MTV Trifecta: Countdown to The Challenge - Champs vs. Stars

BY DC CUEVA                     

■ @DC408Dxtr  @ TW / IG / YT

Hello, and welcome again to DCBLOG's trip Inside the MTV Trifecta. In a few days, we'll be along with our look at Part 1 of the Reunion Finale of The Challenge XXX and Episode 9 of Are You The One? in New Orleans coming up tonight. But first here at midweek, we have something special for you to kick off this week's posts as you all begin to think about time with family and friends with more than a week left now until Thanksgiving.

Earlier this year, the fantasy of many fans came true when The Challenge invited ten active and retired athletes from the wide world of sports to compete against Bananas, Wes, CT, Camila and the heavy hitters of the fifth major pro sport, all for the name of charity and pure competition. There on Champs vs. Pros, Darrell and Cara Maria settled unfinished business from when they were first to be drafted and then first to be eliminated on Fresh Meat II to eventually win this special Challenge season for their worthy causes. But the MVP was 3-time Olympian Lolo Jones for overcoming all obstacles and gained everyone's respect winning three eliminations and paying the ultimate deed to her competitors.
   Now comes the second installment of this unique special spinoff series which once again will offer the ultimate grudge match to see who is best in this fantasy battle. But this time, along with some of The Challenge's most well-known champions and alumni, the field is expanded to include not only former athletes, but those outside the sports world in entertainers. The field and even the host for this season may have changed, but the premise is simple: challenge-style competitions to determine who reigns supreme and walks away with the $150,000 cash prize, but the real winners are the foundations and causes these people are all passionate about.

Ahead in this preseason post, we'll have a look at the stars who will be facing off against Team MTV and provide some background on all of them, including the man who will host this season, who's hosting the last act of Dirty 30 and whose roots are planted in the Trifecta. We'll also meet the lucky handful who will make up this season's opposition, as this season premieres less than a week from now, just in time for the winter after a Challenge season that started all the way back in the summer.
   So as we always like to say here, get out that Under Armour jersey, get yourself set and join in with us as DCBLOG previews The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars, straight ahead.

 WHAT TO EXPECT... 

For Champs vs. Stars, the format is simple: champions and stars will compete each week over this 8-week series (a fairly light load compared to what we've had with Season 30 this year), and each week grueling missions will take place to test different strengths such as endurance, agility, brawn and the like. After each challenge, the winning team will choose their most valuable player (MVP) who will receive money for their charity, gain safety, and will nominate their team's least valuable player (LVP) to go into the ensuing elimination. The same will go for the losing squad, who will also vote their LVP into that battle, and the two will compete one on one to keep their spot in the game. This will continue on until the final rolls around, where the final competitors will battle in the final, and $150,000 to donate to their beloved and respected charities of their choosing.

 MEET THE STARS... 

● ARIANE ANDREW (WWE wrestler): Last summer, CM Punk represented those fans of WWE and was the first pro out... now another wrestler has made her way to The Challenge stage. Triple threat Ariane Andrew is not only a former wrestler, but also a dancer and actress, not to mention starring on Total Divas. She's not afraid to tell it how she sees it or throw it down in that ring to prove her point, and is anxious to break new barriers on Champs vs. Stars. She does come underestimated by her size and swag, and is not intimidated by the Champs and will do whatever she can to claim the big prize, which she will in competing for Black Girls Rock.

● JOSH MURRAY (The Bachelor): To Trifecta fans, it's AYTO... to everyone else, the romantic reality series of choice is The Bachelor franchise. And after rumors of a romance between Kathryn of Season 5 and Robby Hayes, Bachelor Nation has invaded MTV in Josh Murray, who we saw on The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise -- and who we last saw with Amanda Stanton before she cheated on him with Robby(!). Josh is no stranger to competition: a baseball player before falling in love, and his competitive drive is still there after all these years. Being tall, handsome and athletic, the ladies will sure go wild for him and leave the field shaking, all for Extra Special People.

● JUSTINA VALENTINE (Wild N Out): As Wild N Out returns next month, someone who'll also be on MTV twice this winter is Justina Valentine. She always manages to stand out from the crowd with her bright hair and her larger than life personality, and has been entertaining the stage with Nick Cannon & co. since its return last year. Justina's a triple threat herself as a singer, rapper and writer, and already has someone on her side in another fellow Wild 'N Out castmate here, and could charm a fellow champ too. Will she hold up physically here? We'll find out as Young Women's Leadership Network is who she's competing for.

● KIM GLASS (Olympian): Team USA was well represented on Champs vs. Pros, and it's no different on Champs vs. Stars: Kim Glass is someone to be reckoned with her 6'3" frame, and her leading the American women to silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, along with being featured in a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue. Kim is not all brawn, as she is used to being a team player and expects only the best from her and the rest of her team. She once again will be in that leading role leading the Stars here as she will compete for Covenant House.

