Tulsa’s Bull Riding Ninja, Qualifies to Compete in PBR’s Unleash The Beast Event This Weekend!

Venn Johns, Tulsa’s Bull Riding Ninja, Qualifies to Compete in

PBR’s Unleash The Beast Event This Weekend!

The much anticipated return of the PBR’s Unleash the Beast Tour will feature The Bull Riding Ninja, Venn Johns, as one of the top 42 bull riders in the world competing this season to earn PBR’s most coveted title of PBR World Champion.

The Unleash The Beast date, one of PBR’s official events on its elite road to the championship tour, will take place this Saturday and Sunday, at 3:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. respectively at Guthrie, OK’s Lazy E Ranch arena.  It is the first event of PBR’s nationwide return to “normal” amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“When I got the call to let me know that I’d qualified to compete, I was both nervous and excited,” said Johns. “Nervous because I injured my elbow and didn’t know, until I got on a few bulls last week, how I would do and excited because one of my life goals is to compete at PBR’s World Finals as the oldest bull rider to qualify. PBR just confirmed that I am now the oldest bull rider in PBR history to compete at this level. This is a dream of mine and I am going to make the most of it. I’m ready for this!”

PBR coordinated with event and arena staff, along with local officials, to build an event that would be both safe for riders and staff and enjoyable for fans. In order to accomplish this feat, organizers have put very strict parameters in place for the competition. This is a non-ticketed event as fans (including friends and family) will not be permitted to attend in person, in keeping with the social distancing policies in place for safety concerns.  Only essential staff and competitors will be allowed on site for the event and will keep to these same regulations.

“PBR is handling this event with care,” said Johns. “There are strict rules to which we must all adhere. For example, there will be RVs set up at a safe distance from one another which will house two bull riders each. We are also not allowed to stop within 60 miles of the arena, to keep everyone safe. This is an incredible opportunity for the sport, for the riders and for the fans. We don’t want to mess this up.”

Additional regulations surrounding the event include:

·         COVID-19 testing for each participant and staff member prior to the competition.

·         Riders will compete in groups of 6.

·         Only 6 riders allowed on the back of the chutes at one time, with one staff member.

·         Each rider and staff member must wear proper personal protective gear including goggles, face masks and gloves.

·         All food will be catered and properly sanitized.

PBR and ninja fans alike can catch THE Bull Riding Ninja on PBR’s Ride Pass on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend and live on CBS from the Lazy E Ranch arena 11:00 AM on Sunday, April 2th.

Additional information about PBR and the Unleash the Beast event at the Lazy E Ranch can be found by visiting PBR.com. Fans can also get updated information about Venn Johns and his Ninja Warrior gym, BA Ninja Warrior, at VennJohns.com, BANinjaWarrior.com or follow Venn Johns and BA Ninja Warrior on social media using the handles BANinjaWarrior or Vennmmm.   - Media Release