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Johnny Bananas is spilling the tea on season 40 of The Challenge

The Challenge GOAT, Johnny Bananas, is back for season 40, and he is opening up about which former rival he wishes was a part of the epic cast as well as who he is excited to see go at it.

By Perry Carpenter

Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio
Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio / Phillip Faraone/GettyImages
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For Season 40, The Challenge is bringing back 40 contestants, including past champions, fierce finalists, and seasoned veterans. Among the show's biggest stars is Johnny Bananas, who will compete for a share of the $1 million prize alongside other potential GOATS like Darrell Taylor, Derrick Kosinski, Mark Long, CT Tamburello, and Jordan Wiseley. 

The cast also includes notable MTV stars such as Amanda Garcia, Aneesa Ferreira, Cara Maria Sorbello, and Leroy Garrett.

With more than 40 people who have appeared on The Challenge across its 39 seasons, fans have already pointed out significant omissions.

Speaking with US Weekly, Bananas expressed that he missed one specific castmate during the filming of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras. “Everyone I was pretty much really close to was all there,” he said, adding, “You know, I wish Wes [Bergmann] was there.”

Bananas clarified that Wes isn’t retired but is “taking a hiatus” from appearing on The Challenge. “Wes isn’t going anywhere. He just needs to get his mojo back. Wes currently has an APB out for his mojo because he lost it,” he remarked. “How do you have a Battle of the Eras and all this era representation without Wes? You know what I mean? He’s been doing it for longer than I have.”

Johnny Bananas dishes about potential feuds on Season 40 of The Challenge

When asked about reunions he was looking forward to, Bananas mentioned Nurys Mateo and Olivia Kaiser, noting their fallout from Season 39 was “pretty epic.” He also highlighted the return of Amanda, who has tension with castmate Michele Fitzgerald and dislikes their teammate Tori Deal. Amanda reiterated her feelings towards Tori in the Launch Special, confiding in Tori’s bestie Devin Walker, her teammate on Era 3.

The Launch Special also showcased Amanda’s changed perspective towards another previous rival, Cara Maria. The two previously had a heated argument on Final Reckoning, where Amanda made a hurtful remark about Cara’s horse, which later died. Amanda apologized for her comment during a surprising one-on-one chat, seemingly burying the hatchet. In a confessional interview, she noted they share a mutual dislike of Tori, which could lead to them working together.

Bananas also acknowledged his past differences with Devin, adding, “It’s gonna be interesting to see how all these dynamics play out.”

The Challenge Season 40 premieres Wednesday on MTV. 

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