● MATT RIFE (Wild N Out & TRL): For the other Wild 'N Out rep who also has a lucky role helping reintroduce TRL to a new generation, Matt Rife is on the verge of greater things. The standup comedian is the youngest ever cast member of Wild 'N Out, and now is taking stage in MTV's iconic Times Square studio. With this third show this fall, Matt wants to show the champs that he can hang with them and show there's more to him that just a smile and abs. He will no doubt take advantage of having the last laugh in sending Champs home, as World Wildlife Federation will cheer him on.

● MICHELLE WATERSON (UFC): Another martial artist is making their way to The Challenge arena, but this time with much more stature in UFC contender Michelle Waterson. After being on MTV's Bully Beatdown years ago, those who watched her then and now know that behind that short stature and bubbly personality she can pack a punch. Waterson was once the top-ranked fighter in the lighter classes before winning a Invicta world title and then moving to the UFC, where she beat Paige Van Zant in the FOX main event last year. And before she fights on at UFC 218 along with Jose Aldo, Henry Cejudo and Eddie Alverez, she has this Challenge, competing for MVP Players & Vets.

● RIFF RAFF (Hip-Hop): A decade ago, Riff Raff appeared on the show where Kailah's boyfriend Mikey P. got his reality TV start on - MTV's From G's to Gents. That kickstarted a career that has seen him -- aka Jody Highroller, take on greater heights with his unique fashion sense and tattoos and a career in hip-hop with several albums and singles. He has also gone viral thanks to his knack for reinventing himself and surprising everyone often. And with persuasion and manipulation being vital parts of any Challenge, Riff Raff will be one to not underestimate, with Nevada SPCA is his charity.

● ROMEO MILLER (Hip-Hop): You all know him as the son of hip-hop royalty, and in 2001 Lil' Romeo stepped out of Master P.'s shadow to stand out himself with a Top 10 single and gold-certified album when he was 12 years old. With several albums, an acting resume, a name change to simply Romeo and college hoops at USC, now as Romeo Miller he's already accomplished so much. And with his charm and competitive drive, he will sure to impress the ladies and rise to the challenge against the champs, as Romeo will compete for Team Hope NOLA.

● SHAWN JOHNSON (Olympian): Ten years ago as a relative unknown, Des Moines native Shawn Johnson surprised gymnastics fans by winning the all-around world title, then won four Olympic medals in Beijing in 2008, including gold at the balance beam. As part of the proud US gymnastics tradition, she still has that heart and drive that propelled her to success in that glamour sport despite now being retired. You can never underestimate anyone on The Challenge, and with her being just short of 5 feet. Shawn has all that strength and power as she competes for Hope Sports.

● TERRELL OWENS (NFL): Make no mistake -- this last Star is the headliner of this season's field, and for Bay Area folks like your truly, he is of our biggest interest. Having the hard work of a great athlete and the exuberance of a true entertainer, it was inevitable that Terrell Owens would be on that list for an all-stars Challenge, not to mention having the same kind of colorful and controversial persona that defined his career on the gridiron. With that same competitive drive and being the alpha male on his team, watch for T.O.'s dominating presence to rule here, as he competes for Ty Cares Foundation like the great he is.

 MEET THE CHALLENGERS & HOST 

● ANEESA: Okay, so she is not a champion, but Aneesa comes in the same way Veronica did last time: representing the old-school competitors. She has always been fiery, outspoken and bold, but despite not being a champ and just one finals appearance, you can't deny the determination and strength she has had over her career, and it always shows in eliminations. Aneesa also plays a strong reality game in knowing when to flirt, fight for joining an alliance and mess with the heads of the rookies. This season isn't classified as an official one, but if she finally takes the W it'll be as good as gold, as she competes for Suicide Prevention.

● ASHLEY M.: The latest new member of the champions club, Ashley got to claw and fight her way from a shocking early elimination on her first Challenge to eventually take the title last season on Invasion. This West Virginian is still fairly new to this world, but she has already become someone to be reckoned with. Yes, tears and drama may follow her around all the time - including having to bolt early on Dirty 30, but this emotional firecracker is also eager to go for the win in every competition she competes in... take what happened in that elimination vs. Lolo Jones as proof. Ashley's hungry once again to prove why she's a champ, as Prevent Child Abuse America will root on.

● JOHNNY BANANAS: If T.O. is the star of the Stars, then the star of Team Champs is Johnny Bananas, and he shares something with the NFL'er: you either love him or hate him. There's no doubt he devotes time and energy to The Challenge being as athletic and humorous as he is, and him winning six titles is proof of his work. He hasn't been in a final since that Rivals III steal, which left us to ask if he cursed himself after pulling off the biggest move ever and ending his days as King. And after he was sent home by Darrell, Wes and Derrick K. this year alone, Bananas is ready to return to his rightful place at the throne, which he will compete again for Special Olympics.

● CORY: As what we have seen from him in his five previous shows is proof, Cory has taken on the role of being the resident ladies man of the Trifecta, knowing how he can use his flirtatious nature and charisma to his advantage. Despite his charm, he still is capable of deceit and trickery in making multiple alliances to keep himself afloat - most recently, the Young Bucks. With four Challenges under his belt, this rising star has already made two finals, and despite being a first-timer on the spinoff but having those he's known for a long time with him, he's more than ready to hang with the big boys here, as Cory will compete for Kids Food Basket.

