If "Rivals" taught us anything about the way "The Challenge" works, it's that things don't always go as planned, and history doesn't always repeat itself. Consummate elimination survivor Aneesa was sent packing straight out of the gate, rookies Leroy and Mike tore through the game like resident pros and Paula Walnuts finally had her moment in the sun after nearly a dozen attempts at a title during seasons past. So who's to say the "Real World: San Diego" greenies won't fare well if and when their time comes to compete? Here are seven arguments as to why each of the seven "RW: SD" housemates could defy the odds and walk away a "Challenge" champion.
Priscilla: First, in terms of social politics, we know Scrills can take a tongue-lashing without letting it get to her (remember Frank's inaugural in-car "Frankout"?). And, as competitors like team Jonna and Jasmine can attest to, being small can sometimes work to one's advantage. Finally, the odds that big bosses Wes or Kenny could look at the girl, lift their jaws off the floor and want to send her home are slim-to-none.
Zach: He's one of the few guys in recent "RW" seasons who could possibly shake up the game in terms of pure physicality. Zach was a college football player at Northern Michigan University, is at the gym more often than not and--as evidenced by his close tie to Ashley--is prepped to handle putting his trust in only one other person. Oh, and that eyebrow-waxing gives him quite the battle stare.
Sam: Beyond the fact that Sam is fearless--she took on Zach, the biggest guy in the house, a handful of times without backing down--she's just too damn likable to be targeted. She's wise beyond her years, grew up in a military family and can hang with the boys. Even the likes of Laurel or Ev wouldn't have an easy time getting rid of this badass chick.
Nate: While Zach is generally regarded as the sole athlete of the house, it turns out he wasn't the only one who tried his hand at college sports. Nate's jokester ways would likely help him sidestep the first few elimination rounds, and when push finally came to shove, we think he could pull some tricks out of his hat. Plus, he's more than willing to eat really disgusting s***, a beautiful and rare quality.
Ashley: We mean this in the most complimentary way--Ashley doesn't have a ton of emotions, or at least doesn't show them. She's usually got her poker face on, whether she's doing dishes or matching Zach's hours at the gym, and we don't see her being shaken up by much. And, if her fellow competitors know what's good for them, they'll back off the marksman. She didn't miss a beat at her first target practice.
Alex: She may look a little meek, but Alex has done and seen more in her 21 years than most people have in a lifetime. From facing discrimination as the first black gymnast on Zimbabwe's national team to enrolling at Stanford at 15, nothing has knocked the girl off her feet yet, and it doesn't appear anything will anytime soon. No one could outsmart her, and very few could best the core strength the parallel bars call for.
Frank: He may be the most sensitive guy in the house, but that doesn't mean he can't be a jock at the same time. Our studies show that in college Frank used to compete in the...hammer throw? As if being someone who hurls blunt objects for kicks wasn't enough to cement his spot in a "Challenge," Frank gets the "RW: SD" feisty badge, and surely wouldn't go down without a fight, or a good cry.
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Photos: Ian Spanier