When someone mentions American Gladiators, we are instantly struck by nostalgia for the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Before the Kardashian family entered the scene, this was the pinnacle of reality TV. Viewers loved nothing more than to watch the Gladiators fight the Contenders. For the duration of the show, we saw various contestants come and go. This was true not only for the original run from 1989 to 1996 but also for the Live Tour and the revival in 2008. If you watched the show, you must be wondering what the body-slamming stars are now up to. We only have three words for you… are you ready?
Where Are They Now? Let Us Catch Up With The Stars Of American Gladiators
Gold
Even before she landed a gig on American Gladiators, Tonya Knight was a pretty big deal already. As a matter of fact, she had been one of the most accomplished professional bodybuilders on the planet! She won competitions in different parts of the globe left and right. She was on the show from 1990 to 1992 and used the name Gold. However, she had to retire after a knee injury. On another note, she found love with John Poteat, who is the twin brother of Atlas. Even though they eventually went their own ways, they welcomed a son called Malachi.
Gold
Laser
Jim Starr, under the name Laser, stuck around for seven seasons of American Gladiators! Even though he was on the small side at only 230 pounds, he was a beast on the stage. He was able to make a career in the fitness industry and even worked with Life Time Fitness as the director of product development for some time. “I’ve become an avid mountain biker,” he said in an interview. He added, “I bike four days a week and then I’m at the gym lifting weights for the other three days. If I don’t get on that bike I’m really intense. Ask my wife.”
Laser
Blaze
There are not a lot of people who could top Blaze in terms of durability and strength. Born Sha-Ri Pendleton, she already had serious muscles before she joined the cast of the show in 1989. After all, she was a bodybuilder and Olympic javelin thrower! She was on American Gladiators, but she now works as a substitute teacher in Bellflower, California when she is not busy maintaining her physique. She also works as a coach at St. John Bosco High! It is pretty cool to know that her son was on the team.
Blaze
Rebel
Mark Tucker might have seemed right at home on the show, but it looks like football has always had his heart. He entered American Gladiators for its fifth season and impressed everyone with his upper body strength. Before that, he was in the AFL and NFL. In 2006, he started working with the Arizona Rattlers and eventually became a coach on the team. He now teaches and serves as the offensive line coach at Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona. When he is not shaping young minds, he is busy fighting blazes and serving the community as a member of the Phoenix Fire Department.
Rebel
Mayhem
Even though his last name might suggest that he is a lover, William Romeo was a glorious fighter as Mayhem. His background in the martial arts and dance made him a very fluid contender on the show! He tried out for the original series but only got through in 2008. When the show was over, he started a career in Hollywood and landed roles in popular shows such as How I Met Your Mother and Without a Trace. Aside from that, he also teaches fitness classes here and there in LA.
Mayhem
Gemini
At a height of 6 feet 2 inches and a weight of 255 pounds, Michael Horton AKA Gemini looked like a true threat. However, the truth was that he was a gentle giant and among the nicest members of the cast. He also came from the NFL like a number of his colleagues on the show. This is why it is not surprising to hear that he went on to become a second-degree black belter and a personal trainer. He has passed on his love of sports onto his sons! Wes Horton even played for the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints in the NFL before he retired in 2019.
Gemini
Ice
When you compare Lori “Ice” Fetrick to his colleagues on the show, she was pint-sized! She did not only stay on the show because she signed up to join the 114-city Live Tour as well. Fetrick had been an athlete since she was young and even participated in various activities during her time in high school. After American Gladiator, she made guest appearances in a number of TV shows. She also wrote a fitness book and produced a workout video. She later opened a gym and worked as a personal trainer but later switched careers and became a Financial Professional for Transamerica.
Ice
Atlas
Also known as Atlas, Philip Dow Poteat did not stay on the show for more than a season. However, he managed to win fans over in such a short span of time! He liked acting as much as he did bodybuilding, so it must have been a dream come true when he joined the show. Sadly, he died in 2017 at the age of 50. “His faithful friends all over the country know and remember him as a big man with a big heart and beautiful soul,” says his memorial. “They will remember him as a lover of motocross racing, fast cars, and all levels of football (especially the Philadelphia Eagles) and the great adventure of living large.”
Atlas
Lace (The Second)
With her beauty and brawn, Natalie Lennox was a hit on American Gladiators. She originally applied to be a competitor but was cast as a Gladiator to replace Marisa Pare for the role of Lace. In the end, Siren replaced her. After her stint on the show, she decided to change tracks completely. This is how she came to own her own horse farm in Florida. But do not worry as she has not abandoned the world of muscles either. As a matter of fact, she even joined a bodybuilding competition for the first time in 2014! That year, she was a contender in the NPC Orlando Europa Show of Champions.
Lace (The Second)
Malibu
The show would not have been such a huge hit if it did not have such a variety of Gladiators. Deron McBee was cast as a laidback surfer guy in the role of Malibu, but he definitely knew how to battle it out. The truth was that McBee liked racketball more than surfing. After taking some time away from the show, he returned but not for a long time. He appeared on the live tour but ultimately left to focus on a film career. You might have even seen him in Batman Forever and Mortal Kombat: Annihilation in the past!
