Since 1998,The Challengehas been home to some of reality television’s most iconic moments and players. With 40 seasons under its belt and a plethora of spin-offs,The Chellenge’s devoted fan base has been through the highs and lows, drama, controversy, and everything in between. Butthere certainly have been times when that devoted fan base was about to jump ship.
With over 500+ episodes, the series has seen it all. Yet, there were moments that pushed the boundaries just to the edge when the fanbase was willing to abandon the series they loved. Whether it was controversial production decisions, unfortunate quits, or a finale that showcased the worst in people, these ten episodes almost made the fans completely quitThe Challenge.
The Challenge
10Beth Quits, Again
Love her or hate her,Beth Stolarczykis an absolute icon ofThe Challenge. As one of the pioneers of the franchise,Beth has been notorious for being a polarizing figure.While she may not be the conversation of top-tier physical competitors, she is the queen of instigation. The mental gymnastics she puts others through: masterful. Whenever Beth stepped foot into theChallengehouse, her fellow competitors would be terrified of what would come. Being a complete wildcard, you’d never know what she would bring to the season. But chances are, if you didn’t eliminate her, Beth will find a way to quit the game. DuringReal World/Road Rules: The Inferno II, Beth walked because of the conditions inside theChallengehouse. It was a respectable decision. But, knowing the atmosphere theChallengehouse is notorious for, Beth still decided to return a season later forReal World/Road Rules: Gauntlet 2.
The season was set up as Veterans versus Rookies. Looking back at the cast now, it was a pretty stellar cast. The names attached were quite spectacular. You had the return of futureSouthern CharmstarCameran Eubanks. The long-awaited return ofThe Real World: San Francisco’sJo Rhodes. What could be better?! Well, them not quitting. After two back-to-back quits from Rookie women, the fans were infuriated. If anyone else walked, it would be the breaking point. The Veteran team was dominating the game, but when the third Veteran Gauntlet rolled around, it was safe to assume Beth would be tossed in again.
Having eliminated two women already, her season was proving that she is not one to mess with. So, it was finally time to see Beth take onAneesa Ferreirain Beach Brawl. Well, it would have been had Beth not decided to bow out and quit, stating that the elimination challenge was against her morals. With half the season nearly complete, fans were dismayed at her decision. Not because of her feelings toward the challenge but becauseshe took away spots from individuals who truly wanted to remain in the game.Fans would have been delighted to see the likes ofRuthie AlcaideandMontana McGlynnremain in the game. At the end of the day, it was just another notch in Beth’s notorious belt. Fans know that when she’s on their screens, it’s going to be a doozy. And if she quits again, they’re no longer surprised.
9Sarah Doesn’t Get a Replacement Partner
The Challenge: Rivals II
Years before she went on to winThe TraitorsSeason 2,Trishelle Cannatellawas known for her time on MTV. With a nickname like “Trashelle,” it was safe to say that she was not always the most beloved individual in a room. In the early 2000s, following her stint onThe Real World: Las Vegas, she seemed like the perfect participant for the early days ofThe Challenge.She wasn’t the best competitor and seemed to care more about hookups than earning a handsome reward.She only lasted two seasons on the flagship franchise, but when the series paid homage to the series that started it all, Trishelle made her grand return onThe Challenge: Battle of the Seasons. For this second installment of the theme, she joined a hybrid team of the two Las Vegas seasons alongside her original castmateAlton Williamsand revival castmatesDustin ZitoandNany Gonzalez.
A newside of Trishelle emerged. A true player, eager to prove that the past was a fluke. With a newfound competitive edge, she was none too pleased when Sarah Rice was spotted flirting with her teammate. Upon a daily challenge victory, Team Las Vegas put Team Brooklyn up for elimination, which then led to a confrontation between the two women. It was then revealed that Trishelle had been warned of Sarah prior to the season as someone who would be untrustworthy.
Well, this newfound rivalry was ripe for them to be paired as a team the following season onThe Challenge: Rivals II. They should have a force to reckon with, but Trishelle, after all these years, forgot about the conditions of theChallengehouse and decided to quit. So why were the fans upset? Because of Trishelle’s departure,it forced Sarah to have to leave the game instead of receiving a new partner.Now, that would be all swell if this was the first time Sarah was forced to leave the game because of a partner. Nope, second time. WhenVinny Fotiwas involved in a sexual assault situation at a nightclub, he was disqualified fromThe Challenge: Battle of the Exes, and thus, removed. Rather than giving Sarah a partner, she was tossed as well. For this to continue to happen to Sarah, on top of the other dastardly things that she’s experienced, it just felt terrible and targeted.
