‘Wheel of Fortune’: A Contestant Introduced Himself as ‘Cursed With 3 Step Children’
Wheel of Fortune plays a significant role in pop culture history. Fans have been welcoming the iconic game show into their homes for almost 40 years. Slot machines, apps, and board games carry the recognizable theme, and thousands of brands have integrated their products into the show over the years.
Most people are thrilled to have a chance to play the popular game on television. They typically introduce themselves by stating where they are from and talking about their amazing and incredible spouses and children. One hilarious contestant decided to mix it up a little and introduce himself in a very untraditional and peculiar manner.
America’s favorite game show
Game show host, Pat Sajak, and his trusted letter turner, Vanna White, have been on the air in syndication since 1981, according to History. Together, they have produced more than 6,000 episodes. Thousands of people from around the country audition to be a contestant on the popular game show. Those lucky enough to make it onto the Wheel stage, have a chance at winning cash and prizes. Over the past 25 years, the show has disbursed more than $180 million to puzzle-solving contestants.
“Trapped in a loveless marriage”
When it came time for contestant Blair Davis, a trucking business owner from San Diego, to introduce himself, he decided to forego the sappy sentiments. He had Sajak and the audience laughing when he introduced himself by saying, “I’ve been trapped in a loveless marriage for the last 12 years to an old battle-ax named Kim.” He continued with his deadpan demeanor, saying, “She cursed my life with three stepchildren named Star, RJ, and Ryan, and I have one rotten grandson.”
Sajak laughed, replying, “Yay! No wonder you came here. You just wanted to get away from everybody.” The Outstanding Game Show Host nominee assumed Davis was kidding but just wanted to make sure saying, “I know you’re being facetious.” The jokester responded, “Absolutely. I love them like nobody’s business.”
Fan reactions to the humorous introduction
The audience members grew quiet, as they weren’t quite sure how to handle the sarcasm of this bald, long-bearded player. The television viewing audience, on the other hand, found the guy hilarious and immediately took to social media to praise their favorite new contestant. A Twitter user said, “He was obviously joking. Pretty brilliant, if you ask me.”
Another fan shared the consensus of countless fans, stating, “I’ve been waiting for someone to finally do this!” A Twitter user replied, “Me too. I thought it was weird that everybody was always married to a “wonderful” or “fantastic” person.” Other comments on social media platforms included, “This dude RULES” and “Bold strategy.” Most agreed that Davis was “hysterical” saying “That’s some funny stuff right there.”
Davis’ response to the media attention
After the show aired and Davis became a viral sensation, NBC News caught up with him to discuss the overwhelming response to his Wheel of Fortune introduction. The sarcastic contestant explained, “My wife was in on it. It wasn’t a surprise to her. She has an awesome sense of humor, we have a wonderful relationship, we’re best friends, and we watch the show every night.”
Davis says that the producers were aware of what he was planning to say, and they seemed to enjoy it. When asked about Sajak’s response, Davis replied, “When I said it, he fell right into line. He was a good sport, and he just rolled right with it.” Davis said, “I think you could tell that his reaction was genuine.”
Davis says that he has no social media footprint and was shocked when his daughter told him that the video clip had received 2.5 million views. He says, “it was an awesome experience, and even if I got skunked, I would do it all over again simply for the experience.”
Although Davis didn’t get a chance at the final round, he did go home with a little bit of cash and an appreciation for his five minutes of fame.
