44:27,534 --> 00:44:29,969 moved from Arizona to California 1191 00:44:30,070 --> 00:44:33,273 and is taking a spiritual approach to competition. 1192 00:44:35,608 --> 00:44:37,077 - We've always had the family business, 1193 00:44:37,110 --> 00:44:39,112 ever since I was 12 years old. 1194 00:44:39,145 --> 00:44:42,148 - * This is how I love * 1195 00:44:42,182 --> 00:44:43,450 * * 1196 00:44:43,483 --> 00:44:44,784 - Concrete work is no joke. 1197 00:44:44,818 --> 00:44:47,420 It's a grind, literally and physically. 1198 00:44:47,454 --> 00:44:48,588 Super heavy, super hot. 1199 00:44:48,621 --> 00:44:49,956 It's tough. It's tough work. 1200 00:44:49,989 --> 00:44:52,092 - * Oh, oh * 1201 00:44:54,594 --> 00:44:57,097 But this last year has been different for me. 1202 00:44:59,866 --> 00:45:01,701 I think any time you're physically somewhere new 1203 00:45:01,735 --> 00:45:03,436 and different, you're gonna open your eyes up 1204 00:45:03,470 --> 00:45:04,571 to new things. 1205 00:45:06,106 --> 00:45:08,441 Moving from Phoenix to northern California definitely 1206 00:45:08,475 --> 00:45:11,177 put some more emphasis on my spiritual journey. 1207 00:45:11,211 --> 00:45:12,345 [gentle music] 1208 00:45:12,379 --> 00:45:15,348 - [vocalizing] 1209 00:45:15,382 --> 00:45:19,719 * * 1210 00:45:19,753 --> 00:45:23,423 - My mentor's name is Keshava, and we've been learning music. 1211 00:45:23,456 --> 00:45:26,626 Music is very important. Creativity is very important. 1212 00:45:26,659 --> 00:45:28,695 And I've been learning about breath work. 1213 00:45:28,728 --> 00:45:31,531 I think break worth and meditation are super critical. 1214 00:45:31,564 --> 00:45:33,700 I never used to be open to that. 1215 00:45:33,733 --> 00:45:34,968 I mean, I'm learning how to center 1216 00:45:35,068 --> 00:45:38,104 and just, whew, take a breath, chill, 1217 00:45:38,138 --> 00:45:42,609 calm the mind to nothingness, and just be still. 1218 00:45:44,611 --> 00:45:46,513 I feel different on the course. 1219 00:45:46,546 --> 00:45:48,448 - No problem for Rayl. 1220 00:45:48,481 --> 00:45:50,750 - I think this last year, getting into spiritual growth 1221 00:45:50,784 --> 00:45:52,852 has allowed me to be mentally more ready 1222 00:45:52,886 --> 00:45:54,554 than I ever have been for total victory. 1223 00:45:59,459 --> 00:46:01,761 - And hoping he's ready tonight 1224 00:46:01,795 --> 00:46:04,097 are family back in Michigan, cheering him on. 1225 00:46:04,130 --> 00:46:06,633 The respectful bows. - Ah, yes. 1226 00:46:06,666 --> 00:46:09,035 - And he's got fellow ninjas on the sideline too. 1227 00:46:09,035 --> 00:46:11,438 And, of course, Adam's parents. 1228 00:46:11,471 --> 00:46:13,807 - Keep the camera on Mama Vicki, Matt. 1229 00:46:13,840 --> 00:46:16,076 You will see the nerves on her. 1230 00:46:16,109 --> 00:46:17,444 [countdown clock beeping] 1231 00:46:17,477 --> 00:46:20,847 - Here we go. The rock-solid Adam Rayl. 1232 00:46:20,880 --> 00:46:23,750 Oh! Bounding through! - Whoa. 1233 00:46:23,783 --> 00:46:26,219 - This dude, capable of going all the way. 1234 00:46:26,252 --> 00:46:28,321 Last time he was here, made it to Stage 3. 1235 00:46:28,355 --> 00:46:30,223 In fact, every time he's made it to Vegas, 1236 00:46:30,256 --> 00:46:32,192 he's completed Stage 1, Akbar. 1237 00:46:32,225 --> 00:46:34,594 - This is one of the guys who has a legitimate shot 1238 00:46:34,627 --> 00:46:35,962 to win that million dollars. 1239 00:46:36,062 --> 00:46:37,397 He's that good. 1240 00:46:37,430 --> 00:46:39,299 - Rayl has a gymnastics background, 1241 00:46:39,332 --> 00:46:40,900 so great agility. 1242 00:46:40,934 --> 00:46:42,235 Ready for Double Dipper. 1243 00:46:42,268 --> 00:46:43,737 - Well, you gotta have the nerve of steel 1244 00:46:43,770 --> 00:46:45,472 to be able to get through this one. Nice. 1245 00:46:45,505 --> 00:46:46,840 - So smooth. 1246 00:46:46,873 --> 00:46:48,308 - Yes! Whoo! 1247 00:46:48,341 --> 00:46:52,078 - But be careful on Jumping Spider. 1248 00:46:52,078 --> 00:46:53,380 Whoo! - Wow! 1249 00:46:53,413 --> 00:46:55,548 - Rayl has that flexibility from gymnastics, 1250 00:46:55,582 --> 00:46:57,217 plus insane strength. 1251 00:46:57,250 --> 00:46:59,886 - Yeah, he's rock-solid. 175 pounds. 1252 00:46:59,919 --> 00:47:01,721 His arms are like tree trunks. 1253 00:47:01,755 --> 00:47:04,090 - A little slip, but he's through. 1254 00:47:04,124 --> 00:47:05,425 Rayl looking calm. 1255 00:47:05,458 --> 00:47:07,494 I wish we could say the same for Vicki. 1256 00:47:07,527 --> 00:47:11,064 That meditation Rayl's been doing keeping him very focused, 1257 00:47:11,097 --> 00:47:13,333 but has to be aware of the time. 1258 00:47:13,366 --> 00:47:14,634 - Nice. Got that lean going in. 1259 00:47:14,668 --> 00:47:17,103 - Good balance. - Nice spin. 1260 00:47:17,137 --> 00:47:20,240 Collect yourself and get right on top. 1261 00:47:20,273 --> 00:47:21,708 - Extra swings here. 1262 00:47:21,741 --> 00:47:23,109 He got a little sideways, 1263 00:47:23,143 --> 00:47:25,278 and it's taking some time to straighten up. 1264 00:47:25,311 --> 00:47:27,480 Ooh, a little hesitation! 1265 00:47:27,514 --> 00:47:30,183 Not trusting his grip, Akbar. - And, Matt, time is wasting. 1266 00:47:30,216 --> 00:47:32,118 Remember, he's gotta race against that clock. 1267 00:47:32,152 --> 00:47:33,753 - Finally makes his move, 1268 00:47:33,787 --> 00:47:37,424 but Tire Run surprisingly eating up a lot of time. 1269 00:47:37,457 --> 00:47:39,125 - Yeah! [cheers and applause] 1270 00:47:39,159 --> 00:47:40,527 - Now under 1:10, 1271 00:47:40,560 --> 00:47:42,962 and still showing no real sense of urgency. 1272 00:47:43,063 --> 00:47:44,698 And now, headed right up the Warped Wall. 1273 00:47:44,731 --> 00:47:46,066 And he's got it. 1274 00:47:46,099 --> 00:47:48,068 And some flair there, with the somersault. 1275 00:47:48,068 --> 00:47:49,769 - Matt, he needs to think about The High Road. 1276 00:47:49,803 --> 00:47:51,204 It could save him some time. 1277 00:47:51,237 --> 00:47:52,906 - But look at this-- he's sitting down 1278 00:47:52,939 --> 00:47:54,841 and considering his options. 1279 00:47:54,874 --> 00:47:57,344 Now gets up, but is not hitting the button 1280 00:47:57,377 --> 00:47:58,345 for High Road. 1281 00:47:58,378 --> 00:48:00,180 - Pick it up, man. Come on! 1282 00:48:00,213 --> 00:48:03,016 - He's gonna have very little room for error on Fly Hooks. 1283 00:48:03,016 --> 00:48:04,651 Come on. Keep going. Keep going. 1284 00:48:04,684 --> 00:48:06,152 Keep going. - Right through it. 1285 00:48:06,186 --> 00:48:08,221 - Come on. Come on. - Vicki's getting nervous, 1286 00:48:08,254 --> 00:48:09,356 and for good reason. 1287 00:48:09,389 --> 00:48:11,157 He's down to 30 seconds. 1288 00:48:11,191 --> 00:48:14,027 - He can see the big clock ticking down in front of him. 1289 00:48:14,027 --> 00:48:17,330 It's gonna take some time to climb up that cargo net. 1290 00:48:17,364 --> 00:48:18,865 - Come on! - Come on, Adam! 1291 00:48:18,898 --> 00:48:22,268 - Only about 20 seconds left. 1292 00:48:22,302 --> 00:48:23,603 On to the final hook, 1293 00:48:23,636 --> 00:48:26,506 but now has to build up more swings. 1294 00:48:26,539 --> 00:48:28,775 He's got to get high up here, Akbar. 1295 00:48:28,808 --> 00:48:30,443 - Ooh, buddy. 1296 00:48:30,477 --> 00:48:34,581 - Oh, no! Let's than 10 seconds! 1297 00:48:34,614 --> 00:48:37,117 Oh, my goodness! 1298 00:48:37,150 --> 00:48:39,452 He's gonna have to race. It's gonna be close! 1299 00:48:39,486 --> 00:48:41,054 - Oh my gosh! Oh, my gosh! 1300 00:48:41,054 --> 00:48:42,789 - Oh, oh! - No? 1301 00:48:42,822 --> 00:48:45,859 Did he do it? - We gotta get a replay! 1302 00:48:45,892 --> 00:48:48,862 - We heard the horn sound! We saw the smoke go! 1303 00:48:48,895 --> 00:48:50,163 We gotta take a look at the replay! 1304 00:48:50,196 --> 00:48:51,598 - Oh, my goodness. 1305 00:48:51,631 --> 00:48:53,266 This is as close as it gets. 1306 00:48:53,299 --> 00:48:56,469 - We really don't know, so let's look at it again. 1307 00:48:56,503 --> 00:48:59,305 The clock behind the net only counts in whole seconds, 1308 00:48:59,339 --> 00:49:01,441 but our official clock breaks it down 1309 00:49:01,474 --> 00:49:03,009 by hundredths of a second. 1310 00:49:03,009 --> 00:49:06,012 Our buzzer goes off at exactly 2 minutes, 45 seconds. 1311 00:49:06,046 --> 00:49:08,014 And if you look at his hand right there, 1312 00:49:08,014 --> 00:49:11,151 he beats it by 0.10 of a second. 1313 00:49:11,184 --> 00:49:12,686 And then, you can hear the buzzer. 1314 00:49:12,719 --> 00:49:14,921 - Wow! - Adam still doesn't know 1315 00:49:15,021 --> 00:49:17,457 for sure, so let's go down to Zuri. 1316 00:49:17,490 --> 00:49:19,092 - All right, Adam, so you had an amazing run, 1317 00:49:19,125 --> 00:49:20,493 first of all, so great work with that. 1318 00:49:20,527 --> 00:49:24,698 Look, we replayed the tapes, over and over again, 1319 00:49:24,731 --> 00:49:27,033 and the verdict is, 1320 00:49:27,033 --> 00:49:30,403 you made it by 0.10 of a second, dude. 1321 00:49:30,437 --> 00:49:33,106 .10 of a second! 