I’m Convinced Ryan Seacrest Is the Tom Cruise of ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Wheel of Fortune‘s Ryan Seacrest became host of ABC’s longest-running syndicated game show in the United States in September 2024, having replaced the equally iconic and long-time host Pat Sajak. Seacrest, who is also the host of American Idol, has been winning over Wheel of Fortune fans, including myself, with his energetic style and has now carved out his own identity on the show. Through his engaging personality and hands-on approach, this style of presenting has led to several over-enthusiastic encounters with contestants, leading to a myriad of falls and mishaps. Is Seacrest in need of a stunt double? In my opinion, his dead reckoning skills are impressive.

In his seven months on the show, I’ve seen Seacrest being bear-hugged by winning contestant Daniel Thomas in the January 21 episode, resulting in him being dropped to the floor. He was also placed in a headlock before tapping out by contestant and former pro wrestler Big Bill Page during the March 24 episode. It seems clear to me that this fearless host is quickly gaining a reputation as the Tom Cruise of the game shows.

Seacrest is willing to do whatever it takes for the sake of entertainment and the credibility of the show. Seacrest carried out a series of physical skits during his time on Wheel of Fortune, which comes with a risk of danger. But like his Hollywood counterpart, his mission, should he choose to accept it, is always to rise to the challenge.

Ryan Seacrest Got Floored by a Cheese Roll on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Watching Seacrest roll around on the Wheel of Fortune set floor is not an uncommon event. I’m convinced this is something that he enjoys doing quite a bit because he’s always quick to try new things with a smile on his face.

On the April 3 episode, Seacrest, while talking to the fabulous Vanna White, recalled watching the unique and quirky Cooper’s Hill Cheese-Rolling contest on TV, which was held in the rural town of Gloucester, England. Participants in this annual spring break event race down, and in most cases trip and tumble down the 200-yard-long grassy hill while chasing a wheel of Double Gloucester cheese. Seacrest explained, “But in the end, you get the cheese. So what could be better?”

A supportive White was on hand to help demonstrate the annual English event, with a tire-sized wheel of cheese. “You ready to try it?” asked White. “I was born for this,” Seacrest responded.

White rolled the cheese along the Wheel of Fortune set with Seacrest in hot pursuit. The host then stumbled to the floor as he tried to grab the cheese. Hands over her mouth, a shocked White called out. ”Oh, no! Are you gonna be okay?” Seacrest quickly leaped back to his feet with a smile.

“He’s gonna be okay. He’s okay!” she announced.

Ryan Seacrest Breaks Out Into a Backspin on ‘Wheel of Fortune’

This 50-year-old Emmy Award-winning television host amazes me every time, proving to us all that he is both willing and able to bring something different to the show. Seacrest is in his element when performing these physical skits and is unconcerned about injuring himself or looking rather foolish.

In a December 10 episode, Seacrest surprised both viewers and contestants with another outlandish move. The host was talking to contestant Kamilah Wills about her interests. “So I play music on the radio; you perform music?” he asked.

“You know what? I’m performing it for you today, Ryan, if you’ll allow me,” replied Kamilah.

Seacrest was quick to agree, “Dim the lights, and here we go.” Kamilah then broke out an original rap, “R to the Y-A-N Seacrest. He’s always dressed his very best. I’m here on Wheel of Fortune to do my very best. I hope that I pass his test.” Seacrest then quickly walked center stage, slid onto the floor, and broke out into a backspin. After that, he offered up a peace sign between his legs, bringing laughter and applause from the audience.

I have to say I have never seen a 50-year-old man in a suit breakdance on national television, let alone the host of the most famous game show in the world. And because it’s Seacrest, he gets away with it. That’s what makes him so entertaining.

This ‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Host Gets Bench-Pressed by a Contestant

Tom Cruise is always looking for a more dramatic and eye-catching moment to share with the viewers. Seacrest took a mission that was impossible to believe. Out of all the wild and wacky things that I’ve watched him do, none can top seeing him being bench-pressed during the show. Yes, you heard me right, stretched out, lifted, and bench pressed.

When contestant Will McHugh from Tampa, Fla., appeared on Wheel of Fortune in December 2024, Seacrest asked Will about his interests. When the contestant shared that he can bench press 315 pounds, a shocked Seacrest exclaimed, “Wait, 315!? That’s three of me!”

To prove his point, Seacrest went over to Will and offered himself up to put it to the test. Will duly obliged, lying down on his back, and—with arms spaced out—grabbed Seacrest by the back and waist and proceeded to bench press the host. To everyone’s surprise, including a shocked-looking Vanna White, the contestant completed a clean lift of Seacrest live on the set of the show.

Was I shocked by what I saw? Not really, Ryan Seacrest has never steered away from a challenge. He’s been in the spotlight for a very long time and knows how to grab our attention. Ryan, I’m sure you will accept the next mission, and I personally can’t wait to see what you have got planned for us all.

New episodes of Wheel of Fortune Season 42 air nightly on ABC. You can also stream the show on YouTube TV in the U.S.