Malibu
Elektra
What happened to Elektra after she left the show in 1993? We have the answer for you! Born Salina Bartunek, the talented athlete got her start by playing Shadow during the Live Tour before she joined the cast of the TV show. However, she has many things going on for her. She was not just one of the best competitors on the show, but she has also worked as an actress, choreographer, sports model, and professional dancer. It is an understatement to call her a woman of many skills! There was also a time when she was an AntiGravityFitness.com Master Instructor. She is a competitive rock climber as well.
Elektra
Storm
During her time on the show, Debbie “Storm” Clark showed us that she was a fearless lady. However, her life changed completely after she suffered a knee injury on the set. She was forced to retire in 1993 for this reason. In 2008, she escaped from an abusive relationship together with her son. Sadly, she had nowhere to go and had to live on the streets for more than two years. Her former costars learned about what happened, banded together, and helped her get back on her feet. “Homelessness does not have any prejudice,” she was quoted as saying. “You can end up in the same situation, it doesn’t matter.”
Storm
Lace (The Original)
We have talked about the second Lace but let us not forget about the original! Marisa Pare earned the moniker because she was 120 pounds and 5 feet 8 inches. Her slender physique did not fool anyone as she showed us that she could throw down when necessary. Before the show, she had been an interior designer who worked as a lead singer on the side. After the show, she posed for Playboy and appeared in Renegade and Clueless. She has since retired from the limelight, so it is not surprising to hear that you have not heard much about her in recent years.
Lace (The Original)
Tower
The next person on our list is Steve Henneberry, also known as the Tower of Power. This Mr. America winner had everything needed to be a great Gladiator from good looks to unbelievable strength. He was on the show for three seasons and took advantage of the wrestling skills he acquired during his high school years. He is best known for his resilience – there was even a time when he got 44 stitches and went back to work only three hours later! For three years, he was a staple on the show. In 2000, he changed his career by going into commercial and residential real estate title insurance. Aside from that, he also started his very own printing and graphic design business under the name Huckleberry Designs.
Tower
Jade
Kimberly “Jade” Rogers got her start on the show as a Contender and worked hard to reach the top. She entered the live shows in Orlando and stayed with the enterprise until it stopped operations in 1998. Among other things, she was superb at Powerball! She discovered bodybuilding when she was serving in the army, where she reached the rank of sergeant. After leaving the army, she was able to snag a spot on American Gladiators and take her passion for bodybuilding to a new level. She still likes to work out, but she now has a career in real estate. In her spare time, she raises American Bulldogs!
Jade
Turbo
With his ability to go from zero to hero and dashing good looks, Galen Tomlinson was a dream come true for the producers. As Turbo, he was on the show from 1990 to 1996, took a break, and returned in 1996. He auditioned for the show without seeing a single episode, which is pretty unbelievable. These days, he resides in Southern California and works as the director and head coach of the Coast North County Volleyball Club. With twenty years of teaching to his name, we do not doubt that he is an expert in the sport. He has a niece called Carli who went on to become a professional player in Italy.
Turbo
Nitro
Dan Clark joined the cast of the show when it first came out. At the time, he was already a prominent athlete who had a brief stint in the NFL. On the show, he was called Nitro and faced many contenders, usually winning against them in the end. When the show came to an end, he started to act and wrote a 2009 memoir. After he suffered a heart attack, he reevaluated his life and wrote another book. In 2007, F Dying came out and discussed what life was like after his health problems. He has also made a name for himself by founding a health program that tackles childhood obesity called Ten Thousand Pounds.
Nitro
Siren
It is impossible to deny just how integral to the show Siren was. Shelley Beattie showed all of us that you do not need to slow down just because of a disability! She was only three years old when she became deaf after accidentally eating aspirin. It was a good thing that her hearing got better over the years. This Western Oregon State College graduate was a heptathlete, gymnast, and bodybuilder. At one point, she also worked as a counselor at a group home and helped children in need. In 2008, however, she failed to conquer her personal demons and passed away three days after she attempted to commit suicide.
Siren
Jazz (The Second)
Even though Victoria Gay is the second person to use the Jazz title, she made it her own. She was known to be fierce during battles, so people always paid attention to her when she was on the screen. At first, she wanted to be a contender. However, the producers liked her and asked her to be a Gladiator on a fulltime basis. She is now working in real estate in Humble, Texas. It seems that her son got the athletic gene from her! Barry Bowman was on the basketball team of Southwestern Louisiana, after all. It is neat to hear that Jazz had been busy working on a petroleum technology degree before she joined the show.
