DC WRAP: The Challenge Bloodlines - "Tear This Wall"

BY DC CUEVA                           

> @DC408dxtr / @DC408dxnow

Well, the NFL season has wrapped up and soon enough, so will another season of The Challenge. Battle of the Bloodlines will soon be a thing of the past, and last week we had some clarity to this unpredictable season with the last regular mission before the final, as well as both in-fighting and tension with the season's favorite see Aneesa falter once again before the final. Now Cara Maria & Jamie, Cory & Mitch and Jenna & Brianna remain as we prepare for a two-part finale starting tonight.

   As this site is pressed for time due to Super Bowl 50, we'll be saving the Things to Know recap for our Finale WRAP, but we do have time to again head into the Strategy Room to look at where they stand as the final kicks off. And along with Winners of the Night, afterwards on DC ExtraTime we'll remember the life of former MTV Challenge host and action sports star Dave Mirra, and celebrate the newest baby in Team MTV. All that after the jump.

 STRATEGY ROOM 

The Final Three

Well, if you're one of those small handful who had this final three, then you are so lucky and you should be jumping for joy. We have a pair who was tabbed as a preseason favorite to win who most of us expected to get here. A good number of fans saw a highly-anticipated rookie make it to the end in his first try. And only a handful of fans had his SFO housemate have an instant shot at redemption.

- CARA MARIA & JAMIE: From the looks of this final, this is now very much this pair's game to win. Being sent into the Pit three straight times and winning all three of them is a great accomplishment, and now they've emerged from being on the ropes to having this game in hand. As we mentioned in our SR posts here, Cara has been through so much this season: her & Thomas, Abram coming to Turkey, finishing last in the last challenge in Turkey, taking out Bananas in the ensuing elimination, and last week dealing with Aneesa. It has been an emotional stretch for the redhead, but the only result she can be satisfied with is if her & Jamie hold the winner's check aloft. Their odds have definitely improved to where now, you might say its about 2-1 that they finish this thing on top.

- CORY & MITCH: For the fifth straight season, we have a first-time rookie joining the final, and just as it was for PDX on Rivals II, this one was earned. And unlike what we saw with Jay & Jenna, Cory & Mitch have a much better chance of not only finishing but also perhaps challenging the redhead. Perhaps, they can pull off the shocker, but if not they'll be the team that pushes CM & Jamie to the end. Momentum is key in this game, and having won the last two regular missions after a mixed bag up to that mini-final, the guys have garnered enough momentum to bring them here. Plus, as we told you last week, the guys have such a strong rapport, which will be key in this pairs format, as well as a good guys kind of feel as well too.

- JENNA & BRIANNA: From the instant the horn blew on her in the final last year, this is what Jenna has had on her mind: a chance to redeem herself. Like Cara & Jamie, Jenna has been in three Pits and have won all of them, and she's done it by herself. She's also had to dodge that bullet of them possibly going home early when Bri wanted to go home after all that drama, but again they've persevered. With her Pit success, Jenna has more than earned a second chance and now if they can complete this task, even if it's 2nd or 3rd it will be just as good as 1st place.

This is the only time that I do a prediction on who will win a Challenge season, and that would be before the final. In the end, I will join most everyone else in choosing Cara Maria & Jamie to win this final. Cara has been dedicated to this Challenge world since we first saw her on Fresh Meat II in Canada, and it's clear now that she should and will win this. Having been to a final three previous times and coming away second, she has that experience and that will more than help her cause.

   On the other side, it's gonna be a interesting, but in a way friendly battle for 2nd and 3rd among Cory & Mitch and Jenna & Brianna. Obviously with the alums having shared that house in the City, they have nothing to lose but of course, they worry that it may happen again just like what happened last year. They'll be lucky to finish this final, but any result in the top three will more than do. For Jenna, it's redemption, while for Cory it's his arrival as part of The Challenge's next generation. If I had to choose, the guys should finish 2nd while the ladies go 3rd, but don't be surprised if it's the reverse, or if either of them crash the bash.

