Fortunately, this week was not as shocking or disappointing. Lance, Kevin, and Kenny were a little upsetting, but I was very relieved Najee, Nicholas, Jake, and Drew all made it. They were setting it up too well for Drew to drop when they were talking about his Stage 1 success. I also had this weird feeling that either Najee or Drew were bound to fall. Thankfully, neither did.
Barclay and Meagan were unfortunate, too. Barclay definitely would have made it last year if she had been more time conscious like she was last year. She was just too short for Jeep Run. She did lose her momentum, but it's hard to say whether or not that was actually the problem. Barclay is only 5'0", I think, so it would have been a stretch regardless, right? She would have had to have a pretty good leap even with her running start. Meagan was also a little unexpected, but the Jumping Spider is really not to be taken for granted. People screw up all the time because sometimes you just get a bad jump. In all fairness, Martin actually did a pretty good job keeping what she had even for those few moments. She really split, and almost pushed through. Jessie Graff not being able to run was probably the biggest disappointment of the night. I really like Barclay, and I think she is really strong, but Jessie is the clear and obvious favorite for the women. There's no guarantee she would have finished because she didn't last year, but it is really unfortunate we won't get to know. If things are working out for her career, that is fantastic, and she should put her career first, but you can't help but wonder, right? Regardless, there are no women advancing this year. It isn't too surprising, but at the same time, now there are some really great female competitors out there, most of whom are capable of completing the course physically, but maybe not mentally. I think the mental aspect of ANW is actually greater than people who don't compete realize. Obviously, you have to be physically able, but for those with a lot of pressure, like some of these women, the time element and expectations may push them harder. These women do great in city competitors, and I'm sure they'll all be back next year, but Vegas is a whole different story for women. It also didn't help that so many big name men fell, too. I'm sure that somehow impacted them psychologically.
Part of me thought Drew might fall for that reason, too. When they were talking about Joe and other greats falling particularly on the Double Dipper, I thought it was some kind of omen or foreshadowing, like how they set up Joe. I am so, so happy Drew made it, though. Personally, I kind of prefer Joe over anybody, but Drew is the only other one who really has a chance, I think. I love people like Daniel, Jake, Sean, Josh, Nicholas, Najee, and Jamie. Even those like Adam and Chris have a lot of potential, but to win the whole thing? It seems like Drew and Joe have the most natural talent for it. Isaac and Joe are out, so without someone like Drew, it might have been a dry finale. I definitely think people will make it to Stage 3, but it's pretty unlikely that they'll go too far. Even Drew has a good chance of falling. I also noticed I was wrong about the Wing Nuts. I thought for sure they would eliminate them because people will be able to figure them out this year. A handful of people got close last year, plus Najee and Sean already passed them. Drew won't make the same mistake he did last year, and people like Daniel and Adam, who were close with the dismount, will probably be able to correct themselves. The swimming may add some problems, but I'll have to see the whole course first. I think if anything, the swimming will hinder the time. People timed out on Stage 1, and the swimming will be a problem if you're a slow swimmer. It'll definitely wear you down , too, depending on the strength of the current. From what I saw on Sasuke, it didn't seem too forceful or too long of a stretch; however, American Ninja Warrior is a "go big or go home" kind of course. I also don't know how many people swim on a regular basis, even for training purposes. I'm sure they all know how to swim, but I really don't know what will happen with that. There's chance it won't be a problem at all. Just because it's new doesn't mean it will be a killer. I'm sure the Wing Nuts will still have a say in how many get wet.
Anyway, main points: Drew. I am psyched about Najee, too, though. He is running off of his hype from last year. I think he has a lot of potential, and he has already shown that, but because of last year's run, he seems to be getting a little overdone. There is still something missing about him and what he can do for him to prove he's truly one of the best. Sean Bryan is a little like that, too, don't get me wrong. They are both running off the high of being the Last Man Standing and only 1 of 3 to reach Stage 3. This year will solidify their standings if they can duplicate their success.
