Former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion Kacy Catanzaro, widely recognized by her WWE ring name Katana Chance, recently made a celebrated return to American Ninja Warrior—this time not as a competitor, but as a commentator. After parting ways with WWE in May 2025 amid company-wide releases, Catanzaro has rekindled her connection to the show that first launched her into the public eye, reaffirming her status as a Ninja Warrior legend.
During a virtual signing event at K & S WrestleFest, Catanzaro opened up about her recent experience returning to American Ninja Warrior (ANW), an NBC competition that challenges contestants with demanding obstacle courses. She shared with fans and media:
“I actually just got to go back to (American) Ninja (Warrior) and do some commentary. They were doing, like, the top 20 moments of the whole series, or something like that and I got to go back and they voted mine number one, and I’m like, ‘That was like 10 years ago’ so I’m like, ‘Were people even alive watching me back then?’ But it was cool. That’s why it’s cool.”
— Kacy Catanzaro, K & S WrestleFest (H/T Fightful)[2][4]
This moment marked a significant recognition of Catanzaro’s impact on ANW history. Her groundbreaking performances continue to resonate with long-time fans and newcomers alike.
From Ninja Warrior Trailblazer to WWE Superstar
Kacy Catanzaro’s journey is a unique crossover of athleticism and entertainment. She first gained national fame on American Ninja Warrior, where she achieved multiple historic milestones:
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In 2014, Catanzaro became the first woman to complete a qualifying course in under six minutes, clocking in at 5:26.18.
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She was the first woman to scale the iconic Warped Wall in competition.
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Catanzaro made history by becoming the first woman to complete a City Finals course on the Dallas leg of ANW.
Her success on the show earned her the nickname “Mighty Kacy” and more than 100 million views on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter). Commentator Akbar Gbaja-Biamila famously expressed awe at her skills, emphasizing her role as a barrier-breaker for female competitors[1].
After retiring from active competition in 2017, Catanzaro transitioned into the world of professional wrestling, debuting in WWE and ultimately winning the Women’s Tag Team Championship alongside partner Kayden Carter (previously Lacey Lane). However, in May 2025 she and Carter were released in a mass roster cut, ending her WWE chapter for now[1][2].
Commentary Role Offers a New Perspective
Catanzaro’s recent return to ANW was as a commentator for a special episode showcasing the top 20 moments throughout the show’s history. This new role highlighted how her legacy continues to be celebrated, even years after her last run. In an American Ninja Warrior YouTube special, she joined longtime hosts Matt Iseman and Akbar Gbaja-Biamila to watch and comment on other elite ninjas like Jessie Graff and Isabella Folsom, bringing insight from her own competitive experience[3].
According to a WWE insider familiar with Catanzaro’s career moves, “Kacy has always been passionate about Ninja Warrior. Returning to the show in a commentary role allows her to stay connected to her roots while showcasing the knowledge acquired from her time in WWE and beyond. It’s a natural fit as she considers her next steps.” This insider also noted that her WWE tenure further developed her performance skills, enhancing her onscreen presence[1].
What Lies Ahead for Katana Chance?
While Kacy Catanzaro’s future plans remain unconfirmed, her active involvement in both wrestling events and ninja culture suggests versatility and resilience. She continues to participate in wrestling conventions and virtual signings like K & S WrestleFest, engaging deeply with her fanbase.
With her dual legacy as both a pioneering American Ninja Warrior competitor and a professional wrestler, Catanzaro occupies a rare niche in sports entertainment. Whether she returns to active competition in Ninja or explores more commentary and media opportunities, Catanzaro’s achievements ensure she remains a beloved figure.
Wrestling news sources such as Fightful and PWMania have praised her journey, highlighting how her return to ANW commentary is a fitting tribute to a career that inspired generations of female athletes and fans[2][4].
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| ANW Achievements | First woman to complete City Qualifiers and Finals courses; first female to conquer Warped Wall |
| WWE Career | Former Women’s Tag Team Champion (with Kayden Carter); released May 2025 |
| Recent Endeavor | Returned to American Ninja Warrior as a commentator for special top 20 moments episode |
| Fan Recognition | Her 2014 ANW city finals performance voted #1 top moment in show history |
| Future Prospects | Exploring opportunities in media and possibly more ninja-related roles or wrestling events |
Kacy Catanzaro’s remarkable comeback to American Ninja Warrior commentary not only honors her groundbreaking ninja career but also signals that her influence across multiple athletic and entertainment spheres remains strong. Fans of both WWE and Ninja Warrior will undoubtedly follow her next chapters with enthusiasm.
For more updates on former WWE superstars and American Ninja Warrior news, follow reputable wrestling news outlets such as WWE.com, Fightful, PWMania, and official NBC Ninja Warrior channels.