1322 00:49:33,139 --> 00:49:35,075 I know! [laughter] 1323 00:49:35,108 --> 00:49:37,577 Congratulations! 1324 00:49:37,610 --> 00:49:40,613 - More ninja all-stars are straight ahead... 1325 00:49:40,647 --> 00:49:41,614 - Whoo! 1326 00:49:41,648 --> 00:49:43,083 - Including the Weatherman, 1327 00:49:43,116 --> 00:49:44,551 Joe Moravsky. 1328 00:49:44,584 --> 00:49:45,885 - The best is yet to come. 1329 00:49:45,919 --> 00:49:49,289 - Is this finally his year to win it all? 1330 00:49:49,322 --> 00:49:53,460 Plus, would you get these faces tattooed on your arms? 1331 00:49:53,493 --> 00:49:54,828 We'll show you who did, 1332 00:49:54,861 --> 00:49:58,198 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1333 00:50:03,536 --> 00:50:05,071 - While we were away, three ninja veterans 1334 00:50:05,105 --> 00:50:07,607 got their shot at stage 1. 1335 00:50:07,640 --> 00:50:09,109 In his fourth season, 1336 00:50:09,142 --> 00:50:10,977 Atlanta's DeShawn Harris was excited 1337 00:50:11,011 --> 00:50:14,014 for his first appearance in the National Finals. 1338 00:50:14,047 --> 00:50:16,483 - Rise up, baby! Let's go! 1339 00:50:16,516 --> 00:50:18,118 Rise up! - He's pumped, Matt. 1340 00:50:18,151 --> 00:50:19,919 - But the former college football player 1341 00:50:19,953 --> 00:50:22,322 got sacked early. 1342 00:50:22,355 --> 00:50:25,058 - Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness! 1343 00:50:25,091 --> 00:50:26,259 Faceplanted. 1344 00:50:26,292 --> 00:50:28,495 Let's look at this one again. 1345 00:50:28,528 --> 00:50:31,531 [thud] Got smacked right in the face. 1346 00:50:31,564 --> 00:50:33,366 - Ahh! 1347 00:50:33,400 --> 00:50:35,802 - Then, we had a special delivery. 1348 00:50:35,835 --> 00:50:37,604 - What's in the box? 1349 00:50:37,637 --> 00:50:40,807 - As The Maker, obstacle designer Kevin Carbone, 1350 00:50:40,840 --> 00:50:42,676 came ready to work. 1351 00:50:42,709 --> 00:50:45,345 With his hardhat-wearing roommates cheering him on, 1352 00:50:45,378 --> 00:50:48,181 Carbone was workmanlike on the course. 1353 00:50:48,214 --> 00:50:49,616 - Okay, Carbone! 1354 00:50:49,649 --> 00:50:51,451 Knock on your hardhat if you're with me. 1355 00:50:51,484 --> 00:50:53,520 - The four-time veteran, who made it all the way 1356 00:50:53,553 --> 00:50:55,355 to Stage 3 two years ago... 1357 00:50:55,388 --> 00:50:56,690 - Let's go! - Come on, Kevin! 1358 00:50:56,723 --> 00:50:58,191 - He's about to make it happen! 1359 00:50:58,224 --> 00:51:01,161 - Dropped the hammer on Stage 1 tonight. 1360 00:51:01,194 --> 00:51:02,896 [buzzer blares] - Let's go! 1361 00:51:02,929 --> 00:51:04,864 - Yeah! - Whoo! 1362 00:51:04,898 --> 00:51:06,066 - Yeah! 1363 00:51:07,567 --> 00:51:09,636 - The Dream Chaser, Tyler Gillett, 1364 00:51:09,669 --> 00:51:12,472 also made it to Stage 3 two years ago. 1365 00:51:12,505 --> 00:51:14,274 - We know he can go far. 1366 00:51:14,307 --> 00:51:17,143 - Gillett had a close shave on Double Dipper. 1367 00:51:17,177 --> 00:51:18,878 - Whoa! Oh, my goodness! 1368 00:51:18,912 --> 00:51:22,382 - But after that, the Atlanta barista had it brewing. 1369 00:51:22,415 --> 00:51:24,617 - At the top of the Warped Wall. Nice. 1370 00:51:24,651 --> 00:51:26,453 - At Split Decision, the 25-year-old 1371 00:51:26,486 --> 00:51:28,855 didn't even think about The High Road. 1372 00:51:28,888 --> 00:51:31,725 - He said, "Forget High Road. I'm taking the other road." 1373 00:51:31,758 --> 00:51:34,961 - The five-time veteran has never fallen on Stage 1, 1374 00:51:34,994 --> 00:51:37,097 and he kept that streak alive tonight. 1375 00:51:37,097 --> 00:51:38,665 [buzzer blares] 1376 00:51:38,698 --> 00:51:39,833 [cheers and applause] 1377 00:51:39,866 --> 00:51:40,900 - Whoo! 1378 00:51:42,736 --> 00:51:46,373 - Our next competitor was also on Stage 3 two years ago. 1379 00:51:46,406 --> 00:51:50,210 This is Plymouth, Massachusetts's Lucas Reale. 1380 00:51:50,243 --> 00:51:51,711 - Let's go! 1381 00:51:51,745 --> 00:51:54,014 - Matt, he's fired up! [thud] 1382 00:51:54,114 --> 00:51:56,850 - Reale is a member of an all-star group of ninjas, 1383 00:51:56,883 --> 00:52:00,920 21 of them in all, who made it to Stage 3 two years ago, 1384 00:52:00,954 --> 00:52:03,289 but have not had good luck since. 1385 00:52:03,323 --> 00:52:06,659 - The lineup a few years ago, on Stage 3, that we had 1386 00:52:06,693 --> 00:52:09,295 was some of the most incredible ninjas in the world 1387 00:52:09,329 --> 00:52:13,633 and I'm blown away that a lot of them aren't here right now. 1388 00:52:13,667 --> 00:52:15,235 - Oh, no! - Whoa! 1389 00:52:15,268 --> 00:52:19,072 - In fact, of the 21 who made it to Stage 3 that season, 1390 00:52:19,105 --> 00:52:21,941 only seven are still in the competition. 1391 00:52:21,975 --> 00:52:24,411 It's a phenomenon these ninjas have dubbed 1392 00:52:24,444 --> 00:52:26,980 the "Stage 3 Curse." 1393 00:52:27,080 --> 00:52:28,715 - Oh, no! - Oh, no! What? 1394 00:52:28,748 --> 00:52:30,583 - Please, go, go, go. No, no! 1395 00:52:30,617 --> 00:52:33,319 - No! [air horn blares] 1396 00:52:33,353 --> 00:52:34,454 No! 1397 00:52:34,487 --> 00:52:35,989 - I didn't see that coming. 1398 00:52:36,089 --> 00:52:37,924 I'm hoping that that curse doesn't catch up to me. 1399 00:52:37,957 --> 00:52:39,392 I'm not gonna let it. This is my year. 1400 00:52:39,426 --> 00:52:41,294 And I'm coming for Mount Midoriyama. 1401 00:52:45,532 --> 00:52:47,767 - Lucas doesn't look like he's worried about that curse. 1402 00:52:47,801 --> 00:52:48,802 - Nah, he's smiling. 1403 00:52:48,835 --> 00:52:50,103 - Hey, guys. 1404 00:52:50,103 --> 00:52:51,371 - He's got a big group of supporters 1405 00:52:51,404 --> 00:52:52,872 back in the northeast, 1406 00:52:52,906 --> 00:52:55,175 including his grandparents, who helped raise him. 1407 00:52:55,208 --> 00:52:56,810 - Let's go. 1408 00:52:56,843 --> 00:52:58,712 - And on the sideline, his fiancée, Kyra. 1409 00:52:58,745 --> 00:53:01,047 - Yeah! - Let's go! 1410 00:53:01,047 --> 00:53:03,850 - Along with some of the other ninjas from the northeast. 1411 00:53:03,883 --> 00:53:04,884 [countdown clock beeping] 1412 00:53:04,918 --> 00:53:06,319 We think of him as a veteran, 1413 00:53:06,353 --> 00:53:09,289 but Lucas Reale's only 22 years old. 1414 00:53:09,322 --> 00:53:10,590 His third time in Vegas. 1415 00:53:10,623 --> 00:53:12,058 Each of the previous two times, 1416 00:53:12,058 --> 00:53:14,361 he bested Stage 1 with ease. 1417 00:53:14,394 --> 00:53:16,062 - You know, Matt, we know he can go deep. 1418 00:53:16,062 --> 00:53:17,197 He has it in him. 1419 00:53:17,230 --> 00:53:18,331 - He's a legitimate contender 1420 00:53:18,365 --> 00:53:20,633 to win the million dollars. 1421 00:53:20,667 --> 00:53:22,569 Couple extra swings, though, 1422 00:53:22,602 --> 00:53:25,739 and that's gonna be sapping that upper body strength. 1423 00:53:25,772 --> 00:53:28,074 But he is through! 1424 00:53:28,074 --> 00:53:29,843 Engaged to his girlfriend, Kyra. 1425 00:53:29,876 --> 00:53:32,445 A million dollars would make for a nice wedding. 1426 00:53:32,479 --> 00:53:34,547 all: [chanting] Let's go, Matt, let's go! 1427 00:53:34,581 --> 00:53:38,518 - The crowd starts a chant as he lines up Double Dipper. 1428 00:53:38,551 --> 00:53:40,186 - You gotta get that transition. 1429 00:53:40,220 --> 00:53:43,356 You gotta commit. Nice! Yes! - Got it! 1430 00:53:43,390 --> 00:53:44,524 - And he's pumped. 1431 00:53:44,557 --> 00:53:46,960 - Yeah! Come on! Fly in, baby! 1432 00:53:46,993 --> 00:53:48,995 - Gonna wipe the shoes so he gets good traction 1433 00:53:49,095 --> 00:53:50,530 on the Jumping Spider. 1434 00:53:50,563 --> 00:53:52,565 This has already taken out some good ninjas tonight. 1435 00:53:52,599 --> 00:53:54,901 - Whoo! He just crushed it! - And he's got it! 1436 00:53:54,934 --> 00:53:57,937 Reale looking real solid early on here, Akbar. 1437 00:53:57,971 --> 00:54:00,073 And a decent pace. - He knows what it means 1438 00:54:00,106 --> 00:54:02,876 to compete under this type of time pressure. 1439 00:54:02,909 --> 00:54:04,210 - Got through it! 1440 00:54:04,244 --> 00:54:06,513 - Great pace! Great pace! 1441 00:54:06,546 --> 00:54:08,148 - Now, the second half of the course, 1442 00:54:08,181 --> 00:54:09,849 starting here on Tire Run. 1443 00:54:09,883 --> 00:54:11,284 Don't overlook any obstacle. 1444 00:54:11,317 --> 00:54:13,753 Never let your guard down on "Ninja Warrior." 1445 00:54:13,787 --> 00:54:16,056 This swing over to the big tire is always dicey. 1446 00:54:16,089 --> 00:54:17,857 - Come on, Lucas! 1447 00:54:17,891 --> 00:54:20,226 - Stay on top of this fifth wheel! 1448 00:54:20,260 --> 00:54:22,128 - Nice! - Good control! 1449 00:54:22,162 --> 00:54:25,065 Now under a minute and a half. - Come on! 1450 00:54:25,065 --> 00:54:26,266 - Gets through. 1451 00:54:26,299 --> 00:54:28,101 And he's just moving with such ease, 1452 00:54:28,134 --> 00:54:30,537 and still plenty of time left 1453 00:54:30,570 --> 00:54:32,439 as he's staring down the Warped Wall. 1454 00:54:32,472 --> 00:54:34,574 No hesitation. Right up. 1455 00:54:34,607 --> 00:54:37,177 - What's he gonna do at Split Decision? 