Jazz (The Second)
Diamond
Diamonds are not only pretty, but they are hard as nails as well. Erika Andersch showed us that this is the case by giving it her all when she was on AG from 1990 to 1993. As a teenager, she took up basketball, bodybuilding, softball, soccer, and volleyball. She could always perform any task given to her and excelled on the field. This German-born fighter went on to star in commercials, pose for Playboy, and play the Knife Thrower Dame in Batman Returns after the show.
Diamond
Zap
Born Raye Hollitt, Zap stayed true to the name by coming in like a lightning bolt to blow the minds of the viewers during her debut. She was no stranger to the entertainment or bodybuilding worlds when she joined the show. In fact, she was a competitive bodybuilder by then already! In 1992, she joined her last bodybuilding competition a couple of years. She has since worked as an actress, snowboard instructor, massage therapist, and personal trainer. During the peak of her career, she graced the cover of Musclemag International not just once but three times!
Zap
Hawk
Any fan can tell you that Lee Reherman, also known as Hawk, was adored in the Gladiator community. He was on the show for three years but also joined the cast of International Gladiators. Aside from that, he was in That’s So Raven, Hannah Montana, Gilmore Girls and Angel as well. Sadly, the Hawkster ended his figurative flight on March 1, 2016. He fell ill from blood clots brought about by his hip replacement surgery. His old castmates got together to commemorate his life on March 5 at his favorite bar in California. Rest in Peace, Hawk.
Hawk
Sky
Before she became known as Sky, this fighter used the name Athena when she worked on the American Gladiators Live Tour. Shirley Eson-Korito turned out to be a hit among the viewers, which was why she was asked to join International Gladiators. She liked the show and stayed until it came to an end. She was a great athlete who has joined many races in the past. Mind you, she used to be a centurion! She now runs a residential pet hotel in Florida called Fur and Feathers Pet Resort. However, she has not abandoned sports. In 2016, she even joined the IFBB Orlando Pro & NPC Southern USA!
Sky
Wolf
When you go by a nickname like this one, people are going to have high expectations of you. It was a good thing that Don Yates lived up to them. Also called Hollywood, he was a part of the 2008 revival of the show. He definitely brought a fair amount of glamor to American Gladiators. With his energy, the viewers were always entertained. Aside from his stint on the show, he once worked as a professional rodeo clown and rodeo circuit bullfighter! Over the years, he has raked in various awards in the industry. Sadly, he ended up breaking a total of 130 bones and getting 3 surgeries to win these.
Wolf
Crush
Even though Gina “Crush” Carano seemed like a girl-next-door, the brunette bombshell could put up a fight like no one else. When she was in high school, she led the basketball team to victory at state championships! She played softball and volleyball as well. It is clear that she was born to be an athlete! After a great stint in MMA, she quit the sport and gave acting a shot. In 2011, she appeared in a Steven Soderbergh film called Haywire and earned a Critic’s Choice Award nomination for it. She has since appeared in Deadpool, In The Blood, and Fast & Furious 6.
Crush
Titan (The Original)
With 220 lbs. of pure muscle, David Nelson seemed to have the makings of a true American Gladiator. However, let us just say that Titan had a competitive streak that made him look like an angry, violent, and unpredictable guy. He did not last longer than half of the freshman season. There were rumors that claimed that he was sacked for chasing the ref. Despite this, he kept working in the entertainment industry by making cameos in shows and starring in more than 30 commercials. In 2000, he joined the world of pro wrestling and even appeared in the music video for “It Doesn’t Matter” by Wyclef Jean.
Titan (The Original)
John
Mike Adamle might have been great, but it would not have been the same had John Ferraro not been there to host with him. The two of them had been the dream team and made every move seem more interesting. Ferraro worked on the show for many years and has even worked on the spin-offs. He has kept a low profile over the years, but he has been working on a Finnish version of the show since 2017!
John
Mike
There was no need for Mike Adamle to tackle or body-slam anyone on the screen. He simply had to commentate the show to keep us all entertained. He was on the mic from the beginning of the show until 1996. No one could get the crowd going like he could! We are not surprised to hear that he went on to work on other things when the show ended. In 2008, he started to work for WWE and even got to the position of General Manager for Raw. He also competed in triathlons and worked for the AFL.
Mike
Havoc
While he was not on the show for a long period of time, George King should have gotten more praise for his sportsmanship and bravery. He was able to go up against the Wall and make it look easy! We are sad to report that the football player only appeared during the latter half of the fourth season. There is not a lot of information on what he is doing right now, but he did have a small role in Nutty Professor II: The Kumps! In the movie, he was a stripper and appeared with Janet Jackson and Eddie Murphy.
Havoc
Jazz (The Original)
The first Jazz in the series was a delight to watch, but you would only know of her if you watched the American Gladiators Live Tour. After all, Rhonda Shuman Lundstedt did not show up on the TV version. She first started to enjoy working in the hopes of getting back her old physique after bearing four kids. It eventually turned into her passion and pushed her to become an amazing bodybuilder! Sadly, she had to give it up after a car crash that led to a couple of injuries. We are glad to hear that she was able to fully recover from the accident. She now resides in Key West and enjoys a quiet life with her four children.