I will also say, they skipped a lot of people who finished who weren't big names, and that is greatly disappointing. Thomas Stillings, Brian Burkhardt, Mike Meyers, Jonathan Stevens, Angel Rodriguez, Hunter Guerard, Drew Knapp, RJ Roman, and Josh Salinas are all people who finished, but did not get nearly as much praise as they should have. On top of that, they probably won't next week, either. This course, this particular year, proved to be a beast who dominated over some of the best ninja greats, and so completing it shouldn't be skimmed. How are these guys ever going to get recognition if they aren't shown. Obviously, they have what it takes, to a certain degree, to be playing in the big leagues, but they'll never have the chance to push through without proper show time. I talk about this every week because they are always screwing people, Good people, over. This could be the chance for someone to break through. A few big names are out, and if you do well on Stage 2, and you advance through, assuming not many people do, you can really put your name out there. That's pretty much what happened with Sean Bryan. He has the Papal Ninja persona, but he really proved his worth on Stage 2. This is what I'm hoping happens. It would be really interesting to see a young guy make it, too. Someone like "The Kid" or even Lucas Reale or Zach Day. That would be a true ninja to look out for if they can go toe-to-toe with someone like Drew their rookie year while being 10 years younger. I noticed 'The Kid' made it to the Wing Nuts. If he passes Stage 2, there will be nothing but respect. I still don't think he's reached Stage 3 qualifications, yet, but these 3 19 year olds have outdone themselves.
They actually showed Nicholas Coolridge, and they gave him a bio! I literally could not even believe that! He may have finished with the slowest time, but they showed him! It probably means he falls in Stage 2, but it's about time his run is shown.
As I was saying about Coolridge. I think they skipped certain people like Chris, Sean, Josh, and even Adam Rayl because they shake things up in Stage 2. I could easily, easily see any of these guys moving onto Stage 3. People like Drew and Najee they'll show regardless because they are good for ratings and are super hyped. Jake Murray also earned the fastest time, so they have to end with that. I don't think it necessarily means all the guys they skipped will be great or those who were shown will not, but it's possible that they dedicated time to others and not some because they would have the opportunity later on.
I also predicted Brett Sims would lose the beard bet, but it is a shame that neither Sims nor Stratis could hit the buzzer. Brian Kretsch and David Campbell being the others who have competed on every season also fell, a little shocking, but at the same time, maybe not. The young guys did seem to have an edge over the older fellows. I wonder how long until guys like these retire? Rosen might be done, but something tells me people like Stratis will being doing this forever, if they could.
Usually, I think of stuff after I've posted and it's too late to mention it. This week will be no exception, I'm sure. However, all I really have to say is about the people, and fortunately, most of the people delivered. I'm pretty pumped for everyone who made it. 30 is still a good number to take on Stage 2. I think more than 3 people can reach Stage 3, but who it is may surprise us. Sean Bryan and Najee were surprises last year. Like I said before, I can really see Sean, Josh, and Chris hitting another buzzer. There are a lot of people I wish I could see run Stage 3, but I'm not sure how they'll fare. Jamie Rahn and Jake Murray are two perfect examples. I love these guys; they're always fun to watch and they're strong. However, I can see them falling just as easily as I can see them succeeding. Now, Jake never got to see the Wing Nuts for himself since he fell early last year, and Jamie is very capable of learning from his mistakes, so they could be hitting a buzzer, but they might slip on something else. I want to see these guys on Stage 3 just to know, you know?
Overall, to wrap this up, I'm excited for everyone. I really hope there will be a breakout star who surpasses expectations. Someone who was skipped all of the season so far and doesn't have much to his name, and then BAM, comes out of nowhere to sweep it away. I would love to see that. Obviously, I am most pumped for Drew because he is a good shot at a full on champion this year. He wants it really bad, and this could be it. The suspicious lack of attention they've dedicated to him could be telling us something. Really, for someone like him it could go either way. It seems, actually, more in his favor, but since all the editing is in the past, if he does finish it all why not hype him up? Too predictable? Trying to be dramatic? He has already passed Stage 1, so there is no surprise there. Does he fall on Stage 2 again? Personally, it just doesn't seem like he would unless there is another obstacle besides the Wing Nuts which gives him a run for his money. Maybe it's just me. Maybe they have been giving him an expected and adequate amount of attention. It seems like they only advertised for him twice this week, once at the beginning and once at the end, but with so many names, maybe that's all anyone got?
As far as predictions, I guess I will predict Drew passes. I would guess Sean Bryan, too, but Najee may fall. I think a few big names will make it, and maybe one sort of no namer. I don't think it will be a high pass ratio, but I feel like there could be more than 3. Though a lot of people dropped already, there are still some really great guys left. I'd love to see a winner, even if it isn't Joe.
