MTV Reality: Who Are These Newbies? - The Challenge: Rivals III

From during The Challenge: Rivals III in Summer 2016,
reposted in the interest of our readers after developments
involving some of the subjects in our original posts.

BY DC CUEVA                      

■ @DC408DXTR  @ IG/YT/SC/TB

We at DCBLOG want to make sure that you never meet a new Challenge competitor for the first time on next week's premiere and to give them the proper respect they rightfully deserve. Hence, we have our Challenge custom called Who Are These Newbies?. We know a lot of you want the big name vets and some new ones back on this show, but with most of them now onto bigger and better things (and I am one of those who feels there are things bigger than doing TV shows), we're sure this show will be in good hands with a new generation. We have profiled every Challenge newcomer since Rivals II, and if you wanna get to know all of them, check out the posts from seasons 24, 25, 26 and all the way down in #27. We begin this season's look at the rookies in the Bay Area.

● ASHLEY: A San Francisco resident with West Virginian roots, Ashley came to the Real World Ex-Plosion house across town as that pageant queen beauty with her stunning model looks and tough personality, which easily won over the attention of her guy friends. Her bubbly personality clicked with her roommates, and they relied on her for all the 411 on the late night hotspots the City by the Bay had to offer. But it took only some time before she clashed with them over who the real Ashley was, especially Jamie. One drunken late night, she tore up the contacts paper brought to the Bay by roommate Jay, who lost valuable time talking to his family back home, including his mom who passed away shortly after he arrived in the City. It was the last straw for them, as the roommates decided to kick out Ashley, all before the scare of their lives when the exes moved in. Since then, she's pursued her budding modeling career, including a lovely stint in Paris. France. And now Ashley has something to prove as she enters The Challenge for the first time.

● BRANDON: We first got to know Brandon on AYTO Season 2 two years ago as a man with two lives: by day he works in cancer research, by night & weekend he's all about fun in that adult playground known as Las Vegas. With prank videos, poker and all else the town that's hosting the current Real World cast, it's no doubt the perfect backdrop for someone who just loves to have a good time. He was at the heart of the season's biggest story when he and Christina got together on the group's first night and never let go until later in the season and well after they were sent into the Truth Booth and returned a no match. On the Challenge front, there's a reason why he earned his MTV return in having won several getaway challenges during the season and will sure make an impact here. To add to the unique nature of this site in offering an angle on the Trifecta you won't get anywhere else, I happened to uncover Brandon's original AYTO audition tape, which you can check out here. And he will sure to have some celeb support this season: check out his Twitter pics with Jack Black and Mike Posner.

● BRIANA: When we first met Briana two years ago, the San Diego State University grad was in a big hurry to find love. Her plan was to find her man, get married, get pregnant while on the honeymoon and start a family. In Puerto Rico, she was paired up with Brandon several times on the challenges and on the dates before they got paired up for this season, but the one Bri was most close to in the house was passionate artist Curtis, who had a strong attraction during the time he was in the house, even after they were part of the first-ever AYTO blackout (no lights in a matchup ceremony). It was also there that my most notable moment of her came during their getaway date when she publicly revealed for the first time that she had suffered the trauma of a miscarriage while she was in high school, similar to the devastating story Kailyn from Teen Mom just went through. In the end, she found her perfect matches in three other girls: Christina, Jessica and Ellie by their code name the "Goon Squad," spending an entire summer in her San Diego hometown along with the guy below.

● NATE: From Kalamazoo, MI, Nate appears at first to have that rocker style with that faux hawk and tattoos, but he's anything but the bad boy his looks might point to. When we met him on AYTO 2, he's like any guy in going after the hottest girl in the room and usually has his way, but she then pushes him away by his snap attachment. In Puerto Rico, Nate was initially attracted to Midwesterner turned Hollywood girl Shelby and it became a triangle by way of her also courting fellow Challenger Dario, which became too much for Nate to handle. Later, he turned his attention to Jessica and then to Christina, who as we all know got into words with her after being a TB no match and with Brandon and led to him into those man tears that would score him big points in this Challenge. In the end when the group won the cash, he got matched up to the fourth member of the Goon Squad, Ellie, and later he moved out to SoCal to join the Squad in the Goon House. Now, destination Challenge for this high school football player...but first, check out his audition tape here.