1456 00:54:37,210 --> 00:54:38,945 - Come on! You got it! 1457 00:54:38,978 --> 00:54:40,647 - And the fact that he's waiting by the button 1458 00:54:40,680 --> 00:54:42,282 means he may try High Road, 1459 00:54:42,315 --> 00:54:45,318 although no one has pulled it off yet tonight. 1460 00:54:47,187 --> 00:54:48,388 - All right. - Here we go. 1461 00:54:48,421 --> 00:54:49,756 - I think he's looking to race for it. 1462 00:54:49,789 --> 00:54:51,124 - He's looking to take The High Road. 1463 00:54:51,157 --> 00:54:52,525 - All right. Yeah, take The High Road. 1464 00:54:52,559 --> 00:54:53,827 - Right through the Dipping Birds. 1465 00:54:53,860 --> 00:54:55,095 - Come on. On this course-- 1466 00:54:55,095 --> 00:54:56,596 - Oh! - Oh! No boosties! 1467 00:54:56,629 --> 00:54:59,099 - Too early! - No boosties! 1468 00:54:59,099 --> 00:55:01,201 - His timing was off! 1469 00:55:01,234 --> 00:55:04,904 Top competitor, Lucas Reale, comes up empty 1470 00:55:04,938 --> 00:55:07,107 on The High Road, and he is out. 1471 00:55:07,140 --> 00:55:09,476 - That Stage 3 Curse strikes again! 1472 00:55:09,509 --> 00:55:11,678 He made it over in plenty of time, 1473 00:55:11,711 --> 00:55:14,114 but look--he's standing on the trampoline 1474 00:55:14,147 --> 00:55:16,316 instead of getting a running start off it, 1475 00:55:16,349 --> 00:55:18,118 so he didn't get much lift. 1476 00:55:18,151 --> 00:55:21,321 Came up short. Missed the ring by a lot. 1477 00:55:21,354 --> 00:55:22,489 And look at his face. 1478 00:55:22,522 --> 00:55:25,225 He knew he done messed up. 1479 00:55:25,258 --> 00:55:27,093 - Oh, man. 1480 00:55:27,127 --> 00:55:29,963 Why'd I go for it? 1481 00:55:30,063 --> 00:55:32,632 - Well, for the first time since the Bergstrom family, 1482 00:55:32,665 --> 00:55:35,735 a brother and sister qualified for the National Finals. 1483 00:55:35,769 --> 00:55:38,138 It's the Wakehams from Houston, Texas. 1484 00:55:38,171 --> 00:55:41,207 And here comes the first half of this dynamic duo, 1485 00:55:41,241 --> 00:55:43,576 17-year-old Isabella Wakeham. 1486 00:55:43,610 --> 00:55:45,578 Brother Isaiah runs next week. 1487 00:55:45,612 --> 00:55:47,414 And having two kids here is something 1488 00:55:47,447 --> 00:55:49,949 their mom will not forget. 1489 00:55:49,983 --> 00:55:51,418 - We made a bet with our mom 1490 00:55:51,451 --> 00:55:54,354 that if we both made it to Vegas, 1491 00:55:54,387 --> 00:55:56,523 that she would get a tattoo. 1492 00:55:56,556 --> 00:55:58,825 - Wakeham, don't shake 'em. Boom, boom, boom, boom. 1493 00:55:58,858 --> 00:56:01,194 Just like that. - Wow. Are you kidding me? 1494 00:56:01,227 --> 00:56:03,496 - Is she about to make it to the ninth obstacle? 1495 00:56:03,530 --> 00:56:05,031 Yes! 1496 00:56:05,065 --> 00:56:06,499 - You're both headed to Vegas. 1497 00:56:06,533 --> 00:56:08,068 - Let's go! - Whoo! 1498 00:56:08,101 --> 00:56:09,469 - Let's do this! - My next question is, 1499 00:56:09,502 --> 00:56:11,504 Mom, are you ready to get that tattoo? 1500 00:56:11,538 --> 00:56:14,541 - Oh, my gosh. I guess it's happening. 1501 00:56:14,574 --> 00:56:16,309 As a mom, you always want to motivate your kids, 1502 00:56:16,343 --> 00:56:18,178 and I really believe in them and their abilities, 1503 00:56:18,211 --> 00:56:21,247 but I had no idea it would go this far. 1504 00:56:21,281 --> 00:56:23,950 - We decided on something very, very important 1505 00:56:24,050 --> 00:56:25,051 and close to our hearts. 1506 00:56:25,051 --> 00:56:27,053 - We're pretty stoked about it. 1507 00:56:27,087 --> 00:56:29,389 - Yes. - Yes! 1508 00:56:29,422 --> 00:56:30,890 - She's always gonna remember this bet. 1509 00:56:30,924 --> 00:56:33,226 She's gonna have those tattoos, and she's gonna remember 1510 00:56:33,259 --> 00:56:36,062 that her kids made it to Vegas for the National Finals. 1511 00:56:40,834 --> 00:56:43,470 - And look at that! - Oh, my goodness. 1512 00:56:43,503 --> 00:56:45,705 - You can see my gorgeous face on her right forearm. 1513 00:56:45,739 --> 00:56:47,140 And Akbar, I think she's got something 1514 00:56:47,173 --> 00:56:48,742 on her left forearm too. - Oh-- 1515 00:56:48,775 --> 00:56:50,910 - Not quite as handsome, but still a good-looking tattoo. 1516 00:56:50,944 --> 00:56:52,345 - No, I think it's a really good forearm 1517 00:56:52,379 --> 00:56:53,847 right there, Matt. 1518 00:56:53,880 --> 00:56:56,216 - And Isabella's got the whole family on the sideline, 1519 00:56:56,249 --> 00:56:59,352 plus family friend Jake Murray, who runs next week. 1520 00:56:59,386 --> 00:57:01,755 [countdown clock beeping] 1521 00:57:01,788 --> 00:57:04,424 18 teenagers made it to the National Finals, 1522 00:57:04,457 --> 00:57:07,027 two of them women. Isabella's one of them. 1523 00:57:07,027 --> 00:57:09,329 - Oh, had that little stumble, but she's good. 1524 00:57:09,362 --> 00:57:12,599 - 5'5", taking on Swinging Blades. 1525 00:57:12,632 --> 00:57:15,135 Well, Mom, nervous as ever. 1526 00:57:15,168 --> 00:57:18,038 If they both get to Stage 2, wonder what the bet is there. 1527 00:57:18,071 --> 00:57:19,472 - Push, Bells, push. 1528 00:57:19,506 --> 00:57:22,208 - Couple extra swings here on Swinging Blades. 1529 00:57:22,242 --> 00:57:24,444 - She's got to go. Nice. 1530 00:57:24,477 --> 00:57:26,146 - Well, she just got her driver's license 1531 00:57:26,179 --> 00:57:27,881 in the past year, and she's a big fan 1532 00:57:27,914 --> 00:57:30,417 of Formula 1 racing. She likes speed. 1533 00:57:30,450 --> 00:57:34,087 But she needs to put the pedal to the metal here. 1534 00:57:34,120 --> 00:57:36,056 - Come on. Come on. - There we go. 1535 00:57:36,056 --> 00:57:37,457 - Oh, whoa! - Hold on! 1536 00:57:37,490 --> 00:57:39,426 - That's steep right there. That's a steep incline. 1537 00:57:39,459 --> 00:57:42,062 - Come on, Bells. Breathe! Breathe! 1538 00:57:42,062 --> 00:57:43,863 - Those dismounts have been challenging. 1539 00:57:43,897 --> 00:57:45,465 And that will get your heart rate up. 1540 00:57:45,498 --> 00:57:46,733 Gotta calm down here. 1541 00:57:46,766 --> 00:57:48,802 Just go for a ride on Double Dipper. 1542 00:57:48,835 --> 00:57:50,136 - Just 17 years old. 1543 00:57:50,170 --> 00:57:51,871 You know she's got to be feeling some nerves. 1544 00:57:51,905 --> 00:57:53,940 - Come on. Go! Let's go! 1545 00:57:53,973 --> 00:57:56,509 - Come on. Keep going. Keep going. 1546 00:57:56,543 --> 00:57:58,345 Nice! - Perfect! 1547 00:57:58,378 --> 00:57:59,679 Oh, wow! - Ooh! 1548 00:57:59,713 --> 00:58:02,182 Strong! You go, Girl! [cheers and applause] 1549 00:58:02,215 --> 00:58:04,150 - And only one woman, Tiana Webberley, 1550 00:58:04,184 --> 00:58:06,386 has made it past the Jumping Spider tonight. 1551 00:58:06,419 --> 00:58:08,488 - You gotta get in deep. Nice. - Yes! 1552 00:58:08,521 --> 00:58:10,290 And she's on the verge of history 1553 00:58:10,323 --> 00:58:11,491 if she gets through this. 1554 00:58:11,524 --> 00:58:13,259 Only six other women have made it 1555 00:58:13,293 --> 00:58:15,528 past the Jumping Spider on Stage 1. 1556 00:58:15,562 --> 00:58:18,698 Isabella Wakeham would be, by far, the youngest. 1557 00:58:22,135 --> 00:58:23,670 And she's done it! 1558 00:58:23,703 --> 00:58:26,039 [cheers and applause] 1559 00:58:26,039 --> 00:58:28,341 But the clock is ticking down. 1560 00:58:28,375 --> 00:58:29,476 - She's gotta go. 1561 00:58:29,509 --> 00:58:30,944 - Tire Run could be a challenge. 1562 00:58:31,044 --> 00:58:32,679 Again, just 5'5". 1563 00:58:32,712 --> 00:58:33,880 - All right. Keep your feet hot. 1564 00:58:33,913 --> 00:58:35,315 Keep your feet hot, keep your feet hot. 1565 00:58:35,348 --> 00:58:36,383 - Good approach there. 1566 00:58:36,416 --> 00:58:38,585 Very methodical. Very in control. 1567 00:58:38,618 --> 00:58:40,553 - Nice. Hold on! - Boom. 1568 00:58:40,587 --> 00:58:43,390 Under a minute, Akbar. Watch this transfer here. 1569 00:58:43,423 --> 00:58:45,525 Stay on top of this fifth wheel. 1570 00:58:45,558 --> 00:58:47,460 - Fearless. Look at her, Matt. 1571 00:58:47,494 --> 00:58:49,596 She is a beast. She's a beast! - Real beast! 1572 00:58:49,629 --> 00:58:52,265 Failed to grab. - You she-beast, you! 1573 00:58:52,298 --> 00:58:54,868 - Oh, my! 40 seconds, Akbar! 1574 00:58:54,901 --> 00:58:56,870 - Okay. That's all right. - Gotta get going! 1575 00:58:56,903 --> 00:58:59,506 - Don't let the urgency make this an emergency. 1576 00:58:59,539 --> 00:59:00,573 Just stay calm. 1577 00:59:00,607 --> 00:59:01,775 - On tired legs, 1578 00:59:01,808 --> 00:59:03,476 can she get up the Warped Wall? 1579 00:59:03,510 --> 00:59:04,611 - There you go. You got this. 1580 00:59:04,644 --> 00:59:05,612 - Oh, no! - Ooh! 1581 00:59:05,645 --> 00:59:06,780 Oh, now it's an emergency. 1582 00:59:06,813 --> 00:59:08,081 - Time's slipping away, 1583 00:59:08,114 --> 00:59:09,582 but she will not give up. 1584 00:59:09,616 --> 00:59:11,818 The Warped Wall was long a challenge 1585 00:59:11,851 --> 00:59:13,687 for the women here on Stage 1. 