Battle of the Eras is a season packed with people coupling up. Romantic pairings often create memorable story lines, but for every Devin & Michele we get a pair like Brad & Emily that seem to lurk under the radar.
Over the years we’ve seen relationships that seemingly mattered for a moment, but by the time the season ended the two people have moved on. We never see those relationships mentioned again, the duo isn’t reunited for a season like Exes or Final Reckoning, and Challenge fans often forget the couple ever existed.
I know some people have minds like steel traps, so they might remember these exes. But to qualify for the list, the only main criteria is that the relationship must have appeared on camera while the couple were smitten for each other. And to be clear, some of these pairs never really dated, but if the relationship with solid enough to be considered for an Exes-style season (which is a very low bar on MTV), it’ll be eligible for this list.
10. Paula & Michael (Rivals)
When it comes to under-the-radar hookups, Paula may be the queen, but her time with Mike Mike was a special flash in the pan. The two had a quick attraction, everyone seemed to know it wouldn’t last, and the two enjoyed it for the moment. The pairing was notable for being an odd couple, but can easily be forgotten because the two parted on good terms.
9. Darrell & Leah (The Inferno)
Since returning for Invasion of the Champions, Darrell has established himself as a family man, so it’s hard to remember a time when he was a ladies man and dodging “Infwernos.” While in Mexico, Leah and Darrell had a quick fling, even though they didn’t seem like a match on paper. Darrell was more into sports and Leah was more into getting medically exempt from daily challenges, but the two were actually a very calm and cool couple on the season.
8. Nehemiah & Angel (The Gauntlet 3)
This season was packed with random relationships, and many of them got little screen time. However, the budding relationship between rookies Angel and Nehemiah was really swept under the rug, likely because she left before anything really blossomed.
7. Michele & Emanuel (Spies, Lies and Allies)
If you endured Battle for a New Champion, you may remember Michele’s fling with Callum or Emanuel cheating on his girlfriend a few times. However, these two had eyes for each other when they first met on Spies, Lies and Allies. They even kissed in the club, but it may have been a kiss of death because Michele went home in the same episode.
6. Devin & Camila (Rivals 3)
When Devin was new to the game, he made a few questionable choices, including his hookup with Camila while comparing their night to Peter Pan. Obviously, there wasn’t a whole lot that came from this, and it seemed like it was the only night when Camila had fun that season.
5. Faysal & Gabby (Double Agents)
Even though this showmance is semi-recent, it took place during COVID lockdowns — so it feels like it was decades ago. If you remember anything from this hookup, it’s likely Faysal claiming that he’s shy while pursuing Gabby, even though he was drowning in drama from his romantic endeavors at the time.
4. Ryan & Davis (The Duel 2)
When it comes to gay hookups, Ryan & Tyler get some attention on The Gauntlet 3 for being the first real one. Marlon & Derek also get some attention because Marlon’s sexuality was a topic of discussion, but Ryan’s time with Davis is often overlooked. Ryan made it clear on The Gauntlet 3 that Davis was his type, and they wasted no time making out in the hot tub on The Duel 2 where Brooke facilitated the fun.
3. CT & Mandi (Rivals)
It’s no secret that CT has had his fun with rookie girls, but his relationship with Mandi kind of gets swept under the rug. Perhaps it’s because people remember his flirtation with Laurel from that season, or maybe it’s because CT seemed more interested in ending things with Mandi after she told him about how she enjoys being choked.
2. Paula & Ty (Battle of the Exes)
If anyone remembers this relationship, it’s likely for Emily and Camila’s disgusting mockery, not for the bond Paula and Ty shared. But for a moment, these two seemed to actually care for each other — to the point that Paula jeopardized her at-home relationship to hook up with Ty on this season.
1. Tony & Jessica (Rivals 3)
This may be one of the cringiest, but funniest, attempted relationships The Challenge has ever seen. Tony came onto his second Challenge season to have the time of his life, but Jessica wasn’t willing to let loose quiet as much. Things didn’t work out between the two because Tony wanted to move way faster than Jessica. Even though Jessica couldn’t keep up with Tony, she did break up with her boyfriend while Tony was pursuing her.
Stop Being Polite 