The beloved game show may be on hiatus, but a technicality has riled up the internet once more. Charlene Rubush made it all the way through to the bonus round with a whopping $16,500. She was hoping to add even more to the grand total, but things didn’t pan out that way. The correct answer to the puzzle was “choosing the right word,” which Rubush guessed a moment after incorrectly guessing “choosing the right card.” While contestant’s typically only have one shot at a guess during regular gameplay, in the bonus round, they are able to talk it out and make as many guesses within the 10 second time frame, which is what Rubush did. However, in this particular case, host Pat Sajak didn’t give Rubush her prize because of a timing technicality. Sajak explained: “You know, this one’s tough because you said all the right words, including the word ‘word’ but, as you know, it’s gotta be more or less continuous.” “We’ll allow for a little pause but not four or five seconds. I’m sorry,” he said, adding, “You did a good job in getting it, but we can’t give you the prize, and it was the Audi.” Naturally, Twitter wasn’t having any of it as they called out the game show for the rule. One user said that they have “hidden rules,” vowing to never watch the show again unless Rubush “gets the AUDI ANNNND the rule changes.” “#WheelofFortune that ruling should be over turned [sic].. she was taking a breath…I guess you can’t do that these days..she should get the car.. Audi should award her the car..would be good marketing,” another wrote. “That was so obviously within the time major foul,” a third added. There were a handful of fans who came to the show’s defense, however. “The rules say you have to read the [phrase] out from beginning to end… not one word at different times…should not get the car.. period.. rules are rules,” one Twitter user wrote. Another echoed this sentiment, adding that the “rules have been in place for decades.” Since the episode’s original airdate in 2021, Wheel of Fortune hasn’t commented on the decision, but Rubush ended up getting her prize after all when Audi gifted her a car! “You’re a winner in our eyes, Charlene. Now, let’s get you a prize. Time to #GiveHerTheQ3,” the official Audi Twitter account wrote. With help from the internet, the car brand was able to track down Rubush. They even shared the moment she finally got the keys to the Q3! “You all did it! You helped #GiveHerTheQ3. Charlene, welcome to the Audi family! We are so happy to see you in the driver seat,” the account wrote. All’s well that ends well! Next, watch Pat Sajak accidentally spoil the Wheel of Fortune bonus round!
