I am going to start off by saying I really did not think Joe Moravsky was going to finish. I didn't necessarily doubt that he was going to miss Vegas, but I thought he would fall on the Nail Clipper like the 19 others. This is because Jamie Rahn finished at the half way mark on the show and earned the POM Wonderful Crazy Healthy Run of the Night. I would think that they don't give it on the spot because in Cleveland's Qualifying Round, Najee and Joe and Allyssa all finished, but they gave it to LaBreck who ran/finished last overall. They were either very confident in the fact that LaBreck could finish, or they already knew and edited it before it aired. They always give the Run of the Night after the recipient runs, not at the end of the show, which is why I think they already know the outcome and give the Run of the Night after everything happens. This is just what I think; I could be totally wrong about how they go about things. In L.A. there were 4 finishers, and they gave the Run of the Night to Charlie Andrews, who I think was the first finisher. Perhaps, they don't edit and they gave it to him because he was the first finisher, and they didn't know if there would be anyone else joining him or because he was a rookie and did really well. I mean, he might have gotten it because he was actually deserving of it. Anyway, back to my original point. I thought Joe didn't finish because Rahn received the Run of the Night, so I thought maybe he was the only finisher. Thankfully, Joe did finish. I still think it was a little weird that they gave it to Rahn. He did a phenomenal job, but Joe, frankly, did it better. He had a faster time, and it seemed like he had more energy to spare but the end. Joe is definitely my second bet for winning it all behind Drew. Joe doesn't even look like someone for ANW. He really is an Average Joe, but in reality he's like the epitome of strength and ANW. If I heard correctly, he has never missed a trip to Vegas, in all 5 years of competing. He has always gone to Vegas, hit a ton of buzzers in Vegas and City courses, he goes the fastest, and goes the farthest. Plus, not to mention, Joe doesn't own a gym like many others including Drew Drechsel. He's just an ordinary weatherman with extraordinary talent (not to sound too cliche). Joe Moravsky has always delivered an epic performance on the course. He was also on the winning team of Team Ninja Warrior with Levin and Beird and on the Today show doing some obstacle work and has been on Team USA. Joe Moravsky is really an amazing guy. It is kind of funny that all the major events of his adult life have been documented on ANW, except maybe his engagement. It's gone from being engaged, to being married, to having their first kid, to now having their second kid. It's kind of funny, weird, and great all at the same time. Without a doubt, Joe is one of my favorites on the show, and I would love to see him win everything just as much as Drew.
Now, I think we need to mention Jamie Rahn. I know Rahn is a fan favorite, and I know he has grown and become a lot stronger over the years. However, I really didn't think he would finish. Not to mention he ran fairly early in the 2 hour show. He was at the half way mark, and in the past it took longer to find a finisher. Well, in L.A. I don't really remember where in time exactly Andrews ran, but I still feel like it was later than Rahn. It was surprising because it was still a really hard course, but Rahn was getting business done. I was shocked, honestly, but it is fantastic that he finished. Rahn dropped out a little early in Vegas last year, so I hope he goes farther this year. He really impressed me this year, though, too. So, I look forward to his run even more than usual.
I also want to mention James McGrath. Poor James. He recently had intense shoulder surgery. Depending on how long ago it was, he shouldn't have even run. There was a comment that due to the surgery, he hadn't been able to train the same way he usually does. So, either that or the surgery itself affected his run. After just the Ring Toss (the first obstacle to require any strength) he was taxed and looking hurt. I thought it was his shoulder acting up, but my brother pointed out that because of the lack of training his body wasn't used to the rigor. However, like I said, he was tired on the Ring Toss, and that was only the 4th obstacle, and the first one to need any body strength. So, there's chance that his shoulder was acting up. Regardless, he still did a phenomenal job competing, almost securing his place in Vegas. If only he could have dismounted off the Nail Clipper. He was in pain throughout the whole course, but he still managed to do better than about 18 other athletes. Behind Joe and Jamie, he pretty much did the best, and he was hurting. If only he could have gone a little faster, he could have secured a place based on time. It's really sad to know he isn't returning to Vegas. Perhaps it's for the best, though, because if he was in pain in Cleveland, it could have been dangerous for him to compete again. Matt and Akbar did not go easy on him, either. They made sure to mention that he was not his usual self (not "The Beast"), and that he was too slow and Najee should not make the same mistake when he was running. McGrath nearly completed the Nail Clipper, too, which made it worse. With every obstacle, I thought he would drop, but he even passed 4 Nail Clipper cylinder transitions. He tried the backwards dismount, but I'm not totally sure if that technique was what caused him to drop. He might just have been too tired. Anyway, it is truly unfortunate that he won't be back in Vegas. I also think it was cute (in a bromance, friendship kind of way) that Drew was there on the sidelines, since they used to be roommates.
About Najee. I really like Najee. He is a really great athlete, but it's a shame he couldn't pass the Nail Clipper. He went with a new technique of jumping across instead of reaching across like the others. I for one can not say I liked that technique. It obviously didn't work because he fell, becoming yet another victim to the Nail Clipper. I was relieved that he made it into Vegas, though, which is what matters most. He was only 13th though, so he's not a speed demon. He wasn't on the bubble or anything, but he was pushing it there.
