MTV’s long-running reality competition series The Challenge season 38, so it’s no surprise that many contestants became couples. The competition show, which originally saw cast members from The Real World and Roads Rules competing for fast cash and prizes, has gone on to become an iconic international battle for glory, fame, and life-changing money. Though the show has transformed from far more casual competing to something reality stars seriously train for, the romantic undertones of the beloved show have remained consistent.
Although The Challenge originally saw MTV personalities partaking in competitions, it has made strides to become international in the past few years. Additionally, The Challenge has also branched out to include a wide variety of shows, with its viewers expanding. It might be a competition series, but The Challenge has always been filled with romantic drama. From hookups to breakups to betrayals, audiences have been treated to a front-row seat of non-stop drama. Since many cast members come back for additional seasons, they have the opportunity to rekindle romances, continue dating, or awkwardly bump into their exes. Viewers have also seen relationships implode when one-half of a couple is in the house alone. Many couples called it quits in the real world and while others managed to keep their romance intact.
Cara Maria Sorbello & Paulie Calafiore (On)
Cara Maria Sorbello and Paulie Calafiore are one couple who few fans were rooting for when they first aired their budding romance on Final Reckoning in 2018. Audiences had just witnessed Cara and her long-term boyfriend Abram Boise split after Cara was accused of cheating on him on TV. Big Brother alum, Paulie, was regarded as a hot-headed joke to viewers, while Cara saw her original underdog characterization turn into a villain. The couple exited the franchise in the last few seasons, which appeared to be the best choice for their relationship. Though they have received plenty of backlash, rumors, and accusations, Cara and Paulie are still going strong three years later.
Johnny Devenanzio & Morgan Willett (Off)
The Challenge icon Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio is polarizing among fans and is known to have romances with fellow contestants, especially rookie ones. However, Johnny’s feelings for Big Brother beauty Morgan Willett turned out to be the real deal, as the duo ended up dating for nearly two years after meeting on the show. However, Johnny and Morgan’s romance came to a bitter end in October 2021 after a video of Johnny dancing with another woman went viral. Morgan admitted to being heartbroken after Johnny’s cheating was seemingly confirmed.
Jenna Compono & Zach Nichols (On)
Jenna Compono and Zach Nichols are another The Challenge couple who was affected by cheating. Jack memorably guessed Jenna was “Brooke” when she was filming The Challenge solo and gave her long-term boyfriend a call to surprise him. Zach ghosted Jenna and was an overall horrible partner to her. Viewers were furious with how he treated Jenna; however, they rekindled their romance. Jenna and Zach married in 2021 and welcomed a baby boy together. In December 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Liliana Marie.
Tori Deal & Jordan Wiseley (Off)
Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley were considered one of the ultimate power couples. Together, the duo shared a lot of love and an even bigger ego. However, Jordan and Tori announced their split on Instagram in 2021 in what was a very amicable and loving announcement at first. Their split quickly turned messy as fans accused her of cheating on Jordan with Tori’s later fling, Fessy Shafaat. However, Tori recently cleared up rumors that Jordan dumped her and that she was romantic with Fessy after their split.
Nany González & Kaycee Clark (On)
Nany González and Kaycee Clark were an unexpected hookup. Nany had previously had many romances with men on The Challenge, while Kaycee had a girlfriend back home. However, the two ladies were drawn to each other and couldn’t stay away. Kaycee and Nany are currently in a committed relationship and are busy planning their future. Nany has even discussed IVF with her followers.
Amanda Garcia & Fessy Shafaat (Off)
Amanda Garcia became a fan-favorite villain who seemingly retired after becoming a mom. However, the recently single spitfire returned to The Challenge and found romance with Fessy. Amanda and Fessy have kept fans guessing as to whether or not they are flirty friends or a genuine couple. However, Amanda made it clear that although she thought Fessy was pursuing her, he was also talking to other women. This led to Amanda having a bitter online exchange with one of the said ladies, fellow alumni Natalie Negrotti.
Leroy Garrett & Kam Williams (On)
Leroy Garrett and Kam Williams are one of the most beloved pairs on The Challenge. Kam and Leroy first met in Las Vegas in 2018 but had commitment issues in their relationship. Kam pursued a romance with fellow contestant Theo Campbell when Leroy didn’t want to commit. However, the beloved couple soon made things official. They moved in together in 2020, welcomed a son in 2022, and are still going strong today.
Nelson Thomas & Berna Canbeldek (Off)
Nelson Thomas and Berna Canbeldek recently sent romance rumors flying on Spies, Lies & Allies. Berna revealed that she was heartbroken when she was eliminated, as it also was the end of her romance with Nelson. Berna said she was devastated to not spend every day with The Challenge veteran. However, Berna and Nelson realized they weren’t as great of a pair as they initially thought after they met up in Ibiza after the show.
Cory Wharton & Taylor Selfridge (On)
Cory Wharton and Taylor Selfridge are another couple who have a very messy relationship timeline. Teen Mom stars Corey and Taylor connected while filming Ex on the Beach, although the time from their first encounter to the birth of their first child together has not been easy. Corey discovered that his ex-girlfriend Cheyenne Floyd was pregnant with his daughter, which complicated his romance with Taylor. However, Corey and Taylor are still together, and he is their for his kids.
Amber Borzotra & Jeremiah White (Off)
Amber Borzotra and Jeremiah White are another couple who had a romance on Spies, Lies & Allies. Like Nelson and Berna, Amber and Jeremiah weren’t able to make their attraction for each other work in a real-world relationship. Amber has fortunately found love after The Challenge with her new boyfriend, who she introduced on Instagram.
