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‘Wheel of Fortune’ contestant Fred Jackson throws fisticuffs at host Pat Sajak after losing $45K

Pat Sajak was almost punched by a frustrated Fred Jackson after losing prize money

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The longtime host of the popular game show ‘Wheel of Fortune’ host Pat Sajak often makes jokes and light-hearted comments with the contestants on the show. His banter has become his trademark. In another episode of the fan-favorite-themed week on Thursday, May 11, Pat Sajak was nearly punched by frustrated contestant Fred Jackson after losing $45,000.

Fred Fletcher Jackson is a theatre teacher and a professional wrestler who appeared earlier on the ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episode aired on March 21. He swept the game that night by solving every puzzle and winning a whopping $75,800. He was invited back on the show to play, hoping to add another title in the bonus round. However, on Thursday’s episode, Pat Sajak revealed he lost $45,000 as he couldn’t get the right answer to the puzzle.

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How did Fred Jackson lose $45K on ‘Wheel of Fortune?

‘Wheel of Fortune’ fan favorite week continues as the show welcomes its most memorable contestants. The winner of the latest episode aired on Thursday, May 11, Fred Jackson, had hard luck solving the puzzle this time. For the bonus round, he chose ‘Phrase’ as his final category and was given the letters R, S, T, L, N, E by the show. He added M, F, C, and O, leaving the puzzle as- T_ME FOR _N _ _ _ R _ _ E.

When his chosen letters took their respective places on the puzzle, he sighed and looked baffled. To his reaction, Pat commented, "I think he was thinking it might be something else.” Fred agreed to his statement, while Pat was positive. He continued, "Alright, you just have to shift gears now and think about this. It’s a phrase, you have ten seconds. Good luck." Unfortunately, all Fred could think of were incorrect answers. He gave several tries, "Time for an abridge," "Time for an unride.” Aware of the shortest 10 seconds, he whispered, “Time for a miracle.” However, all his guesses were wrong, and he surrendered his loss, adding, “Yeah, I need a miracle.”

After the 10 seconds ran out, the correct answer appeared to be “Time for an upgrade.” Seeing Fred sad and frustrated, Pat attempted to comfort him by asking, "So what did you think it was when you were looking at it?" Fred replied, "Time for an encore. But that’s not it.” Pat pitied him, "I know, you get something in your head, and it’s hard to shake.”

After Pat showed the cash prize card of $45,000, which Fred lost, he still had $21,950 in winnings, but the bonus round was a real winning. Obviously, he was disappointed, but no one expected his “wrestling personality” will come out. When Pat was winding up, he berated Fred, "You better go out of here without any fisticuffs." Fred then raises his clenched fists as if he is ready to punch Pat, confronted by Pat as he lifts his hands to block Fred’s strike. The two shared a laugh, and Fred bid his goodbyes by blowing a kiss to Vanna White.  

Fred Jackson’s previous encounter with Pat Sajak

Pat Sajak has had a beatdown with Fred in the past as well. When Fred Jackson appeared for the first time on ‘Wheel of Fortune’, he was put under a chokehold by Pat. On his first appearance, he won $75.8K, in response to which Pat asked other players, "Just because he’s a professional wrestler… you want me to body slam him for you?" The players replied, “Yes”. When Fred guessed the correct answer to the puzzle, he emotionally hugged his dad, and Pat entered the ring flexing his muscles, and rushed over him, grabbing him from the back and putting him in a chokehold. 

'Fred the Wrestler is back!'

Fans of 'Wheel of Fortune' were excited and pumped to see Fred Jackson back on the show. Many fans took it to social media to show their love for him, as one Twitter user wrote, "Fred the Wrestler is back!" while another user added, "I'm rooting for Fred tonight. Let's go Fred!" One more user posted, "LET’S GO FRED!" and appreciated him as a player, "Fred did great tonight. Best "fan favorite" contestant ever. He rocks!" 

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