I'm probably starting to repeat myself, so I will sign off for this week. I think next week, for the finale, I will re-watch the episode as I compose the post, so that I can include all my thoughts and every name, shown and skipped.
Comment who you are most excited for and I'll talk to you next week!
Barclay and Meagan were unfortunate, too. Barclay definitely would have made it last year if she had been more time conscious like she was last year. She was just too short for Jeep Run. She did lose her momentum, but it's hard to say whether or not that was actually the problem. Barclay is only 5'0", I think, so it would have been a stretch regardless, right? She would have had to have a pretty good leap even with her running start. Meagan was also a little unexpected, but the Jumping Spider is really not to be taken for granted. People screw up all the time because sometimes you just get a bad jump. In all fairness, Martin actually did a pretty good job keeping what she had even for those few moments. She really split, and almost pushed through. Jessie Graff not being able to run was probably the biggest disappointment of the night. I really like Barclay, and I think she is really strong, but Jessie is the clear and obvious favorite for the women. There's no guarantee she would have finished because she didn't last year, but it is really unfortunate we won't get to know. If things are working out for her career, that is fantastic, and she should put her career first, but you can't help but wonder, right? Regardless, there are no women advancing this year. It isn't too surprising, but at the same time, now there are some really great female competitors out there, most of whom are capable of completing the course physically, but maybe not mentally. I think the mental aspect of ANW is actually greater than people who don't compete realize. Obviously, you have to be physically able, but for those with a lot of pressure, like some of these women, the time element and expectations may push them harder. These women do great in city competitors, and I'm sure they'll all be back next year, but Vegas is a whole different story for women. It also didn't help that so many big name men fell, too. I'm sure that somehow impacted them psychologically.
Part of me thought Drew might fall for that reason, too. When they were talking about Joe and other greats falling particularly on the Double Dipper, I thought it was some kind of omen or foreshadowing, like how they set up Joe. I am so, so happy Drew made it, though. Personally, I kind of prefer Joe over anybody, but Drew is the only other one who really has a chance, I think. I love people like Daniel, Jake, Sean, Josh, Nicholas, Najee, and Jamie. Even those like Adam and Chris have a lot of potential, but to win the whole thing? It seems like Drew and Joe have the most natural talent for it. Isaac and Joe are out, so without someone like Drew, it might have been a dry finale. I definitely think people will make it to Stage 3, but it's pretty unlikely that they'll go too far. Even Drew has a good chance of falling. I also noticed I was wrong about the Wing Nuts. I thought for sure they would eliminate them because people will be able to figure them out this year. A handful of people got close last year, plus Najee and Sean already passed them. Drew won't make the same mistake he did last year, and people like Daniel and Adam, who were close with the dismount, will probably be able to correct themselves. The swimming may add some problems, but I'll have to see the whole course first. I think if anything, the swimming will hinder the time. People timed out on Stage 1, and the swimming will be a problem if you're a slow swimmer. It'll definitely wear you down , too, depending on the strength of the current. From what I saw on Sasuke, it didn't seem too forceful or too long of a stretch; however, American Ninja Warrior is a "go big or go home" kind of course. I also don't know how many people swim on a regular basis, even for training purposes. I'm sure they all know how to swim, but I really don't know what will happen with that. There's chance it won't be a problem at all. Just because it's new doesn't mean it will be a killer. I'm sure the Wing Nuts will still have a say in how many get wet.
Anyway, main points: Drew. I am psyched about Najee, too, though. He is running off of his hype from last year. I think he has a lot of potential, and he has already shown that, but because of last year's run, he seems to be getting a little overdone. There is still something missing about him and what he can do for him to prove he's truly one of the best. Sean Bryan is a little like that, too, don't get me wrong. They are both running off the high of being the Last Man Standing and only 1 of 3 to reach Stage 3. This year will solidify their standings if they can duplicate their success.
