MTV’s “The Challenge: Vets & New Threats” reunion part one aired on Wednesday, December 10, and here’s the highlights from the dramatic evening.
Who Won ‘The Challenge: Vets & New Threats?’
GettyIn a stunning upset, Olivia Kaiser and Yeremi Hykel won “The Challenge” season 41. Olivia was, unknowingly, several weeks pregnant while running this final, and she and Yeremi struggled during certain checkpoints. Yet, they managed to overtake Sydney Segal and Turbo Çamkıran and win the $425,000 grand prize.
Although Sydney and Turbo were the favorites to win, Olivia and Yeremi were definitely deserving. They are both physical threats who trained hard in preparation for the difficult season. Sydney and Turbo came in second place, Cedric Hodges and Michaela Bradshaw came in third, and Theo Campbell and Adrienne Naylor came in fourth after failing to finish the hike.
‘The Challenge: Vets & New Threats’ Reunion
The reunion started with the acknowledgement of Olivia’s pregnancy. Host Devyn Simone even gave the couple a “Challenge” onesie. After MTV filmed the reunion, Olivia and Theo had a healthy baby boy.
Olivia Kaiser vs. Johnny Bananas
Getty“The Challenge” season 41 reunion featured the struggled between Olivia and Johnny Bananas. The two were at odds during the season, actively going after each other during “Vets & New Threats.” Olivia admitted she was going after Bananas because he called her a “snake” the previous season, but she and Bananas were able to laugh about their rivalry.
Bananas acknowledged that he was hurt that the other vets (except for Leroy Garrett) voted him in, although Nany Gonzales claimed Bananas would have done the same to her, despite their close relationship.
Devyn took a poll during the reunion to find out who agreed with a comment Bananas made during the season, that he “is the … ‘Challenge.'” Although most cast members disagreed with Bananas, people like Aneesa Ferreira, CT Tamburello, and Leroy raised their hands, among others. CT even gave Bananas a cactus trophy.
Gabe Wai’s Apology
Rookie Gabe Wai apologized for his rude comments towards the women of “The Challenge.” Through tears, he said he was sorry for his actions and words in the house and hoped everyone could forgive him and recognize his growth. He also said he started therapy. Gabe’s partner, Joanna Mannion, said she already saw a change within him and acknowledged he was not a bad person, he simply treated her badly.
Later, Bananas asked Gabe how much of Gabe’s decision to stake a claim on Nany was Gabe’s decision rather than influence from Theo. Gabe said only 25% was his decision. Olivia defended her Theo’s move, saying everyone plays the game differently, but Michaela said moves like that are the reason many of the Challengers don’t like Olivia.
Ashley Mitchell’s Self-Awarness
“Challenge” champion Ashley Mitchell got an entire reunion segment to herself, due to her meltdowns during the season. Ashley acknowledged she was a difficult partner to work with, but it’s only because she’s “competitive,” as she said. Although Ashley continued to make some mean comments during her segment, including calling Theo “dumb,” everything she said was funny and caused many laughs among the cast.
How To Watch ‘The Challenge’ Reunion Part 2
Tonight was only part one of the “Challenge” reunion. To watch the rest of the drama, tune in to MTV on Wednesday, December 17 at 8 p.m. ET.
