GLADIATOR NAME Titan

ROAD TO DESTRUCTION Four-time Mr. Universe Mike O'Hearn, 33, is the Gladiator team captain. He was cast as the first alternate in the original series — name: Thor — but never saw screen time. Though the 6'3'', 260-lb. (lifetime drug-free) bodybuilding legend could've walked into the finals in 2007, he insisted on trying out like everyone else — and set multiple Gladiator records including 35 pull-ups in 30 seconds. Jesus. ''He had nothing to do with it, but I think he was there,'' O'Hearn quips. Okay, even his wit is quick.

YOU DON'T WANT TO MEET HIM IN... Joust. Hulk Hogan, who hosts the show with Laila Ali, calls that event ''The House Titan Built.'' Why? Titan's psych-out abilities. ''Yesterday, I set up as a southpaw,'' O'Hearn says, ''and the guy goes, 'Wow, you're a southpaw?' 'Absolutely.' When the countdown got to two, I stood up, reversed the grip, and then — bop. You gotta be smart. I didn't want to get my hair wet.''