Celebrity Ninja Warrior recap: Running the course for charity

Celebrity Ninja Warrior marks the return of American Ninja Warrior with it’s tenth season.

American Ninja Warrior kicks off it’s tenth season next week, but those who were looking for some early high-flying action got a special treat Thursday night with a celebrity edition.

Celebrity Ninja Warrior paired seasoned ninjas with celebrities in order to raise money for Red Nose Day, a charity with the primary focus of ending childhood poverty.

Celebrity ninjas battled the course for charity

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Eight celebrities took to the course to face the daunting obstacles of American Ninja Warrior.  Each  celeb was paired with a fan-favorite ninja who would act as trainer, mentor, and in some cases, a helping hand.

Celebrity ninjas would have to face six obstacles: The floating steps, grab bag, spinning bridge, flying shelf grab, doorknob drop, and of course, the warped wall.  Each obstacle cleared would net the contestant $5,000 for the charity.

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Celebrity contestants took to the course with their trainers

Nikki Bella of WWE wrestling fame was paired with the Island Ninja, Grant McCartney.  Nikki came out strong, cruising through the first three obstacles, but couldn’t find a way through the flying shelf grab.  Money raised: $15,000.

Gregg Sulkin of Marvel’s Runaways was paired with Maggi Thorne.  Gregg was guided through the first three obstacles by trainer Maggi, but fell on the fourth.  The flying shelf grab seemed to be the obstacle to beat.  Money raised: $15,000.

Derek Hough of World of Dance was coached by female ninja and fan favorite, Meagan Martin.  Hough cruised through the first four obstacles, ending the short-lived reign of the flying shelf grab, but gassed out on the doorknob drop.  Money raised: $20,000.

Next up was Ne-Yo, Derek Hough’s co-judge on World of Dance, coached by superstar Drew Drechsel.  Ne-Yo blazed through he course, with a minor assist from Drechsel on the grab bag.  He was the first of the contestants to finish the entire course.  Money raised: $30,000.

Colton Dunn of Superstore was next, coached by Natalie Duran.  The 280 pound Dunn was less than agile, trying and failing the first three obstacles.  For his winning attitude and perseverance, he was credited with completing each of the obstacles he attempted.  Money raised: $15,000.

Entertainment reporter, Scott Evans, was coached by Flip Rodriguez.  After a major assist from Flip on the spinning bridge, Evans was able to run the rest of the course.  Scott Evans was the second finisher of the night.  Money raised: $30,000.

Olympic gold medalist, Nastia Liukin, was up next, coached by Barclay Stockett.  Nastia flowed through the first four obstacles.  She improvised her way through the doorknob drop before climbing the warped wall, with helping hands from Barclay Stockett and Drew Drechsel.  Money raised: $30,000.

The final contestant of the night was none other than co-host, Akbar Gbajabiamila.  The mild-mannered host showed that he could not only call the action, but live it as well.  Akbar wisely tagged in trainer Kevin Bull for the flying shelf grab.  He powered through the rest of the course and became the fourth finisher.  Money raised: $30,000.

Celebrity ninjas raised a total of $185,000 for the Red nose Day charity, and gave us a taste of what is to come in season ten.

Next: American Ninja Warrior needs to change run of the night announcements

What did you think about the Celebrity American Ninja Warrior special? What did you hope to see? Share your thoughts below.

American Ninja Warrior premieres May 30 at 8/7c on NBC.