A “Wheel of Fortune” contestant demonstrated his professional wrestling background by putting host Ryan Seacrest in a headlock during a recent episode of the popular game show.
Bill Page from Wilmington, Delaware, surprised viewers when he applied the wrestling hold at the show’s beginning. The unexpected physical interaction quickly garnered attention.
In a clip shared by former host Pat Sajak’s daughter, Maggie, the shows social media correspondant, Page explained the origin of the wrestling demonstration.
“I wasn’t sure. I said I did pro wrestling, and they said, ‘What kind of moves can you put on Ryan?'” the contestant laughed. “I said, ‘I guess the easiest one would be a headlock.'”
At that moment, Page is seen grabbing Seacrest by the neck, with one arm underneath the host’s chin and the other firmly on top of his head. Seacrest initially appeared to be in good spirits, but began to tap out as Page lowered him toward the ground.
The host repeatedly banged his hand on the game show table, indicating he’d had enough of the wrestling move. Despite the unexpected encounter, Seacrest remained a good sport throughout the show.
Page explained that his wrestling background began in high school, which later led to his involvement with the East Coast Wrestling Association, where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame.
According to an interview Page gave after the show, he had informed the show’s producers about his wrestling background, and they had specifically asked him to demonstrate a move on Seacrest.
While the headlock garnered attention, Page also made an impression with his gameplay, winning $24,600 in cash and a trip to St. Maarten. However, he was unable to solve the final puzzle in the bonus round, missing out on a Ford Bronco.
“The headlock was the highlight of the show,” one viewer commented on social media.
This isn’t the first time a “Wheel of Fortune” host has physically interacted with a contestant. In March 2023, before Seacrest’s arrival, a contestant named Fred revealed he was a drama teacher, bar trivia host, and professional wrestler. After Fred’s successful gameplay, Pat Sajak made playful comments, asking the other players, “Just because he’s a professional wrestler… you want me to body slam him for you?” When they responded with a “yes,” Sajak suddenly ran over to Fred and physically tackled him, attempting to bend Fred’s arm behind his back while grabbing his face with the other arm and putting him in something resembling a headlock. The unexpected physical interaction was all in good fun, similar to Page’s demonstration with Seacrest.
The Page incident isn’t the first physical encounter Seacrest has experienced since taking over hosting duties. In another episode, contestant Daniel Thomas from San Marcos, California, accidentally knocked Seacrest to the ground while celebrating his win.
Seacrest, who took over the hosting role after Sajak’s retirement, has embraced these unexpected physical interactions. In a video addressing these incidents, Seacrest stated he was “totally fine with” being “picked up,” “thrown over,” or tackled.
“Wheel of Fortune” continues to air on ABC weeknights at 7 p.m. local time, with Seacrest and co-host Vanna White presiding over the long-running game show.
