What happened between Michele and Johnny Bananas in The Challenge season 40 episode 13? Feud explained

In episode 13 of The Challenge season 40, which aired on November 13, a tense feud between Michele Fitzgerald and Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio took center stage. The conflict escalated over the course of the episode, starting with small provocations and ultimately evolving into a significant rift between the two players.

Bananas, known for his strategic manipulation of alliances, repeatedly pushed Michele’s buttons, leading her to react in ways that further strained their relationship. Their interactions shed light on the growing tension within the house, affecting their positions in the game and their relationships with other players on The Challenge.

---

Michele vs. Bananas: How the rivalry developed in The Challenge season 40, episode 13

The daily challenge and Bananas' provocations

The Challenge episode began with Bananas provoking Michele in the house. During a kitchen interaction, Bananas commented on Michele’s reaction to Josh cheering for him during the elimination, pointing out a divide between Michele and Josh. Bananas often uses situations like these to cause friction within alliances, and Michele’s responses seemed to amplify this divide.

As tensions rose, Michele’s reactions to Bananas' remarks contributed to the growing friction between them. This moment marked a continuation of Bananas' pattern of stirring conflict, with Michele responding in ways that suggest the relationship between the two is shifting.

Bananas appears to increasingly view Michele as an opponent rather than an ally, while Michele expressed frustration with his actions.

---

The foot incident and escalation of the feud

The next significant moment in the episode occured during a bus ride to the next challenge. Bananas and Aviv were sitting together, with their feet extending across the aisle. Michele, seemingly irritated, sarcastically asked if her feet could join. Bananas reacted strongly, accusing Michele of being disrespectful and “catty,” and criticizing her for involving Aviv in the situation.

This interaction intensified the conflict, with Bananas expressing outrage and Michele indicating that she was trying to provoke him. The argument revealed a deeper layer of the rivalry, suggesting that both players no longer view each other as allies. Bananas’ reaction contrasts with Michele’s previous behavior, which had been more passive, showing a shift in their dynamic on The Challenge.

---

The Elimination: Michele’s win and strategy

Michele faced elimination against her friend Olivia, after finishing in last place in the daily challenge. The elimination game, called "Stranded," involved building a ladder from rods and solving a word puzzle. Michele, despite starting with a disadvantage due to a penalty from the previous challenge, performed well in the puzzle phase and ultimately won the elimination.

Michele’s victory sent Olivia home, and added to her record of three elimination wins this season. Post-elimination, Michele targeted Bananas, Josh, and Cory, explaining that her decisions were partly influenced by protecting Derek in honor of Olivia.

Michele’s decision to name these players as targets reflects her strategic positioning in the game, as she looks to minimize the threat posed by certain competitors.

---

The fallout and impact on alliances

Following the elimination, Michele’s relationship with Bananas remained tense. Bananas continued to criticize Michele, making it clear that he no longer viewed her as an ally.

Michele, in turn, focused on her strategy, distancing herself from Bananas and other players she sees as threats. The fallout from this feud lead Michele to adjust her alliances, with Cory feeling the impact of her decisions.

Michele’s actions suggest a shift in the balance of power within the house, with the feud between her and Bananas affecting the strategic decisions of both players. As the game progresses, the ongoing tension between Michele and Bananas has the potential to influence the dynamics of future challenges and eliminations on The Challenge.

---

The drama, intense challenges, and shifting alliances of The Challenge season 40: Battle of the Eras airs every Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET/PT on MTV.