10 Injuries You Actually See on American Ninja Warrior
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VOICE OVER: Ryan Wild
WRITTEN BY: Cameron Johnson
The contestants on "American Ninja Warrior" have had to deal with some pretty nasty injuries. For this list, we'll be looking at the most shockingly painful missteps that made it to air on this athletic competition show. Our countdown includes Season 7's Brian Kretsch, Season 11's Michelle Warnky, Season 4's Ben Musholt, and more!
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Injuries You Actually See on “American Ninja Warrior”. For this list, we’ll be looking at the most shockingly painful missteps that made it to air on this athletic competition show. Are there any more “ninjuries” that caught you off-guard? Take your run in the comments.
Stunt performer Jessie Graff has been one of the most popular and consistent “ANW” competitors since 2013. But a miscalculated grab on the Falling Shelves during Season 12 Finals would break that streak. After her fall, she could be seen slowly lifting her arm to inspect her shoulder. What appeared to be a mere tweak was actually so traumatic that Graff had to have emergency surgery. Aside from her shoulder, surgeons had to treat an ACL injury Graff wasn’t even aware of. This caused her to miss Season 13. Thankfully, Graff returned the following year and remains one of the most formidable ninjas around. Still, her downfall in 2020 shows that a seemingly minor ninjury, even for someone as mighty as her, can be serious.
The enthusiastic dedication of fan-favorite ninja Michelle Warnky Buurma seems to be unbreakable. During her Qualifying run in the eleventh season, Warnky seemed barely fazed when she was struck in the face on the Ring Swing. On closer inspection, it was clear that she had a nasty cut just above her left eye. There was no time to waste cleaning up. Warnky ended up with both a glaring streak of blood and huge smile on her face by the time she completed the course. This moment of gory glory quickly became iconic among "ANW" fans. It’s particularly a testament to the always inspirational Warnky giving her sweat, tears and actual blood to the competition.
Despite his talent, Alabama engineer Casey Suchocki hasn’t always made the cut in “ANW” broadcasts. TV viewers may have missed his 2019 Qualifying run in Atlanta, but a Facebook video for “American Ninja Warrior Nation” showed how intense it was. While grabbing the main pipe on the Bouncing Spider, Suchocki twisted his knee on a smaller pipe. He was still able to clear the upper-body portion of the course and throw himself up the Warped Wall. The Bama Ninja made a full recovery by the time he competed in Vegas, making it all the way past Stage 2 of the National Finals. The knee injury was apparently nothing too serious. Still, Suchocki’s determination in that run was a spectacle in any format.
Portland physical therapist Ben Musholt could have used some of his own treatment after his memorably brief tenure as a ninja warrior. His training in parkour made for an impressive and focused Qualifying run in 2012. But on his second attempt to scale the Warped Wall, he brought his weight down as he grabbed the ledge. Musholt hit the buzzer, but had dislocated his right shoulder. The distinct injury was so severe that he had to bow out of the competition. It was a bit of an ironic way for a physical therapist to go out, but he has since effectively used it for self-promotion. With a successful off-screen career and brand, only Musholt's literal reach has exceeded his grasp.
The Finals’ obstacle, the Jumping Spider has taken out countless ninjas. But things proved much worse for the "Papal Ninja" Sean Bryan who was eliminated after sticking the landing, with time left on the clock. His impressive 2019 run came to a shocking end when he dislocated his right shoulder wedging between the walls of the obstacle. Unable to proceed, Bryan hopped onto a ledge, before being carried off the course and out of Season 11. This wasn't his last memorable ninjury, as he was able to complete a Semifinals course two years later with a bloody head wound. Bryan may have the skill to be a ninja all-star, but luck seems to not always be on his side.
Nebraska native Maggi Thorne is known for bouncing back from anything. She's very open about giving birth to three children and nursing multiple concussions. But viewers saw this ninja take a particular wallop on the Diving Boards during Season 11's Oklahoma City Finals. She brutally face planted against one of the boards, but was able to get her bearings before falling on the second half of the course. True to form, Thorne accepted injury and defeat with grace. But it was later determined that she had sustained traumatic brain injury from her tumble. This required extensive physical and speech therapy that cost her an appearance on Season 12. Nonetheless, she returned the following year, fully recovered and eager to inspire more fans with her resilience.
