Even though the first few episodes of The Challenge 41: Vets & New Threats were packed with chaos, Episode 4 completely upended the competition. The house saw the unimaginable this week as rookie Gabe Wai defeated one of the show's most recognizable veterans, Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, in a long elimination match.
The downfall started earlier in the Daily Challenge, "Amazed," where players had to solve puzzles and make their way through a complex maze. Leka, a rookie, was paired with Johnny, but their relationship ended badly. Due to their inability to gain momentum, the two fell behind and finished last. Last place in The Challenge nearly always entails elimination, and in this case, it meant Johnny's doom was set in stone.
After that, the house had to choose who would go up against Johnny in the arena. Gabe, who has been causing his fair share of controversy this season, was unexpectedly sent in by the rookies. Although some believed the newbie would be sent to the gallows, what actually happened was one of the most shocking eliminations in The Challenge 41 yet. Gabe dominated, not just held his own.
Johnny “Bananas” meets his match in rookie Gabe Wai on The Challenge 41 Episode 4
In The Challenge, Johnny "Bananas" has witnessed it all, but Episode 4 showed that even the most seasoned veterans may be caught off guard. In the elimination round against youngster Gabe Wai, Johnny was ready to rely on his signature expertise and mental strategies. Rather, Gabe stepped up with poise and immense strength. The house was stunned, and the supporters were giddy when the rookie outmuscled one of the best names in the game.
How the elimination went down
The elimination game "Hold 'Em Back" was designed to be extremely dramatic. With their harnesses fastened, competitors had to run toward their targets while bucking their opponent's pull. Strategy, stamina, and strength were crucial.
At first, Johnny tried to play it smart by using his experience to wear Gabe out and prolong the game. However, Gabe relentlessly pushed through from the opening whistle. The rookie overcame Johnny's attempts to stall him and also collected tokens more quickly.
Bananas later acknowledged that, despite his best efforts, he was unable to stop Gabe's surge:
"There was no stopping the bleeding. The best I could do was slow him down.”
By the end, Gabe had shocked the crowd by outperforming Johnny by a wide margin. The rookie seemed unbeatable, and the veteran looked human for the first time in a long time.
Behind the scenes — What Johnny really said
As Gabe reveled in his breakthrough performance, Johnny considered how things went wrong. He acknowledged earlier in the Daily Challenge that he erred by placing too much trust in his inexperienced partner, Leka, on the puzzle parts. His destiny in the arena was sealed by that slip-up, which sent them to last place.
Gabe was an easy target for votes because he had previously been causing house turmoil with rumors and disputes, which only served to stoke the flames. All of it was irrelevant once he entered the elimination, though, because he delivered.
Johnny maintained his philosophical demeanor in post-show interviews, acknowledging that The Challenge 41 is demonstrating the legitimacy of the "New Threats" era. Hungry recruits can threaten even the greatest game legends.
The Challenge 41 episode 4 will be remembered as a pivotal point in the season. Not only was Gabe Wai's elimination victory over Johnny "Bananas" shocking, but it also represented a symbolic shift of power. The hierarchy has changed, and the game has skewed. One thing is certain as the "New Threats" emerge: veterans won't be the only ones defining this season.
Fans can watch The Challenge 41 on MTV.