● CHEYENNE: We saw Cheyenne on AYTO Season 3 last fall, and the L.A. girl is smart, ambitious, gorgeous & a frequent flyer - the total package as she sees it. We saw Chey speak her mind in Hawaii as she was quick to notice the group's bad gameplay and to stand up to the guys in representing for the ladies in the house. But as her social handle @CheyNotShy suggests, it was no surprise that she had one of the moments of the season where she woke the group up with a mic-dropping speech at the 5th Matchup where she called the group out for not moving on from their non-matches and the guys' behavior. Her words were, "The fact that this game is set up for us to find love and this is how we're doing it -- it's bizarre. I think you guys need to realize that we all are either going to win together or we're going to lose together. All this fighting, all this negativity, is going to bring this house down and we all know it." In the end, she was part of the final outcome when the plan that was based around her & Tyler was chosen, and that takes us to her partner.

● DEVIN: Finally, there's Devin. If what we saw with Frank recently is an example, than we can expect the same kind of pot stirring with who is AYTO's most controversial castmate. When he went to Hawaii last year, Devin was someone who loves living life to its fullest and is the life of the party. Being very adventurous as he is has also meant going all in on his dating life on Tinder and at the club, being that romantic at heart with a deep connection. Season 3's biggest story was his tumultuous relationship with Kiki, which started in week 1 and, just as it was with Bristina, never let go. They went into the Truth Booth and emerged a no match, but DiKi stayed together well after and they got into it so many times that the house ultimately told him to play the game...and play the game he did. When all hope was seemingly lost in their last 2 tries, the strategist who talked the talk and hadn't delivered came up with a last-ditch plan with red Solo cups and a quarter (!), and the coin went in favor of Tyler & Cheyenne. The rest was history: he went from being the most-hated Trifecta castmate since Puck to becoming the most-feared when it comes to strategy in singlehandedly pulling off the equivalent of a Hail Mary pass in giving his Ohana the $750,000 in comeback fashion.

AMANDA & NELSON

Now, with the addition of Amanda and Nelson to this cast to replace Averey & Leroy, you Challenge fans are asking, "Who Are These Newbies?"  Here's the info on these two from Are You The One? Season 3...
● AMANDA: Coming to us from Westminster, CO just outside of Denver, Amanda came into the AYTO house looks, the smarts and lots of confidence. But it hasn't turned into luck in the relationship department, with past flings leaving her insecure and settling for sub-par guys. She's typically been the heartbreaker rather than play the role of the heartbroken, which is why she's quick to dump a guy rather than wait for him to move on. And during her season, she was involved in so much drama that it was insufficient to fit this all into this brief paragraph...that follows the description of her partner.
● NELSON: A San Marcos, TX native, Nelson is a guy's guy: athletic and one who the girls love. With drive and ambition, he wants everything and can devote time and energy needed to make it happen. However when it comes to girls, Nelly's strong focus becomes the obstacle in his quest for a girl, along with time as well when it comes to juggling school, sports and guy time and not fitting time to see a girl. In Hawaii, we saw him get angry plenty of times, from when his crush Cheyenne kissed funny guy Zak to calling out Devin for not picking Kiki at the first MC.
● WHAT GOT THEM HERE: What got Amanda and Nelson paired up was when they got into one of those fights that he got into one night and the drama she brought on afterwards.

- I AM DC
#DCBLOG

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III - The Finale

*** 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

So, as we begin a new week, here we are... This is the season finale  of DC SocialPulse for The Challenge: Rivals III. During the week of the Kentucky Derby, thirteen teams came out of the gate in pursuit of not only winning the largest cash prize in Challenge history, but also overcoming everything they've been through in the quest for that moment in the sun. Now, as the Rio Games are underway, we're at the end of a most eventful season with one of the most shocking moments in the history of the MTV Trifecta.

   Last week as the game started in Argentina, we saw the last elimination battle that saw a familiar scenario as Bananas went into the last elimination battle before the final as he & Sarah faced Dario & Nicole, and the 5-time champ & Exes 2 winner took care of things easily. But as they, Jenna & Vince and Devin & Cheyenne came to the starting gate for the beginning of the final, they didn't expect the words that came out of TJ Lavin's month before they started the race to the summit.
   It's the unprecedented twist that casts a shadow on the finale of this season as the three teams go on a several stages battle towards the summit of a mountain top in the scenic backdrop of Argentina as they battle for the lions share of $350,000 in prize money - $275k going to the winner. This means all the teams have to go all in if they want the cash, and it's a point system that determines who gets to make the choice of either if the cash is split both ways or if the partner gets screwed over while the other takes all of the cash.
   Coming up, all the action, reaction and interaction of the Finale in the unique manner this site is known to you the fans. From the lead up to Wednesday to all the cast and fan reaction from the finale, the reunion and the aftermath, we have you all covered as only we can. Afterwards on ExtraTime, we hope you can be enlightened a little bit as we'll let you in on who in this cast has a knack for doing some comedy.

