So, first up: the course. I absolutely hate the fact that the front half was not changed like the other cities. It is just not fair at all. If anything, they are solidifying that Philly's Qualifying was the easiest course as well as the fact that the courses are uneven. Yes, the Lightning Bolts took out a lot of competitors, but it the course overall was a rookie killer, which is also unfair. I realize the can't change the 5th obstacle, but they didn't change anything else, so maybe the Philly course was the easiest because, if not, why wouldn't they change anything? It just doesn't make sense, and, quite frankly, is really annoying. I think, overall, I had the biggest problem with this course. First, obviously, they didn't change anything like the other 4 cities. Next, it was a rookie killer which is unfair to the rookies. The Lightning Bolts were a technical challenge. Yes, one could fall on the impact from transitions, but it definitely wasn't like Doorknob Drop or Spin Hopper or even Slippery Slope or Crank It Up. The first 2 were finger/grip intensive, and the other 2 were generally upper body taxing. I'm not saying the Lightning Bolts didn't sap energy, but Matt and Akbar said themselves that it was not a friend to rookies specifically. Even between the previous 4 cities, there is an imbalance of difficulties. Philly's 5th obstacle was the most likely to drop people because of technique, not lack of strength. Next, the Captain's Wheel and Spinball Wizard. I definitely think the Captain's Wheel was hard. This was like the Cane Lane last week. The way the have to hold on looks crazy especially that late in the course. It's not a hanging motion where your hands are horizontal (sort of); it's a vertical position. Does that make sense? You can't really just hang there; you have to constantly be working to keep yourself up. Additionally, you have to be moving the wheel, so there is a moment in which your hanging by one hand. You can't slacken your grip for a second. I think Philly's 8th obstacle was the hardest compared to the Giant Cubes, the Nail Clipper, Crazy Clocks, and the Clacker. I would place the Nail Clipper 2nd, though. For 8th obstacles, I'd place them like this: Captain's Wheel, Nail Clipper, Clacker, Crazy Clocks, Giant Cubes. The Clacker and the Crazy Clocks are pretty close together, the only reason I place the Clacker as 3rd and the Crazy Clocks as 4th is because the Clacker is longer and requires more movements. Now, the 9th obstacle is different. I think the Spinball Wizard allowed for the whole hand to grip, and you could kind of hang. It wasn't specifically intensive. So, for 9th obstacles I'd place it like this: Cane Lane, Stair Hopper, Baton Pass, Spinball Wizard, Fallout. Again, Baton Pass and Spinball Wizard are fairly close together, I'd just give Baton Pass the edge because, again, it's longer and requires more time hanging. Then, while we're at it, my 5th obstacle ranking (including Minneapolis) would be: Doorknob Drop, Spin Hopper, Lightning Bolts, Slippery Slope, Crank It Up, Battering Ram. Honestly, it's hard to place the Lighting Bolts because it's different from the others in its nature and movements. Yes, there were only 3 finishers, but the fastest time was about 5 minutes, I think that is the next fastest finishing time behind Gil. This wasn't my favorite course, but I will say that the Captain's Wheel looked very difficult. I do find it very interesting that the last 3 people to qualify for Vegas only reached the Salmon Ladder (13) and the Lighting Bolts (14 & 15). Obviously, that says a lot of people couldn't pass the Lightning Bolts, but at the same time, I feel like there were a lot of rookies. Even if there weren't, most 18 of the 30 from Qualifying fell on the Lightning Bolts. So, either there were a lot or rookies, or this obstacle is really difficult to figure out, and 1 day was not enough. Of course, there is always the possibility that people just gassed out, but everyone? I think only 4 who fell on the Lighting Bolts in Qualifying were able to pass it the next night. So, it's all up to personal interpretation. This was not my favorite obstacle, nor was Philly my favorite course overall. The only obstacle which stuck out was the Captain's Wheel.
