The Challenge: Rivals II

Format

Rivals II follows the same format as the original Rivals challenge, with several differences. After each challenge, the winning team whose gender is not designated for the Jungle receives $1,000. Unlike the original Rivals, nominations are determined only by teams of the other gender: male teams vote for female nominations, and female teams vote for male nominations; teams are not told this until after the first vote. At the end of the season, six teams—three of each gender—compete in the final challenge for a share of $350,000.

Contestants

CT and Wes were paired due to a long rivalry that began on The Duel, where Wes and Evan Starkman plotted against CT, but CT defeated Evan in elimination. Tensions escalated after CT's disqualification in the Push Me Duel against Brad Fiorenza, leading to a heated argument where CT told Wes to tell his girlfriend to put the ring on layaway, and Wes responded by referencing CT's relationship with Diem Brown. On Rivals, Wes tried to start drama, and CT verbally attacked him; on Battle of the Exes, CT told Johnny that Wes was bullying his partner Camila, resulting in Wes and Mandi being sent into the Dome.

Derek and Robb were paired after a physical argument on Battle of the Seasons, where Robb defended his girlfriend Marie Roda after she insulted JD Ordoñez, and Derek stepped in to defend JD, leading to Marie shoving Derek. Dunbar and Tyrie had a one-sided beef on The Island, where Tyrie criticized Dunbar's worthiness and behavior over food; Dunbar stated he never knew Tyrie disliked him. Frank and Johnny had never met but exchanged tweets after Johnny ranted online about not being cast in Battle of the Seasons.

Jordan and Marlon started as friends on The Real World: Portland, but Jordan's drunken antics and a racist gesture toward Nia Moore caused an argument. Knight and Preston were paired after Knight made homophobic remarks about Preston on The Real World: New Orleans; on Battle of the Seasons, Knight and ex-girlfriend Jemmye Carroll discussed removing Preston and McKenzie Coburn from their team.

Did You Know?

• The Reunion special was hosted by Jonny Moseley.
• Knight was removed from the Reunion after a physical altercation with Frank.