well i think the problem with mxc is, it just gets really old quick and all the events get passed by most people.
with ninja warrior, you see alot of the same people and they are all working towards a common goal that very few get to (i think there have only been 2 ninja warriors so far) they build up a story for alot of the 'elite' players and its fun and your rooting them on.
thats being said i wouldnt be suprised if a few of the people are specially trained and there stories fabricated... hell i thought iron chef was real lol, you mean chairman kaga is an actor!!!!! nooooooo