Early "ANW" competitor Luis Moco has developed a lot of skills and taken a lot of damage in his career as a stunt performer. He had to wear a brace on his vulnerable left knee during his National Finals appearance in 2012. Unfortunately, the old injury visibly flared up when he cleared the Giant Swing. This incredibly didn't stop his run, but it, of course, made each landing more painful than the last. By the time the clock ran out, Moco tragically ended his strongest season breaking down in complete exhaustion. The dedication he showed throughout the performance is still nothing less than inspiring. But his writhing through much of it should also encourage fellow daredevils to be aware of their limitations.
Having competed in every season of "American Ninja Warrior", Brian Kretsch was bound to have a painful misstep eventually. His 2015 appearance ended quickly but memorably when he twisted his right knee on the Tilting Tables. Kretsch carried on to some upper-body obstacles, trying to avoid impact to his leg. But with a brutal trampoline jump, he accepted the wipeout. It was later determined that Kretsch had three fractures under the knee. He had to be wheeled away by paramedics, but not before watching his sister Shannon Silver's debut run from the sidelines. The whole gruesome incident remains a testament to Kretsch's resilience and dedication to the competition. In 2016, he was back in action, and has performed in good health ever since.
The so-called Real Life Ninja's iconic tenure on "ANW" started with an unfortunate bang. Introduced in the show's coverage of American tryouts for "Sasuke", Drew Drechsel was a revelation. Sadly, on the last leg of this impressive run, an awkward landing on the Half-Pipe Attack tore his ACL and MCL. Drechsel then crawled to the Warped Wall and collapsed in spectacular agony. It was time for this would-be Japanese TV star to come home. There, Drechsel became one of the most successful mainstays in "American Ninja Warrior" history. This legacy came to its own painful end in 2020, when Drechsel was banned from the competition after being charged with multiple sex crimes.
Affectionately nicknamed the Ageless Wonder, Travis Rosen dominated Ninja courses well into his 40s. Few younger competitors could match his athletic prowess or overcome one of the show's most shocking wipeouts. In 2018, Rosen's momentum in Vegas got the best of him on the Double Dipper. He miscalculated the jump-off and launched feet-first into the side of the landing pad. Spectators could clearly see his right leg snap back and his ankle shatter. This scene quickly became a sensation among fans, but a tragedy for the Rosen family. The Ageless Wonder retired from "ANW" after the following season to focus on motivational speaking. After surviving the most graphic Ninja wipeout ever aired, Rosen undoubtedly has the doggedness to inspire his followers.
#10: Jessie Graff
Season 12Stunt performer Jessie Graff has been one of the most popular and consistent “ANW” competitors since 2013. But a miscalculated grab on the Falling Shelves during Season 12 Finals would break that streak. After her fall, she could be seen slowly lifting her arm to inspect her shoulder. What appeared to be a mere tweak was actually so traumatic that Graff had to have emergency surgery. Aside from her shoulder, surgeons had to treat an ACL injury Graff wasn’t even aware of. This caused her to miss Season 13. Thankfully, Graff returned the following year and remains one of the most formidable ninjas around. Still, her downfall in 2020 shows that a seemingly minor ninjury, even for someone as mighty as her, can be serious.
#9: Michelle Warnky
Season 11The enthusiastic dedication of fan-favorite ninja Michelle Warnky Buurma seems to be unbreakable. During her Qualifying run in the eleventh season, Warnky seemed barely fazed when she was struck in the face on the Ring Swing. On closer inspection, it was clear that she had a nasty cut just above her left eye. There was no time to waste cleaning up. Warnky ended up with both a glaring streak of blood and huge smile on her face by the time she completed the course. This moment of gory glory quickly became iconic among "ANW" fans. It’s particularly a testament to the always inspirational Warnky giving her sweat, tears and actual blood to the competition.
#8: Casey Suchocki
Season 11Despite his talent, Alabama engineer Casey Suchocki hasn’t always made the cut in “ANW” broadcasts. TV viewers may have missed his 2019 Qualifying run in Atlanta, but a Facebook video for “American Ninja Warrior Nation” showed how intense it was. While grabbing the main pipe on the Bouncing Spider, Suchocki twisted his knee on a smaller pipe. He was still able to clear the upper-body portion of the course and throw himself up the Warped Wall. The Bama Ninja made a full recovery by the time he competed in Vegas, making it all the way past Stage 2 of the National Finals. The knee injury was apparently nothing too serious. Still, Suchocki’s determination in that run was a spectacle in any format.