 WINNERS OF THE NIGHT 

> CORY & MITCH: Again, you always want to take advantage of momentum on these Challenges, and with Cory & Mitch winning the 2nd and last regular mission of this season, they've garnered that. Them being able to maneuver their way from truck to truck on that course the fastest and being able to garner that win now makes them a legit threat to upend Cara's run to the cash, or at least to cap off a nice rookie showing for the alum.

> CARA MARIA: Her winning that 3rd straight Pit all but sews up being the top pick for the betters in the final for Cara Maria. She got through being put into elimination for the 3rd time, but with having to prove herself when it mattered most against someone she had animosity with, she really delivered. Now that she has taken out two straight veterans in the Pit (Abe & Mike don't count as he alluded to, he wanted to help he win), she now has the upper hand.

 #DCExtraTime 

REMEMBERING DAVE MIRRA

A day after this week's episode came some sad news involving one of the three action sports icons who have served as host of The Challenge. On the same day that saw the passing of the founder of Earth, Wind and Fire as well as a former wrestler, there was a sudden passing that stunned and saddened not only a previous generation of Challenge viewers, but most especially the larger action sports community.
   Dave Mirra, former BMX athlete and host of two Challenges in the mid 2000's, was found dead of an apparent, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head last Thursday afternoon in Greenville, North Carolina. According to law enforcement officials in the area, his body was found in a truck while visiting friends in the area for some time before committing suicide near his home.

   Like the man who succeeded him as Challenge host in fellow BMX rider TJ Lavin, Mirra was one of the most decorated athletes in X Games history and until 2013 held the action sports franchise's record for most medals. From its debut in 1995 in Providence, RI up to 2008 in LA, Mirra was an annual visitor to the medal podium in picking up 24 total medals, 14 of them gold. Following his retirement, he expanded into rallying and boxing as well.

   For MTV fans, Dave hosted two seasons of The Challenge in the first & second installments of The Inferno in 2004 and 2005, which saw Abram lose the former and win the ladder as well as the debut of CT on the spinoff. In addition, he also had his own MTV Sports video game in two installments of Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX.

   Survived by his wife, Lauren Blackwell Mirra, and their two kids, Mirra was only 41. Those in the action sports world, as well as the broader sports community and the MTV family, offered their thoughts and respects of Dave.

> 'Pulse Extra: Remembering Dave Mirra

● "Very sad to note the passing of former @ChallengeMTV host Dave Mirra. Our condolences to his family and friends. @DaveMirra" - Bunim-Murray Productions statement @BunimMurray

● "MTV sends their deepest condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time." - MTV statement

● "We mourn the loss today of a great friend and wonderful human being who touched the lives of so many around the world with his gift. He called Greenville, North Carolina home and was as humble a guy talking with kids on a street corner about bikes as he was in his element on the world stage. A young life with so much to offer was taken too soon." - Allen Thomas, Mayor of Greenville - Mirra's Hometown

● "We mourn the loss today of a great friend and wonderful human being who touched the lives of so many around the world. Goodbye Dave Mirra, a true pioneer, icon and legend. Thank you for the memories... we are heartbroken." - Tony Hawk @TonyHawk

● "I'm in complete shock. Angry, heart broken and just sad at the passing of my friend Dave. Heart broken 4 his daughters and wife. #DaveMirra" - Carey Hart @HartLuck

● "Waking up to the realization this morning that Dave is gone is absolutely heart breaking. I was telling my wife that most of the best memories from my career have Dave involved one way or another, and it's always a funny memory. Dave was such a genuine dude. He always had a smile on his face and cracking jokes, unless he was in contest mode. He was the fiercest competitor I have ever met. Unfortunately I haven't seen Dave much since he retired, but I guess that's what happens in life. Wish I had known something was wrong and he new he had some to talk to. I understand the battle w/ depression. I tame mine with therapy and family. Im mad as hell at you for doing this, and my heart absolutely shatters for your daughters and wife. But I will cherish our time together and the many good times we had. Ride in Paradise, Dime Bag. You will be greatly missed." - Carey Hart @HartLuck, on Instagram

● "Reast In Peace @davemirra. A true legend and inspiration. My condolences to his friends and family..." - Shaun White @shaunwhite