1586 00:59:13,720 --> 00:59:16,456 - It's the short run-up that makes it really difficult. 1587 00:59:16,489 --> 00:59:19,592 And now, she's fighting against the clock. 1588 00:59:19,626 --> 00:59:21,094 - Got it! - Oh! Okay, got it! 1589 00:59:21,127 --> 00:59:23,029 She's gotta hustle. - She's gotta get High Road. 1590 00:59:23,063 --> 00:59:24,130 10 seconds. - She's gotta go. 1591 00:59:24,164 --> 00:59:25,432 She's gotta go. 1592 00:59:25,465 --> 00:59:27,067 - Hits the button. - All right. 1593 00:59:27,100 --> 00:59:29,336 Sprint across those Dipping Birds. 1594 00:59:29,369 --> 00:59:32,806 - Well, what a run, but time-- - She's still going for it. 1595 00:59:32,839 --> 00:59:36,242 - Runs out! - Oh! 1596 00:59:36,276 --> 00:59:38,044 - She runs out of time, 1597 00:59:38,044 --> 00:59:39,746 but made it to the eighth obstacle, 1598 00:59:39,779 --> 00:59:43,049 something only a handful of women have ever done. 1599 00:59:43,083 --> 00:59:46,786 And Isabella Wakeham did it as a 17-year-old rookie. 1600 00:59:46,820 --> 00:59:50,056 - She took too many swings early, and that cost her. 1601 00:59:50,056 --> 00:59:52,525 But she's just the seventh woman ever 1602 00:59:52,559 --> 00:59:54,060 to get through the Jumping Spider 1603 00:59:54,094 --> 00:59:56,863 and make it up the wall, fighting to the end. 1604 00:59:56,896 --> 00:59:59,399 A great run by Isabella Wakeham. 1605 01:00:01,735 --> 01:00:04,170 - Up next is another teenager, 1606 01:00:04,204 --> 01:00:05,572 and he's been perfect all season. 1607 01:00:05,605 --> 01:00:06,906 - Let's go! 1608 01:00:06,940 --> 01:00:08,508 - Can Vance Walker keep his streak alive? 1609 01:00:08,541 --> 01:00:09,509 - Let's go! 1610 01:00:09,542 --> 01:00:10,510 - We'll see him next, 1611 01:00:10,543 --> 01:00:13,313 on "American Ninja Warrior." 1612 01:00:17,851 --> 01:00:20,620 - Welcome back to the first night of the National Finals. 1613 01:00:20,653 --> 01:00:22,022 While we were away, 1614 01:00:22,055 --> 01:00:25,025 Connecticut's 17-year-old Jay "Lache" Lewis 1615 01:00:25,058 --> 01:00:27,060 made his Vegas debut. 1616 01:00:27,093 --> 01:00:29,129 Lewis has had a big rookie season. 1617 01:00:29,162 --> 01:00:30,697 Yes! 1618 01:00:30,730 --> 01:00:33,667 He was fastest in his semifinals, 1619 01:00:33,700 --> 01:00:35,735 but lost to his mentor, Joe Moravsky, 1620 01:00:35,769 --> 01:00:37,237 on the Power Tower, 1621 01:00:37,270 --> 01:00:39,406 so he didn't have a Safety Pass 1622 01:00:39,439 --> 01:00:41,274 and had no room for error. 1623 01:00:41,307 --> 01:00:43,276 - I think we got another ninja star on our hands. 1624 01:00:43,309 --> 01:00:45,278 - Lewis is nicknamed Jay "Lache" 1625 01:00:45,311 --> 01:00:47,113 because he can fly through the air, 1626 01:00:47,147 --> 01:00:50,350 but he shockingly didn't fly far enough on Double Dipper. 1627 01:00:50,383 --> 01:00:51,518 - Oh, no! 1628 01:00:51,551 --> 01:00:52,652 [air horn blares] 1629 01:00:55,021 --> 01:00:58,491 - 16-year-old Max Feinberg can toot his own horn. 1630 01:00:58,525 --> 01:01:00,894 [trombone plays] 1631 01:01:00,927 --> 01:01:03,129 He's also had a great rookie season, 1632 01:01:03,163 --> 01:01:05,165 hitting two buzzers so far. 1633 01:01:05,198 --> 01:01:06,933 The high school marching band member 1634 01:01:06,966 --> 01:01:09,502 had his own close call on Double Dipper. 1635 01:01:09,536 --> 01:01:11,671 - Not--whoa! Whoa! - Oh! Wow! 1636 01:01:11,705 --> 01:01:14,708 The straight-A student regrouped and got it going. 1637 01:01:14,741 --> 01:01:17,243 - He's done his homework. He knows what he needs to do. 1638 01:01:17,277 --> 01:01:20,246 - Feinberg was able to fly through the final obstacles, 1639 01:01:20,280 --> 01:01:22,382 becoming just the second teenager 1640 01:01:22,415 --> 01:01:24,250 to hit the buzzer tonight. 1641 01:01:24,284 --> 01:01:27,454 - Strike up the band! Strike up the band! 1642 01:01:27,487 --> 01:01:28,655 - [screams] 1643 01:01:28,688 --> 01:01:30,357 - Let's go! - Yeah! 1644 01:01:30,390 --> 01:01:31,491 - Yes! 1645 01:01:35,161 --> 01:01:36,930 - Well, our next teenager's 1646 01:01:36,963 --> 01:01:38,665 also hit two buzzers this year. 1647 01:01:38,698 --> 01:01:40,500 Zuri, get him going. 1648 01:01:40,533 --> 01:01:43,470 - Guys, Vance Walker is already a champion. 1649 01:01:43,503 --> 01:01:46,773 He's won "American Ninja Warrior Junior" twice. 1650 01:01:46,806 --> 01:01:50,110 Now, the 16-year-old is stepping up to Stage 1 1651 01:01:50,110 --> 01:01:51,211 for the first time. 1652 01:01:51,244 --> 01:01:52,946 And his athletic achievements 1653 01:01:52,979 --> 01:01:54,814 are especially impressive 1654 01:01:54,848 --> 01:01:56,649 when you consider the obstacles 1655 01:01:56,683 --> 01:01:57,917 he's had to overcome. 1656 01:01:57,951 --> 01:01:59,419 [somber music] 1657 01:01:59,452 --> 01:02:01,921 - I didn't have a typical childhood. 1658 01:02:01,955 --> 01:02:03,323 I had to wear braces on my legs, 1659 01:02:03,356 --> 01:02:05,258 and I wasn't able to play any sports, 1660 01:02:05,291 --> 01:02:06,559 go running outside, 1661 01:02:06,593 --> 01:02:10,830 or do anything any of the other kids could do. 1662 01:02:10,864 --> 01:02:12,866 - When Vance was about 18 months old, 1663 01:02:12,899 --> 01:02:15,368 the doctor told us he had cerebral palsy. 1664 01:02:15,402 --> 01:02:17,437 We weren't sure if he would be able to 1665 01:02:17,470 --> 01:02:21,107 ever walk without the braces. 1666 01:02:21,141 --> 01:02:24,411 We knew there was gonna be some obstacles ahead, 1667 01:02:24,444 --> 01:02:27,614 but I never would have thought that he would be 1668 01:02:27,647 --> 01:02:30,150 a top-notch athlete as a teenager. 1669 01:02:32,318 --> 01:02:35,155 - When I started training, I was not good at all. 1670 01:02:35,188 --> 01:02:36,656 Ow! 1671 01:02:36,690 --> 01:02:38,858 But I started taking it really seriously. 1672 01:02:40,927 --> 01:02:42,462 And then, I got the call to compete 1673 01:02:42,495 --> 01:02:43,863 on "American Ninja Warrior Junior." 1674 01:02:43,897 --> 01:02:46,132 - Vance is gone! Whoa! - Walker delivers! 1675 01:02:46,166 --> 01:02:47,867 - Vance does it again! 1676 01:02:47,901 --> 01:02:50,370 [buzzer blares] 1677 01:02:50,403 --> 01:02:53,907 - Ninja has changed Vance's life. 1678 01:02:53,940 --> 01:02:56,109 He's become more confident. 1679 01:02:56,109 --> 01:02:58,144 He sees that he can inspire other people, 1680 01:02:58,178 --> 01:03:00,246 and I'm so proud of him. 1681 01:03:00,280 --> 01:03:02,916 - Cerebral palsy still affects me to this day. 1682 01:03:02,949 --> 01:03:04,718 I have to put hours into stretching my legs, 1683 01:03:04,751 --> 01:03:06,152 or else they cramp a lot. 1684 01:03:06,186 --> 01:03:08,054 They give out on obstacles. 1685 01:03:08,088 --> 01:03:09,489 You could see, on the Spider Climb, 1686 01:03:09,522 --> 01:03:11,958 I was starting to give out at the top. 1687 01:03:12,058 --> 01:03:14,661 - Vance Walker trying to muscle his way through. 1688 01:03:14,694 --> 01:03:15,762 - [exclaims] 1689 01:03:17,897 --> 01:03:19,833 I'm super excited to be here in Vegas. 1690 01:03:19,866 --> 01:03:23,503 I've been waiting for the longest time to be here. 1691 01:03:23,536 --> 01:03:25,472 And I'm trying to show off to the world that 1692 01:03:25,505 --> 01:03:27,073 you can do anything you put your mind to. 1693 01:03:30,443 --> 01:03:32,212 - Wow. What a story. 1694 01:03:32,245 --> 01:03:34,948 You know, it's so amazing how far this kid has come. 1695 01:03:34,981 --> 01:03:36,816 - And he's got supporters across the country 1696 01:03:36,850 --> 01:03:39,352 wearing those "Walker, Texas Ninja" shirts. 1697 01:03:39,386 --> 01:03:42,088 Walker was born in Texas. 1698 01:03:42,088 --> 01:03:43,456 - Let's go! 1699 01:03:43,490 --> 01:03:46,126 - On the sidelines, his brother and parents... 1700 01:03:46,159 --> 01:03:47,694 - Let's go! 1701 01:03:47,727 --> 01:03:49,696 - And lots of other ninjas who have trained with Vance 1702 01:03:49,729 --> 01:03:53,199 throughout the years. His runs are can't-miss TV. 1703 01:03:53,233 --> 01:03:55,635 [countdown clock beeping] 1704 01:03:55,669 --> 01:03:56,936 - If you're not familiar, 1705 01:03:56,970 --> 01:03:58,838 cerebral palsy is a movement disorder 1706 01:03:58,872 --> 01:04:02,809 that affects roughly 1 in every 350 kids. 1707 01:04:02,842 --> 01:04:05,245 There's no known cure, only treatment, 1708 01:04:05,278 --> 01:04:08,081 which is why Vance Walker winning "Ninja Junior" twice 1709 01:04:08,114 --> 01:04:09,783 is so impressive. 1710 01:04:09,816 --> 01:04:11,918 - But Matt, Stage 1 may be a challenge. 1711 01:04:11,951 --> 01:04:15,155 It's an all-out sprint, with a lot of lower-body obstacles. 1712 01:04:15,188 --> 01:04:17,924 It's gonna test those legs. - Go, Vance! 1713 01:04:17,957 --> 01:04:19,526 - Doesn't need to use the legs here 1714 01:04:19,559 --> 01:04:21,594 on Double Dipper, until the landing. 