On All Stars, to understand the present, we need to look at the past. These are the moments from episode 7 that add context to the show. If you want to watch the full episode, stream it on Paramount+.
1. Twenties to Fourties
Ryan and Adam seem to be just getting to know each other, though they’re getting along nicely. Adam says he thought he knew everything in his 20s, which was the most annoying thing about himself, likely a call back to him ruffling a few feathers on The Gauntlet. However, Adam’s final season of The Challenge (pre-All Stars) was The Gauntlet 2 while Ryan debuted on the following season, Fresh Meat.
2. TJ’s Favorite Game
This week’s challenge is Face the Facts, and its heights over water, played in pairs. This is reminiscent to seasons like Exes 2 (when Jay won), but eliminated pairs will be yanked apart by bungee cords. This is most similar to Explosive Decisions on War of the Worlds 2.
3. The Pizza Curse
The cast is served pizza, and often, that meal is served with scandal for dessert. This happened when Fessy and Josh fought on Spies, Lies and Allies or when Veronica broke her toe on All Stars 3. But most infamous of all was “Pizzagate” on Vendettas. During this argument, Brad was a victim, and it’s no different this season. At the dinner, Ace tells a story that proposes Adam and Brad go into elimination. Brad feels upset because he didn’t want the nomination to be handled that way, and the delivery was a bit tone deaf.
4. Friends Divided
At the vote, Ace says he’s been friends with Brad for 20 years, and viewers have seen their relationship on two seasons: Battle of the Sexes 2 and The Gauntlet 2. On Battle of the Sexes 2, Brad was in the inner circle that sent Ace home, and he also voted Ace into The Gauntlet on The Gauntlet 2, though Ace made a very obvious mistake prior to this decision. This time, Ace was the one who voted Brad into elimination.
5. A Quest 18 Years in the Making
Prior to the Cheat Codes elimination, Adam says it’s been 18 years since he was on The Challenge. Last time we saw him was The Gauntlet 2, and he lost in the first Gauntlet — he’s the first person TJ ever sent home through an elimination. And, Adam delivers on his promise of winning. He takes out Brad and fulfills Ace’s prophecy by taking Ace’s star.
Stop Being Polite 