Jazz (The Original)
Sabre
“Hang tough, hang tough on Sky Track, Cause I’m the real Eliminator about to highjack,” goes his rap. It might not be super intimidating, but this does not matter to Red Williams. He was a former LA Rams player who appeared in a number of TV shows in the past. He is now married to Rhonda, and they have three children together. As a teenager, he was a member of Bloods. He now goes to local schools to talk and serves as a great role model to the youth. Aside from these things, he is also a part of the Cancer II Foundation and the Constitutional Rights Foundation.
Sabre
Dallas
Shannon Hall hoped to be a Contender but ended up snagging a spot as a Gladiator on the show instead! Like her peers, she ended up killing it during the audition that she was offered a permanent role instead. She went by the name Dallas because people kept forgetting her real name. Her athletic prowess did not go unnoticed either. As a matter of fact, she got an offer for a pro boxing contract in 1996. To no one’s surprise, she ended up making it big as a heavyweight champion. In 1998, WWE offered her a contract, but she did not appear on the show. At the moment, she is running a gym called Gladiator Arena.
Dallas
Tank
The truth was that you could be chosen as a Gladiator, but there was still no guarantee that you would get any screen time. We know the usual faces picked to appear in front of the cameras, but there were also alternates that could substitute should anything go wrong. Tank, born Ed Radcliffe, was in the latter category. After Raye Hollitt asked him to try it out, the former marine was eager to face off Contenders. In the end, he decided to leave the show once it dawned on him that Hollywood was not for him. He did not want to be famous because his goal was to simply battle it out.
Tank
Thunder
With his floppy blonde hair and serious demeanor, you can say that Billy Smith did not look like he planned to mess around as Thunder. With a weight of 280 lbs., he was totally into the idea of body-slamming the Contenders. Once he got bored with the bodybuilding aspect of the show, he started to focus on science and nutrition in the early ‘90s. Now, he is the owner and CEO of a business called Intrafitt Enterprises. It helps athletes pick exercise programs and specialized nutrition plans tailored to suit their needs. He used to be married to Panther, a fellow Gladiator, but things did not last.
Thunder
Panther
After Storm got a knee injury, Panther was the one to hop in and join the Live Tour. Even though she showed promise as an alternate on the show, she never appeared on the show. However, she did find love on the show! She and Thunder got married after they fell for each other during training. After her time on American Gladiators, she made a name for herself as one of the top-ranking and most well-respected adventure sports athletes out there. She and Thunder have since gotten divorced.
Panther
Titan (The Second)
Bob Cicherillo did not seem fazed by the fact that he was the second person to play Titan. He was on the Live Tour and used to be a bodybuilding star that specialized in Breakthrough & Conquer and Powerball. We are sure that these challenges would be enough to make other way grown men cry! He was featured in a number of magazines and was even in the music video for “All-Star” by Smash Mouth! Aside from that, he also co-hosted a radio show called Pro Bodybuilding Weekly to talk about this topic alongside Dan Salomon. He and Stewart Scott worked on an ESPN SportsCenter commercial together.
Titan (The Second)
Viper
Mind you, sports were not just a hobby for Scott “Viper” Berlinger. He pretty much grew up with it! After all, he has been an athlete since he was six years old. When he got to high school, he was already an All-State swimmer. By the time he was in college, he became known for his amazing skills inside the ring as a wrestler! His love of sports made him create a cycling team of his own in New York City. It is called Full Throttle Endurance Racing and has since bagged four USA Triathlon Championship titles. How awesome is it that Men’s Journal has named him one of the top five American coaches?
Viper
Cyclone
Primed as one of the greatest Gladiators in the scene, things went downhill for Cyclone after a bicep injury. He had no choice but to bow out after a short run, but he did not give up on the entertainment industry just yet. He snagged a part in The Bodyguard and Death Becomes Her, although his career did not ever really pick up. This must be the reason he went into business with a friend and created a food company called Lenny and Larry’s. Focused on high-protein snacks, Don Crouch bought the enterprise, but Turner bought his half of it back and continues to serve as its CEO.
Cyclone
Beast
When it comes to being big and bad, it was hard to beat Matt Morgan. Also known as “Beast,” he was among the most formidable Gladiators on the show during the ‘00s. He knew how to make an entrance in a cage and could bring down a Contender in a matter of eight seconds. Aside from his time on the show, he was also a pro wrestler in TNA Wrestling. The two-time World Tag Team Champ was with WWE from 2002 to 2005 as well. Considered to be a prime specimen of man, they took his DNA and stored it in the Immortality Drive that was sent up to the International Space Station back in 2008.
Beast
Sunny
With her 6 feet 2 inches stature, Sunny was touted as the “All-American Woman” on the show. She is just as fierce as she is beautiful and knew how to play the part to perfection. The model and competitive swimmer helped the show get off to a great start, but she did return after suffering an injury in the very first season. She has since fallen out of the public eye, although she continues to dip her toes in the entertainment industry. No need to worry, she has not abandoned sports either. She still races bikes competitively. Considering how great she was on the show, we bet that she is raking in a lot of trophies!
