The Challenge fans are questioning some of the ride-or-die pairs this season. The Challenge: Ride or Dies is the official title for season 38, and the format involves Challengers entering the house with someone they're supposed to completely trust. The concept of Ride or Dies is appealing because it gives fans the chance to see seasoned Challenge vets work together and try to share the title. It also allows rookies to have at least one close ally in the game, whereas in other seasons rookies are typically independent when entering the house, and must form close allies over time.
Certain ride-or-die pairings make a lot of sense, like The Challenge's Amber Borzotra, who is a former champ, and her boyfriend Chauncey Palmer. The reigning women's champion of The Challenge, Kaycee Clark, entered with her brother Kenny Clark, setting themselves apart as the only pairing of family members. However, a twist in the first few episodes allowed certain Challenge vets to enter the game late, revealing which alum would be working together as ride-or-dies, which made fans confused over some of the decisions. Specifically, seven-time winner Johnny Bananas entered the game with Nany Gonzalez, and seasoned player Aneesa Ferreira entered with Jordan Wiseley.
The Challenge Fans Speculate Jordan & Aneesa Weren't Originally Partners
The Challenge fans are questioning whether certain ride-or-die pairs are genuine, or if they were forced together by production for the sake of the season's format. The two pairs most in question are Jordan and Aneesa, as well as Bananas and Nany. Many have speculated that Jordan and Aneesa were originally meant to enter the game with different partners, but unforeseen complications led to them being paired together. Fans believe that Jordan and Nia Moore were meant to return before Nia experienced a health scare, while Aneesa was supposed to enter the game with her friend James who was pulled due to COVID-19. In a Reddit thread by user u/Used-Cobbler6124, fans discussed the duos.
The Challenge Fans Don't Believe Jordan & Aneesa Actually Share A Bond
Although Jordan and Aneesa have competed on several seasons of The Challenge together previously, the two have never had a strong relationship. In fact, Aneesa is much closer to Jordan's ex-fiance Tori Deal, making the situation awkward considering Jordan and Tori's ongoing feud. One user wrote, "[Jordan and Aneesa] have both said multiple times they are friends and friendly but both admitted on the show that their connection is not the same as others." To many fans, the lack of a genuine bond seems to undermine the entire premise of the season. When partnerships have to be manufactured by production rather than naturally shining through, The Challenge: Ride or Dies format fails.
Bananas and Nany have also appeared on numerous seasons of The Challenge together, and are close friends when the cameras are off, but many fans question whether or not Bananas can truly be a ride-or-die for any other player. Bananas has a reputation for prioritizing his own game no matter what, and betraying his alliance members to get ahead. One user said, "Bananas and Nany I think are close and want to help each other but Nany doesn't trust Bananas." The lack of trust on Nany's end is legitimate considering Bananas' willingness to betray partners in the past. It's hard to believe a duo is truly ride-or-die for each other when there's a clear lack of mutual trust.
Although The Challenge: Ride or Dies has an interesting premise, and many duos who have a good shot at becoming champions, viewers aren't buying many of the pairings this season. For many long-time fans who have watched these Challengers for years, it's easy to differentiate between a true bond and a manufactured partnership. Though Jordan and Aneesa may have had different partners originally, and Bananas and Nany may lack trust in each other, they are all still strong competitors on The Challenge.
Source: u/Used-Cobbler6124/Reddit