Who Won The Challenge 40?

In a wild night of reality TV, both The Challenge and Special Forces pushed contestants...

January 10, 2025

📺 Reality TV's emotional rollercoaster begins. From The Challenge's nail-biting finale to raw confessions on SPECIAL FORCES: WORLD’S TOUGHEST TEST, 2025 starts with powerful television moments. Plus, cast photos for the new Bachelor season just dropped.

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🏆 The Challenge 40 Crowns Co-Champs After Historic Finale

Jenny West and Rachel Robinson split a $475,000 prize after the closest finish in Challenge history, while Jordan Wiseley dominates men's division. The Jan. 8 finale of Battle of the Eras pushed eight finalists through seven grueling checkpoints across two days, culminating in an unprecedented tie thanks to the season's controversial Karma Vote system.

The overnight finale tested competitors with challenges including:

  • A coin-counting endurance checkpoint on the S.S. Sinister

  • Underwater scooter token collection in the cathedral

  • Cave swimming and paddling in the "Submerging Terror" phase

  • Mathematical challenges with a surprise twist - actual coconut water instead of gross drinks

Jordan won six of the seven men's checkpoints but the women’s standings shifted dramatically after factoring in the Karma Vote:

  • Men's Final Results: Jordan ($400,000), Derek ($75,000), Bananas ($25,000), Kyland (4th, no prize)

  • Women's Final Results: Jenny/Rachel (co-champs splitting $475,000), Michele ($25,000), Tori (4th, no prize)

Bananas celebrated his "Bananas' Angels" allies' victory, calling Jenny and Rachel "two of the most badass chicks to ever grace The Challenge screen," while Jordan vowed to return, declaring "You can call me for Challenge 50!"

What’s Next?: Part 1 of the reunion special airs January 15 at 8 p.m. ET on MTV.

🚁 Why Denise Richards' SPECIAL FORCES Breakdown Changed Everything

The RHOBH alum opened up about experiencing sexual assault before voluntarily withdrawing from the Fox reality series, SPECIAL FORCES, during the Jan. 8 season premiere — including her breast implant popping in the first bridge challenge!

During a helicopter extraction challenge, Richards, 53, revealed how past trauma has impacted her ability to handle fearful situations.

The actress shared two particularly haunting incidents:

  • A recent shooting incident while driving with husband Aaron Phypers

  • A sexual assault at age 15 that she had only previously disclosed to her husband

"I've been through traumatic situations that have been very terrifying for me," Richards explained during an emotional conversation with the Directing Staff after freezing during the helicopter challenge. The mother of three daughters broke down while discussing her desire to help them be "strong enough" if ever faced with similar situations.

Despite pushing through additional challenges including a 130-ft bridge bungee jump and surf immersion training, Richards ultimately withdrew from the competition citing physical limitations and back pain. "I really want to have the entire experience, but the older I get, I don't know if I'm physically capable of doing it," she shared before departing.

What’s Next?: SPECIAL FORCES: WORLD’S TOUGHEST TEST airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on Fox and next day on Hulu. Join a fantasy league for SPECIAL FORCES on the Bracketology app.

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