Pat Sajak, the host of the popular game show “Wheel of Fortune,” tackled a contestant during an episode that aired on March 21.
The player, Fred Jackson, revealed at the beginning of the episode that he was a professional wrestler.
Jackson’s claim that he performs in wrestling for little or no pay and mostly for fun may have contributed to the bizarre incident at the end of the game show.
Pat Sajak, a 76-year-old TV legend, rushed over to Jackson at the conclusion of the show and placed him in a head and arm lock. Jackson appeared to be in pain and shrieking in front of the cameras.
The game show shared a clip of Jackson solving a game puzzle on their Instagram page. Jackson’s achievement resulted in an additional $40,000 in winnings, bringing his total to $75,800.
After his incredible victory, Jackson embraced his father, who was on stage, just as Sajak entered the frame of the camera and tackled him.
Throughout the evening, Sajak frequently made fun of Jackson for being a wrestler.
During the show, Sajak called Jackson a “brute” and then asked the other contestants if they wanted to bodyslam the wrestler.
One viewer asked on Instagram what was wrong with Sajak at the end of the show in response to the unusual interaction between him and the contestant.
Someone else remarked that it was not only a flawless game, but also another strange confrontation between Sajak and a player.
Another poster expressed concern for the host by warning him not to fall.
Other fans found the incident amusing, with one stating that the show was entertaining to watch and that its ending was hilarious.
Sajak has hosted The Wheel of Fortune since 1981. He has had to come up with 42 years’ worth of ideas to spice up the show.