1715 01:04:21,628 --> 01:04:23,396 - Mama, here comes that man. 1716 01:04:23,430 --> 01:04:25,298 - Whoo! - Wow! 1717 01:04:25,331 --> 01:04:26,900 - So smooth--oh! - Whoa! 1718 01:04:26,933 --> 01:04:29,302 - He was coming in so hot, he stumbled, but pops back up. 1719 01:04:29,336 --> 01:04:30,670 - All right. We talked about it. 1720 01:04:30,704 --> 01:04:32,839 The next few obstacles will test his legs, 1721 01:04:32,872 --> 01:04:34,574 starting with the Jumping Spider. 1722 01:04:34,607 --> 01:04:35,709 - You got it! 1723 01:04:35,742 --> 01:04:37,911 - Concentrate. Concentrate. 1724 01:04:37,944 --> 01:04:39,746 - 5'5". Really gotta lock in. 1725 01:04:39,779 --> 01:04:41,381 Jumping Spider can bite you. 1726 01:04:41,414 --> 01:04:43,550 - Matt, he can go. Come on. 1727 01:04:43,583 --> 01:04:45,652 - And no problem! - Okay! 1728 01:04:45,685 --> 01:04:47,520 - And he's running at a decent pace 1729 01:04:47,554 --> 01:04:50,123 and really being cautious there, being smart. 1730 01:04:50,156 --> 01:04:51,825 Trying to get that ankle flexibility, 1731 01:04:51,858 --> 01:04:54,461 make sure those feet are locked in as much as possible. 1732 01:04:54,494 --> 01:04:56,596 - Really nice. - Good job. 1733 01:04:56,629 --> 01:05:00,033 - Let's go! - And he's pumped. 1734 01:05:00,033 --> 01:05:02,635 - Got a buzzer in qualifying. Got the Mega Wall. 1735 01:05:02,669 --> 01:05:05,138 Got it in the semifinals. Won the Safety Pass. 1736 01:05:05,171 --> 01:05:09,042 - Matt, this is a different type of pressure, though. 1737 01:05:09,042 --> 01:05:11,411 - Remember, through two seasons of "Ninja Junior" 1738 01:05:11,444 --> 01:05:13,680 and this season of "American Ninja Warrior," 1739 01:05:13,713 --> 01:05:16,216 he's never fallen on an obstacle. 1740 01:05:16,249 --> 01:05:17,784 Now, keep an eye on time. 1741 01:05:17,817 --> 01:05:19,886 We know he goes fast, but that clock is ticking down-- 1742 01:05:19,919 --> 01:05:22,655 - Whoa--oh! Whoa! - Wow! 1743 01:05:22,689 --> 01:05:24,758 - Well, he threw caution into the wind. 1744 01:05:24,791 --> 01:05:26,826 - You gotta go! - Hurry up! 1745 01:05:26,860 --> 01:05:28,261 - Let's go! Come on! 1746 01:05:28,294 --> 01:05:29,896 - Just over a minute left, 1747 01:05:29,929 --> 01:05:31,564 as he's staring down the Warped Wall. 1748 01:05:31,598 --> 01:05:33,166 And right up, he goes. 1749 01:05:33,199 --> 01:05:34,968 - Matt, he's gotta go super pursuit mode now. 1750 01:05:35,068 --> 01:05:36,336 - Just skips High Road. 1751 01:05:36,369 --> 01:05:38,938 - We're just under a minute. He's gotta go. 1752 01:05:38,972 --> 01:05:40,974 - Those legs may be starting to tighten up, 1753 01:05:41,074 --> 01:05:42,208 but he's got Dipping Birds. 1754 01:05:42,242 --> 01:05:43,910 - Sprint! - Go fast. Go! 1755 01:05:43,943 --> 01:05:45,812 - Come on. Keep going. 1756 01:05:45,845 --> 01:05:47,113 Look at him go. Look at him go. 1757 01:05:47,147 --> 01:05:48,448 - And now, just has the Fly Hooks, 1758 01:05:48,481 --> 01:05:50,884 with about 45 seconds left on the clock. 1759 01:05:50,917 --> 01:05:54,287 But it's easy to eat up a lot of time on this obstacle. 1760 01:05:54,320 --> 01:05:55,622 - You're seeing a lot of the ninjas 1761 01:05:55,655 --> 01:05:57,490 get caught up on that front swing. 1762 01:05:57,524 --> 01:05:59,325 They need to go up and out-- just like that! 1763 01:05:59,359 --> 01:06:01,428 - Great power! - And that was textbook! 1764 01:06:01,461 --> 01:06:03,296 I know he's been in his books. 1765 01:06:03,329 --> 01:06:05,065 - Well, it's not just lifting on those poles, 1766 01:06:05,098 --> 01:06:07,133 he's lifting him up there-- and look at him ascend that! 1767 01:06:07,167 --> 01:06:08,668 - Oh, wow! Look at this. 1768 01:06:08,702 --> 01:06:11,037 - Vance Walker remains perfect 1769 01:06:11,037 --> 01:06:14,708 as he runs his way to a buzzer and Stage 2. 1770 01:06:14,741 --> 01:06:17,243 - All he does is this. All he does is this! 1771 01:06:17,277 --> 01:06:20,313 [cheers and applause] 1772 01:06:24,184 --> 01:06:27,520 - We may be looking at our next Ninja Warrior, 1773 01:06:27,554 --> 01:06:30,090 and he's just 16 years old. 1774 01:06:30,123 --> 01:06:32,092 This kid is good. 1775 01:06:32,125 --> 01:06:33,660 - And Matt, oh, by the way, 1776 01:06:33,693 --> 01:06:36,262 he has his Safety Pass for Stage 2. 1777 01:06:36,296 --> 01:06:39,966 - Vance Walker in good position, heading to Stage 2. 1778 01:06:40,066 --> 01:06:41,768 - Let's go! 1779 01:06:41,801 --> 01:06:44,471 - Those legs of his handled all the tests 1780 01:06:44,504 --> 01:06:47,974 Stage 1 throws at you-- Jumping Spider, Tire Run. 1781 01:06:48,074 --> 01:06:49,843 whatever was put in front of him, 1782 01:06:49,876 --> 01:06:51,578 Vance Walker handled it. 1783 01:06:51,611 --> 01:06:54,714 And now, he's our third teenage finisher tonight. 1784 01:06:54,748 --> 01:06:57,784 [cheers and applause] 1785 01:06:59,085 --> 01:07:01,121 - The Walker family can celebrate. 1786 01:07:01,154 --> 01:07:04,691 Vance is moving on to Stage 2. 1787 01:07:04,724 --> 01:07:08,261 Coming up, the Classy Ninja's got a new suit 1788 01:07:08,294 --> 01:07:10,630 and a new trick planned for his run. 1789 01:07:10,663 --> 01:07:12,298 We'll see him next. 1790 01:07:12,332 --> 01:07:16,036 Plus, big news about our defending champ, Daniel Gil, 1791 01:07:16,036 --> 01:07:19,472 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 1792 01:07:23,943 --> 01:07:25,245 - We're back from break, 1793 01:07:25,278 --> 01:07:27,580 but the fun never stops at the National Finals. 1794 01:07:27,614 --> 01:07:29,716 True Becker was fired up. 1795 01:07:29,749 --> 01:07:32,419 He just started his freshman year at Tufts University 1796 01:07:32,452 --> 01:07:35,055 and he was showing some school pride. 1797 01:07:35,055 --> 01:07:37,157 - How about that for freshman orientation? 1798 01:07:37,190 --> 01:07:39,225 - The teenager had the fourth-fastest finish 1799 01:07:39,259 --> 01:07:41,327 in semifinals a few weeks ago, 1800 01:07:41,361 --> 01:07:43,630 and he was moving well again tonight. 1801 01:07:43,663 --> 01:07:46,599 - Nice flexibility. Nice technique. 1802 01:07:46,633 --> 01:07:49,836 - But the future engineer miscalculated on Tire Run. 1803 01:07:49,869 --> 01:07:51,604 both: Oh, no! [air horn blares] 1804 01:07:51,638 --> 01:07:55,141 - That's not a part of his general education. 1805 01:07:56,643 --> 01:07:59,479 - Another teen, Elijah "Boss" Browning, 1806 01:07:59,512 --> 01:08:02,615 had some extra stakes riding on his run. 1807 01:08:02,649 --> 01:08:04,884 Browning collects high-end sports cards, 1808 01:08:04,918 --> 01:08:06,686 and he made a deal with Akbar. 1809 01:08:06,720 --> 01:08:09,622 - If he hits the buzzer on Stage 1, 1810 01:08:09,656 --> 01:08:13,326 I will increase the value of my trading card. 1811 01:08:13,360 --> 01:08:16,029 - And the Tennessee teen quickly showed the course 1812 01:08:16,029 --> 01:08:18,131 who's boss. 1813 01:08:18,164 --> 01:08:19,733 - I'ma sign this one for you, baby. 1814 01:08:19,766 --> 01:08:21,868 I'ma sign this one for you. Get that buzzer! 1815 01:08:21,901 --> 01:08:24,504 - The 16-year-old could not be stopped, 1816 01:08:24,537 --> 01:08:26,339 [cheers and applause] 1817 01:08:26,373 --> 01:08:29,242 And put his signature on Stage 1. 1818 01:08:29,275 --> 01:08:31,444 [cheers and applause] 1819 01:08:31,478 --> 01:08:32,846 - Let's go! 1820 01:08:32,879 --> 01:08:35,615 - Then Akbar put his signature on the card. 1821 01:08:35,648 --> 01:08:37,784 - Hey, great job, man. I got you. Here we go. 1822 01:08:37,817 --> 01:08:40,353 - Yeah! I appreciate it so much. 1823 01:08:40,387 --> 01:08:43,590 Let's go! - There you go, man. 1824 01:08:43,623 --> 01:08:46,326 - Last year's runner-up, Colorado's Austin Gray, 1825 01:08:46,359 --> 01:08:48,661 was also flipping out at the start. 1826 01:08:48,695 --> 01:08:51,331 - Man, that was a high flip! 1827 01:08:51,364 --> 01:08:53,333 - Gray was wearing the Safety Pass he won 1828 01:08:53,366 --> 01:08:54,968 on the Power Tower last week. 1829 01:08:55,068 --> 01:08:56,469 - Let's go! 1830 01:08:56,503 --> 01:08:58,705 - And with his ninja roommates cheering him on, 1831 01:08:58,738 --> 01:09:01,708 the 24-year-old came out racing again tonight. 1832 01:09:01,741 --> 01:09:03,043 - He wants to go fast. 1833 01:09:03,076 --> 01:09:04,844 - Yeah, baby! Let's go! - Come on! 1834 01:09:04,878 --> 01:09:06,179 - At Split Decision, 1835 01:09:06,212 --> 01:09:08,081 he thought about taking The High Road... 1836 01:09:08,114 --> 01:09:10,150 - Oh, he's gonna go for it. He's gonna go for it. 1837 01:09:10,183 --> 01:09:12,152 - But instead, opted for Fly Hooks, 1838 01:09:12,185 --> 01:09:13,753 and made it to the buzzer, 1839 01:09:13,787 --> 01:09:16,389 keeping his Safety Pass for Stage 2. 1840 01:09:16,423 --> 01:09:19,592 - No Safety Pass needed. Let's go! 1841 01:09:19,626 --> 01:09:21,795 - Let's go. 1842 01:09:21,828 --> 01:09:23,897 - And the ninja who beat Austin Gray 1843 01:09:23,930 --> 01:09:27,167 in our Power Tower Playoff to win the championship last year 1844 01:09:27,200 --> 01:09:29,402 was, of course, Daniel Gil. 1845 01:09:29,436 --> 01:09:32,605 Unfortunately, Daniel joins us from back in Houston. 1846 01:09:32,639 --> 01:09:34,641 He's not here in Vegas. 1847 01:09:34,674 --> 01:09:38,611 Can't be here because he tested positive for COVID. 