Alright, now that all of that is out of the way, let's talk finishers. Chris coming back is great, and he walked away with the fastest time both nights. He did really well in season 8 reaching Stage 2's The Wedge. I definitely can't wait to see him back at Vegas, and I hope he does well. They say he's one of the OG legends of ANW, and I hope he lives up to that. Then, of course, Najee The Phoenix. Since last year, he's quickly becoming one of my favorites. It really is a lot of fun to watch him fly like on the Spinning Bowties. Being one of the last men standing is gaining him a lot of attention, and so far he's living up to it. Najee isn't on my Top 5/Dream Team quite yet, but he has strong personal favor with me. I like his merch shirts, for one, but also his Phoenix pose. I just think Najee is someone who would be really cool in person. After this year, my arrangements might change, but I need just a little more from him before I can solidify his place in my books. The same goes for the other last man standing, Sean Bryan, for the record. I definitely want to see him back on Stage 3. People like Drew, Daniel, Josh, Nicholas, Jamie, and James are people I want to see on Stage 3, but I am cheering a little harder for Joe, Najee, and Sean because they were the last men standing, and I would love to see them again. They are also three easy fan favorites. Lastly, Jamie Rahn. Jamie is like Travis Rosen and James McGrath in the sense that he, to me personally, is like an OG. He's one of the first ninjas I remember remembering, if that makes sense. Before I was really into it and could remember a lot of names. It's probably due to his Captain NBC persona, but I think Jamie has definitely proven himself over the years. He finished his City Finals course last year with Joe (1 of 2 finishers, I believe), and I remember a couple years back in St. Louis there was a finger/grip, mini version of the Crazy Cliffhanger which he totally aced. That was when I really started to notice him, I think. Jamie is an OG, consistent, strong, growing, fun, memorable, and a fan favorite. Yet, at the same time, I think he's a little underrated. Not as underrated as some others (*cough Nicholas Coolridge), but enough that he's still skipped, you know. I hope Jamie can reach Stage 3 and show everyone what he's got. I think he can go far, and I think he can do well. I really wanted Najee, Jamie, and James to finish, and I was glad to see Jamie be the first to hit the buzzer.
Speaking of James. I was so disappointed he couldn't make it up the Spider Trap. I love James, and I definitely think he is a beast. James was off his game last year, but he still proved he was one of the best. He didn't make it to Vegas, but he had one of the best Finals runs of the night. He was too slow, but if he got points for distance, he would have won. He was much better last night, but it is a shame he couldn't get any traction. It's hard to tell how much of the problem was his shoes and how much was his fatigue. He obviously had trouble with his shoes, but was his focus split because he was trying to keep himself wedged in? Was the lack of traction sapping his strength so he couldn't lift the doors? Or was he actually tapped out and couldn't lift the doors? He didn't get very close to the doors like Najee did. Najee climbed high and was able to use his back and shoulders partially. James was lower and was trying to use his arms. There's chance it's because he was slipping down and would have been more work to keep climbing up if he was just going to slip back down again, if that makes sense. I don't really believe that James was completely tapped out, honestly. He earned the nickname The Beast, after all. The only way to know would be to ask him directly and openly. Obviously, I don't know, and probably never will, but it did look as though his shoes and the limited traction and his overall form contributed greatly to his fall. I will say it is a little embarrassing to fall on the Spider Trap. Not many people this season have, and you could tell it stung; he was visibly disappointed. It's obviously harder than the original Spider Chimney, but easier than the Invisible Ladder. That one was a real killer. Most people seem to get a last burst of adrenaline energy to push through. Maybe James didn't, maybe he did and it wasn't enough. Who knows? Regardless, he earned a trip to Vegas, and I hope he doesn't fall on Stage 1. I think the last couple times he was there, he fell on the Spider Jump, so hopefully he can play on the Wingnuts on Stage 2 (if the kept them, of course).
Alright, now the women. Michelle going first is a surprise, but she also went first in her finals last year, and she reached the 8th obstacle like she did last year. It is different and unlike the show to put a fan favorite and vet in the front of the line; however, she still did phenomenal. Michelle seemed to have a dip in her career as some other women came into the spotlight. She was the second to hit a buzzer after Kacy, so she is one of the leading women. She hasn't always been to Vegas, but I think she's making a bit of a comeback. She's not the strongest, but I hope she does well in Vegas. Can I see her finishing? Not really. If there wasn't a time limit, sure, I'd think she'd be fine, but women go slower, and time has killed some of the best female athletes, so I think that is where she would struggle a lot. Casey was unfortunate. I didn't think she would make Vegas up against Allyssa and Michelle; however, it definitely could have been possible. Both of them reached the 8th obstacle, and Casey was just as likely to reach the Captain's Wheel, too. Time might have been an issue; however, seeing as the last 3 slots went to the Salmon Ladder and the Lightning Bolts, if she had reached the Captain's Wheel, she probably would have legitimately qualified for Vegas by knocking out the 15 place man. She did complete the course the previous night, so had she not slipped on the rope, she probably could have made it to Vegas, even if she had fallen on the Salmon Ladder. It was really unfortunate for her. I wanted to see how well she could do. She was really, really impressive in her Qualifying run. Most women run 3 or 4 years before they scale the Warped Wall, and she did it her rookie year being the youngest woman ever to do so. I hope she returns because she could be the leader of the next generation of strong women. I know the women now are reaching their peaks, but Casey is very promising. She could be the next Jessie Graff! It must have been pretty devastating, especially after her buzzer run the previous night. Finally, Allyssa. I think it's great that both the women were actually able to qualify legitimately without the women's rule. Allyssa and Michelle, both, have proven to be some of the best being able to compete with the guys and actually do better than some. Did I think Allyssa could finish? No, honestly. I was surprised she finished Stage 1. I think it's because she's a little smaller and isn't as muscular as, say, Jessie or Barclay. She was the last women standing last year, so obviously she's a force to be reckoned with. I hope she can keep it up, but from last year's Stage 2 run, you can tell she isn't strong enough yet to break barriers. Also, does anyone else notice that her boyfriend, James, never seems to be that happy when she's running? I'm sure they're happy as a couple, but when he's on the sidelines, he never seems to be smiling or cheering for her like one might expect. He's just kind of there, clapping. I don't want to doubt their relationship, it's just something I notice. Does anyone else feel that way?
