The Challenge is back in full swing with its Vets and New Threats cast, featuring returning finalists and former champions.
There are also many rookies participating in Season 41, and they set things in motion in just the first few episodes.
Several seasons ago, The Challenge introduced fans to a group of rookies who made an impact and returned for several more seasons.
Two of those rookies were teammates Olivia Kaiser and Horacio Gutierrez, who had one of the strongest debuts in recent Challenge history, winning multiple eliminations and reaching the final.
There was also Nuyrs Mateo, who teamed up with veteran Nelson Thomas. She later impressed in Season 39, also reaching the final and finishing as runner-up.
All three of them returned for Season 40 (Battle of the Eras), but due to a bit of a falling out over an elimination, only Olivia is back for 41.
Horacio reacted to the Vets and New Threats cast
On his official Instagram Story, Horacio replied to a fan’s question asking if he would be watching MTV’s Vets and New Threats.
Horacio indicated he was still bitter over not being a participant, making it hard for him to watch the show.
“BUT.. there is a new era taking over. All the best to them,” he wrote with a fist bump emoji.
He reached the final alongside Olivia in Ride or Dies, but fans saw Olivia suffer that tragic accident where the slingshot backfired and a golf ball hit her between the eyes. That disqualified her and Horacio from continuing in the final.
They returned for Battle for a New Champion, but it was a rough season for Horacio. A huge alliance run mostly by Jay Starrett and Michele Fitzgerald often targeted him. However, he and Nurys became a couple, and that was a significant win for both of them.
They remained together and kept dating as they returned for Season 40. However, Nurys was eliminated by friend-turned-rival-turned-friend again Olivia early in the season.
Horacio lost a close elimination match against Derrick Kosinski, which sparked controversy and debate online about whether it was rigged. Production unveiled footage exclusively for Derrick and Horacio to watch, showing that Derrick won and Horacio missed a key part of the rules.
Nuyrs also shared her thoughts about Season 41
In a series of messages on X, formerly known as Twitter, Nurys also spoke about Vets and New Threats. Based on her remarks, it seems she planned to watch the new season.
She hinted that she feels one cast member is “extremely annoying” and wanted to see them “eliminated.” However, Nurys also mentioned she was excited to see Ashley “Millionaire” Mitchell back on The Challenge.
A fan also asked why Nurys wasn’t part of the newest season, and she had an interesting reply.
“Pretty sure they just don’t like me anymore but it’s okay! What’s meant for me will always be mine and if its not it’s because better is coming,” she wrote.
The fiasco over Horacio’s Season 40 elimination included Nurys firing off critical remarks on X right after the episode aired. She blasted production for overlooking rules that cost Horacio the win.
An outspoken Horacio mentioned that he was officially retiring from the show due to his frustration about how things had gone. However, he left the door open for a return.
The Challenge may have put these two on a temporary suspension from appearing on the show to let things cool off, since others have returned after more serious issues.
The Challenge: Vets and New Threats airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on MTV.