- 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.

It's the Finale... Join DCBLOG for the 'Pulse of the Finale of Rivals III, coming up.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III - "Grapes. Wrath."

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

As you all wind down this Sunday and last day of July, welcome back to DCBLOG as we bring you post #3 of our look at the week in the MTV Trifecta. Yesterday, we looked at Francesca from Are You The One? and her musical career that began on The X-Factor, and later the 'Pulse of her show as she was part of the drama involving the man they call the Wolf in Hawaii. Now, we bring you the other half of the social interaction with the 'Pulse of The Challenge as we've arrived at our final destination for Rivals III.

   Last week, we had the last competitions in Mexico as, what turned out to be, the season's last regular challenge identified the season's key players in the quest for the cash. But much of the focus was on Jenna as her veteran Challenger boyfriend Zach broke her heart many miles away, which put into question whether she could make it three for three in finals appearances. We then saw a true Battle of the Bloodlines in the week's elimination as cousins Nany and Nicole faced each other for spots in the final four in Argentina, and it was the ladder who won that battle as Nany would, after the episode air, announce her retirement from these shows.
   Now, all roads lead to Argentina for the final part of this most eventful season. First things first this week, the final four teams arrive in South America for something a bit unusual. There, they will go straight into the season's last Jungle elimination with all four teams being eligible to be sent in, and once again the game is left to both fate and luck as that will decide which teams will make their way into the final and who will be dared to go in by competing in a grueling last Jungle. And it's after the teams are determined that they will encounter an unprecedented, jaw-dropping surprise twist that shocks everyone. Also, a player who's been taunted since arriving in Argentina questions whether or not to leave, fueling tensions before the competition really begins.

   Ahead, all the social action, reaction and interaction from the Challenge end of this week, along with the aftermath of Monday's AYTO. Also included is someone who could become the next big thing in music, and flashbacks by a Challenge legend. And as this is the last weekend where there's no NFL games until mid-February as Training Camp has commenced, you'll want to stick around for ExtraTime as three quarterbacks get a chance to mingle with Team MTV.

- 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.

One final Jungle, and one last battle for the cash. Join DCBLOG next as we bring you the Penultimate 'Pulse of Rivals III.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III - "Raging Bullies"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

As your indulge in this late summer Saturday night, welcome back to DCBLOG and our weekend tradition of offering our view of the MTV Trifecta. Last night, we had the 'Pulse of Are You The One? as Gio & Kay became dunzo and Cam & Victoria blacked out in a different way than we're used to on AYTO. Meanwhile across the way in Mexico, Rivals III is now into game mode with two weeks left.

   Last week, Nate & Christina pulled off an all-time Challenge upset when they defeated contenders Cory & Ashley. Meanwhile, we saw many a guy falter in that week's mission above water, including Vince revisiting what we saw from him last season. And Wes & Nany excused the AYTO 2 pair as they seemed to have gained much-needed momentum towards a potential matchup with Bananas & Sarah in the final, and Ginger's 3rd shot at the 5-time champ. But as we know, nothing is guaranteed.

   This week, it's the last regular challenge in Mexico as we find more clarity as far as the game is concerned. But the focus is on America's sweetheart, as Jenna finds herself getting heartbroken by a veteran Challenger boyfriend who's been in a lot of drama the past several years. Plus, there's echoes of what happened the last time a Draw took place on a Challenge, and it's the result of what happens there that sets up a true battle of the bloodlines between two cousins with spots in Argentina at stake.
   Ahead, all the action, reaction and interaction from this most interesting episode and both the lead-up to and aftermath of it. Included: the Big D World Tour heads overseas to Europe, and a Challenge stung many times announces his return to Instagram. And after the diary on ExtraTime - or make that, Extra Innings, we'll join a Challenge fan favorite sorely missed the past few years as he battles the best in combining his favorite sport with his newfound passion.

- 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.

From hearts being broken close to home to two cousins facing off in the jungle, DCBLOG has you covered of this latest week in The Challenge, coming up.