● CT: With two finals appearances this year and him adding an Invasion title to his already hall of fame resume earlier this year, CT has always been The Challenge's resident bad boy, with a handful of both big moments on the field and off of it -- fights, arguments and the like. He has no problem to call out players and to tell them to back off, though he's now a proud dad. He's always dominated in every kind of competition and being a great partner as well, but now after making it again to the end on Dirty 30, CT is anxious to again prove his worth as he competes for F.I.G.H.T.

● EMILY: Since first debuting back in 2010 on Real World D.C. and then on Cutthroat, Emily has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the MTV world. Three appearances on The Challenge, and she has made the final in each and every one of them. Five times has she gone into elimination, and each time she has emerged victorious in taking down Leroy, Cara Maria & Abram, and twice over Paula... and it was them partnering on Rivals II that dominated that season en route to her first title. Since then, she's become a personal trainer, and was tagged Next Fitness Star by Women's Health Magazine. Now Emily returns to again prove her superiority competing for Girls, Inc.

● JENNA: Another one who has become a beast on The Challenge is someone nicknamed Barbie Beast: Jenna came to The Challenge as the exes partner of her Real World boyfriend and had to endure him quitting on Exes 2. But since then, she has become the epitome of bombshell with sweetness, physical prowess and a ditzy attitude... and also being able to stay calm and focus on the game amidst the tough atmosphere. And for someone whose she dated with for some time being in this game also, it may make for the biggest test yet for Jenna. The Jason Gruen Foundation is her charity as she looks to take her first finals win, having made it to the end in all previous seasons.

● WES: Though he didn't come away with the finals win, Champs vs. Pros was Wes' season. Him being able to again rule the elimination dungeon with three wins -- including the sweetest one of all beating Bananas in their first head-to-head battle added to his allure. The two-time champ is known for alliances, cunning strategy and being able to speak and plot his way through the clutter. Wes always looks to outsmart his opposition to get all the way to the end, and of course the Stars will once again be on the lookout for what this Master Manipulator (and biggest snub of the Dirty 30 cast) might have awaiting them. The American Cancer Society is again his beneficiary.

● ZACH: It's true: they call Zach "Thor" with his 6'3" frame, his football past and him being devoted to be fit. Five years ago, Zach made his way through a rookie field to take Battle of the Seasons - this blogger's first full Challenge season, and has seen him be on several more seasons and an additional final. Along the way, Zach has had relationships with not one but FOUR Real World alums, but none more intriguing than him and Jenna after they met on Exes 2 and stayed together for some time after. That storyline in itself will be one to watch in whether it might distract him from making it to the end here, as he competes for Wigs for Kids Michigan - and shaving his head for this battle with the Stars.

● MIKE "THE MIZ" MIZANIN/Host: No doubt, Mike "The Miz" Mizanin is one of The Real World's biggest and most well-known alums. In 2001, he came in as a fresh-faced Cleveland frat guy who rubbed people the wrong way at first, but ultimately went on to become the co-star of that season along with queen bee Coral. Five Challenges followed for him with two titles on Battle of the Seasons I with Coral and Inferno II with Darrell, Landon and Jamie Chung. Then, The Miz followed his life-long passion to the WWE with several championships spanning World, U.S., Tag Team and Intercontinental titles, eventually headlining WrestleMania XXVII with John Cena and "The Rock." And following in the footsteps of the man who we saw on Moana, acting has also come calling with The Marine franchise and two other movies. And of course, he's hosting this season and reunion.


Unlike those who came to Champs vs. Pros, not everyone on the Champs side has a title, but with many finals appearances they will have their experience to rely on. And for the Stars, with experience in combat sports, music, reality TV and the biggest star in a sure-to-be Hall of Famer will form a formidable opposition to the establishment. And come next week, it'll be on on Champs vs. Stars.

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Be sure to follow DCBLOG as we'll again bring you our best-in-class coverage of the MTV Trifecta and of this Challenge. The 'Pulse will again allow you to see the other show that takes place in the spontaneous interaction of every episode through the social media spectrum, while the WRAP will have the usual recaps and related weekly coverage in our unique style. And ExtraTime follows both posts with our compelling original storytelling.

   DCNOW at @DC408DxNow will again be the place to be to experience the action as it happens with live real-time episode tweets as it airs in line with the East Coast. And if you live out west, follow @DC408Dxtr for real-time polls, conversation and DCNOW highlights...and while you watch the episodes with me, join the conversation at #DCChallenge. And also help us out by tweeting and sharing our content on social media and allow a broader fanbase and new fans to enjoy what we do.

   And after we give those of you who didn't watch last night's first part of the Reunion time to catch up, we'll back here on Friday for our usual weekly episode coverage, where we will focus on not just the Reunion but also tonight's Are You The One? as the New Orleans cast looks to get back in the game... and after that airs on the West Coast, we'll reveal what else is coming up here. Enjoy tonight's episode, and we hope you be with us here then.

- I AM DC