● "Rest in Peace Dave Mirra. Thank you for pushing the boundaries of what was possible. You are a legend." - Brian Kachinsky @bkachinsky
● "So sad to hear about the loss of Dave Mirra. @davemirra such a huge part of action sports for so lng #❤️" - Elena Hight @Elenahight
● "Thank you for everything Dave. Gonna miss you brotha. I will never forget our talks and your great friendship. Hard to accept I won't be seeing around. Much love & support for your beautiful family. Take care Dave. R.I.P." - Corey Bohan, on IG @bowie82
● "Wow... A legend and friend is gone just like that. I don't even know what to think. His family... Man... #RIP @davemirra" - Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR driver @JimmieJohnson

● "Glad I got to spend time with and get to know a guy that I looked up to!! You were a true legend and will be missed by us all!! RIP Dave Mirra" - Rickie Fowler, PGA golfer on IG @RickieFowler

● "Long live the legend.  Sorry to hear about @davemirra #DaveMirra" - Vanilla Ice @vanillaice
● "Big love out for Dave Mirra...he hosted a few of my MTV shows & was a great dude. Nothin but respect for him." - Abram @AbramBoise
● "Thoughts out to you @tjlavin, and also the family and friends of Dave Mirra. BMX legend - one of the best. Pls, if you need help, get help!" - Trey @MTVTrey
● "Terribly sad to hear about @davemirra's passing. He was my childhood hero. May God bless and stay near his family." - Chet @Chet_Cannon

● "Terrible news!! Dave Mirra was the man! RIP Dave Mirra, I love the way you would hang with the cast in your down time on Inferno2!!  Love & respect to him, his family, and fans  You will be missed by many 🙏😔 #ripdavemirra" - Brad @BradFiorenza

● "Wow I can't believe this. Such a class act. Not sure why or what happened but I do know Dave will be missed." - Syrus @syrusmtv

‏● "Dave Mirra lived his life doing the impossible, and that's how I will always remember him. RIP to a true legend and pioneer. 🙏🏼" - Camila @CamilaMTV

● "RIP Dave Mirra some people leave this world and we all question why?the answer we'll never get a response to... #realworld #mtv #rip #bmx" - Nicole @n_zanattaMTV

● "#RIPDaveMirra I never worked with him but it's sad to hear about @ChallengeMTV family member.  Prayers to his family & friends." - Jasmine @JazMTV

● "You never know the battles people are fighting. #bekind #RIPdavemirra" - Tori @ToriFiorenza

● "@tjlavin hey Teej! Of course I've been watching this season of the challenge, slaying per usual. Im sorry about your loss. #ripDave" - Brittany @brittany_baldi

● "‏Oh man. Dave Mirra 😕." - Robb @robb_schreiber

● "RIP Dave Mirra #GOAT you will be missed sir!" - Eric/Big Easy ‏@EricBanks

Our condolences go out to the family of Dave Mirra, his wife & kids, and those who were closest to him. If you know of someone who is considering taking their own life, do your part and please seek help for them as soon as possible. One call can make a world of difference in their lives.

MEET THE NEW AYTO BABY

On a lighter note, it's been quite a run as far as some of our Team MTV friends becoming parents. December saw Rivals II partners Theresa and Jasmine enter parenthood within weeks of one another. Just last month, Madison got to celebrate a baby shower with Tony and social world was of course abuzz, and her moment awaits this week. And very soon, the Nebraska girl who was all over Trey in St. Thomas, Laura will become a mom. They join the many others in the past year within the Trifecta who are - and will soon be - going through the life-changing moment of becoming a mom or dad and the great challenge of raising that new munchkin. That includes the latest one.

Credit: IG @CTolleson

   The last time we saw Are You The One? Season 1 original Chris T. Tolleson on our TV screens, it was at the baby shower of Amber & Ethan where the topic on everyone's mind in L.A. was whatever happened to him & Shanley. Other than for the only perfect match & married pair of that great cast, Chranley was the most popular couple of that fantastic first season of AYTO. While every answer he had was just simply "I'm chillin'" and was a key storyline of that baby shower special that aired before Season 2, Chris T. had no idea at the time that he himself would become a dad. It has happened now to Mr. Tophs Tweets.