#7: Ben Musholt
Season 4Portland physical therapist Ben Musholt could have used some of his own treatment after his memorably brief tenure as a ninja warrior. His training in parkour made for an impressive and focused Qualifying run in 2012. But on his second attempt to scale the Warped Wall, he brought his weight down as he grabbed the ledge. Musholt hit the buzzer, but had dislocated his right shoulder. The distinct injury was so severe that he had to bow out of the competition. It was a bit of an ironic way for a physical therapist to go out, but he has since effectively used it for self-promotion. With a successful off-screen career and brand, only Musholt's literal reach has exceeded his grasp.
#6: Sean Bryan
Season 11The Finals’ obstacle, the Jumping Spider has taken out countless ninjas. But things proved much worse for the "Papal Ninja" Sean Bryan who was eliminated after sticking the landing, with time left on the clock. His impressive 2019 run came to a shocking end when he dislocated his right shoulder wedging between the walls of the obstacle. Unable to proceed, Bryan hopped onto a ledge, before being carried off the course and out of Season 11. This wasn't his last memorable ninjury, as he was able to complete a Semifinals course two years later with a bloody head wound. Bryan may have the skill to be a ninja all-star, but luck seems to not always be on his side.
#5: Maggi Thorne
Season 11Nebraska native Maggi Thorne is known for bouncing back from anything. She's very open about giving birth to three children and nursing multiple concussions. But viewers saw this ninja take a particular wallop on the Diving Boards during Season 11's Oklahoma City Finals. She brutally face planted against one of the boards, but was able to get her bearings before falling on the second half of the course. True to form, Thorne accepted injury and defeat with grace. But it was later determined that she had sustained traumatic brain injury from her tumble. This required extensive physical and speech therapy that cost her an appearance on Season 12. Nonetheless, she returned the following year, fully recovered and eager to inspire more fans with her resilience.
#4: Luis Moco
Season 4Early "ANW" competitor Luis Moco has developed a lot of skills and taken a lot of damage in his career as a stunt performer. He had to wear a brace on his vulnerable left knee during his National Finals appearance in 2012. Unfortunately, the old injury visibly flared up when he cleared the Giant Swing. This incredibly didn't stop his run, but it, of course, made each landing more painful than the last. By the time the clock ran out, Moco tragically ended his strongest season breaking down in complete exhaustion. The dedication he showed throughout the performance is still nothing less than inspiring. But his writhing through much of it should also encourage fellow daredevils to be aware of their limitations.
#3: Brian Kretsch
Season 7Having competed in every season of "American Ninja Warrior", Brian Kretsch was bound to have a painful misstep eventually. His 2015 appearance ended quickly but memorably when he twisted his right knee on the Tilting Tables. Kretsch carried on to some upper-body obstacles, trying to avoid impact to his leg. But with a brutal trampoline jump, he accepted the wipeout. It was later determined that Kretsch had three fractures under the knee. He had to be wheeled away by paramedics, but not before watching his sister Shannon Silver's debut run from the sidelines. The whole gruesome incident remains a testament to Kretsch's resilience and dedication to the competition. In 2016, he was back in action, and has performed in good health ever since.
#2: Drew Drechsel
Season 3The so-called Real Life Ninja's iconic tenure on "ANW" started with an unfortunate bang. Introduced in the show's coverage of American tryouts for "Sasuke", Drew Drechsel was a revelation. Sadly, on the last leg of this impressive run, an awkward landing on the Half-Pipe Attack tore his ACL and MCL. Drechsel then crawled to the Warped Wall and collapsed in spectacular agony. It was time for this would-be Japanese TV star to come home. There, Drechsel became one of the most successful mainstays in "American Ninja Warrior" history. This legacy came to its own painful end in 2020, when Drechsel was banned from the competition after being charged with multiple sex crimes.
#1: Travis Rosen
Season 10Affectionately nicknamed the Ageless Wonder, Travis Rosen dominated Ninja courses well into his 40s. Few younger competitors could match his athletic prowess or overcome one of the show's most shocking wipeouts. In 2018, Rosen's momentum in Vegas got the best of him on the Double Dipper. He miscalculated the jump-off and launched feet-first into the side of the landing pad. Spectators could clearly see his right leg snap back and his ankle shatter. This scene quickly became a sensation among fans, but a tragedy for the Rosen family. The Ageless Wonder retired from "ANW" after the following season to focus on motivational speaking. After surviving the most graphic Ninja wipeout ever aired, Rosen undoubtedly has the doggedness to inspire his followers.