MTV Trifecta Strategy Room: Rivals III - And Then There Were Five

BY DC CUEVA                     
> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

Tonight sees the beginning of the business end of The Challenge: Rivals III. We started this season back in May and so much has taken place in this most eventful season that sometimes, you just can't keep up with it all. We've had three teams get sent home either by injury or, in one's case, the enigma of being scolded by TJ Lavin for quitting. For a time, we actually had more missions than actual jungle eliminations because of this very reason. We've had so much drama take place among all the teams fueled by the very premise that if you put together those who hate one another in the same place, things will happen. And yet, we still have this show's two winningest players with us, now on a collision course towards a potential Rivals rubber match.

   It's with all of this in mind that - with six hours before Episode 12 - it's the perfect time for us to take a trip into the Strategy Room. Once again in our Trifecta coverage, we will, at various times here, analyze where we stand in terms of the game situation on this Challenge, and next week we'll look at AYTO 4 as they've just reached the halfway point in Hawaii. Considering how unique this site is in covering the MTV world, it's only when the game gets serious do we unlock the doors to this room in our house and put on the analyst's hat. Yes, we're doing what other sites would do throughout their season in doing these power rankings as we're about to enter the homestretch to Argentina.

   Ahead, we'll take a team-by-team look at what the five teams who are left have done while they've been in Mexico and the possibilities that await them. And we'll unveil our site's power rankings as well as update you on last week's fantasy scoring, which was carried over here from its usual place on the WRAP. Join us after the jump as we head look at where Rivals III stands from the Strategy Room.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III - "Rivals: Civil War"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

Welcome back everyone to DCBLOG as we bring you more of this week in the MTV Trifecta, as we shift our focus from yesterday covering Are You The One? to now looking at The Challenge: Rivals III. When a game such as this reaches its late stages, this is generally when the game gets intense and where we find out who's in it to win it. Episode 11 is again proof of this very premise.
   Last week, the girls were buried alive when the guys are asked questions about them that not only determined who knows their partners better but also who was speedy in helping the girls out when they need them the most. But it's what happened when Dario & Nicole became power team that caused rain to fall on the house when they catch Cory & Ashley dealing both ways, and caused her cousin Nany to lose it as well, all before an elimination that could have a ripple effect on the game.
   And that's where this week's episode begins as the game gets turned on its head once again by a yet another shocking result in that jungle. The attention then turns to a challenge where teamwork is put to the test right above the sea. It's what happens with who wins that and the ensuing Jungle that perhaps could set the tone for the rest of the game, and where one of the competitors lies either with the one she's become close with in the house, or the one she's close with as a cousin.

   Ahead, all the action, reaction and interaction from the Challenge end of this week in the Trifecta. This includes many of the competitors heading up to New York for the traditional matters related to the end of this season. Afterwards on ExtraTime, as the Rio Olympics now stand less than three weeks away, we'll look back to those two times when two Challengers got a mingle with two Olympians who will have a chance to take gold yet again in Brazil.

- 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.

A stunning jungle upset, the growing tension between two cousins, and the veterans take command... DCBLOG has The Rivals Week That Was covered for you next.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III "Digging Your Own Grave"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

Welcome once again to DCBLOG as we cover the week that was in the MTV Trifecta, or at least just one of the three shows as the other that's currently on-air took this 4th of July off. We know it has been a very tough and eventful week in many retrospects with civil unrest and tragedy that's taken place in America, but if you can take your mind off of it for just a bit then we'll do our best to provide a respite from it as we look at week 10 of The Challenge: Rivals III.

   Last week in Mexico, we saw teams deprived of sleep from doing an all-night challenge being forced to remember everything from mariachi music to burning men to a iguana, and saw a dominant team take control of this game. The result of Bananas & Sarah becoming power team caused a rift in the house as everyone was asked whether you're on their side or if you're with Wes. And during this 3rd straight summer of soccer, the beautiful game made its way to The Challenge for the elimination.

   This week, the focus shifts to one team trying whatever they can to keep who they're aligned to in that aforementioned alliance game under wraps, them being exposed will threaten to derail trusts, friendships and even families within this house. The pairs must prove that they can think like their partners when their lives are dependent on it with they're buried alive. And what kind of ripple effect will it have when the power team makes their jungle choices?

