The Fiery Betrayal: Josh Martinez Reveals the Truth About His Fallout with Johnny Bananas on The Challenge USA
The Challenge USA's Josh Martinez opens up about the lack of communication with Johnny 'Bananas' Devenanzio regarding the shocking betrayal on the show Find out why the tension remains unresolved between these two competitors
USA's Josh Martinez is still coping with the consequences of his decision to betray his friend and ally, Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, in season 2 of the CBS reality series. In an exclusive interview with We on Friday, October 13, just one day after his elimination, the 29-year-old revealed that he and Johnny have yet to discuss the situation. Despite attending a premiere party in Miami with the entire cast, Josh avoided bringing up the topic, explaining that he didn't want to dampen the mood or the energy, and that Johnny feels the same way.
Despite not addressing their onscreen conflicts in real life, Josh mentioned that he and Johnny, aged 41, have a positive relationship. When asked about their interactions, he stated that they have spent time together but acknowledged that if they participate in future seasons together, he expects their past issues to resurface and he will have to handle them.
Ahead of his elimination, Josh was overcome with emotion and shed tears after casting his vote to send Johnny into the elimination round. Despite Johnny receiving the majority of votes to compete against Faysal “Fessy” Shafaat in a Hall Brawl, fate took a different turn as Josh's name was ultimately drawn from the Hopper. Unfortunately, he was defeated by Fessy in the elimination round, with a final score of 31.
"I regret going against Fessy in the sand, but honestly, if Johnny had been eliminated instead, I would have felt even worse," Josh expressed to Us. He considers voting against Johnny as his "biggest regret of the season." Despite still feeling guilty, Josh is uncertain if he would make different choices if given the opportunity to go back in time.
"It's been months now and I still haven't figured out what I could have done differently, which is quite astounding," he admitted. "I was in a difficult situation where I had to choose between my close friends, and it was incredibly challenging. However, the weight of regret and the feeling of betraying someone I share a strong friendship with, along with breaking my own word, is something I've been struggling with."
In the thrilling episode on Thursday, October 12, Johnny recited a memorable quote from Challenge host T.J. Lavin, directed at Brandon Tindel after he quit during Rivals III in 2016. During a confessional, Johnny responded to Josh's elimination by saying, "Don't take care, hope to see you never."
When asked about Johnny's reaction, Josh shared that he anticipated it and acknowledged that his response could have been even harsher. He also mentioned that after his elimination, everyone came to bid him farewell, except Johnny who simply walked past him.
During the current season, Josh experienced betrayal from more than one ally. Tori Deal, a fellow Challenge veteran, voted against him in the recent episode, which deeply saddened him.
He expressed his hurt, saying, "It really hurt me because she knows how much I've worked and how much I wanted it. We've trained together, and she's one of my closest friends back home. We both reside in Miami and spend a lot of time together."
Josh acknowledged that Tori was in a difficult position and made a decision that she believed was best for her own game. He mentioned that they have discussed the incident and he knows that she regrets it.
He continued: “I know in future seasons, she’ll do right by me. … But I’d be lying if I said that didn’t burn.”
The Challenge: USA airs on CBS Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET.
