Ninja vs Ninja’s wildcard teams and new format changes

The qualifying rounds of American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs Ninja closed after an exciting nine weeks. Now, for the next two weeks, the runner-ups from each episode will duke it out in the wildcard round.

There are some format changes to note for these upcoming episodes. Two teams will still go head-to-head in a best of five format. There are still three individual races and they move on to relays if need be for the last two heats.

However, now whichever team wins the initial match-up moves straight to the playoffs. There is no moving on to a final round of the episode, which means there is no play on the extended course. It will be all about bursts of speed on the six front obstacles.

To clarify, in the next episode six teams will compete. Three will move to the playoffs.

Here are the teams entering the wildcard round.

Wildcard Round - Week one - April 30

• MidWest Muscle vs Lizard Kings
• Frostbite vs All-American Ninjas
• Dark Horse vs NorCal Ninjas

Wildcard Round - Week two - May 7

• Beasts from the East
• Big Dog Ninjas
• Hashtag Ninjas
• Hazard Brigade
• Team Wolfpack
• The Ballers
• Three Wishes
• Wisco Warriors

When all is said and done, the field of 14 wildcard teams will be cut to seven who move on to the playoffs. All told, 16 teams will enter the playoffs.

Here are the teams who have already qualified:

• Team Ronin
• Labreckfast Club
• Party Time
• Young Bloods
• Golden Hearts
• Lab Rats
• Iron Grip
• Phoenix Force
• Tri Hards

If you need to catch up on any of the action, you can find full recaps and more info here:

So what are your thoughts on the wildcard rounds? Which teams will breath new life into their bids for the trophy? Which teams will be sent away once again? Tell us in the comments!