8The Doomed Finale
By the time the series reachedReal World/Road Rules Challenge: The Gauntlet III, many established veterans became staples of the series. But with new seasons of The Real World still airing, rookies were still coming through.The Gauntlet IIIdecided to explore the Veterans versus Rookie theme, but when every player stepped foot on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, it was clear how completely lopsided the teams were. The Veteran team was completely demolishing the Rookies. With such close friendships on the Veteran side,the male-dominated alliance not only started to throw missions to remove their weak link women, they protected their friends. A decision that would be a fatal flaw.
By the time the finale rolled around, it was expected that the Veterans would be victorious in TJ Lavin’s final challenge. The challenge was inspired by Army Strong where it was drilled into their heads the importance of finishing as a team. In a game where you’re only as strong as your weakest link, the Veterans soon learned that money was more important than those so-called friendships. WhenEric “Big Easy” Bankswent down, it was one of the more terrifying moments the show has seen. His teammates recalled seeing his eyes roll to the back of his head. Knowing that the Rookies were on their tail, the Vets opted to unchain Big Easy and finish the final challenge. And they did it with ease. But here’s the catch! TJ clearly stated they must finish as a team, and all players must be present at the finish. With Big Easy out of commission,the Vets were disqualified, and the Rookies won by default.The fandom was in an uproar. And it all depended on whose side you were on. Some felt it was unfair to the Vets. Some were dismayed at the treatment towards Big Easy. And some believed that the Rookies showed what it takes to be a team and were OK with the results. Essentially, what happened is the entire season was built up for a Veteran win, only to watch it go down in flames in such a shocking way.
7Dave Quits
WithSurvivorbeing one of the biggest shows on television at the time,The Challengedecided to try their hand at aSurvivor-esque edition of the series.Real World/Road Rules: The Islandtook players from the series as they were “stranded” on an island where they competed for a split of a $300,000 buried treasure. As this game was played, only eight players would have the opportunity to board 2 makeshift boats to get to said treasure.
Rather than luxury dwellings, the players were forced to rough it on the island. And the conditions were not for everyone. Such was the case forDave Malinosky. As a rookie fresh off ofThe Real World: Hollywood, Dave seemed like he’d be perfect for this game. But he wasn’t. He was making friends. He was likely going to be insulated in the game. But by episode 2, Dave was ready to bounce.He quit. Why? He missed his girlfriend back at home.It was a very weak move that did not sit well with anyone. Viewers included.
6Kenny Belittles Sarah
Once again,The Challengedecided it would be a brilliant idea to set up one team for victory.Real World/Road Rules: The Ruinswas a battle of Champions versus Challengers. When you have the moniker of being a champion, it gets to your head. The same could be said for the challengers, especially when they were veterans of the game without a series victory. Nevertheless, our story here was about a young woman making her series debut: Sarah Rice.
Fresh off her time onThe Real World: Brooklyn, Sarah Rice was admittedly starstruck being in the game alongside some of her favorite players. She slowly began to develop a crush on veteran player,Kenny Santucci. She was lovestruck. Despite her extraordinary run in the game,Sarah’s focus on Kenny was something he used to his advantage.Knowing he could get what he wanted from her. He treated her poorly, even making her cry. You felt for the rookie. But,much of this story gets eliminated over time after the incident that ultimately led to the end of Kenny’s timeonThe Challenge. But that’s for another conversation.
5Mercenaries Enter Later In the Game
‘The Challenge: Final Reckoning’
The Challengeis no stranger to shocking and game-changing twists. But sometimes, whenThe Challengetakes it too far, the fans cry and complain because the fairness and integrity of the game are compromised. First called Heavy Hitters,alumni of the game were brought into the game to engage, usually, in an elimination challenge.They had no barring on the main portion of the game. It was just something that shook up the monotony. When the twist was turned into something called Mercenaries, the mechanics of the twist were heavily altered. First seen onThe Challenge: Vendettas, the Mercenaries were introduced during the fifth and eighth elimination rounds and used the same mechanics utilized with the Heavy Hitters. But that all changed onThe Challenge: Final Reckoning.
With the excitement of the Mercenaries, the series took the concept and flipped it on its head. Rather than just effecting the player up for elimination, two teams of Mercenaries were introduced into the elimination rounds where, should they defeat a team, they would have the opportunity to enter the game themselves. Now, whether the show thought it would happen, both teams won their chance to join the game having never stepped foot into a challenge during the season. First, on episode 8,Ashley MitchellandHunter Barfieldwon the elimination round and joined the game. Then, on episode 1,Cory WhartonandDevin Walkerbeat two teams and joined the game.
To say it was completely unfair was an understatement. Cory ultimately got both himself and Devin removed from the game after a fight with Tony Raines.But Ashley and Hunter not only walked into the game late, but they waltzed to the finale and won.The risk of elimination was significantly lower than any team that fought their way from the start, and the fans were infuriated. But, as we know, to make matters worse, the finale money twist was re-introduced and Ashley stole Hunter’s prize. That moment doesn’t make the list simply because it wasn’t the first time it happened. But don’t worry, we’ll discuss that first time soon.
