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The Challenge: Battle of the Eras season 40 brought back some of the franchise’s strongest competitors, including Johnny Bananas, the most-winning player in Challenge history. Known for his strategic alliances and loyalty to his allies, Bananas formed a solid partnership this season with several returning champions, including Laurel Stucky.
Together, they appeared to have a strong bond, navigating the show's dynamics to support each other’s progress in the competition. However, in episode 12 that aired on November 6 on MTV, this alliance took an unexpected turn. Host TJ Lavin announced a Karma vote following Laurel’s elimination. Departing cast members could award “Karma points” to remaining players based on their interactions.
The Challenge: Battle of the Eras star Laurel shocked fans and Bananas alike by assigning him only one point. Responding to her choice, Bananas expressed his disappointment on social media.
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As an X user @wedontknow36 pointed out Laurel's decision, Bananas commented:
"This one is on me; I obviously trusted and went to bat for the wrong person. And while trust may be broken, this betrayal doesn’t change me. I stay true to who I am, regardless of who disappoints me."
Laurel’s move against Bananas in The Challenge: Battle of the Eras
Karma vote, announced in episode 12, allowed eliminated contestants to influence the game’s outcome by awarding one to five points to the remaining cast members. As Laurel exited, her surprising decision to assign Bananas just one Karma point raised questions, given their close alliance throughout the season.
She said in a confessional that her reasoning was honest. Laurel questioned if her statement would make it into the episode, commenting:
“Is it gonna show everything I say? Like if I say, ‘Bananas, I don’t think you’re gonna make it to the final, so I’m giving you a one?’”
While Bananas had defended Laurel in past episodes as he often stood up for her decisions, her recent move showed a distance that the fans of The Challenge hadn’t anticipated.
Bananas reacts to Laurel’s decision in The Challenge season 40
As mentioned earlier, a clip shared by an X user @wedontknow36 highlighted the surprising twist in The Challenge: Battle of the Eras. The fan noted Johnny Bananas’ loyalty to Laurel Stucky throughout the season, only for her to award him a single Karma point. The fan expressed surprise, tagging Bananas and questioning if he only aligned with the “realest” players.
In response, Bananas suggested that he might have trusted the wrong ally, admitting the situation was “on him.” Despite the setback, he conveyed that this betrayal would not change who he is or his approach to the game.
Through this answer, Bananas hinted at his frustration with Laurel’s decision. However, he said that he will continue to "stay true" to himself regardless of others’ actions.
Fans can watch the new episodes of The Challenge season 40 air on MTV every Wednesday at 8 pm ET.
