After weeks of host T.J. Lavin teasing a change to the game in this season of MTV’s The Challenge: Battle for a New Champion. When this iteration of the physical competition show started, the collection of international competitors were in the Control phase.
We finally got to see the countdown clock Lavin mentioned repeatedly, and this week marked the beginning of the Chaos phase. The Challengers are no longer only competing as one big team, instead breaking up into pairs this week for a wild challenge that featured a double-high semi truck, a spinning arm, giant rings and poles along the roadside.
Corey and Ravyn — paired randomly — end up having that particular skillset in their toolboxes, leading to a win and power in the game. The duo (mainly Corey) nominates assumed friend Asaf into the first Chaos elimination round, and the house votes in Ciarran.
But as is always the case when T.J. Lavin is involved, nothing is as simple as it seems. Veteran Jordan shows up, and he draws Ciarran’s name as competition. We know the names of Ciarran and Asaf were on two of the three poles in the draw, but the mystery remains what the third option holds.
Jordan showed why he’s Jordan, taking $10k of the Challengers money and eliminating Ciarran from the game.
Let’s get to Contenders, Pretenders and who has work left to do.
Contenders
The Vets – Jordan came in and did WORK. Not only did he win, he played mind games with Ciarran by letting him win a couple rounds and wear himself out, then just dominating. Sets the tone early in this Chaos segment.
Ravyn – Just a couple weeks removed from being the popular pick for the elimination round, Ravyn is showing she’s got skills in this game.
Jay – Jay is the unicorn combination of physically good at the game and good at the political side of things. People like him, and people don’t want to go against him. Good combo.
Work Left to Do
Asaf – He thought Corey was a friend, but that didn’t stop him from hearing his name called. He would have been the one going home had Jordan not pulled Ciarran’s pole.
Kyland – I just love his energy.
Michele – If she’s not winning, she is potentially at risk for getting voted in a lot, especially now if the women want to have the vets eliminate a strong female competitor.
Pretenders
Corey – A blowup at deliberation is never good, and now Asaf is back.
Moriah -Her romantic fling with James is making some of the house wary of her allegiances.
Callum – Yep, still here.