Sunny
Fury
Just so you know, it was not at all easy for Contenders who had to go up against Fury. Jamie Reed Kovac is as strong as a horse! After all, she grew up pumping iron and participating in competitive sports back in school. She is great on the varsity track and on the pole vault, eventually making a name for herself in these categories. After the show, she went on to join competitions of physical strength. In 2010, she was given the title of America’s Strongest Middleweight Woman. We bet that she is enjoying the full support of Frank Kovac, her husband. He used to play hockey for the Cornell Big Red!
Fury
Titan (The Second)
It is not a stretch to call Mike O’Hearn 251 lbs. of steel. He was the second guy to use the Titan moniker and was known for his amazing strength. With his great physique and ability to demolish his opponents, it was hard to believe that he was human. He was on the original series and NBC’s American Gladiators. Apart from his time on TV, he has been given the title of Mr. Universe not just once but four times! Let us just say that he has too many bodybuilding accolades for us to mention them all. We are not shocked to hear that he has been featured on fitness magazine covers more than 500 times.
Titan (The Second)
Flame
This blonde beauty was a huge fan of the show before a friend informed her that they were hosting tryouts! Nekole Hmarick took her chance right away. Luckily for her, the producers liked her and snapped her right up. As Flame, she went on to spend two years on the show. Like her costars, she did not mess around when it comes to bodybuilding either. This was the reason why she was still winning titles left and right even years after the end of the show. Even though she is in amazing shape, she has since shifted gears. She is now working as an intensive care nurse in Florida!
Flame
Raven
There are Gladiators who stay on the series for years on end, but many do not last longer than a season. Sherilyn Godreau, also known as Raven, was the latter. She did not ever make it to our screens, but she was a part of American Gladiators Orlando Live. Apart from this stint, she has left an impact in a different field. Among other things, she has been crowned Ms. Pro National, Ms. North Florida, Ms. Tampa Bay, Ms. Florida Fitness America, and Ms. St. Petersburg. The people in the bodybuilding scene in Florida probably look up to her as some kind of heroine! She continues to compete and receives steady income by serving as the manager of an Orlando gym called Serenity Fitness Center.
Raven
Thor
Paul Rogers, also known as “Thor,” got his start by flexing those muscles in the United Kingdom before crossing the pond in 1994. He snagged his American Gladiators stint two years after he went to the US. Two years later, he decided to follow a totally different career. By 2006, he was already serving as a full-time pastor. He and his wife also worked to set up a church of their own in Orlando, Florida! He now spends his days preaching and traveling to other countries in the hopes of spreading a message. Among other things, he likes to deliver speeches that are anti-alcohol and anti-drugs.
Thor
Stealth
What she lacked in height, she made up in fierceness. Stealth was definitely an appropriate nickname for Tanji Johnson, who joined the show in 2008. At only 5 feet 3 inches tall, she could sneak up on Contenders and dart around like no one else. After leaving the show, her career started to pick up. Over the years, she has joined various competitions such as Emerald Cup, Toronto Fitness Classic, and All-Star Pro Fitness. She also works as a personal trainer. When it comes to whipping people into shape, we can’t think of anyone who is more qualified than her. Aside from that, she also writes for fitness magazines.
Stealth
Hurricane
There are not a lot of Olympians on the show. We know that Breaux Greer styled his hair in a way that made him seem like he had just been electrocuted, but he probably boasts more talent in one toe than most people have in their entire bodies. On the javelin, the Texan athlete was on the US team during three different Olympic Games. Even though he is best known for his strong throw, fans of the show must remember that, as Hurricane, he could defeat Contenders in a span of four seconds. A Powerball champion, he was really a true jewel when it comes to the franchise.
Hurricane
Phoenix
With her awesome nickname, pink hair, and a strong personality, Jennifer “Phoenix” Widestrom was one of the best things about the second season of the American Gladiators Revival. She has not looked back since then either! After she changed tracks and became a personal trainer, she made a name for herself as one of the most famous fitness experts on TV. In 2014, she worked as a trainer on The Biggest Loser to replace Jillian Michaels. She also appeared on E!, The Talk, Access Hollywood, ET, and Extra. We are barely scratching the surface of what she has already achieved, however. For one, she helps charities as well!
Phoenix
Rocket
There are not a lot of Gladiators who got to play both as a Contender and as a Gladiator. When Evan “Rocket” Dollard first appeared in the show, he was a Contender during the first season. It is neat that he was the only guy who succeeded in his efforts back then! In fact, he impressed the producers so much that they invited him to become a Gladiator. Aside from that, he was also on another NBC show called American Ninja Warrior and participated four times. He has hosted ESPN shows and runs a YouTube channel of his own as well. NBC seems to like him a lot, so he keeps working with them.
