In an action-packed two-hour finale, the two American Gladiators champions were crowned Sunday night. I expected more tough events and plenty of competition, but much of the broadcast was soaked with longer contender interviews, replays of favorite moments from the show and lengthy segments on the four competitors at home.

Twenty minutes were gone in the broadcast before NBC finally gave me what I wanted - an event. The gladiators were in top form, making it difficult for any of the contenders to score points. Lightning-quick Evan Dollard did wow the audience with a spectacularly quick climb up The Wall, for the third time in the show’s history. “Soccer mom” Monica Carlson scored big in Assault, sending Gladiator Helga flying from the platform to smack a pool of water. Quickly, it all started to come down to the Eliminator - the obstacle course that’s broken so many competitors throughout the season.

Alex Rai competed against Evan Dollard for the men’s title, which included a spot in the American Gladiators lineup next year. Both contenders were known for their quickness in previous rounds, but Evan managed to pull ahead early in the competition. He went on to take the Eliminator by storm, besting his own record-setting time with a final 1:19.

Monica Carlson had a narrow three second head start on Shanay Norvell going into the Eliminator, but managed to prevail in the end. As she lay, panting, on the mat after it was all over, her husband came sailing out of the audience to congratulate her in a memorable victory scene.

Both winners were given $100,000 a brand new Toyota Sequoia, and the opportunity to become an American Gladiator in next year’s show. The series has most definitely been renewed and is currently casting for competitors. Co-host Hulk Hogan offered to take Evan Dollard, who’s no slouch but by no means is as bulky as the other Gladiators, into the gym to get him beefed up.

I think it’s a pretty awesome deal: money, a car and a job. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again—this is a great show.