Season 13’s top five devastating moments

Well, sorry to be a downer, but today we’re talking about American Ninja Warrior season 13’s sad, shocking, and devastating moments. The moments that had you either screaming at your TV or staring blankly off into space trying to process your feelings.

We asked our readers to help us rank the top five most “devastating” moments from the recent season. Here are the depressing results. *Cue the sad trombone sound.*

1.) Joe Moravsky’s quick fall on Stage Two

Making it to Stage Two of the National Finals is a great accomplishment for any Ninja. But when you’re as legendary as Joe Moravsky, fans expect big things. What we did not expect was that he’d lose his balance on the very first obstacle of the course. Noooooooooo.

Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

2.) Jake Murray’s introspective moment

Jake is known for his antics on the course and his light-hearted attitude about most things. It was disarming to see him visibly upset after his fall on Stage Two of the National Finals. In speaking with Zuri Hall on the sidelines, Jake quietly wondered aloud if he has a place in this sport. The answer is YES, Jake!

Elizabeth Morris/NBC

3.) Jesse Labreck wants more

Jesse did a LOT during season 13 that should have kept her off this list. Buzzers in the Qualifiers and Semifinals. Her well-earned Stage One buzzer. Getting to Stage Two should have felt like a celebration of her year. Jesse made a small error on the Double Salmon Ladder that ended her run. Her fiancé, Chris DiGangi was quickly at her side. Jesse whispered sadly to him that she had wanted more from herself during that run. We hope she knows how amazed we all are by her skills.

4.) Daniel Gil not attending the National Finals

Daniel has been a top Ninja for years. During season 11, he was the runner-up, timing out on the rope climb of Stage Four. He was season 12’s champion, but we all know he wanted to win in Vegas. After a commanding Semifinals performance, everyone was anxious to see what he’d do at the National Finals. But Daniel wouldn’t get his shot this year. He tested positive for covid-19 before traveling to Nevada, bringing his year to an abrupt end.

5.) Mathis “Kid” Owhadi headed ed home in the first episode

Mathis is another Ninja who’s earned a reputation as a top contender. Fans were excited for Ninja Warrior to return for season 13. We were excited to see Mathis step up as the very first run of the year. But that balloon of excitement went pop real quick when he fell on the Rolling Log, ending his year as soon as it started.

Elizabeth Morris/NBC

Now that we’ve gotten all that out of our systems, let’s never think of it again. On to happier things!