   We'll have the action, reaction and interaction from this week, which didn't include Are You The One? as Monday fell on July 4th and it felt best for all of us to enjoy the fireworks instead. After the diary, DC ExtraTime will go down memory lane as a castmate from a relatively recent Real World season (and you might say, the last of a breed of sorts) reflects on it just a few years later.

- 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.

Buried Alive, Trivia, and Another Big Move. Join DCBLOG for the 'Pulse of Week 10 of The Challenge: Rivals III coming up.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III "Let Sleeping Dogs Wake"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

On this Sunday of Independence Day weekend, welcome back to DCBLOG and to the back end of our SocialPulse doubleheader covering the week in the MTV Trifecta. Yesterday, we brought you the latest 'Pulse of AYTO 4 as the group saw its first Truth Booth match and more drama involving Johnny Drama. Now, we shift over to The Challenge Rivals III as another one of those house divides settles into the Mexican South Coast.
   Last week, the saga that was Camila & Tony came to an unfortunate end when their late night fight led host TJ Lavin to tell them to pack up and head out, just after the competitors were warned about violence in the house. Then came another twist when the competitors found themselves shell-shocked by the show's first ever last-minute, surprise challenge and a rare nighttime mission that tested their patience and knowledge while also being forced to stay up all night and see all sorts of oddities take place in front of their eyes.
   And that's where this week's episode begins as the teams robbed of sleep and being mentally tired try to put together nearly 12 hours' worth of knowledge for a chance to not only become power team but also win themselves a day trip and cash too. Plus, the house begins to experience a divide as teams begin to band together to plot against others as it centers around the two remaining big-name veterans in Mexico. And considering the summer of soccer we've had the past three years, it also plays a part in a big elimination battle.
   We'll have all of the cast's reaction and interaction to the action of Episode 9, as well as the Survival Guide with fan favorites and day-after reaction to this week's AYTO. And in ExtraTime that follows, we'll re-introduce you to a previous champion from a Challenge past as she gets her second chance at the big bucks in a new digital-only reality show many years in the making.

- 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.

A memory game, a getaway date, a house divide, soccer fever and another shot at glory. Join DCBLOG for the 'Pulse of Week 9 of The Challenge: Rivals III...coming up.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III - "Stand By Me"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

On this late Saturday night, welcome back to DCBLOG and to our SocialPulse doubleheader covering this week in the MTV Trifecta. Earlier this evening, we brought you how the Season 4 cast saw this week's Are You The One? when our first love triangle of Season 4 was settled in the Truth Booth and one of the guys went into hysterics. But that pales in comparison to what we saw two nights later on Episode 8 of The Challenge Rivals III.
   Last week in Mexico, we saw a scary mission 400 feet above the South Mexican Shore as a cliff and a ride down the hill saw the teams flying down, and saw Nate & Christina become power team but squandered a golden opportunity to flip the script on this unpredictable season when they decided to put in AYTO's Amanda & Nelson instead of a Challenge veteran team and those two paid the price. Camila received unfortunate news from back home of her grandma's unexpected death, while she and Tony got into words in the club.
   But as it turns out, that's not the end to that saga, as this week a late-night blow-up threatens to once again go into a physical fight and the house has to step in. It's what happens afterwards that the house is thrown for a loop by the serious implications that fight has on the rest of the competitors. And those players then find themselves in yet another twist when they find themselves in The Challenge's first-ever last-minute surprise mission to see how long they can keep their wits in a preview of what might await them should they go all the way.

   All of the action, reaction and interaction of this hectic episode, the accompanying after show and its lead-up and aftermath await you after the jump. This includes the primary focus on this episode being the target of, not surprisingly, a twitter beef that happened after the episode aired. And after the diary, DC ExtraTime will begin a special two-part series providing a look at the Tragedy in Orlando through the eyes of two alums of The Real World here on this Pride Weekend.

- 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.

Another fight, another disqualification, the most unusual mission in Challenge history and a twitter beef. Join DCBLOG for the 'Pulse of this week in Rivals III, coming up next.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge: Rivals III - Episode 7