4Dee Is Edited Out
‘The Challenge: Total Madness’
Starting in Era 3 ofThe Challenge, individuals from other intellectual properties from around the world were brought into theChallengefamily to play and enlarge the casting pool. Originally fromGeordie Shore,Dee Nguyenseemed like one of the promising players that could represent the future of the franchise. She proved her worth during both iterations ofThe Challenge: War of the Worlds, but sometimes, it’s life off camera that may result in someone’s ultimate downfall. WhileThe Challenge: Total Madnesswas airing, it was revealed thatDee made insensitive comments about the Black Lives Matter movement.
Her controversial remarks forced MTV to sever ties with the reality star. And despite issuing an apology, MTV opted to edit her out of the show.Unfortunately, Dee was a central player in the remaining episode’s action.It was an unfortunate situation because, as much as Dee didn’t deserve to be seen on the platform, the season ended up becoming butchered due to their attempt to edit around her.Episode 11 became a complete disasteras Dee was involved in integral pieces of the puzzle.The Challengeis not the first reality series that has been forced to edit around a character for off-camera actions, but no matter what, it’s still a learning curve on how to tell a story.
3Laurel Brutally Mocks Big Easy
‘The Challenge: Cutthroat’
Laurel Stuckywill forever be in the conversation as one of the greatest competitors in the series’ history. Despite her exceptional track record, the character Laurel brings to the show is oftentimes unsavory. While some might believe its her competitive edge, others would argue that it’s her true nature. Easily one of the cruelest moments ever seen on screen, Laurel decided it was her right to rip into Eric “Big Easy” Banks duringThe Challenge: Cutthroat. He might be Big Easy, but the incident in the hot tube made every feel very uneasy.
With everyone hanging out around the hot tub, as the liquor was flowing,Laurel called Big Easy ugly, said no one would touch him, and body-shamed him.Her actions were beyond unsavory. They were beyond uncalled for. And all the others could do was sit back and watch Big Easy take it. What were they supposed to do? The body shaming was disgusting. If this incident had happened today, Laurel would have never been invited to compete again. At that time, it was just what happened on reality television. Not an excuse, just the sad reality. For many fans who tried their best to champion her for her gameplay, it was this moment was the moment some started to sour on her.
2Camila Disrespects Leroy
‘The Challenge: Dirty 30’
When it comes to true heroes of the game,Leroy Garrettwould likely be one of the names that top the list. He’s kind-hearted, good-natured, and everyone’s friend. On the opposite end of the spectrum wasCamilla Nakagawa. Known as the Camilanator, she, too, was another unpredictable character whose actions flipped on a dime when there was alcohol involved. Camila had a strong track record up until this point, but like Laurel, it was her personal antics that caused her to be a highly disliked character. DuringThe Challenge: Dirty 30,Camila went on a disgusting tirade that began as game strategy and ended with a racist rant.
Camila’s verbal attacks towards Leroy are difficult to watch. But like previous incidents, watching the room and not jumping into Leroy’s defense was beyond unfortunate. While we certainly saw confessionals discussing the racist comments, in the moment, no one did a thing. Even with security getting involved, Camila was allowed to stay in the game and ultimately win the season. She has since been banned from appearing on the show. Following the incident,Leroy took aim at MTV for their handling of the incident.In a lengthy video, some of the comments included, “I feel as if the network needs to start holding cast members and anyone they employ accountable for their actions,” he said. “All eyes are going to be on you with every move that you make now.”
1Bananas Steals Sarah’s Money
‘The Challenge: Rivals III’
Love him or hate him,Johnny Bananashas become the face ofThe Challenge. Once viewed as a hero, the more time Bananas took to makeThe Challengehis career, the further he went down a very evil path.Bananas has been the source of some very diabolical moments throughout his tenure, but easily, the worst thing he has ever done was at the end ofThe Challenge: Rivals III. In the third installment of the rivals trilogy, the series took the opportunity to pair male and female competitors together to work through their beef to walk away with a massive prize at the game. Even though Bananas and Sarah managed to work through their past to truly dominate the season, the finale twist was a battle of morality. TJ Lavin revealed that not only would the teams be battling the other teams, but they would be going head-to-head with one another through a series of checkpoints. Whoever was victorious in these battles would be presented THE ultimate choice.
After becoming the champions of the season, Bananas and Sarah believed they would be walking away with a massive cash prize. The joy was quickly cut short when it was revealed that Johnny Bananas’ ultimate choice was to either split the money with his partner or cut and run. To the shock of many and yet to the shock of none,Johnny Bananas stole Sarah’s money, leaving her a puddle of tears on the top of a frigid Argentinian mountain.Fans were furious at this twist. It was truly a step too far. As one of the strongest players in the game, Sarah Rice made this challenge the last of her career and has never felt the urge to return.