1848 01:09:38,645 --> 01:09:41,848 Daniel Gil, how are you doing? You look great. 1849 01:09:41,881 --> 01:09:44,317 - Hey, guys. I'm doing much, much better. 1850 01:09:44,351 --> 01:09:46,386 And I wish that I were out there 1851 01:09:46,419 --> 01:09:48,455 running the courses with all my ninja friends. 1852 01:09:48,488 --> 01:09:51,424 But I'm staying positive. I'm full of faith. 1853 01:09:51,458 --> 01:09:54,060 And you can bet I will be back next year. 1854 01:09:54,060 --> 01:09:55,128 - Well said, Daniel Gil. 1855 01:09:55,161 --> 01:09:57,330 Now Jody Avila steps in your spot. 1856 01:09:57,364 --> 01:09:59,265 I know you gotta be cheering for him, 1857 01:09:59,299 --> 01:10:01,468 rooting for him as he runs the Stage 1 course. 1858 01:10:01,501 --> 01:10:03,636 - Oh, yeah. You know I will. 1859 01:10:03,670 --> 01:10:04,971 - And here comes Jody, 1860 01:10:05,005 --> 01:10:06,673 the heating and air-conditioning technician 1861 01:10:06,706 --> 01:10:08,108 from Texas, 1862 01:10:08,141 --> 01:10:10,543 and this is a second chance for the Big Dog. 1863 01:10:10,577 --> 01:10:13,680 Jody fell on the fifth obstacle and finish 16th 1864 01:10:13,713 --> 01:10:15,015 in his semifinals. 1865 01:10:15,048 --> 01:10:17,884 He just missed the cut, was so disappointed, 1866 01:10:17,917 --> 01:10:21,521 but he gets to move up and take Daniel's spot. 1867 01:10:21,554 --> 01:10:23,857 And Jody's gonna have a lot of support back in Texas-- 1868 01:10:23,890 --> 01:10:27,093 of course, his wife, Pauline, and their two kids. 1869 01:10:27,127 --> 01:10:30,163 - We love you. - Love you, babe. 1870 01:10:30,196 --> 01:10:33,667 - Along with his friend and training partner, Daniel Gil. 1871 01:10:33,700 --> 01:10:36,136 - Get it, bro. Get it, bro. This is you. 1872 01:10:36,169 --> 01:10:37,704 - I got you, Daniel. 1873 01:10:37,737 --> 01:10:40,473 [countdown clock beeping] 1874 01:10:40,507 --> 01:10:43,109 - This is Jody's third time on Stage 1. 1875 01:10:43,143 --> 01:10:45,679 He's only made it to the buzzer once. 1876 01:10:45,712 --> 01:10:48,815 - At 6'6", he's the tallest athlete in the competition. 1877 01:10:48,848 --> 01:10:51,051 That size should make some of these obstacles 1878 01:10:51,084 --> 01:10:53,520 a little easier, and some a little harder. 1879 01:10:53,553 --> 01:10:55,922 - Come on, babe. Straighten out. 1880 01:10:55,955 --> 01:10:58,692 - But gets that long body through the Swinging Blades. 1881 01:10:58,725 --> 01:11:00,060 - Come on, babe. 1882 01:11:00,060 --> 01:11:01,294 - Watch it here--a big boy! 1883 01:11:01,327 --> 01:11:02,862 The Double Dipper can be tricky. 1884 01:11:02,896 --> 01:11:05,865 At 210 pounds, he is our heaviest competitor. 1885 01:11:05,899 --> 01:11:07,434 He's gonna be moving down this track fast. 1886 01:11:07,467 --> 01:11:10,370 - A longer body--ooh, okay! - Wow, there's some power. 1887 01:11:10,403 --> 01:11:11,638 - All right. 1888 01:11:11,671 --> 01:11:13,173 - Perfect. Come on. Come on. 1889 01:11:13,206 --> 01:11:15,475 - Well, we know Daniel Gil was hoping to be out here 1890 01:11:15,508 --> 01:11:18,111 hitting that buzzer for the million dollars, but you know 1891 01:11:18,144 --> 01:11:20,347 he's gonna support his friends in their efforts. 1892 01:11:20,380 --> 01:11:22,282 The Big Dog facing the Jumping Spider. 1893 01:11:22,315 --> 01:11:23,817 - Hold on! Nice! 1894 01:11:23,850 --> 01:11:26,119 - That was just easy to stick those legs out. 1895 01:11:26,152 --> 01:11:28,088 Jody's problem is, he's almost too big. 1896 01:11:28,088 --> 01:11:29,622 You can see, those hips, 1897 01:11:29,656 --> 01:11:31,624 and really, his knees are almost touching the sides. 1898 01:11:31,658 --> 01:11:33,560 - He doesn't have the same type of flexibility, 1899 01:11:33,593 --> 01:11:34,828 but he's making it work. 1900 01:11:34,861 --> 01:11:37,130 - Oh, he's slipping down. - Now, drop. 1901 01:11:37,163 --> 01:11:38,131 Good. 1902 01:11:38,164 --> 01:11:40,100 - Yes! - Babe! 1903 01:11:40,100 --> 01:11:41,234 Let's go. Let's go. 1904 01:11:41,267 --> 01:11:42,902 - Now, he went out on this obstacle 1905 01:11:42,936 --> 01:11:44,804 the last time he faced it, two years ago. 1906 01:11:44,838 --> 01:11:46,473 - I'ma tell you something about Jody Avila. 1907 01:11:46,506 --> 01:11:47,974 He doesn't make the same mistake twice. 1908 01:11:48,008 --> 01:11:49,275 - Watch Jody Avila. - Long legs. 1909 01:11:49,309 --> 01:11:51,578 He's gonna go fee-fi-fo on this. 1910 01:11:51,611 --> 01:11:52,912 Nice. Nice. 1911 01:11:52,946 --> 01:11:54,914 - But this is where he fell last time, 1912 01:11:54,948 --> 01:11:56,282 going over the big tire, 1913 01:11:56,316 --> 01:11:58,451 which was shocking, with his size. 1914 01:11:58,485 --> 01:12:00,387 You can see. He's 6'6", Akbar. 1915 01:12:00,420 --> 01:12:02,055 It's tougher for him to get up top. 1916 01:12:02,055 --> 01:12:03,523 - And he spread his legs. 1917 01:12:03,556 --> 01:12:05,158 Nice! Nice! - Perfect! 1918 01:12:05,191 --> 01:12:06,960 - He said, "I'm not making that mistake again." 1919 01:12:07,060 --> 01:12:09,229 - Well, Jody Avila learned from last time. 1920 01:12:09,262 --> 01:12:11,064 You can teach this old dog new tricks. 1921 01:12:11,097 --> 01:12:13,066 - And let me tell you, you put him on the back half, 1922 01:12:13,066 --> 01:12:14,634 he's hitting that buzzer. 1923 01:12:14,668 --> 01:12:18,138 - Last time he got through Stage 1 was four years ago. 1924 01:12:18,171 --> 01:12:20,073 A little over a minute left. - Yeah. 1925 01:12:20,073 --> 01:12:22,676 And now, Matt, he doesn't have a lot of time to rest. 1926 01:12:22,709 --> 01:12:24,444 - Well, for him, that transfer to High Road 1927 01:12:24,477 --> 01:12:26,279 may be a little easier, with his height. 1928 01:12:26,312 --> 01:12:27,547 He's looking a bit winded, Akbar. 1929 01:12:27,580 --> 01:12:29,516 I think he may go High Road. 1930 01:12:29,549 --> 01:12:31,451 - Ooh. Okay. All right. Here we go. 1931 01:12:31,484 --> 01:12:33,386 He's got the long legs. He's got the long-- 1932 01:12:33,420 --> 01:12:34,821 Oh, no, no! - No! 1933 01:12:34,854 --> 01:12:37,323 - It crushed him! - No! 1934 01:12:37,357 --> 01:12:39,826 [groans] 1935 01:12:39,859 --> 01:12:42,829 - The Dipping Birds take out the Big Dog. 1936 01:12:42,862 --> 01:12:44,097 Oh, man, I wanted to see-- 1937 01:12:44,097 --> 01:12:45,999 - Looking at the High Road, 1938 01:12:46,099 --> 01:12:48,501 taken out on the Dipping Birds. 1939 01:12:48,535 --> 01:12:50,737 Let's look at it again. 1940 01:12:50,770 --> 01:12:53,406 - Jody's had trouble on balance obstacles in the past. 1941 01:12:53,440 --> 01:12:56,242 He just comes up short on the second dipping bird. 1942 01:12:56,276 --> 01:12:59,913 That caused him to miss the third one entirely. 1943 01:12:59,946 --> 01:13:02,682 - Ugh, I should have been faster with my feet. 1944 01:13:02,716 --> 01:13:05,618 - Good job, Jody! 1945 01:13:05,652 --> 01:13:08,755 - No one looks better on the course than our next athlete. 1946 01:13:08,788 --> 01:13:12,125 This is the Classy Ninja, Donovan Metoyer, 1947 01:13:12,158 --> 01:13:15,729 the only ninja who runs in a three-piece suit. 1948 01:13:15,762 --> 01:13:17,964 The six-time veteran is quite the showman, 1949 01:13:18,064 --> 01:13:20,633 blowing us away with his amazing moves. 1950 01:13:20,667 --> 01:13:22,502 Oh! - Oh! Oh! 1951 01:13:22,535 --> 01:13:23,870 He did a 360! 1952 01:13:23,903 --> 01:13:26,206 - And his one-of-a-kind style. 1953 01:13:26,239 --> 01:13:29,275 Looking good, Donovan. - Okay, Classy Ninja! 1954 01:13:29,309 --> 01:13:30,844 - Now he's back on Stage 1 1955 01:13:30,877 --> 01:13:32,946 for the first time since season nine. 1956 01:13:32,979 --> 01:13:34,381 - Stage 1, 1957 01:13:34,414 --> 01:13:36,116 I know it's been a while since we've been together, 1958 01:13:36,149 --> 01:13:38,885 but you and I are gonna have some fun tonight. 1959 01:13:38,918 --> 01:13:40,420 I'm gonna make hitting the buzzer this year 1960 01:13:40,453 --> 01:13:41,921 look as elegant as possible. 1961 01:13:45,592 --> 01:13:47,093 - Oh, he's serious tonight. 1962 01:13:47,093 --> 01:13:48,962 Taking the jacket off. 1963 01:13:48,995 --> 01:13:50,830 - He's got a big bunch of veteran ninjas 1964 01:13:50,864 --> 01:13:52,899 on the sideline, including his girlfriend, 1965 01:13:52,932 --> 01:13:55,969 Trinnie Bush, who competed earlier this year. 1966 01:13:56,002 --> 01:13:58,872 [countdown clock beeping] 1967 01:13:58,905 --> 01:14:01,675 First time back in Vegas since season nine. 1968 01:14:01,708 --> 01:14:03,810 - Well, check this out. Taking the slow approach. 1969 01:14:03,843 --> 01:14:05,779 Everyone else has sprinted across these. 1970 01:14:05,812 --> 01:14:07,180 But it works. 1971 01:14:07,213 --> 01:14:08,948 - And going right into the Swinging Blades. 1972 01:14:09,049 --> 01:14:10,684 - To be able to do this in a suit 1973 01:14:10,717 --> 01:14:12,752 is an obstacle in itself. Nice. 1974 01:14:12,786 --> 01:14:15,055 - He owns a gym now, 1975 01:14:15,055 --> 01:14:17,257 and his training, he says, has reached another level. 