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

Happy Father's Day to all of you dads out there, as you enjoy what promises to be a great Sunday Funday with the final round of the U.S. Open in Pittsburgh, Game 7 of the NBA Finals tonight between the Cavaliers and Warriors, and WWE's Money In The Bank. And our gift to you this day is the 'Pulse of Week 7 of The Challenge: Rivals III on DCBLOG, as this season has had its moments as we reach the halfway point.
   Last week, we saw a grueling, and rather revealing, challenge that saw Bananas & Sarah winning and some controversy as Camila & Tony were caught cheating for tossing aside a token of their opponents and were demoted into the jungle. We also saw Vince and Thomas get into a fight, but the ladder received bad news from back home that, rightfully so, placed family and health above all else in him leaving to tend to his sick girlfriend back home and denied an elimination confrontation between Camila and Nany.
   This week, the storyline surrounding Camila and Tony continues as once again those two get into heated words, but an unexpected call from back home shatters her chances in the game; while another volatile team gets into words too. Meanwhile, the competitors are faced with a scary mission some 400 feet above the Mexican sea, and the team that wins must decide whether to make a crucial power move or choose who their real friends are when picking who to put into the Jungle.
   We'll have all the action, reaction and interaction from Episode 7 of this Challenge, its leadup and aftermath coming up here, along with the day-after the premiere of Are You The One? Season 4 and reaction to last Sunday's tragedy in Orlando. And if you're someone who follows what's called "The Coolest Game on Earth," you'll want to stick around for ExtraTime as we'll look into the crystal ball for Las Vegas as it welcomes a major sports franchise for the very first time.

- 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.

It's a Father's Day treat as we bring you the 'Pulse of Week 7 of The Challenge: Rivals III, coming up.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge: Rivals III - "The Naked Truth"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

As your weekend winds to a close, welcome to DCBLOG as we bring our Week 6 posts for The Challenge: Rivals III. But as we begin, note that this week's 'Pulse is being posted a day later than normal - on Sunday, out of respect to a fellow member of the reality TV & music family who died doing what she loved in a terrible and senseless act. As most of you know, an alum of a past season of The Voice, Christina Grimmie, was gunned down after a concert in Orlando, FL on Friday night and obviously, our thoughts are with her family during this traumatic time. We felt it was appropriate to postpone posting this article by 24 hours so all of you can join with the music industry in mourning her loss and celebrating her life.

   As we move to covering The Challenge, last week we saw the undoing of Jessica and Johnny when her underperforming saw him go off - both after finishing in last place and losing the jungle. Cory found himself between a rock and a hard place when deciding to either protect friend Thomas or partner Ashley when Simone was the house's target after a late night fight. And after Brandon decided to quit, Devin and Cheyenne were brought back in as the new, and old, replacement team; just as Amanda & Nelson won that aforementioned elimination battle.
   This week, a rigorous mission and a mini-final of sorts takes over the attention of the house. From brains and balls, to walls and beds, to literally stripping down to their goodies, the teams battle each other for that all-important momentum. Plus, one competitor tries to win at all costs for their team and may cost them, while another who saved his cast from infamy tries his hand at mastering the game again. There's also more hookups, and another competitor receives devastating news that could force yet another early exit.

   All the action, reaction and interaction from this week is located below for you to check out. This includes the reaction the entire MTV community had with the passion of Muhammad Ali which we will touch upon here later during our Week 6 posts. And afterwards on ExtraTime, we'll delve again into the sports media world for my thoughts on the changing rosters of high-profile broadcasters, and which one I feel has the greatest impact.

- 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.

It's The Challenge's take on Dating Naked. A team finds itself at the heart of Token Gate. And so much more. Join DCBLOG for how you saw Episode 6 of Rivals III...coming up next.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge: Rivals III - Episode 5

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

As summer is now in full swing and temperatures are soaring, welcome in to DCBLOG as we bring our look at Week 5 on The Challenge: Rivals III. This is a one-show post for this and next week as we are into the countdown to Season 4 of Are You The One? which begins in a week from tomorrow, as we come to you at the end of this first weekend of June.

   Last week in Mexico, we had a house fiesta as a rumor started by Nicole saw Nany and Camila get into words. Amanda made headlines again as she fought with Camila and then with Tony as the AYTO-Real World war heated up. And the pressures of the game and the house, the homesickness of being away from Las Vegas and his girlfriend, it was too much for Brandon to handle and he decided to quit, which sent Briana home too and TJ into blast mode before the second official challenge.
   This week sees the continuation of that, as one team with finals experience begins to feel the pressure of working together in this intense game. After a shouting match of name-calling, one competitor faces a game-changing decision of whether to keep their best friend out of the Jungle, or having their teammate's back when an enemy is threatening to turn the house upside down. And to make up for Brandon and Briana deserting from Mexico, yet another replacement team arrives.