I will also say, they skipped a lot of people who finished who weren't big names, and that is greatly disappointing. Thomas Stillings, Brian Burkhardt, Mike Meyers, Jonathan Stevens, Angel Rodriguez, Hunter Guerard, Drew Knapp, RJ Roman, and Josh Salinas are all people who finished, but did not get nearly as much praise as they should have. On top of that, they probably won't next week, either. This course, this particular year, proved to be a beast who dominated over some of the best ninja greats, and so completing it shouldn't be skimmed. How are these guys ever going to get recognition if they aren't shown. Obviously, they have what it takes, to a certain degree, to be playing in the big leagues, but they'll never have the chance to push through without proper show time. I talk about this every week because they are always screwing people, Good people, over. This could be the chance for someone to break through. A few big names are out, and if you do well on Stage 2, and you advance through, assuming not many people do, you can really put your name out there. That's pretty much what happened with Sean Bryan. He has the Papal Ninja persona, but he really proved his worth on Stage 2. This is what I'm hoping happens. It would be really interesting to see a young guy make it, too. Someone like "The Kid" or even Lucas Reale or Zach Day. That would be a true ninja to look out for if they can go toe-to-toe with someone like Drew their rookie year while being 10 years younger. I noticed 'The Kid' made it to the Wing Nuts. If he passes Stage 2, there will be nothing but respect. I still don't think he's reached Stage 3 qualifications, yet, but these 3 19 year olds have outdone themselves.
They actually showed Nicholas Coolridge, and they gave him a bio! I literally could not even believe that! He may have finished with the slowest time, but they showed him! It probably means he falls in Stage 2, but it's about time his run is shown.
As I was saying about Coolridge. I think they skipped certain people like Chris, Sean, Josh, and even Adam Rayl because they shake things up in Stage 2. I could easily, easily see any of these guys moving onto Stage 3. People like Drew and Najee they'll show regardless because they are good for ratings and are super hyped. Jake Murray also earned the fastest time, so they have to end with that. I don't think it necessarily means all the guys they skipped will be great or those who were shown will not, but it's possible that they dedicated time to others and not some because they would have the opportunity later on.
I also predicted Brett Sims would lose the beard bet, but it is a shame that neither Sims nor Stratis could hit the buzzer. Brian Kretsch and David Campbell being the others who have competed on every season also fell, a little shocking, but at the same time, maybe not. The young guys did seem to have an edge over the older fellows. I wonder how long until guys like these retire? Rosen might be done, but something tells me people like Stratis will being doing this forever, if they could.
Usually, I think of stuff after I've posted and it's too late to mention it. This week will be no exception, I'm sure. However, all I really have to say is about the people, and fortunately, most of the people delivered. I'm pretty pumped for everyone who made it. 30 is still a good number to take on Stage 2. I think more than 3 people can reach Stage 3, but who it is may surprise us. Sean Bryan and Najee were surprises last year. Like I said before, I can really see Sean, Josh, and Chris hitting another buzzer. There are a lot of people I wish I could see run Stage 3, but I'm not sure how they'll fare. Jamie Rahn and Jake Murray are two perfect examples. I love these guys; they're always fun to watch and they're strong. However, I can see them falling just as easily as I can see them succeeding. Now, Jake never got to see the Wing Nuts for himself since he fell early last year, and Jamie is very capable of learning from his mistakes, so they could be hitting a buzzer, but they might slip on something else. I want to see these guys on Stage 3 just to know, you know?
Overall, to wrap this up, I'm excited for everyone. I really hope there will be a breakout star who surpasses expectations. Someone who was skipped all of the season so far and doesn't have much to his name, and then BAM, comes out of nowhere to sweep it away. I would love to see that. Obviously, I am most pumped for Drew because he is a good shot at a full on champion this year. He wants it really bad, and this could be it. The suspicious lack of attention they've dedicated to him could be telling us something. Really, for someone like him it could go either way. It seems, actually, more in his favor, but since all the editing is in the past, if he does finish it all why not hype him up? Too predictable? Trying to be dramatic? He has already passed Stage 1, so there is no surprise there. Does he fall on Stage 2 again? Personally, it just doesn't seem like he would unless there is another obstacle besides the Wing Nuts which gives him a run for his money. Maybe it's just me. Maybe they have been giving him an expected and adequate amount of attention. It seems like they only advertised for him twice this week, once at the beginning and once at the end, but with so many names, maybe that's all anyone got?
As far as predictions, I guess I will predict Drew passes. I would guess Sean Bryan, too, but Najee may fall. I think a few big names will make it, and maybe one sort of no namer. I don't think it will be a high pass ratio, but I feel like there could be more than 3. Though a lot of people dropped already, there are still some really great guys left. I'd love to see a winner, even if it isn't Joe.
I'm probably starting to repeat myself, so I will sign off for this week. I think next week, for the finale, I will re-watch the episode as I compose the post, so that I can include all my thoughts and every name, shown and skipped.
Comment who you are most excited for and I'll talk to you next week!
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