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‘Wheel of Fortune’ contest creates controversy on way to winning almost $100k

Contestant Tony Harrison made a second appearance on Wheel of Fortune, Monday night. Even though contestants are only allowed to compete once on the show, the software project manager from Valencia, California got a second chance. “If Tony looks familiar-- this is Tony Harrison, who's been here before,” said host Pat Sajak while introducing the contestants. “We had a little production issue, and in the interests of fairness, we brought Tony back.” Pat did not elaborate on what the “production issue” was. However, some avid fans remember Tony from and episode in 2017. Apparently he made it to the bonus round and chose the category “Phrase,” but when he played they gave him the category “What are you doing.” While the traditional adage is “third times a charm,” Tony proved that it is actually the second time! He put on a dominant performance, solving almost every puzzle and landing on all the right wedges. Tony finished the game with $93,831 in cash and prizes, including a fancy trip to Barbados. And while many fans were impressed by Tony’s win, several wondered why he got to make a second appearance.

Video transcript

[DING]

PAT SAJAK: And it's Tony.

TONY HARRISON: Arches National Park.

PAT SAJAK: Yeah, that's it. If Tony looks familiar, this is Tony Harrison, who's been here before. We had a little production issue, and in the interest of fairness, we brought Tony back. So welcome back.

KYLIE MAR: While we don't know exactly why Tony Harrison got a second chance on "Wheel of Fortune" Monday, he certainly made it an entertaining episode.

[DING]

PAT SAJAK: Tony.

TONY HARRISON: Sorry.

PAT SAJAK: You know it's a problem when someone rings in and all you hear is, "Sorry." Just want to put the thing down.

KYLIE MAR: Despite that one bumpy moment, Tony managed to spin the wheel like a champion, landing on all the right wedges. And he ended up solving almost every puzzle.

TONY HARRISON: Bring the whole family along.

PAT SAJAK: That's it.

TONY HARRISON: Frozen food for thought.

PAT SAJAK: Yeah.

TONY HARRISON: Enjoying the warmth of the sun.

PAT SAJAK: Yeah, that's it.

KYLIE MAR: Fans were extremely impressed with Tony's performance, with one fan tweeting, "This Tony guy on Wheel of Fortune might be the best player I've ever seen." But not everyone was happy for Tony, as some viewers wanted a better explanation for why Tony was allowed to make a second appearance, with one fan tweeting "I've never been on Wheel of Fortune once but Tony gets to be on it twice."

After regulation play, Tony had $48,831 in cash and prizes, including a pretty fancy trip to Barbados. And he continued his winning way straight through to the bonus round.

TONY HARRISON: Grand Lobby?

PAT SAJAK: That's it.

[CHEERING, MUSIC PLAYING]

Wow.

TONY HARRISON: Holy cr--

PAT SAJAK: You've got $45,000. $93,831.

TONY HARRISON: Oh my god.