Rocket
Jet
It seems like Monica “Jet” Carlson has everything you need to be a great Gladiator. Not only is she pretty, but she had great strength thanks to her background as a dancer. She has ten siblings, so she had to battle it out at home. She was able to wow the team as a Contender, which was how she became a Gladiator. Before that, she was a Portland Trail Blazers dancer. Jet has worked on campaigns for Athleta, Adidas, Nike, and Under Armour. These days, she is busy as a fitness advisor and personal trainer.
Jet
Siren (The Second)
Considering the fact that sirens go off when you least expect it, Valerie Waugaman definitely had a great nickname on the show. Once she was on the stage, she could smash Contenders like no one else can. The Ohio native has an extensive sports background, which makes her the perfect Gladiator. Like her costars on the show, she is also super active in the world of fitness. Not only does the brunette focus on the physical aspect of it, but she has also made waves as a motivational speaker and a life coach. When she is not busy spreading her message, she lives in Ohio with her husband and daughter.
Siren (The Second)
Steel
Can you imagine what it must be like to be a Contender on the show only to face Steel? Erin Toughil is a mixed martial artist who can kick your butt without breaking a sweat. In terms of agility, fitness, and strength, it is hard to beat her. She was able to become the top female fighter in MMA before she retired and then joined the team in 2008. After the show wrapped up, she decided to start working as a trainer at American Gym in Costa Mesa, California. She is one of the most in-demand trainers there!
Steel
Hellga
Robin Coleman, also known as Hellga, was a true Nordic powerhouse at 6 feet 1 inch and 205 lbs. She was billed as a Viking who could beat anyone to a pulp! Born in Texas, she was no stranger to bodybuilding events during the late ‘90s. When she earned a spot on American Gladiators, she already had experience on TV since she worked on VIP. Aside from that, she snagged the role of Tanya in Days of Our Lives in 2008 and even appeared in a movie called Madea Goes To Jail. As you can see, this is one amazing lady who boasts many talents!
Hellga
Zen
Xin Sarith Wuku did not hold back at all when he auditioned for the show. By then, he was already aware of just how good he was at what he did. The martial artist rocked a ninja mask and Converse shoes, which he paired with magic dust and a sword. He shared, “I do my thing, I’m yelling, kicking, flipping, screaming.” In the end, producers impressed him and cast him as Zen. After the show, he stayed in the industry and has worked as an actor, dancer, and stunt coordinator. He has also met Jackie Chan, his idol, who gave him a piece of advice: “Get out there and make something of yourself!”
Zen
Justice
We are sure that you would not like to battle it out with Jesse Smith! Called Justice, he was a huge guy at 6 feet 7 inches and a weight of more than 290 lbs. How can you not quake in your boots when you see him? Aside from the show, he was also a pro wrestler for WWE and worked as an actor. Among other things, he appeared in Thor, NCIS: Los Angeles, Gilmore Girls and Blood and Bone. Tina Turner even enlisted him and Xin Sarith Wuku to show off their martial arts skills during her tour in 2009. He is a 3rd-degree black belter and a Khmer kickboxing trainer, so this makes perfect sense.
Justice
Electra (The Second)
Suzanne Powers did not stay on the show long. As a matter of fact, she was only on it from 1997 to 1998. Even though it was short, she definitely gave it her all. Even though she is not considered to be one of the greats, she was not the worst by a long shot. Unlike her colleagues, she decided to retire from the public eye after this stint. We do not exactly know what she has been getting up to lately, but we do know that she used to work for the Palm Beach Fire Department in Florida for some time after she left the show. At any rate, it is a relief to know that she was able to use her skills for good!
Electra (The Second)
Cobra
We all know that cobras are fierce and could strike at any moment. Knowing this, we think that it is a great name for Steve Luxton. The English Gladiator showed a lot of promise, but he had to leave the show after a terrible shoulder injury. Before he joined the series, he was given the title of Mr. Exeter not just once but thrice! However, speedway racing has always been his passion. We are not surprised to hear that he ended up opening a garage museum in Florida. If you want to check it out, it is called Cobra’s Garage Mahal. He is now living the dream and spending his days with his wife and two kids.
Cobra
Flash
Steven Caropelo is one of the few male Gladiators who had long hair on the show. It could be a hindrance during battles, but Flash did not let his hairstyle stop him from impressing us during the live shows. At first, he served as a referee during the American Gladiators Orlando Live show. However, he had to step in as a Gladiator after Viper got injured. Best known for his impressive climbing abilities and speed, he knew how to get the viewers viewing! What has he been up to after the live shows? Well, he has decided to become a personal trainer and a yoga teacher. What a cool combination.
Flash
Venom
With a moniker like that, you can bet that Beth Horn was deadly! Horn was on the show for only two seasons, but she was a huge hit among the viewers. Fans were blown away by how good she was at the Wall and Hang Tough. Truly, Contenders did not stand a chance against her. Apart from her time on the show, she has also appeared in various movies and TV shows such as Fancypants and Quantum Leap. She has since married Bruce Butler and runs HotReviews4U.com, her very own review site. Aside from the website, she also works as a model, personal trainer, and fitness writer.
