Johnny Bananas recently stirred things up during MTV’s The Challenge: Vets and New Threats with his statement to castmates and viewers.
After apologizing to his teammate, America Lopez, for the elimination votes they received, Bananas informed everyone, “I am The Challenge,” during the Season 41, Episode 3 deliberation scene.
It immediately caused a commotion, with rookies rolling their eyes or even arguing with what he said.
However, Bananas continued to explain that he is the one who built the competition series into a long-time fan favorite reality TV franchise, allowing the newbies to be part of it.
Meanwhile, one of his veteran castmates also disagreed with what the seven-time champ had to say, but didn’t speak up during the filmed episode.
Instead, he chose to take his criticism and gripes to X, formerly known as Twitter, where he slammed Bananas’ statement, causing Bananas to double down.
Is one person The Challenge? Bananas’ castmate says ‘No’
Vets and New Threats includes former War of the Worlds finalist, Theo Campbell, returning to the show after appearing in Season 40 (Battle of the Eras).
In Season 41, Theo’s now working in an alliance with his girlfriend, Olivia Kaiser, and other individuals from the United Kingdom, so they have numbers in the game.
Following Episode 3 where Bananas ranted about being “The Challenge,” Theo called out his remarks, suggesting that it’s not only about one person.
He explained two of the “highest and best seasons in 10 years” featured Bananas leaving after two weeks on the show.
Theo is referring to both War of the Worlds seasons, where Bananas got eliminated early in the game, with the WOTW 2 elimination coming courtesy of Theo.
Theo also mentioned that with Bananas “out of the way early,” it gives the rest of the cast “a chance to shine” instead of just one individual.
One could contend that with Bananas eliminated in War of the Worlds, his fellow MTV vet Wes Bergmann got to shine, along with relative newcomers, including Turabi “Turbo” Camkiran, Paulie Calafiore, and Theo.
War of the Worlds 2 paved the way for several new champions, as Rogan O’Connor and Dee Nguyen were on the winning Team UK. However, Chris “CT” Tamburello and Jordan Wiseley were also part of that winning team.
Bananas fired back at Theo: ‘I carried this show’
It didn’t take long for Bananas to spotlight his castmate’s remarks, resharing them on X. However, Bananas doubled down on his original statement about being The Challenge.
“My legacy built the houses you stood in, and those seasons only existed because I carried this show through the dark days when nobody else could keep the lights on. You’re welcome for the ratings boost… even in my absence,” he told Theo and others.
During the “Vets and New Threats” episode, Bananas schooled newer castmates with his boast that the reason they’re part of the show is because of him.
The episode footage showed some of his vet castmates with smirks and laughs, including Theo, and Cara Maria Sorbello, who also exclaimed “Wow” after hearing his remarks.
Theo and Olivia weren’t outspoken at that moment, whereas some of the rookies were, including Married at First Sight UK’s Adrienne Naylor.
She fired back that it wasn’t all about him, with Bananas telling her it was about him because he was the one speaking.
One could argue that other select cast members make for interesting television, beyond Bananas. At the very least, Turbo has seemed much more entertaining in Vets and New Threats without getting into any potential fights.
After Bananas’ Episode 3 deliberation lecture, Turbo hilariously reminded him in a confessional interview: “Be humble b***h.”
Turbo seemingly agreed with Theo’s take, saying Bananas is not The Challenge.
However, Bananas made a solid point about how his entertaining appearances and seven championships on the MTV franchise have helped it continue to grow for over 40 seasons.
The Challenge: Vets and New Threats airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on MTV.