   We'll have all the social reaction and interaction from this week in Challenge land, including a war of sorts between a bloodline who we profiled here a couple weeks ago and one of the AYTO rookies. And if you're a sports fan who's nostalgic, stick around for ExtraTime where we'll begin our Summer of Sports series as we honor the great career of the legendary sportscaster who's best known to many as simply "Uncle."

- 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.

A team blows up, a power team makes a decision, and a new team arrives. Join DCBLOG for the week that was in the world of Rivals III...next.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III - "I'm Going Home"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

As you enjoy your long three-day Memorial Day Weekend, welcome back to DCBLOG and our coverage of the MTV Trifecta. Friday night after the Cavs clinched their spot in the NBA Finals, we brought you our preview of Season 4 of Are You The One?. And later, we'll look at the explosive and emotional double finale of Real World: Go Big or Go Home in Las Vegas. But there's been so much drama taking place south of the border on The Challenge Rivals III through four episodes, you might have a whole season wrapped up in that stretch alone. This week...no different.

   Last week on Mexico's South Coast, a new team came in to replace Leroy & Averey as Amanda and Nelson from AYTO4 arrived, and almost immediately she made a huge impact in the house in letting her mouth do all the work. The teams were forced to work together in the most intimate and awkward challenge they've ever been in that brought a, shall we say, more sexual feeling to Mexico. And after producing the season's first hook-up, Ashley created more drama when they went to the club for the first time, while fellow drama-starter Simone also did what she does best as well.
   This week, as promised by him at the end of last week's mission, TJ throws competitors a fiesta in the Mexican night, where a dirty rumor reverberates around the house and threatens to turn two close friends into enemies in an eyeblink. After the events of last week, bickering begins to elevate among Real World alumni and the newcomers from AYTO, and escalates into a war. And as another mission looms, when the pressures of the game and the house, and the homesickness of being far away from home collide, does it become too much for one competitor to handle?
   We'll have all of action, reaction and interaction of this week in Rivals III covered for you here, all covering the activity before, during and after the episode. And after the diary on ExtraTime, what if the replacements for Leroy & Averey were not Nelson & Amanda? We'll look into a would-be Rivals 3 team and the emotional night they went through just last year.

- 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.

A war between shows. A potential early exit. And a fight between frenamies. DCBLOG has the 'Pulse of Episode 4 of The Challenge: Rivals III...coming up next.

DC SocialPulse: The Challenge Rivals III "The Replacements"

*** Advisory: DC SocialPulse contains adult language, objectionable content 

and 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                     

> @DC408Dxtr / @DC408DxNow

Welcome once again to DCBLOG's coverage of the MTV Trifecta as we bring you the 'Pulse of this week in the Bunim-Murray portion of the ecosystem. And as Memorial Day weekend looms in a week from now, we're headed towards the conclusion of a controversial and eventful Real World stay in Las Vegas which we'll delve into later. And on that long weekend, we'll have a preview of what's ahead in Hawaii for Are You The One? Season 4. But in the meantime, so much has already taken place south of the border on The Challenge: Rivals III, and it's only at the first quarter pole.

   Last week in Mexico, we had the resumption of the first week where a super-twist saw power team Jenna & Vince vote not one, but two teams AYTO into the season's first elimination and saw them get into a lay-up alliance with a third rookie crossover team. There was also the stunning news of Leroy & Averey being kicked off the show by virtue of him having suffered an injury and forcing his 2nd straight medical evacuation. And for Jessica, she gets herself into bed with a naked Tony and then went out and won her first elimination, with her awkward partner (and Ave's ex) Johnny.
   The consequence of a team being replaced by way of injury becomes the big story of this week as the house gets shaken up and stirred when a pair of replacement Rivals enter the house to replace Averey & Leroy. The teams have to work with their partner in the most intimate and awkward mission that they've ever faced. And after she produced the season's first hook-up, Ashley causes more drama on their first trip to the club, while another fellow fire-starter gets in more drama too.
   We have all the action, reaction and interaction from this week in Mexico waiting for you following the jump. And as many of you youngsters are getting ready to go through that rite of summer of marking the end of one chapter and the start of another, on ExtraTime following the diary you'll join with a competitor from this Rivals III season, and a fellow alum, as they graduate college.

- 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.

Drama in the club. Drama in the house. And replacement Rivals stir the pot off the bat. Join DCBLOG for the 'Pulse of Episode 3 of The Challenge: Rivals III...coming up next.