1976 01:14:17,290 --> 01:14:20,193 - Nice. - Let's go, Donovan. 1977 01:14:20,226 --> 01:14:22,495 - And he's been much improved the last couple of years, 1978 01:14:22,529 --> 01:14:24,864 but Double Dipper is where his run ended 1979 01:14:24,898 --> 01:14:27,100 the last time he was here. 1980 01:14:27,133 --> 01:14:29,936 - All right, Matt. Here we go. He about to ride dirty. 1981 01:14:29,969 --> 01:14:31,871 Nice. - Launched up. 1982 01:14:31,905 --> 01:14:35,508 - Whoa! Oh, almost missed that landing platform. 1983 01:14:35,542 --> 01:14:38,111 - Now further than he's ever been on Stage 1. 1984 01:14:38,144 --> 01:14:41,448 How's that for classy? - Oh! 1985 01:14:41,481 --> 01:14:43,616 - A great recovery! - Okay! 1986 01:14:43,650 --> 01:14:47,187 I see you, Metoyer, with the Lycra in the stretch pants. 1987 01:14:47,220 --> 01:14:50,423 - And the Classy Ninja looking sharp. 1988 01:14:50,457 --> 01:14:54,427 And a good pace, Akbar. Time shouldn't be an issue. 1989 01:14:54,461 --> 01:14:58,198 But very easy to make a misstep here on Tire Run. 1990 01:14:58,231 --> 01:15:00,100 - You're crushing it, bro. You got this. 1991 01:15:00,133 --> 01:15:01,701 - Nice! - Perfect! 1992 01:15:01,735 --> 01:15:03,069 - Come on. Keep going. 1993 01:15:03,103 --> 01:15:05,839 - 5'7". Needs a good swing. 1994 01:15:05,872 --> 01:15:07,707 Control the momentum of this big wheel. 1995 01:15:07,741 --> 01:15:09,209 - Ooh, he's so clean. Be clean. Be clean. 1996 01:15:09,242 --> 01:15:12,045 - Ooh! Barely got a fingertip! 1997 01:15:12,045 --> 01:15:13,446 - Oh, man. That's all right. 1998 01:15:13,480 --> 01:15:15,415 He ain't taking the suit to the drycleaner tonight. 1999 01:15:15,448 --> 01:15:17,851 - You could see him spinning out, but he's got it. 2000 01:15:17,884 --> 01:15:19,152 - Let's go! 2001 01:15:19,185 --> 01:15:21,187 - Still got a lot of work ahead of him. 2002 01:15:21,221 --> 01:15:24,057 - He told us he's got something planned for the Warped Wall. 2003 01:15:25,358 --> 01:15:27,460 - Oh, is he-- - Oh, A 360? 2004 01:15:27,494 --> 01:15:29,596 Come on. Don't play with me like that! 2005 01:15:29,629 --> 01:15:31,765 In the finals? - He just called for it. 2006 01:15:31,798 --> 01:15:34,734 both: Oh! - Okay! 2007 01:15:34,768 --> 01:15:37,904 Okay, then! He's back! - He did a 360! 2008 01:15:37,937 --> 01:15:39,372 - Look at it again. 2009 01:15:39,406 --> 01:15:42,075 Even with the clock ticking and the pressure on, 2010 01:15:42,075 --> 01:15:44,277 he goes 360 on that wall! 2011 01:15:44,310 --> 01:15:46,513 - But the clock's down to 45 seconds, 2012 01:15:46,546 --> 01:15:48,648 and looks like he's gonna try The High Road. 2013 01:15:48,682 --> 01:15:50,450 - All right. He's going. He's going. 2014 01:15:50,483 --> 01:15:53,086 - No one's been able to figure this out tonight. 2015 01:15:53,086 --> 01:15:55,355 Watch it on Dipping Birds! 2016 01:15:55,388 --> 01:15:57,724 - Uh-oh! He's going for it! - Oh, my! 2017 01:15:57,757 --> 01:15:59,893 How classy would this be-- - Oh! 2018 01:15:59,926 --> 01:16:02,929 - Another one-hand save! - Okay! Okay! 2019 01:16:03,029 --> 01:16:05,832 He did a one-handed save, a 360. 2020 01:16:05,865 --> 01:16:10,203 - Now gets to climb the ladder to the buzzer. 2021 01:16:10,236 --> 01:16:13,139 Well, this is the run of his life. 2022 01:16:13,173 --> 01:16:14,708 - He is a human highlight. 2023 01:16:14,741 --> 01:16:17,377 What he got? What's he got? 2024 01:16:17,410 --> 01:16:18,411 Wipe it off. Wipe it off. 2025 01:16:18,445 --> 01:16:19,813 - Oh! [buzzer blares] 2026 01:16:19,846 --> 01:16:21,681 There it is! - The handkerchief. 2027 01:16:21,715 --> 01:16:25,318 - That was classy from start to finish, Akbar. 2028 01:16:25,352 --> 01:16:27,253 [cheers and applause] 2029 01:16:27,287 --> 01:16:29,422 - Whoo! 2030 01:16:29,456 --> 01:16:31,091 both: Whoo! 2031 01:16:31,124 --> 01:16:33,893 - And we got to do a 360. 2032 01:16:33,927 --> 01:16:36,062 - Hey! - Whoo! 2033 01:16:36,096 --> 01:16:38,398 - Oh, my goodness. 2034 01:16:38,431 --> 01:16:40,066 We told you he's a showman. 2035 01:16:40,100 --> 01:16:43,069 He did a full 360 going up the Warped Wall, 2036 01:16:43,103 --> 01:16:45,271 and then followed it up by becoming 2037 01:16:45,305 --> 01:16:48,074 the first one tonight to grab the ring on High Road, 2038 01:16:48,074 --> 01:16:51,511 and he celebrated with a one-handed fist pump. 2039 01:16:51,544 --> 01:16:53,980 He's gonna bring some class to Stage 2. 2040 01:16:54,080 --> 01:16:56,316 - Donovan Metoyer just did a 360! 2041 01:16:56,349 --> 01:16:58,284 And best of all, he hit the buzzer. 2042 01:16:58,318 --> 01:17:00,220 - Hey, DM is the real deal. 2043 01:17:03,156 --> 01:17:04,824 - Well, it's a windy night, 2044 01:17:04,858 --> 01:17:07,260 perfect conditions for the Weatherman. 2045 01:17:07,293 --> 01:17:09,195 We'll see Joe Marovksy run 2046 01:17:09,229 --> 01:17:12,365 when "American Ninja Warrior" returns. 2047 01:17:16,302 --> 01:17:17,871 [dramatic music] 2048 01:17:17,904 --> 01:17:19,606 - Next week, 2049 01:17:19,639 --> 01:17:22,575 we're kicking it up a notch at the National Finals. 2050 01:17:22,609 --> 01:17:24,177 * * 2051 01:17:24,210 --> 01:17:28,281 We'll see our remaining finalists take on Stage 1, 2052 01:17:28,314 --> 01:17:32,052 including ninja superstar Jesse "Flex" Labreck. 2053 01:17:32,052 --> 01:17:33,420 - Wow! 2054 01:17:33,453 --> 01:17:36,956 - The Cowboy Ninja, Idaho rancher Lance Pekus. 2055 01:17:37,057 --> 01:17:38,391 - Come on, country boy! 2056 01:17:38,425 --> 01:17:40,360 - And our reigning women's champ, 2057 01:17:40,393 --> 01:17:42,662 Meagan Martin. 2058 01:17:42,696 --> 01:17:46,900 Then we're sliding over to the even tougher Stage 2... 2059 01:17:46,933 --> 01:17:48,501 both: No! 2060 01:17:48,535 --> 01:17:52,539 - As we move one step closer to the million-dollar prize. 2061 01:17:55,375 --> 01:17:57,877 And we had more drama just minutes ago 2062 01:17:57,911 --> 01:18:02,582 as 15-year-old Caiden Madzelan made his Vegas debut. 2063 01:18:02,615 --> 01:18:04,651 - He's a long-legged 15-year-old. 2064 01:18:04,684 --> 01:18:07,354 - The 6'1" high schooler from Troutdale, Oregon 2065 01:18:07,387 --> 01:18:10,123 was slow, but steady through the obstacles. 2066 01:18:10,156 --> 01:18:11,524 - He's gotta be mindful of the time. 2067 01:18:11,558 --> 01:18:13,193 He's got to start hustling. 2068 01:18:13,226 --> 01:18:15,862 - With the clock ticking, he ignored The High Road 2069 01:18:15,895 --> 01:18:17,297 and went with the slower choice, 2070 01:18:17,330 --> 01:18:20,233 the Fly Hooks, and got hung up. 2071 01:18:20,266 --> 01:18:22,936 - Oh, he's in trouble, Matt! 2072 01:18:23,036 --> 01:18:24,771 - And Caiden Madzelan's season ended 2073 01:18:24,804 --> 01:18:28,041 just a few feet from the top. 2074 01:18:28,074 --> 01:18:30,677 - That's a tough one, Matt. That's a tough one. 2075 01:18:30,710 --> 01:18:32,712 - Then it was the other teenage Kaden, 2076 01:18:32,746 --> 01:18:34,948 Colorado's Kaden Lebsack. 2077 01:18:35,048 --> 01:18:36,616 - Nice. - Yeah. 2078 01:18:36,649 --> 01:18:39,386 - Though only 15, some have labeled this rookie 2079 01:18:39,419 --> 01:18:41,388 a contender to win it all. 2080 01:18:41,421 --> 01:18:43,123 And he has lived up to the hype. 2081 01:18:43,156 --> 01:18:44,791 - Well, Kaden Lebsack, he's done it. 2082 01:18:44,824 --> 01:18:47,227 Completed qualifying, completed semifinals, 2083 01:18:47,260 --> 01:18:49,529 just looking for this Stage 1 buzzer. 2084 01:18:49,562 --> 01:18:53,233 - At Split Decision, he too decided to go with Fly Hooks. 2085 01:18:53,266 --> 01:18:54,501 [cheers and applause] 2086 01:18:54,534 --> 01:18:56,503 - He'll have plenty of time left. 2087 01:18:56,536 --> 01:18:58,905 - And he put up the second-fastest time 2088 01:18:58,938 --> 01:19:00,407 of the night. 2089 01:19:00,440 --> 01:19:03,843 - Lebsack was laidback, but he still crushed it. 2090 01:19:06,813 --> 01:19:08,748 - Well, get ready for some thunder, 2091 01:19:08,782 --> 01:19:12,552 because our final runner tonight is the one, the only, 2092 01:19:12,585 --> 01:19:15,588 the Weatherman, Joe Moravsky. 2093 01:19:15,622 --> 01:19:18,024 The nine-time veteran has been a threat 2094 01:19:18,058 --> 01:19:19,859 to win it all for years. 2095 01:19:19,893 --> 01:19:22,195 [buzzer blares] - That was for you! 2096 01:19:22,228 --> 01:19:25,031 - No one's made it to Stage 3 more than Joe. 2097 01:19:25,031 --> 01:19:27,033 And this year, he's coming to Vegas 2098 01:19:27,067 --> 01:19:30,036 with one of the four coveted Safety Passes. 2099 01:19:31,104 --> 01:19:33,039 Moravsky earned his Safety Pass 2100 01:19:33,073 --> 01:19:36,409 with a convincing victory over his teen protégé, 2101 01:19:36,443 --> 01:19:39,379 17-year-old Jay "Lache" Lewis. 2102 01:19:39,412 --> 01:19:40,447 One move away! - Here we go! 2103 01:19:40,480 --> 01:19:41,715 Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness! 2104 01:19:41,748 --> 01:19:44,150 - And Joe Moravsky does it! 2105 01:19:44,184 --> 01:19:45,719 - Whoo! 2106 01:19:45,752 --> 01:19:47,520 I'm the type of person that rides confidence. 