As far as the others moving onto Vegas, a shoutout to the young rookies Lucas Reale and Zach Day, both who are 19, I think (correct me if I'm wrong)? It's truly incredible for the young people to do so well. Matthew Day and The Kid were quite impressive in Dallas, but it's cool to see two more. Even Trevor West from Indy last year. There's another wave coming through, and these guys are leading the way. There was a good handful of new 19 and 20 year olds taking advantage of the lower age limit, but only a few were able to truly stand out. Stage 1 for vets is more of a given, but is still way up in the air for these youngsters. I think, out of these 5, Matthew Day from Dallas has my bet. I think The Kid is very promising, training closely with Gil and having a knack for speed, but my bet for the farthest is on Matthew Day.
And, just a couple comments on the others, Gavin Ross (the canoe guy, olympian, correct me if I'm wrong) was a surprise. Matt and Akbar were shocked he reached the Captain's Wheel as was I. 200 pounds is a lot, as they said multiple times. It's true. Most of these guys who really excel do not weigh a lot nor are they super tall. I think James McGrath is the exception to the tall limit. Most guys 6'+ don't seem to go as far as those who are within the 5'7"-5'10" range. This guy may struggle on Stage 1, and if he passes, I don't think he has much of a chance at all for passing Stage 2. Also, Dave Cavanagh. Why does he wait in the walk-on line? I know he said it was like an addiction, but surely he could just apply normally and get it. Shouldn't he do that and let someone else have what would be his slot in the walk-on line? There's probably a limit of walk-on members for each city, so why not let some rookie get in and Cavanagh just competes normally? Wouldn't you want to know you are in instead of wasting time waiting in line? Does he get a pass because he's competed before even though he's in the walk-on line? What does he do for work? What about his family? His story just raised so many questions. He's also another one of those guys whose name I remember, but never his face because they usually skip him. He doesn't get a story very often, I don't think. He did really well in this city, so it's good that he was shown. I bet you he'll be skipped in Vegas, though. There isn't much I have to say about bios this week. There was the one guy who had a bio about his 3 jobs, but he dropped on the Wingnuts, so that was a bit of a disappointment. Why dedicate time to his backstory if he doesn't do well? It wasn't linked to or promoting ANW, either, so what was the point? There was also the guy who almost lost his leg. He had a good message, I suppose, but I think he fell on the Lightning Bolts? I don't remember his name, but I don't think he qualified for Vegas. That's the kind of story which I think would have been a better fit for Qualifiers. I don't remember is he finished, obviously because I don't remember his name, but even if he didn't, it would have looked better for him because he would have reached 5/6 instead of 5/10. So, ultimately, it would have strengthened his message, but instead he fell early in the course. If any of that makes sense, and if not, it's just a comment. Also, Judas Licciardello got "Nick Hanson'ed" as I call it. He reached the 9th obstacle and was placed about half way through the show, so at least they are maintaining that pattern.
Overall, there were some great people. I'm really happy for Najee, Chris, and Jamie. Some of my favorites were here, and I can't wait to see them in Vegas in a couple of weeks. It was not my favorite course, but it still proved challenging, I suppose. Next week will be just as exciting with Jake Murray, Ian Dory, and Joe Moravsky. Comment what you thought of Philly's course and who your favorite ninja is, and I'll be back next week.