Venom
Militia
Alex Castro is a Cuban-born Gladiator with a fascinating backstory. While he was making his way from Cuba to Miami on a boat, it capsized. The accident led to the death of six men, including his cousin. Not even five years after that, an NBC scout discovered him during a charity event. Even though he has not had a lot of acting credits after the show, he still lives and works in Los Angeles. He has said that his biggest inspiration is his desire to honor the memory of the people who lost their lives on that fateful day. By telling his story, he is able to do exactly that.
Militia
Tank
Known as Tank, Reggie Biegler could steamroll his opponents in the blink of an eye. He had no fear even if he had to throw himself in at the deep end to defeat the people who dare challenge him. This Army vet was truly unshakeable. There was even a time when he kept performing despite having broken a finger. After the show, he decided to change his career. He has since worked as a nutritionist, food consultant, and conditioning specialist. Aside from that, he has gone the extra mile to lend a hand to people in need by working as a life coach for people with disabilities and special needs.
Tank
Quake
You should know that scouts always looked for new Gladiators, but they did not always do it on the streets. Sean Maloney had been working as a clerk at the administration department during the American Gladiators Orlando Live shows when he was discovered. The production crew saw him and told him that he should try out. This was how he took on the persona of Quake and spent the following two years decking it out on the stage. While working on the show, he met Flame. The two of them eventually fell in love, got married, and lived happily ever after. Good for them!
Quake
Panther (The Second)
Corinne van Ryck de Groot, also known as Panther, was in a league of her own. We can’t think of anyone who had that much stealth and could jump like that. She was able to use her agility and speed to her benefit. Aside from that, she could also deliver a knock-out punch thanks to her background as a pro female boxer. Aside from her time on the show, you might have also seen her on TV shows such as Lost, Bet Your Life, Heroes, The Next Action Star, and The Ghost Whisperer. She stays in tip-top shape by practicing her favorite sports to this day.
Panther (The Second)
Toa
For Tanoai Reed, his stint on the show as a Gladiator made up only a small part of his long career. The producers on the show used his Maori ancestry to create a mysterious persona for him. However, he already had his own brand of allure even before that. Fun fact: he is actually the cousin of Dwayne Johnson, also known as the Rock! In the past two decades, Toa made a name for himself as a Hollywood stuntman. He has worked on projects such as Fast & Furious 6, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Skyscraper. If he can throw himself off a building and survive the fall, who even stands a chance against him?
Toa
Sabre
Growing up, Lynn Williams did not have it easy. In the past, he used to be affiliated with gangs before getting his life on the right track. He managed to beat 600 other hopefuls when he auditioned for American Gladiators. In the end, he stuck around for a couple of years. Sabre also starred in various TV shows, although he now spends his time going to schools to talk to young people about the dangers of joining gangs and encouraging them to take a different path. Not only that, but he also remains active in the entertainment industry. Just so you know, he has never lost his passion for sports and fitness!
Sabre
Ace
Evidently, the last nine years haven’t been kind to all of them, but consider this: they likely continue to work out and stay in shape, but they were required to perform at their peak performance level at all times while on the show. If they fell short, there were always substitutes available. Thus, it was either dominant or fall behind the line.
Ace
Hunter
It’s difficult to compare how some of them turned out to how they appear now, but you have to believe that some of these individuals were not springing chickens when they took on this job. They’re probably in their late thirties and forties now.
Hunter
Saracen
Saracen is one challenging Gladiator; he is not only the King of Hang Tough, with only one Contender ever making it to his platform, but he has also established himself as a force to be reckoned with on Duel and Powerball, to name a few. He is one of only four surviving Gladiators from the original lineup, and he excelled in each series.
Saracen
Rhino
Rhino dazzled the Gladiators crowds with his robotic dancing and body popping routines. He excels particularly well in power events like Gauntlet, Whiplash, and Suspension Bridge, where he is undefeated. Rhino is well-known for his incredible personality; he is always willing to spend time with each of his army of fans.
Rhino
Lightning
As Lightning, she earned a reputation as one of the toughest and most determined Gladiators in the United Kingdom. Known as the Queen of Hang Tough, she went undefeated in the UK Arena and was only beaten once, during Australia’s inaugural Ashes series. That defeat came in the opening heat of the first Ashes, when Australia’s Kerry Warman slid past Lightning and defeated her. Betts gave birth to a son named Lexus three weeks before the 1999 Gladiators series began.
Lightning
Nightshade
Nightshade is also a Tae Kwon-Do First Dan Black Belt. Additionally, she volunteers with the Duke of Edinburgh Award and serves as the Honorary President of the Women’s Sports Federation. Additionally, Nightshade was awarded an MBE for her sporting achievements. Renowned as one of the toughest female Gladiators of all time, her determination shone through in every performance. However, she excelled in Duel, Pole-Axe, and Suspension Bridge. Unfortunately, she contracted a highly contagious virus while filming the Ashes series in Australia. With the support of her husband Robin and fellow Gladiators, she continued in the show until 1996, when she realized she couldn’t give the show her all and that it was time to retire.
