Summary

  • "The Challenge" has evolved into an international competition series with a wide variety of contestants and an expanded viewership.
  • Many romantic relationships have formed and ended on "The Challenge," with some couples managing to stay together despite the drama.
  • Cheating and betrayal have been common themes in the show, leading to the end of several relationships.

MTV’s long-running reality competition series The Challenge has been running for years, so it's no surprise that many contestants became couples after their time on one of the best reality TV shows. 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, even as fans enjoy The Challenge season 39.

Although The Challenge originally saw MTV personalities partaking in competitions, it has expanded 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 and betrayals, there has been 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. Relationships have also imploded when one-half of a couple is in the house alone. Many couples called it quits in the real world, and others managed to keep their romance intact.

Related: The Challenge: Everything Josh Martinez Said About Ashley’s Surprise Exit

Cara Maria Sorbello & Paulie Calafiore

Still Together

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. 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, while Cara saw her original underdog characterization turn into a villain. The couple exited the franchise, 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 years later.

Johnny Devenanzio & Morgan Willett

Not Together

The Challenge Johnny Bananas Morgan Willitt

Traitors US cast member Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio is polarizing, 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

Still Together

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. It was easy to be 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. Jenna and Zach are now expecting a baby girl due in 2024.

Tori Deal & Jordan Wiseley

Not Together

The Challenge's Jordan Wiseley and Tori Deal

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.

Related: Why The Challenge Fans Are Worried About All Stars 4 Casting

Nany González & Kaycee Clark

Still Together

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, having gotten engaged in September 2023. Nany has even discussed IVF with her followers.

Amanda Garcia & Fessy Shafaat

Not Together

Amanda Garcia Fessy Shafaat The Challenge

Amanda Garcia became a fan-favorite villain who seemingly retired after becoming a mom. However, the spitfire returned to The Challenge and found romance with Fessy. Amanda and Fessy have kept fans guessing whether they are flirty friends or a genuine couple. 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

Still Together

Kam Williams Leroy Garrett

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. Kam and Leroy are expecting their second child, a baby girl, due in 2024.

Nelson Thomas & Berna Canbeldek

Not Together

The Challenge Nelson and Berna

Nelson Thomas and Berna Canbeldek 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.

Related: The Challenge: Male Competitors In The Running For Rookie Of The Year

Cory Wharton & Taylor Selfridge

Still Together

Taylor Selfridge and Cory Wharton

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 there for his kids. Corey and Taylor welcomed another child, Maya, in 2022.

Amber Borzotra & Jeremiah White

Not Together

Amber Borzotra Jeremiah White The Challenge

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 fortunately found love after The Challenge.

The Challenge airs on Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.

More: The Challenge: Female Competitors In The Running For Rookie Of The Year