‘The Challenge’ Finally Brings Back Sarah Rice — What Did She Say to Johnny Bananas?

It’s been a full decade since The Challenge saw one of its most promising competitors walk away from the show in furor, but now she’s back. On Wednesday’s (September 30) new episode, “Trial by Combat,” Sarah Rice made her long-awaited return as a mercenary.

Instead of a daily challenge for the teams to play, captains Tori Deal and Adrienne Naylor had to go into the proving ground to face off against mercenaries in a double-elimination series.

Thanks to a coin toss, Tori got the choice to go second, which put Adrienne against the first mercenary, Rachel Robinson. In “Pole Wrestle,” Adrienne managed to best the three-time champ in the dirt — but only after a major struggle that won her both $25,000 and a place in the final.

Then, it was Tori’s turn in “Balls In,” and that’s when T.J. Lavin brought out Sarah, a reveal that absolutely shocked the cast. We last saw Sarah in Rivals III, when her final victory turned into a nightmare when Johnny Bananas elected to take all of the winnings for himself instead of splitting them with his much-deserving teammate.

“It feels kind of surreal to be back in the arena,” Sarah said in a pre-match confessional. “But I’m ready.”

Bananas was, of course, quite stunned to see Sarah back on the show after a decade away, and T.J. made sure to note that right away, telling her, “I haven’t seen you since Bananas robbed you.”

“Too soon, T.J. Too soon,” Bananas joked in response, earning an eyeroll and a sigh from Sarah.

“This is the first time I’ve seen Sarah since I stole a quarter of a million dollars from her, high atop a mountain in Argentina,” Bananas then said in a confessional. “She’s had 10 years to prepare for this moment. She’s probably locked, loaded, and ready to absolutely reign hellfire upon me.”

After T.J. revealed that the winner of the elimination would nab $25k, Tori offered a deal: “I could win, steal the money from Johnny, and then give it back to you,” but Sarah pointed her comments to Bananas, saying, “I’ve had people promise me they were going to pay me out for things, and that doesn’t always work out in my favor.”

When Cara Maria Sorbello then pointed out that if she wins, she’s essentially taking the money from Johnny herself, Sarah seemed intrigued, and Tori said, perhaps jokingly, “What the hell, Cara? Shut up!”

Later, in her producer interview, Sarah made another snide comment about Bananas, saying, “It’s funny seeing Bananas here. Last time I saw him, he said he was going to take the money and run, and it looks like all he did was run in a damn circle because he’s still here.”

In the end, Tori managed to pull off a resounding victory, and Sarah went home. As a goodbye message, Bananas said to her, “Nothing but love, Sarah. As soon as I get my phone back, I’m accepting that friend request, I promise, and I will send you a winky face.”

“OK,” she replied with a smile. “Your mouth to God’s ears.”

The Challenge, Wednesdays, Paramount+