“An underdog”- The Challenge’s Johnny Bananas discusses finale with Cara Maria in a deleted scene

In a rare and revealing deleted scene, Johnny Bananas, one of The Challenge’s competitors, explains why he feels like an underdog heading into a final. During a candid conversation with fellow veteran Cara Maria, Bananas admits that despite his illustrious track record, the increasing difficulty of the game and the ever-stronger competition make this season particularly challenging.

During the episode 17 deleted scene, he stated:

"This is one of the first times going into a final, I feel like an underdog."

The conversation offers insight into their mindsets as they approach the ultimate test of endurance, strategy, and determination.

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Johnny 'Bananas' and Cara Maria reflect on underdog mentality in The Challenge finale

A veteran feeling like an underdog

Bananas admits that, for the first time in his career, he views himself as an underdog heading into a final. Despite being a seven-time champion with 11 or 12 final appearances under his belt, Bananas acknowledges that the path to victory has become more challenging with each season. He elaborates on the difficulty of competing against younger players.

“You know how hard it is to compete against someone who’s never won? Because they are so motivated,” he said.

Reflecting on his earlier seasons, Bananas notes that his motivation used to be more straightforward:

“Back in the day, you know what the biggest motivation for winning was? I’m like, if I don’t show up and I don’t win, I’m going to have to go home and start working, like nine to five.”

Bananas also discusses the pressure he faces from both fans and competitors, explaining that anything less than a win in the final is often seen as a failure, with people expecting him to retire if he doesn't succeed. He highlights the pressure adds to the difficulty of the game on The Challenge 40, making even reaching the final an accomplishment.

“At this point in my career, just making it here, as difficult as it is and the f***ing road that I have to forge every season to get there, for me is like a win in itself.”

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The perpetual underdog

Cara Maria relates to Bananas’ sentiments, admitting that she has never fully escaped the underdog label.

“I feel like even when I won, I never grew out of that underdog phase, you know?” she says.

Despite being a former champion, she remains keenly aware of the competition’s intensity.

“I mean, I’m looking at Rachel, like, Tori’s been killing it. I mean, I’ve never been good at dailies. That’s never been my jam. But like, I can hold my own when I have to.”

Cara Maria acknowledges that Michelle is a strong competitor, capable of excelling in both running and swimming, making her a formidable contender in the final of The Challenge 40. Like Bananas, she acknowledges the weight of expectations, explaining:

“I just put so much pressure on myself. So imagine how much you do because people expect you to win. And that’s the worst position to be in.”

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Reflections on the Game’s evolution

Both Bananas and Cara Maria touch on how The Challenge has evolved. Bananas acknowledges that the competition has become more intense, saying:

“It’s gotten way more f***ing difficult, dude.”

He contrasts his early seasons on The Challenge with the current landscape, where every final demands peak physical and mental endurance. Bananas emphasizes the mental toll of facing highly motivated, younger competitors. Reflecting on his mindset, he advises Cara Maria:

“You’ve done it for this long. You’ve made it this far. Just, like, don’t count yourself out. And I got to tell myself that, too.”

Their conversation concludes on a philosophical note as Bananas reflects that the greatest rewards often come after overcoming the hardest challenges. Cara Maria agrees, saying she would be emotional if she reached the summit alongside Bananas:

“I would definitely cry if I saw you there.”

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Tune in to The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras every Wednesday at MTV for all the intense competition, surprising alliances, and epic challenges.