The announcement was made today by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President of NBC Entertainment.

"Hulk Hogan is an American icon," said Plestis. "For over twenty years he has been a symbol of strength and toughness in all facets of entertainment. His electrifying personality will no doubt inspire Herculean efforts from our everyday challengers.  There is no one more qualified to host this program.

"Hulk Hogan is going to rock the American viewing public as the host of 'American Gladiators,'" said "American Gladiators" executive producer and Reveille Managing Director Howard T. Owens.  "This is the ultimate television vehicle for the ultimate action television star, The Hulk!"

"Gladiator-mania is gonna be running wild, brother," said Hogan.

"American Gladiators," the iconic event/competition show, returns with a fresh modern reinvention for the 21st century.  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.

Celebrating the everyday, true American heroes -- weekend warriors who excel and take pride in their physical fitness -- contestants will go up against the show's gladiators -- charismatic and eclectic warriors -- in the ultimate David & Goliath battle.  As in MGM's traditional "American Gladiators" franchise, everyday amateur athletes compete against action stars and stunt professionals in contests of physical strength and endurance.  The series will include such classic events as The Joust, The Wall, Hang Tough and the Eliminator.

The eight new gladiators (four men and four women) are action-adventure stars ready to take down the everyday challengers with hard knocks and explosive attitudes.  Each challenger will also have a unique story to tell -- and a compelling reason why they need to win.  These unsung heroes combine brawn and heart in their effort to be worthy competitors, which the audience can cheer for against the villainous gladiators.