   Last week in the Bay Area native and Navy vet's adopted hometown of Virginia Beach, VA, Chris became the third person from his Season 1 cast after the First Couple to become a parent when he and his girlfriend Jamie Jame welcomed son Lennon Charles into the world. His posts on Twitter & IG read, "That moment you realize everything in life has lead you to everything you need to be. 9.1lbs 21.5 inches.  So amazing having this little version of me!!! I think the shock of fatherhood is subsiding. My eyes keep producing tears that just come when they want. Who would have known such a vast amount of love could fit into such a tiny package #fatherandson"

   A few of Chris T.'s castmates as well as a season 2 alum congratulated the new dad, including the mom who knows this feeling very well:

- "Congratulations and welcome to parenthood!!" - Amber @AmberLeeMTV

- "CONGRATS MY DUDE!" - Dillan @0DillanHoward0

- "Congrats brother!" - Jacy @IllBeJacy

- "Congrats @ctolleson!" - Jenni / Season 2 @JenniKnapmiller

Our congrats go out to Chris and Jamie on their new addition to the Tolleson family. We know he's cherished this past week of this new chapter in his life, and we know he'll be a great dad to Lennon.

   And also, early congrats go out to the aforementioned Madison and Tony as the due date for Harper is approaching, which is slated for this weekend. We'll sure to have more on Baby Tadison in next week's posts.

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And that's it for the Episode 10 installment of DC WRAP. We'll delve into the first part of the two-part final here next week as part of a triple-header which will include a 'Pulse Extra to cover Super Bowl 50 with Team MTV's reaction and my first-hand experience being at Levi's Stadium. But to whet your appetite for tonight, check out these webcasts...

● Just after he made his first final, Cory rejoined Andrew Kirk (@CSUGradAKirk) on Blog Talk Radio to discuss this season and the stretch run that brought him to the end, as was predicted by AK on his preview. Check out that podcast here along with a preview of the new Survivor season he did last night, plus all his MTV coverage and must-listen chats on BTR, YouTube, SpreeCast & the BTRTV blog. And of course, the both of us will review this Bloodlines season and look ahead to Real World 31 on DC FORUM here after the finale.
● Of course, there's the MTV RHAP on Rob Has A Podcast with Brian Cohen (@BusDriversRoute) and Ali Lasher (@LashsTweets). They discussed EP 11 with the last pre-final mission, the showdown between Cara & Aneesa and analyzed the final three. Also check out his Bus Drivers Route blog for the updated fantasy Challenge leaderboard plus previous shows here & YouTube.

● Check out the Google+ Hangouts by Ashley Weitzel-Hill (@AshleyWeitzel) on the Mulyx Media hub. Check out her chats with Abram & Michael, Tony, Shane and Candice from this season, plus other chats as well on MM's YouTube channel. Expect additional interviews as the season wraps up plus Real World 31 stuff as well too.

● There's our favorite video recap host, Ace Nichols (@AceNichols33), who you can check out her recaps for all the Bloodlines episodes on YouTube. As we talk to you on Feb. 10, she's recovering from all the madness of Mardi Gras in New Orleans and has not done a recap video in a while. But do check it out when it's posted on her YouTube channel, and also check out AfterBuzz TV as well.

Tonight, be sure to follow my live tweet home - DCNOW at @DC408DxNow for live episode tweets of EP 11. And while you're watching it out west, join the discussion at #DCChallenge... you may see your thoughts in next week's posts, and you can also join at my other hub @DC408Dxtr too when I post my DC Forum questionnaire at episode's end during the 11PM Pacific hour.

   And do bookmark DCBLOG for full MTV Trifecta and Challenge coverage, which as soon as Bloodlines concludes will be into covering Real World 31. Also, my sports posts are ongoing, with a look at the NFL Scouting Combine upcoming here. And also follow DC Instagram at IG @DC408Dxtr for more pictures from my visit to Levi's Stadium before Super Bowl 50.

Again, thanks for reading and until tonight on DCNOW, thanks for reading, talk to you then and, of course, good luck to the finalists.


- I AM DC