The Challenge All Stars Full Cast Preseason Power Ranking
With most seasons of the Challenge, I write detailed individual previews for each player competing on the season. Unfortunately, for the Challenge All Stars, I am limited on time, and thus, will be doing a Preseason Power Ranking of all the players.
One of the key details when creating these rankings is remembering the Challenge is inherently a social game, and some of these OGs have stayed in touch long after they stopped appearing on the show. Meanwhile, others really are returning for the first time in over a decade, and might get treated like rookies if they don’t actively play politically or dominate athletically. It is going to be a fun season that I am hyped for nonetheless.
Also, if you want more information about this season, I broke down the entire trailer scene for scene in this video.
Beth is in 11th place out of respect. It would feel wrong putting her in 8th place. She is the oldest player in the game, is the most disliked player in the game, and despite getting older, if you have ever seen Beth on social media, she is still the same villain she was back in the day. I am so excited to watch 52-year-old Beth cause unnecessary drama and stir the pot. Beth is more of a threat to quit the season than to make a final.
A welcome surprise. Jisela is just as gorgeous as back in the day, and according to an interview Mark Long did, she shows a ton of personality this season. Also, he started a new Twitter account, and her first tweet is teasing some spice.
My only issue with Jisela is she was not a great competitor back in the day and lacks social connections.
Arissa made the final of Battle of the Sexes 2, which is tied for the hardest season to make it to the final of statistically. Similar to Jisela, Arissa will suffer from the fact that she is not that well-connected. She did her Real World and Challenge appearance and dipped. To navigate Battle of the Sexes socially is impressive, and I would not be surprised if she made it to the end of this season.
While Katie is one of the most connected players with loads of friends on the cast, she was always looked at as the weak link on almost all her seasons. It is not completely fair since she owns four career elimination wins, all of which she competed in as an individual (yeah, she has 6 losses, but to win 4 elimination, you need to have competency level). Based on the trailer, Katie can still pack a punch in verbal altercations. Although, her verbal tenacity may get her into hot water. She still looks as gorgeous as ever; her dimples are to die for.
She appeared on Seasons 21 and 23–26, a particular three to four-year window that does not connect her to too many players. Even players like Derrick, Darrell, and KellyAnne, who returned after absences, completely missed Jonna. Being the youngest player could get Jonna thrown in early as the “house rookie.” As a massive fan of Jonna, I hope she can do well; however, my expectations are tempered based on her situation entering the game.
Someone pointed out recently that Jonna first competed on reality television on the show endurance as a teenager. Then we got to see her on Real World/Challenge as a single woman in her 20s, and now with the OG show, we get to see her as a mom/wife in her 30s. That’s honestly so fucking cool.
As a competitor, I’ve never thought Trishelle was as strong as others claim her to be. Regardless, if people on the shows think she is a solid competitor, I have to rank her 6th at least. Trishelle carries baggage entering this season. Conflict always finds her. Is her being roommates with Katie and Kendal back in the day a positive? Or is that a negative? Based on the trailer, they seem to be arguing over something from the old days. Trishelle does have some friends on this cast (she and Jemmye are close) and looks to be in mostly the same shape she was on Battle of the Seasons 2012 (I now realize that was 9 fucking years ago, Jesus Christ).
The difference between Jonna and Jemmye is Jonna went on these shows, had fun, and then went and became a mom/wife. Jemmye is still active in the Challenge community, has relationships with players across different eras, even ones she never did seasons with, and is a massive fangirl of some of these legends at the end of the day. She looks in better shape than when she competed in her past couple of appearances as well. Jemmye making the final based on social game alone is very possible. Her winning a final is not in the cards, though.