Alright, now that all of that is out of the way, let's talk finishers. Chris coming back is great, and he walked away with the fastest time both nights. He did really well in season 8 reaching Stage 2's The Wedge. I definitely can't wait to see him back at Vegas, and I hope he does well. They say he's one of the OG legends of ANW, and I hope he lives up to that. Then, of course, Najee The Phoenix. Since last year, he's quickly becoming one of my favorites. It really is a lot of fun to watch him fly like on the Spinning Bowties. Being one of the last men standing is gaining him a lot of attention, and so far he's living up to it. Najee isn't on my Top 5/Dream Team quite yet, but he has strong personal favor with me. I like his merch shirts, for one, but also his Phoenix pose. I just think Najee is someone who would be really cool in person. After this year, my arrangements might change, but I need just a little more from him before I can solidify his place in my books. The same goes for the other last man standing, Sean Bryan, for the record. I definitely want to see him back on Stage 3. People like Drew, Daniel, Josh, Nicholas, Jamie, and James are people I want to see on Stage 3, but I am cheering a little harder for Joe, Najee, and Sean because they were the last men standing, and I would love to see them again. They are also three easy fan favorites. Lastly, Jamie Rahn. Jamie is like Travis Rosen and James McGrath in the sense that he, to me personally, is like an OG. He's one of the first ninjas I remember remembering, if that makes sense. Before I was really into it and could remember a lot of names. It's probably due to his Captain NBC persona, but I think Jamie has definitely proven himself over the years. He finished his City Finals course last year with Joe (1 of 2 finishers, I believe), and I remember a couple years back in St. Louis there was a finger/grip, mini version of the Crazy Cliffhanger which he totally aced. That was when I really started to notice him, I think. Jamie is an OG, consistent, strong, growing, fun, memorable, and a fan favorite. Yet, at the same time, I think he's a little underrated. Not as underrated as some others (*cough Nicholas Coolridge), but enough that he's still skipped, you know. I hope Jamie can reach Stage 3 and show everyone what he's got. I think he can go far, and I think he can do well. I really wanted Najee, Jamie, and James to finish, and I was glad to see Jamie be the first to hit the buzzer.
Speaking of James. I was so disappointed he couldn't make it up the Spider Trap. I love James, and I definitely think he is a beast. James was off his game last year, but he still proved he was one of the best. He didn't make it to Vegas, but he had one of the best Finals runs of the night. He was too slow, but if he got points for distance, he would have won. He was much better last night, but it is a shame he couldn't get any traction. It's hard to tell how much of the problem was his shoes and how much was his fatigue. He obviously had trouble with his shoes, but was his focus split because he was trying to keep himself wedged in? Was the lack of traction sapping his strength so he couldn't lift the doors? Or was he actually tapped out and couldn't lift the doors? He didn't get very close to the doors like Najee did. Najee climbed high and was able to use his back and shoulders partially. James was lower and was trying to use his arms. There's chance it's because he was slipping down and would have been more work to keep climbing up if he was just going to slip back down again, if that makes sense. I don't really believe that James was completely tapped out, honestly. He earned the nickname The Beast, after all. The only way to know would be to ask him directly and openly. Obviously, I don't know, and probably never will, but it did look as though his shoes and the limited traction and his overall form contributed greatly to his fall. I will say it is a little embarrassing to fall on the Spider Trap. Not many people this season have, and you could tell it stung; he was visibly disappointed. It's obviously harder than the original Spider Chimney, but easier than the Invisible Ladder. That one was a real killer. Most people seem to get a last burst of adrenaline energy to push through. Maybe James didn't, maybe he did and it wasn't enough. Who knows? Regardless, he earned a trip to Vegas, and I hope he doesn't fall on Stage 1. I think the last couple times he was there, he fell on the Spider Jump, so hopefully he can play on the Wingnuts on Stage 2 (if the kept them, of course).
