LOSING ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant YELLS at Host Ryan Seacrest. Losing your cool on national TV isn’t exactly rare — but on Wheel of Fortune? That’s a new one

Shocked ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Contestant Hilariously Yells at Host Ryan Seacrest
‘Wheel Of Fortune’ Contestant Hilariously Yells At Host Ryan Seacrest

Losing your cool on national TV isn’t exactly rare — but on Wheel of Fortune? That’s a new one.

On the Monday, March 3 episode, contestant P.J. Wilder racked up an impressive $74,860 in cash and prizes. His reaction? Just as big.

“How is this happening? Please pinch me! Pinch me!” Wilder shouted, turning to host Ryan Seacrest for confirmation that he wasn’t dreaming.

Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest attend the WOF S42 – Pier Wheel Launch at Santa Monica Pier on August 30, 2024 in Santa Monica, California. Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for CBS Media Ventures / Sony Pictures Television
The 50-year-old TV presenter obliged, giving him a small pinch on the shoulder.

“Hey!” Wilder yelped, as Seacrest reassured him, “This is all real.”

Then came the final surprise — the radio personality revealed Wilder had just won a Mini Cooper S Signature Convertible worth $41,200.

“No way! Get out of here!” Wilder yelled at Seacrest before jumping into the driver’s seat, honking the horn, and high-fiving his wife, Katie, who joined him on stage.

Fans were all in on the excitement.

“Love his energy!” one person commented after a clip of the moment hit YouTube.

“You’re a hell of a character, PJ, and I’m glad you’re walking away with an awesome car. Congratulations!” another wrote.

“The funniest contestant on the show,” a third chimed in.

But not everyone was on board with Wilder’s over-the-top enthusiasm.

“Anyone else think this guy PJ is the most annoying contestant ever?” one viewer asked on Reddit.

“Wow he was unbearable to watch especially when he kept cutting Ryan off. Notice how his wife just stood there on the side? So awkward,” another added.

Seacrest officially took over hosting duties from Pat Sajak on September 9, 2024, ushering in the show’s 42nd season.

“I love giving away the money,” the American Idol host told Fox News in December. “I get so excited when people win the money, and they win a lot of money. I’m hoping to give away a million dollars in 2025.”