Phoenix-area pair make cut to next round on ‘American Ninja Warrior’

PHOENIX — A concrete worker from Phoenix and an urban farmer from Tempe may not have much in common on the surface, but they have this: Adam Rayl and Brian Rambo advanced in “American Ninja Warrior.”

Rambo, a 38-year-old newcomer who lives in the East Valley, blew away the field of the NBC TV show’s Los Angeles qualifier on Wednesday. He finished the six-obstacle course in 2 minutes, 26.54 seconds. No one else came close.

Rayl got a bonus with his fifth-place run — he picked up $10,000 for climbing the curved, 18-foot high mega wall in one try.

He was only the second contestant of the night to make it to the buzzer via the big wall, a new challenge this season. Other finishers competed on a 14-foot-6-inch version of the warped wall.

Rayl, who competed two other seasons on the show, completed the course in 3:12.46.

The Arizonans reached the city finals, where they’ll be joined by 28 others.

If they’re successful there, they’ll move on to the national finals in Las Vegas to make a grab for $1 million.

During the broadcast, show hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbajabiamlia said Rambo’s wife suggested he try out for the show, certain he’d enjoy the competition.

Here’s Rambo’s run:

Here’s Rayl’s run:

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