American Gladiators: Gina Carano Takes the Plunge

You might ask yourself, "What is Gina thinking?"...or perhaps you might just figure that this was her chance to work with wrestling legend Hulk Hogan.

But no matter how you feel about it, Gina Carano is going to be known as "Crush" on the new American Gladiators show.

The show will be hosted by both Hogan and Laila Ali of women's boxing fame, and will premier on January 6th for a 12-week run.

The new version will be somewhat different from the American Gladiators series that ran from 1989 until 1997. The Gladiators will be bigger than ever (Justice Jesse Smith is a virtual giant at 6'8" and 290 pounds), and the female gladiators will no longer all be pumped-up blondes (although Hellga is a blonde and stands 6'1" and weighs over 200 pounds).

Some of the women, like Gina, look less like steroid freaks and more like the friendly girl next door.

Names and faces have changed, but the concept of athletic contestants facing accomplished muscular superstars in various strenuous challenges is basically the same.

With Gina added to the cast of Gladiators, many young women may find themselves cheering for the MMA Black Belt Magazine Hall-of-Famer to "kick the contestants on their asses" in the ever popular jousts with padded pugil sticks (which resemble oversized Q-tips).

Gina's MMA skills may not be as useful as her spirit, balance, and pure athletic ability, since out-and-out assault on contestants is frowned upon. Even Gina has allowed it will be hard for her to maintain an intimidating facial expression, as she often has been criticized for grinning at her opponents in the MMA arena.

Her smile, however, may make it easier to identify with her than with the first-generation Gladiators, who were as stone-faced as fearsome gargoyles.

Doubtlessly, Gina's presence will at least elevate the appeal of the show for fans of women's MMA competition. One male member of the prospective audience has already admitted to having a "crush" on Gina—and is looking forward to seeing her every week on the show.

But many observers will still want to know why Gina, who fights for the pure joy of fighting, would sign on to the American Gladiators.

Is it about money? Fame? A way to keep in shape for her MMA competitions?

Then again, "Why?" shouldn't really matter.  Being able to see an MMA star in a weekly show will be a treat for Gina's many friends and fans.