2107 01:19:49,522 --> 01:19:51,124 Whoo! 2108 01:19:51,157 --> 01:19:53,126 And I feel like just knowing I have a Safety Pass 2109 01:19:53,159 --> 01:19:56,963 is gonna change my game plan, mentally. 2110 01:19:57,063 --> 01:19:59,265 - No! - Oh, no! 2111 01:19:59,299 --> 01:20:00,633 - The years I've fallen at Stage 1 or 2 2112 01:20:00,667 --> 01:20:02,535 were just bad years. 2113 01:20:02,569 --> 01:20:03,903 - Oh, no! - Ooh--no! 2114 01:20:03,937 --> 01:20:05,839 - That was not what you're supposed to do! 2115 01:20:05,872 --> 01:20:07,440 - I wish I could have been, like, 2116 01:20:07,474 --> 01:20:09,743 "Oh, I got a Safety Pass." 2117 01:20:09,776 --> 01:20:11,111 But it's in the past now. 2118 01:20:11,144 --> 01:20:13,213 You know, I do not plan on falling at Stage 1. 2119 01:20:13,246 --> 01:20:15,181 I do not plan on falling at Stage 2. 2120 01:20:15,215 --> 01:20:16,783 I don't plan on falling Stage 3. 2121 01:20:16,816 --> 01:20:19,486 I don't plan on missing any single buzzer at all. 2122 01:20:19,519 --> 01:20:21,254 I don't want to use my Safety Pass. 2123 01:20:21,287 --> 01:20:24,157 I want to get through this thing with no help. 2124 01:20:24,190 --> 01:20:27,394 * * 2125 01:20:27,427 --> 01:20:30,030 - He's got the Safety Pass on his shorts. 2126 01:20:30,063 --> 01:20:32,232 He'll only pull it off if he needs to play it. 2127 01:20:32,265 --> 01:20:34,100 Lots of support back home for Joe. 2128 01:20:34,134 --> 01:20:37,170 There's his wife, Stephanie, and two of his three kids. 2129 01:20:37,203 --> 01:20:38,805 - Look at my beautiful family. 2130 01:20:38,838 --> 01:20:41,775 - You got it, Joe. You got it. 2131 01:20:41,808 --> 01:20:43,476 - One obstacle at a time. 2132 01:20:43,510 --> 01:20:44,577 - You got it. 2133 01:20:44,611 --> 01:20:46,212 [countdown clock beeping] - Let's go, Joe. 2134 01:20:46,246 --> 01:20:47,814 - Come on, Joe! - Come on! 2135 01:20:47,847 --> 01:20:50,350 - I think a lot of people know, in the ninja community, 2136 01:20:50,383 --> 01:20:52,552 that Joe Moravsky could very well be 2137 01:20:52,585 --> 01:20:54,587 the next American Ninja Warrior. 2138 01:20:54,621 --> 01:20:56,556 He's got the skills to pay the bills. 2139 01:20:56,589 --> 01:20:58,625 - Look at this, Akbar! Just effortless! 2140 01:20:58,658 --> 01:21:00,627 - I mean, he went right into it, wasting no time. 2141 01:21:00,660 --> 01:21:03,063 - Running like a guy who wants a million dollars. 2142 01:21:03,063 --> 01:21:05,298 - Nice and strong, babe. Come on. This is your year! 2143 01:21:05,331 --> 01:21:07,767 - Only time he's ever fallen on Stage 1, 2144 01:21:07,801 --> 01:21:09,569 Double Dipper, three years ago. 2145 01:21:09,602 --> 01:21:10,837 - Get it. Ooh! Nice! 2146 01:21:10,870 --> 01:21:12,072 Okay! - Wow. 2147 01:21:12,105 --> 01:21:14,774 - Yes! - Easy there, Joe. Easy. 2148 01:21:14,808 --> 01:21:16,276 - But the Jumping Spider's been trouble 2149 01:21:16,309 --> 01:21:17,744 on this dusty, windy night. 2150 01:21:17,777 --> 01:21:18,912 - Get up there! 2151 01:21:18,945 --> 01:21:20,647 - Boom! - Nice! 2152 01:21:20,680 --> 01:21:23,817 - At 32, he's twice the age of some of the teenagers, 2153 01:21:23,850 --> 01:21:27,187 but showing he can still keep up with these kids. 2154 01:21:27,220 --> 01:21:29,322 He's been so close to winning it all before. 2155 01:21:29,356 --> 01:21:31,825 Twice, he was the last ninja standing. 2156 01:21:31,858 --> 01:21:35,095 With that Safety Pass, this could be his year. 2157 01:21:35,095 --> 01:21:37,731 - Don't need a lot of speed. Just stay focused on the steps. 2158 01:21:37,764 --> 01:21:39,232 - Yeah, he's been perfect this season. 2159 01:21:39,265 --> 01:21:42,469 Two buzzers, a Mega Wall, and a win on the Power Tower. 2160 01:21:42,502 --> 01:21:44,437 - Sailing through Tire Run. 2161 01:21:44,471 --> 01:21:47,107 Gotta stay right on top of this spinning wheel. 2162 01:21:47,107 --> 01:21:49,676 Extra swings here, though, sapping that body strength. 2163 01:21:49,709 --> 01:21:53,279 - Control the speed here. Land softly. 2164 01:21:53,313 --> 01:21:54,314 Nice. - Good transfer. 2165 01:21:54,347 --> 01:21:56,449 - Very aggressive transfer too. 2166 01:21:56,483 --> 01:21:58,118 - Gonna have over a minute and a half 2167 01:21:58,118 --> 01:22:00,887 for these final three obstacles. 2168 01:22:00,920 --> 01:22:02,589 - Keep it going, man. - Stay focused, Joe! 2169 01:22:02,622 --> 01:22:04,124 - You got it, Joe! You got it! 2170 01:22:04,157 --> 01:22:05,225 - Taking a moment here. 2171 01:22:05,258 --> 01:22:06,960 Well, he's given himself a cushion. 2172 01:22:07,060 --> 01:22:08,395 He has the Safety Pass, 2173 01:22:08,428 --> 01:22:11,331 but you can't pause for long on Stage 1. 2174 01:22:11,364 --> 01:22:13,800 - Oh, he's up the wall with plenty of time. 2175 01:22:13,833 --> 01:22:16,636 - Breathe, babe. Come on. Push through. 2176 01:22:16,670 --> 01:22:18,438 - And he's gonna pause here again 2177 01:22:18,471 --> 01:22:20,940 and consider his options at Split Decision. 2178 01:22:20,974 --> 01:22:22,642 He's got plenty of time to try Fly Hooks, 2179 01:22:22,676 --> 01:22:25,111 but he's seen some others get hung up there. 2180 01:22:25,145 --> 01:22:27,781 May be thinking about trying The High Road. 2181 01:22:27,814 --> 01:22:29,416 - Well, Matt, he should hit that button. Go! 2182 01:22:29,449 --> 01:22:31,084 - I think he wants it, Akbar. - Yeah. 2183 01:22:31,084 --> 01:22:33,086 Because he doesn't want to have to run through all this. 2184 01:22:33,086 --> 01:22:34,554 - Well, way ahead of the ring, 2185 01:22:34,587 --> 01:22:37,223 but he's got to time his jump off the trampoline. 2186 01:22:37,257 --> 01:22:38,358 - I like it. Playing-- 2187 01:22:38,391 --> 01:22:41,094 - No! - Oh! Ooh! 2188 01:22:41,094 --> 01:22:42,662 - No! 2189 01:22:42,696 --> 01:22:46,099 [crowd groaning] 2190 01:22:46,132 --> 01:22:47,734 - He jumped early! 2191 01:22:47,767 --> 01:22:51,004 Joe Moravsky's gonna have to use that Safety Pass. 2192 01:22:51,104 --> 01:22:53,506 - Aw, man, he could have used it for Stage 2, 2193 01:22:53,540 --> 01:22:55,709 and it's out. 2194 01:22:55,742 --> 01:22:59,279 - I can't believe I have to use this. 2195 01:22:59,312 --> 01:23:01,915 - Yeah, he's an intense ninja, Matt. 2196 01:23:01,948 --> 01:23:05,051 - Come on! Pathetic! 2197 01:23:05,051 --> 01:23:06,886 - Well, you can just see the frustration. 2198 01:23:06,920 --> 01:23:09,255 [tense music] 2199 01:23:09,289 --> 01:23:11,925 Let's take a look at what happened. 2200 01:23:11,958 --> 01:23:13,493 - He had plenty of time. 2201 01:23:13,526 --> 01:23:15,695 He was waiting for the ring to pass by, 2202 01:23:15,729 --> 01:23:17,697 but he just jumped too early. 2203 01:23:17,731 --> 01:23:19,199 His timing was way off, 2204 01:23:19,232 --> 01:23:21,634 and now, he's gonna have to come back next week 2205 01:23:21,668 --> 01:23:23,069 and run this course again. 2206 01:23:23,103 --> 01:23:24,404 - Let's go down to Zuri. 2207 01:23:24,437 --> 01:23:26,639 - Joe, I know you're disappointed right now. 2208 01:23:26,673 --> 01:23:28,108 You threw the Safety Pass in the water. 2209 01:23:28,141 --> 01:23:29,376 You said, "Pathetic." 2210 01:23:29,409 --> 01:23:31,211 What was going through your mind in that moment? 2211 01:23:31,244 --> 01:23:34,214 - You know, I very rarely tell people 2212 01:23:34,247 --> 01:23:37,283 that I'm good at, like, one specific thing, 2213 01:23:37,317 --> 01:23:41,654 but if I had to say my favorite thing, my best skill, 2214 01:23:41,688 --> 01:23:43,390 it would be a trampoline jump. 2215 01:23:43,423 --> 01:23:45,225 I just--it's crazy. 2216 01:23:45,258 --> 01:23:47,827 - Well, we'll see you try again next week. 2217 01:23:47,861 --> 01:23:49,396 Guys, back to you. 2218 01:23:49,429 --> 01:23:51,498 - A shocking end to the night. 2219 01:23:51,531 --> 01:23:53,400 And we end up with two teenagers 2220 01:23:53,433 --> 01:23:54,968 atop our leaderboard, 2221 01:23:55,001 --> 01:23:57,404 Isaiah Thomas and Kaden Lebsack, 2222 01:23:57,437 --> 01:24:01,474 followed by veterans, Tyler Gillett and Sean Bryan. 2223 01:24:01,508 --> 01:24:03,643 But five teenagers are among the 12, 2224 01:24:03,677 --> 01:24:06,646 including 16-year-old "Ninja Junior" champ 2225 01:24:06,680 --> 01:24:08,048 Vance Walker, 2226 01:24:08,048 --> 01:24:10,617 along with Max Feinberg and Elijah Browning. 2227 01:24:10,650 --> 01:24:14,487 Veteran Adam Rayl made it by the slimmest of margins. 2228 01:24:14,521 --> 01:24:15,555 That's it for tonight. 2229 01:24:15,588 --> 01:24:17,190 Next week, we'll wrap up Stage 1, 2230 01:24:17,223 --> 01:24:20,293 and then move on to the even more challenging Stage 2! 2231 01:24:20,326 --> 01:24:22,562 - And Matt, Stage 2 is a killer. 2232 01:24:22,595 --> 01:24:24,064 - Absolutely, big man. 2233 01:24:24,064 --> 01:24:26,900 For Akbar Gbajabiamila and Zuri Hall, I'm Matt Iseman. 2234 01:24:26,933 --> 01:24:30,904 We'll see you next time on "American Ninja Warrior." 2235 01:24:30,937 --> 01:24:34,274 * * 2236 01:24:36,076 --> 01:24:38,978 [dramatic music] 2237 01:24:39,079 --> 01:24:46,086 * *