This is the embarrassing moment Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak had to cut short a victory celebration after contestants answered a riddle incorrectly.
Rufus Cumberlander was seen fist bumping his opponents during Monday night’s show after confidently guessing the answer to a riddle.
Cumberlander, along with fellow contestants Luidgi Altidor and Cynthia King, were tasked with completing the phrase: ‘_ _ N ‘ _ _ _ _ KA _ _ _’.
King hummed, but couldn’t solve the puzzle and opened it up to his opponents. That’s when Cumberlander yelled ‘DON’T LOOK DOWN,’ prompting Altidor to punch him.
Sajak repeated “no, no, no, no, no,” but the trio continued their celebration and finally realized their mistake when the incorrect answer buzzer sounded.
Rufus Cumberlander was seen fist bumping his opponents during Monday night’s show after confidently guessing the answer to a riddle. He guessed ‘DON’T LOOK DOWN’, which was not the correct phrase.
Pat Sajak repeated “no, no, no, no, no,” but the trio continued their celebration and finally realized their mistake when the incorrect answer buzzer sounded. And he added: ‘Everyone is congratulating everyone and WE will keep the money!!’
King looked disappointed after appearing taken aback by the phrase on the board.
By not answering the question, Sajak opened the question to the other two contestants.
Cumberlander, with apparent confidence, offered an answer to the riddle.
Altidor, apparently impressed by his opponent, mouthed “yeah” as he fist-bumped Cumberlander, who then proceeded to do the same to King.
Sajak repeatedly said the answer was wrong, but the trio didn’t seem to hear him.
They finally turned their attention back to the host after a doorbell rang, revealing the correct answer: “I CAN’T LOOK WHERE.” They screamed in disbelief.
“No, that’s not right,” Sajak said. ‘Everyone is congratulating everyone and WE will keep the money!!
“It was very nice of you to congratulate him,” he added.
Since no one answered the question correctly, King, who had won the previous two puzzles, received points for the segment. She emerged victorious on Monday night’s episode, taking home a total of $19,390.
Since no one answered the question correctly, King, who had won the previous two puzzles, received points for the segment.
She emerged victorious on Monday night’s episode, taking home a total of $19,390.
All three of Monday’s contestants had previously appeared on the show, King as recently as last February, and returned for Fan Favorites Week.
Cumberland made his debut in Wheel of Fortune in 2015 and Altidor in 2020.