Nightshade
Cobra
Michael has since competed in the Springbok Challenge against South Africa. He now visits schools and youth clubs in the West Midlands on a regular basis to teach keep-fit and exercise classes. In 2019, he revealed that he had been hospitalized with pneumonia and also suffered from a shoulder injury. The 55-year-old athlete attributed the injury to years of strenuous workouts for the iconic ITV show.
Cobra
Fox
Fox was dubbed the ‘Gladiator who most resembles a muscly Meryl Streep’ (in my head). Following the show, she spent time in South Africa presenting a variety of television shows before returning to the UK and working as a freelance nutritionist and ‘lifestyle consultant.’ Her website appears to be hosted on Geocities.
Fox
Scorpio
Nikki worked as a reporter for Watchdog and produced 48 episodes of the children’s show Demolition Dad following her departure from Gladiators. She and her partner Neil Webster currently run the Chun Ming Dao Martial Arts Association in Epsom. Nikki also revealed that Michael Willson (Cobra) was her best friend on the show, with whom she maintained contact until recently.
Scorpio
Vogue
Suzanne published her own fitness videos after leaving the Gladiators and co-owned a fashion boutique called COR with former Gladiators Saracen and Panther. She later married Gladiators quarter-finalist Mark Roberts and welcomed daughter Amber and son Flynn into their family.
Vogue
Trojan
Mark has also appeared in films such as Daddy Day Care and Dr Dolittle 2, and most recently starred in Dragons of Camelot in 2014. Mark and Gladiators co-star Kate Staples (Zodiac) had a child together but have since broken up.
Trojan
Warrior
Michael was charged with perverting the course of justice in 1997 after allegedly paying a police officer on behalf of a gangster charged with attempted murder. He was sentenced to prison following a 24-day trial in which he was found guilty. He served a portion of a 15-month prison sentence and was denied an appeal in 2000. Michael later pursued careers in acting and singing, and eventually opened Mike Ahearne’s Pro Gym in Birkenhead.
Warrior
Zodiac
Kate also accepted a baby with fellow Gladiator Trojan (Mark Griffin), and Jet (Diane Youdale) was set to be Ella’s godmother. Later in life, she married rugby player Chris Sheasby, with whom she has a son. She continues working in health and fitness, running Adventure Bootcamp in Cobham, Surrey, and collaborating on initiatives to engage people of all ages in sport with decathlete Daley Thompson.
Zodiac
Falcon
Falcon was a long-standing Gladiator, donning the pink, blue, and white leotard for the show’s second season. Falcon was also known for her affability and good sportsmanship, always shaking the hands of her adversaries. Bernadette Hunt has promoted healthy living at schools across the country and has done promotional work for charity since hanging up her Lycra one-piece.
Falcon
Predator
Lajedo is best known for winning the 400 meters sprint at the 1994 European Championships. He has also competed on the BBC show Superstars, where he won the 2004 title. While he is not a well-known television personality, he is the creator of the television show Australia’s Greatest Athlete and the brand Trademark Greatest Athlete.
Predator
Bullit
Bullit is the only gladiator whose life resembles that of Action Man. Prior to joining the show, he served in the navy as a ‘underwater warfare specialist,’ trained as an engineer, worked as a researcher in the House of Commons, and won two bodybuilding titles. He was able to accomplish all of this because he wasn’t sat around all day playing Candy Crush like some people (me). Following the show, he appeared in Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels and returned to his engineering roots in the Brixton area more recently. He is also the father of So Solid Crew’s MC Harvey.
Bullit
Diesel
Diesel, a former model, appeared in series seven and eight before embarking on a reasonably successful film career. He starred as Russian antagonist Zed in The World Is Not Enough and also appeared as a vampire in Blade 2. He will not reprise his role in Thomas The Tank Engine, contrary to rumors.
Diesel
Ice
Lori Fetrick made an appearance on numerous television shows and even starred in the film CIA II: Target Alex during the height of her career. She remains active in the fitness industry and travels throughout the country promoting her health and wellness program.
Ice
Shadow
Jefferson struggled following his departure from the show following a steroid scandal. He then spent several years in prison and battled drug addiction, but has recently turned his life around and is now employed at a drug rehabilitation clinic.
Shadow
Amazon
Unfortunately, her Gladiators career was cut short when she ruptured her cruciate ligament during Pyramid. She returned for the 1996 Wembley Live Shows after an operation and months of rehabilitation, but the knee swelled and another operation was required, and she was unable to compete in the show she adored. Amazon, who has three children, Elliot, Grace, and Finley, went on to present Channel 4’s The Big Breakfast and the Olympic Games in 1996 and 2004. Additionally, she has produced numerous fitness videos and books, in addition to modeling.
Amazon