“It’s unfair” - The Challenge: All Stars Rivals fans react to pairing system this season

The first episode of The Challenge: All Stars Rivals was released on MTV on Jan 29, 2025, and the fans have already flooded social media with their opinions and views. 26 frienemies, all from different spin-offs of the series, entered the arena to participate in numerous tasks to take home the ultimate win and bag a whopping $300,000.

TJ Lavin, the host of the show welcomed all the contestants to the all-new spin-off and got them ready for the first challenge of this season. He revealed a twist to the regular format of daily challenges, which didn't settle well with all the contenders. He informed the participants that they would be performing the task in pairs.

As TJ announced the pairs, many contestants as well as the fans failed to keep their reactions in. While some questioned putting rivals together, many didn't like the entire idea of making pairs, randomly.

A fan of The Challenge: All Stars Rivals wrote, "Another thing. I wish they would stop with the pair seasons where there is a mix of M/M, F/F, and M/F partners. It’s unfair in my opinion. Either have half M/M half F/F and make eliminations M or F OR each pair is M/F. #thechallengeallstarsrivals"

Another admirer posted, "I wonder what #TheChallenge is going to look like with same s*x teams, and mix s*x teams #TheChallengeAllStarsRivals is this going to be a soft season??? are we locking in yall? #TheChallengeAllStarsRivals #TheChallenge"

These pairings are so ridiculous and forced.... the fake confessionals of people saying they're going to target their partner before they "find out" .................," a netizen commented.

A few, however, expressed contrasting reactions.

An X user expressed, "I didn’t even live tweet during the episode because my eyes were too glued to the screen. I’m so happy #TheChallengeAllStars5"

"These people are all the perfect combination of so messy & clueless, I’m loving them so much. I missed Shane 😭 never thought I’d say that!!! #TheChallengeAllStars5"

Another admirer of The Challenge: All Stars Rivals posted on his X account.

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Challenge 1 of episode 1 of The Challenge: All Stars Rivals

In episode 1 of The Challenge: All Stars Rivals, 26 contestants were paired to enter the first daily challenge of this season. Titles, "Frienemies," the task required the contenders to race threw three checkpoints and be the first four teams to close the finishing line. The checkpoints included Mudbath, Ice Transfer, and Ball-Ance Gurney.

After many struggles, arguments, and teamwork, four pairs saved themselves from being eliminated. Adam & Steve, Devin & Leroy, Ashley K & Dario, and Nany & Turbo ensured their spot with another challenge. However, as expected, the show was left on a cliffhanger. One of the remaining 9 pairs will be asked to leave the arena next Wednesday.

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To know more about what happened in episode 1 of The Challenge: All Stars Rivals, log into your MTV account.