I liked the women here. There was actually some competition. From the Qualifying I thought LaBreck and Beird were a given, but then Michelle Warnky put up an impressive run. Warnky also went first, which I thought was unusual. She did a lot better than I thought she would though, making it past the obstacle she fell on plus 3 more obstacles. I never realize how much slower women go than the men until actual times are posted. LaBreck still managed to sneak into the Top 15 which makes her that much better. Graff also cracked the Top 15, but that's no surprise because she's the Top female ninja. I think LaBreck is a close second, though. I would bet on her more than Martin. LaBreck made it to the 9th obstacle last year, but the 8th obstacle was the Sonic Shelf Grab which is not as taxing as the Nail Clipper, I think. Anyway, she'll actually be exciting in Vegas. I like the new women rule because the best women from the cities are competing and women don't just get a pass for not being a man. Unfortunately, Warnky won't be in Vegas since Beird pushed her out, but at least Beird is worthy of going there. I still don't have a ton of faith in any other women besides Graff, LaBreck, and Martin, but it'd be great to see some others like Kacy and Allyssa do well. In the end, just as I thought, Allyssa and Jesse were the women to move on, but Michelle did do really well.
It is astounding that the Nail Clipper took out 19/30 competitors. Only 2 people were able to complete it. This City Finals seemed to have more people drop on the Front Half than other cities. A couple fell on the Rolling Log and Razor's Edge, but a handful fell on the I-Beam Gap. This is an obstacle that if you don't complete it in Qualifying, there is less of a chance that you'll "Learn from your mistakes" and pass it the next time. The competitors don't get extra time to train, the finals are the next day, so this seems like the kind of obstacle you have less of a chance of figuring out the next day, if that makes any sense at all. The past three City Finals I noticed more people were getting revenge on the obstacles they failed on in Qualifying, and statistically, I suppose that is still the case. 19 fell on the Nail Clipper and 2 passed, meaning only 9 didn't even make it to the Nail Clipper. Those 9 were spread pretty evenly over the Rolling Log, Razors Edge, and The I-Beam Gap (and one Salmon Ladder). The Nail Clipper really took out a lot of people. I almost don't like seeing an obstacle like that. It does make those who can pass like Joe and Jamie even more impressive, but when it takes out about two thirds of the competitors, it's almost a little boring. Usually the 8th obstacle is the cut-off, so usually it's about reaching whatever the 8th obstacle is in a certain amount of time, so that part didn't change, but only 2 could best it. So, I'm not really sure how I feel about obstacles like these. Jamie and Joe both completed it very well. Jamie had this intense laser focus, no expressions, every movement deliberate; he wasted no time at all. He was fluid and accurate. Joe, of course, breezed through it like it was not big deal, making it look like child's play. Joe, Drew, Daniel, and I'm thinking Josh all have this natural talent. They make these courses look so easy. They're the celebrities of ANW for good reason. They're probably what all the other athletes aspire to be because they're so amazing.
They had some big names: James, Jamie, Joe, Jesse, Jon (all the J's), Allyssa, Najee, Michelle. There were some others that I recognized the names, but not necessarily the man. Michael Torres, Dan Galiczynski, and Tyler Cravens were three who made it to Vegas. Torres I think I remember from a year or so ago because he made it to Stage 2, and it might have been the year they added the Tarzan Rope Swing thing, and he went down on that.
I do have something for Jon Alexis Jr. I almost forgot. He definitely stands out for being tall, and I do think he is strong despite not really looking the part. He also seems to have gained some confidence from the All Star Warped Wall contest. Because he's tall, it was a little unfair. I mean, I think people expected him to be able to reach the 19' wall, and as my brother has pointed out over and over again, being tall doesn't mean you're a good athlete nor should you receive an excess amount of praise and recognition. However, like I said, I do believe he is a good athlete. He may have fell where everyone else did, but he still got there, and in a really fast time, ranking 3rd overall. I agree with the fact that having him compete in the Warped Wall contest was maybe a little unfair and for him making it up 19' doesn't really relate to his athletic abilities. What he does in the actual competition does show his strength, not his height. He gained some confidence which should be the biggest takeaway. Overall, though, that All Stars should be left as its own thing. He's proven to be strong, this year, though, and that's what matters.
I'm really glad Chris DiGangi is going to Vegas. Since we can't have Beauty and the Beast, at least we still have one power couple hanging on. I was especially glad because apparently this is DiGangi's first time back in 5 years?! It must mean a lot to be returning with his new girlfriend. He just needed that extra push of training and encouragement. He must have to be the type who is okay with his girlfriend being stronger than him, though, because I definitely think Jesse could surpass him physically.
I also want to give a shoutout to Anthony DeFranco. I remember him because he was fast last year and even this year in Qualifying. He beat Joe both years, and, granted, it was not by a lot, but he's fast. He was 9th overall this year, and I hope he can do something to gain a little recognition.
All in All, this was a great city. Only 2 finishers, but that is better than Daytona and San Antonio. It still pretty much took the best to do it, but I guess they're the best for a reason. Kansas City next week doesn't have as big of names. I won't lie, my faith in them is a little less. So it'll be interesting to see who, if anyone, can finish.
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