Hulk Hogan ("Hogan Knows Best") and Laila Ali ("Dancing with the Stars") host "American Gladiators," the iconic competition series, which returns with a fresh modern reinvention for the 21st century. This season features new Gladiators, forty new Contenders, new events in a state-of-the-art "Gladiator Arena." Using splashy twists including special effects, water skills and the latest technology, the classic games will be upgraded with even higher thrills, impact, energy and spectacle.

Each episode features two male and two female contenders competing against each other for points -- while battle-hardened gladiators stand between them and their goal. The series includes such classic events as Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough, Powerball, Assault, Pyramid, Gauntlet and the Eliminator along with two brand-new events including Earthquake and Hit & Run.

The two-hour premiere event showcases single mom and black belt Melissa Trinidad versus firefighter and Chernobyl survivor Elena Maskalik, while on the men’s side, grocery store owner Toby Gordin goes head to head with carpenter Randee Haynes. The intense second-hour kicks off with the male contenders as Para-Olympian John Sciliano battles with teacher Gerry Garcia. For the women, Air Force Major Vanessa Warren takes on feisty bartender Nikki Key. The drama builds as Nikki’s chance at Gladiator glory threatens to be cut short by injury.

"American Gladiators" is produced by MGM Television (the original producers of the show) and Reveille (NBC's "The Office" and "The Biggest Loser," "Nashville Star," "Ugly Betty"). Reveille's Mark Koops, Howard T. Owens and David A. Hurwitz ("Fear Factor") are the executive producers alongside Flor-Jon, Films Inc.'s Johnny Ferraro, original series creator.