Alright, now the women. Michelle going first is a surprise, but she also went first in her finals last year, and she reached the 8th obstacle like she did last year. It is different and unlike the show to put a fan favorite and vet in the front of the line; however, she still did phenomenal. Michelle seemed to have a dip in her career as some other women came into the spotlight. She was the second to hit a buzzer after Kacy, so she is one of the leading women. She hasn't always been to Vegas, but I think she's making a bit of a comeback. She's not the strongest, but I hope she does well in Vegas. Can I see her finishing? Not really. If there wasn't a time limit, sure, I'd think she'd be fine, but women go slower, and time has killed some of the best female athletes, so I think that is where she would struggle a lot. Casey was unfortunate. I didn't think she would make Vegas up against Allyssa and Michelle; however, it definitely could have been possible. Both of them reached the 8th obstacle, and Casey was just as likely to reach the Captain's Wheel, too. Time might have been an issue; however, seeing as the last 3 slots went to the Salmon Ladder and the Lightning Bolts, if she had reached the Captain's Wheel, she probably would have legitimately qualified for Vegas by knocking out the 15 place man. She did complete the course the previous night, so had she not slipped on the rope, she probably could have made it to Vegas, even if she had fallen on the Salmon Ladder. It was really unfortunate for her. I wanted to see how well she could do. She was really, really impressive in her Qualifying run. Most women run 3 or 4 years before they scale the Warped Wall, and she did it her rookie year being the youngest woman ever to do so. I hope she returns because she could be the leader of the next generation of strong women. I know the women now are reaching their peaks, but Casey is very promising. She could be the next Jessie Graff! It must have been pretty devastating, especially after her buzzer run the previous night. Finally, Allyssa. I think it's great that both the women were actually able to qualify legitimately without the women's rule. Allyssa and Michelle, both, have proven to be some of the best being able to compete with the guys and actually do better than some. Did I think Allyssa could finish? No, honestly. I was surprised she finished Stage 1. I think it's because she's a little smaller and isn't as muscular as, say, Jessie or Barclay. She was the last women standing last year, so obviously she's a force to be reckoned with. I hope she can keep it up, but from last year's Stage 2 run, you can tell she isn't strong enough yet to break barriers. Also, does anyone else notice that her boyfriend, James, never seems to be that happy when she's running? I'm sure they're happy as a couple, but when he's on the sidelines, he never seems to be smiling or cheering for her like one might expect. He's just kind of there, clapping. I don't want to doubt their relationship, it's just something I notice. Does anyone else feel that way?
As far as the others moving onto Vegas, a shoutout to the young rookies Lucas Reale and Zach Day, both who are 19, I think (correct me if I'm wrong)? It's truly incredible for the young people to do so well. Matthew Day and The Kid were quite impressive in Dallas, but it's cool to see two more. Even Trevor West from Indy last year. There's another wave coming through, and these guys are leading the way. There was a good handful of new 19 and 20 year olds taking advantage of the lower age limit, but only a few were able to truly stand out. Stage 1 for vets is more of a given, but is still way up in the air for these youngsters. I think, out of these 5, Matthew Day from Dallas has my bet. I think The Kid is very promising, training closely with Gil and having a knack for speed, but my bet for the farthest is on Matthew Day.
And, just a couple comments on the others, Gavin Ross (the canoe guy, olympian, correct me if I'm wrong) was a surprise. Matt and Akbar were shocked he reached the Captain's Wheel as was I. 200 pounds is a lot, as they said multiple times. It's true. Most of these guys who really excel do not weigh a lot nor are they super tall. I think James McGrath is the exception to the tall limit. Most guys 6'+ don't seem to go as far as those who are within the 5'7"-5'10" range. This guy may struggle on Stage 1, and if he passes, I don't think he has much of a chance at all for passing Stage 2. Also, Dave Cavanagh. Why does he wait in the walk-on line? I know he said it was like an addiction, but surely he could just apply normally and get it. Shouldn't he do that and let someone else have what would be his slot in the walk-on line? There's probably a limit of walk-on members for each city, so why not let some rookie get in and Cavanagh just competes normally? Wouldn't you want to know you are in instead of wasting time waiting in line? Does he get a pass because he's competed before even though he's in the walk-on line? What does he do for work? What about his family? His story just raised so many questions. He's also another one of those guys whose name I remember, but never his face because they usually skip him. He doesn't get a story very often, I don't think. He did really well in this city, so it's good that he was shown. I bet you he'll be skipped in Vegas, though. There isn't much I have to say about bios this week. There was the one guy who had a bio about his 3 jobs, but he dropped on the Wingnuts, so that was a bit of a disappointment. Why dedicate time to his backstory if he doesn't do well? It wasn't linked to or promoting ANW, either, so what was the point? There was also the guy who almost lost his leg. He had a good message, I suppose, but I think he fell on the Lightning Bolts? I don't remember his name, but I don't think he qualified for Vegas. That's the kind of story which I think would have been a better fit for Qualifiers. I don't remember is he finished, obviously because I don't remember his name, but even if he didn't, it would have looked better for him because he would have reached 5/6 instead of 5/10. So, ultimately, it would have strengthened his message, but instead he fell early in the course. If any of that makes sense, and if not, it's just a comment. Also, Judas Licciardello got "Nick Hanson'ed" as I call it. He reached the 9th obstacle and was placed about half way through the show, so at least they are maintaining that pattern.
Overall, there were some great people. I'm really happy for Najee, Chris, and Jamie. Some of my favorites were here, and I can't wait to see them in Vegas in a couple of weeks. It was not my favorite course, but it still proved challenging, I suppose. Next week will be just as exciting with Jake Murray, Ian Dory, and Joe Moravsky. Comment what you thought of Philly's course and who your favorite ninja is, and I'll be back next week.
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