Who would’ve thought the wacky premise behind 2011’s Hugh Jackman actioner, Real Steel, would seem a lot less wacky just two years later? Premiering on SPACE tonight at 10E/7P, Robot Combat League introduces 12 massive robots manned by two human contestants in a tournament-style fight to the junkyard. Each trio consists of a "robo tech" in charge of maneuvering and technical issues, and a "robo jockey" who's responsible for the fighting. The winning team gets 100K (not sure if the robot takes 1/3 of the cut) and the title of first-ever champion of the Robot Combat League. The losing team brings home their robot’s severed head in a box.

The roster of human talent is super eclectic: we’ve got engineers, olympians, pro video gamers, and even George Lucas’ MMA-fighter daughter (for reals). Then there’s our dudely host, WWE champ and former Dancing with the Stars contender Chris Jericho.

Enough human plugging, let’s meet the frakin’ robots—or, as Jericho prefers to call them, “Futuristic fighting machines!”

A.X.E. can “axe” opponents with its axe-shaped head.

Brimstone’s steel and leather exterior looks tough and kinky.

Commander is kind of like a tank, but a robot.

Crash has a roll cage barrier that will hopefully stop it from getting creamed in the ring.

Drone Strike has a sick camouflage finish and rad glowing eyes.

Game Over has a friggin’ screen on its face!

Medieval sports chain mail to intimidate robots and also dragons.

Robot Hammer looks like a Decepticon.

Scorpio is the coolest-looking of the bunch, with protruding spikes and purple stuff.

Steampunk just looks absurd and unwieldy.

Steel Cyclone has a teensy, circular head that’s hard to smack off.

Thunder Skull has a bitchin’ name.

Check back tomorrow to stream the full ep and/or read our recap of the FIRST ROBOT FIGHT! In the meantime, here’s a tease: