*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content
& spoilers for some readers. Viewer Discretion is Advised. Due to its long
length, take frequent eye breaks if you're reading this top to bottom. ***
BY DC CUEVA
Last week in Thailand, the spots in the final six were all set when CT defeated Darrell in the last guys' elimination to join Camila, Ashley, Cory, Nicole and Nelson in the show's first-ever three-day final. It almost became a five-person final when Ashley threatened to leave just before her shot at the $100,000 payday that awaits the winning girl and guy at the end, but cooler heads prevailed in the end. But before the task at hand came time for reflection as the competitors offered their hopes for the future and final thoughts on the past through flowers they released into the Pacific Ocean, and gave CT a chance to reflect on his late girlfriend, Diem Brown.
This week, it's Day 1 & a half of the final, as the competitors take off on this marathon and, in a break from recent Challenge past, it takes place in the same country as the entire season, rather than in a different destination. As it was for the last final on an individual-based season - Free Agents three years ago, the Underdogs and Champions are paired up in three different teams and must rely on each other throughout the final in order to get to the cash. From a swim in the Thai sea and a favorite challenge of eating yucky food, to going on a tight rope and having to carry stones around, this is indeed a tough go, and it even puts a budding love affair to the ultimate test of sorts.
All the action, reaction and interaction is ahead here as, again, it's a fairly light diary as many of this season's competitors are on their spring break of sorts taking part in Season 30 overseas. And after the diary, what does one of football's most charismatic receivers and the newest member of the Saints have in common with one of the finalists going for the cash? In the aftermath of last weekend's NFL Draft, you'll definitely want to stick around for our newest episode of Team MTV's Famous Friends.
• As we begin, please note there is explicit language in many of the tweets below, but they are kept uncensored in order to retain the heat of the moment. So if you are mature enough, please read with discretion. :-)
• Plus, if you haven't watched the episode yet, then do not proceed with reading this post. But need not worry...DCBLOG will compile all of these tweets into these posts after every episode so you won't be in the dark of how your favorites saw this all unfold.
Water, nuts, puzzles and football... It's all ahead on the 'Pulse of the penultimate week of The Challenge Invasion on DCBLOG.
►5 DAYS TO CHALLENGE TUESDAY
@ChallengeMTV: When you finally make it to Friday 😫 | Don't miss #TheChallengeInvasion Finals, starting Tuesday @ 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@ChallengeMTV: #TheChallengeInvasion finale is so close, you can almost taste 🙊 | Don't miss a new episode, Tuesday @ 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@MTVShows: Can @n_zanattaMTV endure the pain and pull out a win without @laurelstucky to cheer her on? #TheChallengeInvasion https://t.co/c3AtnBzHh9
@ChallengeMTV: For better or worse, Nicole is without Laurel in the finals! #TheChallengeInvasion finale starts Tuesday at 9/8c! 🙌
@ChallengeMTV: You'd have to be CRAZY to not watch! Catch the #MTVAwards, May 7th at 8/7c on @MTV 🍿📺👀
@ChallengeMTV: Can Ashley stay cool under pressure? ❄🐶 Find out on a new episode of #TheChallengeInvasion, Tuesday @ 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@kailah_casillas: Ja Rule scammed a bunch of rich kids out of 12k each and left them on an island in tents 😂 #strandedwithamilliondollars #fryefest
@MTVBeth: MTV Real World dinner with Dominic @jonbrennan_com @TamiRoman would be nice to see Tami soon:)@MTVsChallenge @GRLOLMTV @RealityChitChat https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-gwKmPUAAAhUUt.jpg
@jonbrennan_com: Thrilled to connect with my Real World friends/family. Life is short and people are important. @mtv @BunimMurray @RealWorldMTV #TrueStory https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-iuqwgVoAExf4Q.jpg
@madiwadi2by4: Every girl deserves to be someone's everything.
@VMilerman: Fyre fest is lit #lolnojustinMiami https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-ljnrwXgAERYId.jpg
@ChallengeMTV: Need weekend plans? Catch up on #TheChallengeInvasion before the two-part finale begins, Tuesday at 9/8c 👏👏👏 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-c-eyFXoAAgysf.jpg
@ChallengeMTV: New house, who dis? 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion two-part finale kicks off on Tuesday at 9/8c! Don't miss it! 👌 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@ChallengeMTV: Love me some #Cormila 😍 #TheChallengeInvasion finale kicks off on Tuesday @ 9/8c, on @MTV! 👏 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-hMdsXXkAAmzRS.jpg
@tombuelljr: Everyone is going out and I'm all
@ChallengeMTV: When you wake up with bruises and no idea how you got them 😱 #TheChallengeInvasion finale begins, Tuesday @ 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-cEwODXoAAYzBS.jpg
@Morgan_MacAdam: The perks of competing @ChallengeMTV fun, fighting, challenges, elimination, the final, the bumps, bruises & the scars you'll have forever!
@ChallengeMTV: Will there be a new Champ in town after #TheChallengeInvasion Finals? Watch a new episode, Tuesday @ 9/8c! 🤔👑 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@kailah_casillas: I quit drinking yesterday, but tonight...I celebrate my comeback... 🍻
@TheoVon: CP3 wont win a championship. Cursed for leaving New Orleans.
@Kayomaynez: @dc408dxtr someone said it & now it makes sense! Are @RiverC_Official & @MtvNateSiebs cousins? Makes sense. They look alike. Can u find out https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-vNDYrUAAAbIm9.jpg
@ChallengeMTV: Only one more sleep until #TheChallengeInvasion finale begins! 🙌 Watch part 1 on @MTV, tomorrow at 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@ChallengeMTV: Will a new Champ be crowned? Find out when #TheChallengeInvasion Finals begin, tomorrow at 9/8c! 👑 vs. 🐶 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@ChallengeMTV: ANOTHER twist? Thanks, @tjlavin! Watch the two-part finale of #TheChallengeInvasion, starting tomorrow @ 9/8c! 💣🌀😱 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@ChallengeMTV: Why yes, yes you are 😍 Don't miss this beautiful man in #TheChallengeInvasion Finals beginning tomorrow @ 9/8c! #MCM http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@n_zanattaMTV: I wanna take long car rides with the windows down, talk about life, watch the sunrise & set and call it a perfect day.
@mistergiuntoli: Portland, See you soon. I already miss the smell of spring. sincerely- DG #Portland
@ChallengeMTV: Pick your Fantasy League team before tomorrow's episode of #TheChallengeInvasion for a chance to go to the #VMAs! ✈🎤 http://on.mtv.com/2ks011u
►CHALLENGE TUESDAY
@ChallengeMTV: When #TheChallengeInvasion Finals are on... 👏 Tune into @MTV tonight at 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@ChallengeMTV: IT'S HAPPENING! #TheChallengeInvasion Finals begin TONIGHT at 9/8c on @MTV! 😱😱😱 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@ChallengeMTV: This is a homecoming they won't forget! 👏 Don't miss Part 1 of #TheChallengeInvasion Finals, TONIGHT at 9/8c 🏆🎉 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@MTV_AMANDAG: Who's excited for tonight?? Tune in to watch the finals of @ChallengeMTV
@shannanity: I have MTVs Snapchat todAy!! Ask me a question here and I may answer on snap!!!
@ChallengeMTV: TONIGHT: It's going DOWN on the hardest Finals ever! 👊💥 Tune into @mtv @ 9/8c to watch #TheChallengeInvasion! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@BunimMurray:#TheChallengeInvasion FINALS are finally here! You don't want to miss it! Tonight @ 9|8c on @MTV🎉🎉🎉
@ChallengeMTV: This jersey would look 🔥 on you! Tune into #TheChallengeInvasion TONIGHT @ 9/8c to find out how you could win one 👕💯 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-1XkmkXkAIRiW9.jpg
@kailah_casillas: Don't be scared to dream a little, hell, dream big! Don't ever settle.
@n_zanattaMTV: Hey guys!! just letting you know I'll be going live on Instagram for the final! Hopefully I can answer any questions you may have 🤔 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-2MEhqXsAMpAdJ.jpg
@ChallengeMTV: BEFORE the madness begins! 😈😭 Don't miss the EPIC two-part finale of #TheChallengeInvasion starting tonight @ 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-1-ISfWAAAg0PL.jpg
@ChallengeMTV: .@shannanity took over @MTV's Snapchat! Check him out b4 a new episode of #TheChallengeInvasion tonight @ 9/8c! Who are you rooting for? 🤔🏆 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-2h1ujWAAEY4Eg.jpg
@n_zanattaMTV: "@amybeth41990: @n_zanattaMTV The final! So proud of you lady! I told you that you were made for the Challenge!" RT Thank you 😊 miss you and the fam!
@kailah_casillas: Goes to Twitter to search if Instagram is down ....whew looks like I'm not the only one! 😂🤷🏻♀️
@ChallengeMTV: It's almost time for #TheChallengeInvasion and I'm freaking out! 😱 Don't miss Part One of the Finals tonight @ 9/8c! http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu
@v_cakes: Lazy day in the house 😇🙃
@ImSarahRice: In this episode, we reveal the secrets behind interviews and the “fourth wall” btwn cast and crew. take a listen 👉👉 http://ow.ly/Kwyy30blqpZ
@ChallengeMTV: MFW #TheChallengeInvasion Finale starts in 1 HOUR! 👏🤗 http://on.mtv.com/2oJTgXu https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-1YQluWsAEviSr.jpg
@shannanity: They kicked me off snap again....FML 😂😂😂 oh well watch the show!! #THECHALLENGEINVASION
@CamilaMTV: Happy Challenge Day! Time to kill this final! It all starts tonight, watch with me at 9pm!! 💪🏼#TheChallengeInvasion https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-3LZYmXsAA3rNQ.jpg
@JimmyEsqueda: I'm looking like a future challenger! @ChallengeMTV can't wait for tonight's episode 👏👏 #TheChallengeInvasion https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-3PYY2WsAIalNf.jpg
@raaachhh_x08: YES CHALLENGE NIGHT #TheChallengeInvasion
►AS THEY SAW IT: The Final Part 1 - "Math is Hard"
@ChallengeMTV: #TheChallengeInvasion starts RIGHT NOW on @MTV, and you better be watching because it's the FINALS, BABY! 🎉🏆 (GIF: Nelson - "This is the finals, are you serious?")
@MTVShows: 😁😁😁 | #TheChallengeInvasion finale starts NOW! https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-2KNJTXcAAS6q0.jpg
@MTV: #TheChallengeInvasion starts right now! RT if you're watching + tweeting along with @ChallengeMTV 😱
@WadeCorrell: ITS TIME FOR THE CHALLENGE! #TheChallengeInvasion
@_ayiiia: Challenge starts now #EastCoast #TheChallengeInvasion @mtv
@AceNichols33: I LITERALLY JUST MADE IT!!! YASSSS!!! #TheChallengeInvasion LET'S GO!!!
@ChallengeMTV: Me and apparently @n_zanattaMTV in math class 😭 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: "What?")
@ChallengeMTV: .@CamilaMTV over here taking charge like 👀 #TheChallengeInvasion
@EmmyMorning: Come on @MTV_NellyT ya got this and the best cheerleader the challenge has ever seen @MTVASHLEYBROOKE #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: When you and bae spent 2 hours trying to decide what show to watch on Netflix 😩 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Cory - "I'm thinking.")
@XoStasiiXo: Ready to see CT kill it on #TheChallengeInvasion 😍
@AshleyMarieMTV: I think I'm gonna check out this final. . .see what I missed out on! #TheChallengeInvasion @ChallengeMTV
@_ayiiia: I can't believe they can't count these triangles. Ayayai. #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: It's a tight race, people! 😱 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Meanwhile, back at the first station... 😭 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Me 30 seconds after I text my crush and they haven't responded yet 😱 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Ashley - "I am freaking out.")
@AceNichols33: Ugh, puzzles are the worst. #TheChallengeInvasion
@_ayiiia: Nate's story is so lame and repetitive. We get it, you grew up in the ghetto and poor. So did the majority of us 🙄 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Desperate times call for desperate measures 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Cory - "I'm counting the triangles on the sign.")
@ChallengeMTV: When your crush texts you back 😱 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Nicole has her hands on both sides of her face and her jaw drops)
@ChallengeMTV: When you go thru someones phone and forget to close the apps before locking the phone and now you're locked out 🔒📱😫 #TheChallengeInvasion
@_ayiiia: This is the new generation of kids. This is why Trump is President. The new generation is stupid. Please read books #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: When your friends make plans without you 😔 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Camila - "That's a sh____y feeling.")
@ChallengeMTV: When you cheated on the test and your teacher knows it so she asks you to show your work 🙈 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Cory to Nicole - "But how did you get that?")
@MTVShows: These two though. 😍💪 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: MFW @n_zanattaMTV and @MTVCoryWharton decide to paddle with their arms instead of the paddles 🤔 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: You took the question right out of my mouth, @TheOfficial_CT 😂 HOW IS THAT EASIER!? 🤔 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: "Why don't they use the paddles?")
@ChallengeMTV: They're just happy to be done 😭 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: .@tjlavin's face when the Challengers think there are no more puzzles 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: It wouldn't be a Challenge Final without another TWIST 🌀🙈 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: TJ - "You guys are staying in The Shelter.")
@ChallengeMTV: .@n_zanattaMTV's face says it all 😩 Back to the Shelter! #TheChallengeInvasion
@AceNichols33: YESSSSS!! BRING BACK THE SHELTER!!! Hahahaha! #Stranded AF. #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Home, sweet shelter! This is a homecoming they'll never forget 😱 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Me 7 minutes into the work day 😩👋 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Camila - "Get me the f___ out of here.")
@ChallengeMTV: When you get up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night and you hear a noise 👀 #TheChallengeInvasion
@NoQuittersPod: TJ coming at night usually leads to very painful things
@ChallengeMTV: 5 minutes into 'Challenge and Chill' and @tjlavin gives you this look, WYD? 😫 #TheChallengeInvasion
@AceNichols33: Fucking right, @MTV.. you play that @taylormomsen The Pretty Reckless song hard! #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: This is a GAME CHANGER! 🕐🕑🕒 #TimeBuster #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: TJ - "Five minutes is a long time.")
@ChallengeMTV: When you wake up after a night out and you're thirsty AF looking for anything to drink 💦 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: That technique tho @MTVCoryWharton @n_zanattaMTV 👌 #TheChallengeInvasion
@AceNichols33: Really though, what IS Spam? #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Waiting for the reveal of this #TimeBuster on #TheChallengeInvasion Finale like 😬
@_ayiiia: I'd ask to bathe in that coconut water afterwards. The only close thing to having a spa treatment in The Shelter #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: This Underdog is down but he's certainly not out! 🐶🙌 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Cory - "I'm still here to compete.")
@ChallengeMTV: Trying to figure out why @n_zanattaMTV busted @MTVASHLEYBROOKE's time like... 🤔 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: This is some NEXT LEVEL pettiness 😂💯 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Nicole - "I'm going to make sure that you don't get first or second.")
@NoQuittersPod: The old CT would have gotten in Cory’s face and convinced Cory to give himself the 5 minute penalty
@AceNichols33: OoOoo Smash didn't like that decision. Hahaha. #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: What do you think of Nicole's decision? 🤔 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Ashley - "Nicole's decision was purely idiotic.")
@ChallengeMTV: When you're in the middle of #TheChallengeInvasion Finals and you can't remember if you left your fridge open or not 😦
@ChallengeMTV: RT if you're #TeamCT!!! 🙌 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: "I can get over anything and come back stronger.")
- @MTVShows: CT is the come back kid ALWAYS. 💪 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Surprise mothaf*cka! 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion
@_ayiiia: I love Camila and Cory. They're cayute. I'd def get in the center of THAT sandwich. #TheChallengeInvasion
@AceNichols33: Teams are CTSmash, N&Ns and CORMILA. Let's go! #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Bone Apple Tea 👅🍽👌 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Would you rather eat: 🤔👅 #TheChallengeInvasion 11%Pond Snails / 10%Eggs in Horse Urine / 11%Silk Worms / 68%Crickets 1,367 votes•Final results
@AceNichols33: Good thing @JennaCompono got to sit this one out. #WorstBuffetEver #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Me when my BFF tells me they're thinking about getting back together with their ex 😷 #TheChallengeInvasion
@AceNichols33: Fermented eggs are my favoriteeeeeeee..... said no one ever. #TheChallengeInvasion
@MTVKathrynP: Ew. I'm so glad our eating challenge was only for the guys.... horse urine!? 😷 #TheChallengeInvasion
@JimmyEsqueda: It's anybody's game right now, but who wants it more? #THECHALLENGEINVASION @ChallengeMTV 🤑😨
@ChallengeMTV: It's do or die! Gotta leave it all on the field 👏 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Camila - "This is the Finals, man. This is when you push.")
@_ayiiia: Dude Camila's a fucking badass.Don't forget she almost died on her first Spring Break challenge&said bye to her mom 😂🔥#TheChallengeInvasion
@iamcarolinerose: @n_zanattaMTV if you are scared of heights and just did that in one shot. Give yourself a round of applause. #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: DOWN GOES @TheOfficial_CT! 😱 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Nicole making it harder on herself rn like 🤔 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: "WHY THO?")
@ChallengeMTV: Watching CT and Camila fall behind like 😤 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: "I'm about to freak out!")
@ChallengeMTV: Don't give up now, @MTVCoryWharton! 👊 #TheChallengeInvasion
@_ayiiia: Why are the boys going first on this climb? They're heavier which means they're weighing the rope down. Wtf. #TheChallengeInvasion
@ayers0807: Camila is very impressive #TheChallengeInvasion
@JennaCompono: The only good thing about not being in the final is that I'm missing this puzzle! 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion
@AceNichols33: This is where @MTVCoryWharton and @CamilaMTV's relationSHIP turns into a relationSHIT right before our eyes. #CORMILA #TheChallengeInvasion
@CamilaMTV: So happy to compete in a final with this girl! 😘 #TheChallengeInvasion https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C-3d_OWXoAI6oNh.jpg
- @n_zanattaMTV: @CamilaMTV I loved doing it with you nothing but 100% genuine xoxox baby let's do it again!
@ChallengeMTV: When you have no idea what you're doing so you B.S. 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Nicole - "Do I think I know what we have to do? Yes.")
@AceNichols33: Can we stop with the puzzles? This is not The Challenge: Invasion of the Puzzles. I'm so overrrrrrrr ittttttt..... #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Look in the background 😂👏 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: CT and Ashley almost about to get that come-from-BEHIND win! 👟🍑👌 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Ashley - "We're kicking butt.")
@n_zanattaMTV: I know you are all shocked but I fcuken know how to do this puzzle Nelson!!!!! #TheChallengeInvasion
@diane_goldsack: Ashley is killing it with these puzzles #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: You KNOW you f*cked up when you get this look 😳 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: It's just not your day, #TeamCormila 😫 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Camila is NOT having it on day 2 of the Final 🙅 Can she step it up next week on part two of #TheChallengeInvasion finale!? 🤔
@JimmyEsqueda: SHIT! Who will take the crown next week? #THECHALLENGEINVASION @ChallengeMTV 😨😭🤑
@MTVShows: That's all for tonight's part 1 of #TheChallengeInvasion finale! Catch part 2 and the reunion next week same time, same place✌️
@ameezy_xo: what a good episode 👏🏼 honestly had me at the edge of my seat #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: "@N_ZanattaAbs: Why did it have to end.. Noooooo #TheChallengeInvasion @ChallengeMTV" RT It's not over yet! #TheChallengeInvasion Finale continues next week! Who will take home the crown? 👑👏
►AFTER HOURS AND WEST COAST AIRING
@ToriFiorenza: Wait, who says Johnny is the greatest of all times? #neverheardthat
@MtvJess: Obsessed with this @MTVBananas #ChallengeHallofFame 😂👏🏽@Mtv #epic
@MtvJess: Gah watching this @ChallengeMTV is really making me miss the thrill 🔥
@BrunoGeeB: I've learned one thing from being in tv. It opens you up to the biggest morons across the internet, with stubby Cheeto fingers 🖕🏿🖕🏽 losers 😂
@v_cakes: Just watched the challenge. Can't believe @shannanity went back and people actually think I would #nope #never
@n_zanattaMTV: "@CodyThrive: @Larryriichmond @n_zanattaMTV that's her second show... She was on RW Skeletons. Hopefully she wins Invasion. I'm rooting for you Zanatta!" RT Hahaha thanks man appreciate it I think it's a peanut butter bond we got it's just so strong 💪🏽
@ChallengeMTV: OK, WEST COAST! It's your turn! Part One of #TheChallengeInvasion finale starts RIGHT NOW! Switch over to @MTV! 👏👏👏 (GIF: Ashley - "I am freaking out!")
@dc408dxnow: We're off. Everyone will be paired off until we get to the final stage. And this is a 3-day affair for the first time here. #DCChallenge
@ChallengeMTV: Same, Nicole 😂 #MathProblems #TheChallengeInvasion
@dc408dxnow: The champions are in 1st. Cory/Nicole 2nd, and Ashley/Nelson in 3rd and him struggling to make it to shore. Now a puzzle. #DCChallenge
@ChallengeMTV: I love how calm, cool, and collected Camila is this season 👏 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Camila to CT - "Look at me, focus.")
@ChallengeMTV: When you and your friends can't decide where to eat 😫 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Cory - "I'm thinking.")
@ChallengeMTV: Now you're using your noggin! 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion
@CSUGradAkirk: Love Cory but I'm sure he copied off the cute girl in his math class lol sorry @MTVCoryWharton #TheChallengeInvasion
@dc408dxnow: This will come down to math to advance on. I know my numbers. I will take some mental stuff to get it and Ashley kills it. #DCChallenge
@ChallengeMTV: MAJOR KEY ALERT! Being able to complete a puzzle 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Cory - "That might be the key.")
@dc408dxnow: Now another puzzle. Champs have to put the logo together… ultimate equalizer when it comes to these tests. Make anyone's game #DCChallenge
@dc408dxnow: This puzzle has clearly stumped our friends from Staten Island and SoCal. It'll take more than brawn to get you this far. #DCChallenge
@ChallengeMTV: Keep it up, CT! 👏 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: "So far, so good.")
@dc408dxnow: When all you need is to get to the finish & you're in last: just be creative. Cory & Nicole go surfing. #DCChallenge
@dc408dxnow: Something they should kill is this puzzle, which they do. Important thing is to finish… that way you'll be in the cash. #DCChallenge
@ChallengeMTV: When you think #TheChallengeInvasion Finals can't get any harder 😂
@ChallengeMTV: I love TJ's "surprises" 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Ashley - "TJ gives us another "surprise".")
@ChallengeMTV: It's only gonna get worse 😈 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Camila - "Get me the f___ out of here.")
@dc408dxnow: The champs are about to see where the underdogs spent their vacation before they arrived… on to the shelter where this began. #DCChallenge
@dc408dxnow: The shelter began as a camp ground, now it's as if this has become a condemned piece of real estate. Now coconut busters. Time buster here
@dc408dxnow: Thinking of our friends who've just recovered from a long stay in Fiji who now have to see these finalists take apart these nuts. #DCNOW
@dc408dxnow: This is exactly what Cory & Nicole wanted as they have an hour to get this all taken care of before the hour elapses here #DCChallenge
@ChallengeMTV: Sweet relief 😂 #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: Better late than never! 👏 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Cory - "We're finally working well together.")
@CSUGradAkirk: Ct is basically smashing heads lol #TheChallengeInvasion
@ChallengeMTV: This gets me so pumped 💪 #TheChallengeInvasion
@dc408dxnow: Cory & Nicole finished dead last on day 1. Now they're back in the game. And he adds the 5mins to CT, she adds on to Ashley. #DCChallenge
@dc408dxnow: Normally in these finals they'd have to stay up all night. But they have much needed rest which they should in this 3-day final
@JUDDNATION: Cashing up on #TheChallengeInvasion stoked Ashley won elimination round!
@ChallengeMTV: When you have to take care of that one friend who always goes too hard at parties 😫 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Nicole - "You vomited on my leg.")
@CSUGradAkirk: The dog was beating Nelson on the first couple hundred meters lol #TheChallengeInvasion
@dc408dxnow: Off we go. No need to mention all the stuff they have on offer at this station… it's disgusting to put this bluntly. Lots of vomiting.
@CSUGradAkirk: CT remembers all the gross stuff they made him eat on exes 1 he's got this #TheChallengeInvasion
@dc408dxnow: It seems Cory has gassed out a little. But Nicole/Nelly are really proving themselves here. They got the momentum now. #DCChallenge
@CSUGradAkirk: Nelsons the young gun of the three he's killing day two #thechallengeinvasion
@ChallengeMTV: The Trifecta 💪🤓💗 #TheChallengeInvasion (GIF: Ashley - "You need muscles, brains, and most of all, heart.")
- @MTVShows: ***And courage. Don't forget about the courage. #TheChallengeInvasion
@dc408dxnow: Ashley mightve picked the wrong partner for day 2 in having to deal w/ this and they go down again. Dear oh dear. #DCChallenge
@dc408dxnow: If you had Nelson & Nicole leading after part 1, you're lucky. Cory can seize this… but they fall. This is truly anyone's final now. #DCNOW
@dc408dxnow: Race to position everyone for what should be a big climax to this. Now comes having to put this together for the clubhouse lead
@CSUGradAkirk: Is @MTVASHLEYBROOKE the new @ImSarahRice when it comes to puzzles hmmm #TheChallengeInvasion
@dc408dxnow: Ashley is making this time up. She & CT complete this station. Now they have the momentum. How this can change in a bit. Now rain. #DCNOW
@dc408dxnow: Cory & Camila had a thing going in the house. Now this is totally a different story here in the final. Last going into next week. #DCNOW
@ChallengeMTV: TFW you have to wait a week for the conclusion of #TheChallengeInvasion finale 😫 DON'T MISS THE FINAL EPISODE, NEXT TUESDAY! 😱
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So, at halftime of this final, we see swimming, puzzles, a coconut time buster and checkpoints aplenty... and another visit to that watering hole known as the shelter. After day 1, CT and Camila held the lead as expected for the champions, followed by Ashley & Nelson and Cory & Nicole. And it appears that CT will add on to his lead in the Tour de France-like overall time standings that will determine the winners, and his day 2 partner Ashley cutting into Camila's lead thanks to the champ having difficulty working with Cory after being in love with him all season. Particulars to this on the WRAP coming up tomorrow, and speaking of Mr. Wharton...
#DCExtraTime
CORY'S FAMOUS FOOTBALL FRIENDS
As we covered here last week, NFL fans starving for something football related this long offseason were afforded the ultimate treat when Philadelphia hosted the NFL Draft on the Rocky Steps at the Museum of Art last weekend. A record crowd of 250,000 packed Ben Franklin Parkway in front of the museum to watch the three days of this annual spring ritual where Myles Garrett was picked #1 by the Browns, where the Bears shocked everyone with the very next pick in trading up from the Niners, and dreams coming true for many college players. And of course, those notorious fans there were given something to boo at in giving commissioner Roger Goddell the appropriate Philly treatment in a city known for booing everyone from their own teams to Santa Claus.
After his original Real World Ex-Plosion season ended three years ago, Cory had the opportunity to soak up the fame a little bit in meeting two NFL stars: one who was a star back then but would have to endure rough waters, the other was just drafted and would begin his ascent to status of a giant in the Big Apple. We've dug up two photos from his Twitter & Instagram @MTVCoryWharton, and given that one has recently changed addresses during this period of free agency and the challenger being in this final, this felt the perfect time for us to share these pics with you.
Peterson would forgo his senior season for the NFL, and his name was picked 7th when the Minnesota Vikings drafted him in 2007, and instantly made an impact in being one who the Purple People Eaters could build their team around. It didn't take long for AP to make his mark: two games with 200+ yards rushing including a league record 296-yard game vs. the Chargers, and Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl MVP honors. A year later came his first Rushing Title, including a 192-yard game where he scored the winning TD vs. the Packers, among 1,760 in 2008. Two more 1,000 yard rushing seasons then came, followed by an ACL/MCL injury at the end of 2011. He came back the next season more than strong: 2,097 yards - becoming only the 7th running back in NFL history to eclipse 2,000 rushing yards in a single season. After a late 26-yard run, Peterson only needed 9 yards to break Eric Dickerson's 2,105 mark set in 1984, but as the Vikings were playing for a playoff berth they opted for the clinching field goal and he fell short... but was both the NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year.
In 2014, Cory had the chance to meet Adrian when the both ran into each other in Las Vegas for Memorial Day Weekend when he captioned, "Ran into Adrien Peterson on the strip, best Running back in the league hands down." But it was during this time that it would all come crashing down: in October 2013, personal matters sidelined Peterson but was later revealed that his 2-year old son was hospitalized and then die from injuries suffered from an assault by the live-in boyfriend of his mom. A year later, he would be indicted on charges of reckless or negligent injury to a child stemming from photos posted by TMZ of his 4-year-old son having slash-like wounds after being beat up around a tree for bad behavior. It was front page news in and outside the sports world and a black mark for the NFL, which suspended him for the rest of the 2014 season. He ultimately won reinstatement months later and returned with a strong 2015 season in winning the rushing title for a 3rd title (1,485 yds). But injuries derailed his last season in purple & gold, where the Vikings cut him before a $18 million option would go into effect, and as a free agent, he signed a few weeks ago with the Saints.
And there's another link between Cory and AP: it's been documented, if you've been seeing the challenger's Instagram, about his ACL from all the pictures he's posted there in the surgeries done on his ankle and whether or not it can withstand this final. So far, it has not hampered him, but Cory has something in common with AP as they have had to endure having surgery done on that crucial part of the leg which has meant that when it's torn, the season is done like what we've seen so many athletes go through across all sports. Cory's not alone.
Like Peterson, Odell felt three years was enough and after a 2013 that saw him catch 57 for 1,117 receiving yards and win the Paul Hornung Award, he skipped his senior year for the big time, and the New York Giants drafted him 12th in the 2014 NFL Draft. Cory met him just after his Real World ended, and he captioned on Instagram on Draft Day, "With my boy @iam_obj3 down in Louisiana, Tonight we will see what NFL (team) picks him up, either way he's gonna ball out of the league. PEEP the dude in the back Photo bombing the picture though LOL." And he reposted the picture later in the season with the odd local in Louisiana's state capital photo bombing their shot he made a prediction too: "My boy @iam_objxiii should get Rookie of the Year in the NFL and he missed 4 games: BEAST." Cory was right.
Because of an injury, it took a little longer for Odell him to get into his rhythm, but it was under the Sunday night lights against the Cowboys in mid-November 2014 where everyone got to see OBJ for the first time. Of the 10 catches, 146 yards and 2 TD's that night, the one that brought him into the spotlight was the one where with full extension and diving backwards, he caught it with one hand. It left everyone from NBC analyst Cris Collinsworth to LeBron James to say it's the "catch of the year," and indeed it helped accelerate Odell into another level with a breakout rookie season that saw him garner all kinds of records and accolades, notching his 1,305 yards in 12 games - the 4th first-timer to garner that many receiving yards, and was the landslide choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year, as well as a Pro Bowl selection.
Not surprisingly, Beckham beat out Rob Gronkoski to become the youngest player ever to grace the cover of the Madden NFL video game series when he was named to that honor in 2015, and he slayed the curse generally given to those being on that cover by having career highs in his second season: 1,450 receiving yards, 13 touchdowns, another Pro Bowl and 10th on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016 list. Last season... only better: reaching 200 receptions in only career 30 games on his way to 101 catches in 2016, 1,367 receiving yards, 10 TD's and a trip to Orlando for the Pro Bowl. And yes, there's also what else we've seen from him on field: getting into it and getting flagged four times in a 2015 game with the Panthers' Josh Norman, fined nearly $50,000 total for two penalties in a blindside hit on a Saints player and another for a dance celebration at Dallas; and catching 33 passes in one minute for a world record attempt at Super Bowl XLIX. And his dad, Odell Sr., was a minor character in the famed book Friday Night Lights which inspired that movie and TV show.
When we first saw Cory working out on that playground in his first episode, everyone knew that not only was he one of those seven chosen to go through the first "twist" Real World, but also he was cast with the spinoff show in mind. Yes, it will safe to admit that he's not performed perhaps as well this season as he has in his first two Challenges, but everyone will remember what you do in the final and he's in his second opportunity to win money. People have been expecting great things from him since he arrived in Turkey over a year ago, and a lot of fans have pegged him to be the face of this next generation of challengers who are now coming into this ecosystem.
Though Cory is still behind in 3rd, there's still a day & a half of this final left and a lot can still go down, and he's taken advantage of giving current guys leader CT the 5-minute time buster after winning the first night challenge and making his seemingly insurmountable lead look closer to him and Nelson. You can't count him out just yet - and things can happen with those comebacks we've seen before, but if Cory comes back and win, that will be fantastic. In having met Adrian and Odell, those two men have gone on to great things on Sundays and Cory knows that if you want to become great, you have to do something great when the lights shine brightest.
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That's this week's Pulse of The Challenge, but our weekend is underway... Coming up tomorrow, we'll head down to Los Angeles for a special reunion of sorts as two alumni of The Real World and the early generation of The Challenge join together to relive a memorable season with some former castmates. You do not want to miss that, plus the 'Pulse of AYTO Second Chances as Devin, Adam and the five remaining couples tackle the unusual task of having to drive with blindfolds.
Meanwhile, as it is always the case when we turn the page to May, it's a big sports Saturday co-headlined by the biggest event in American horse racing as the Triple Crown begins with the 143rd running of The Kentucky Derby, and Mexico's mega-fight: Canelo vs. Chavez. DCNOW @DC408DxNow has it all covered for you, with live coverage now underway at the countdown to the main event reaches T-minus 2 hours to post time at Churchill Downs. See you there, and rejoin us here tomorrow as our coverage of the MTV Trifecta continues on DCBLOG. Make it a great Saturday everyone.
- I AM DC
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