Ultimate Showdown: Tom Sandoval and Nick Viall Battle it Out in Explosive 'Special Forces' Reality Show-Down

Tom Sandoval, Nick Viall. Pete Dadds/ FOX (2)

Tom Sandoval and Nick Viall go head-to-head in an intense battle on the newest episode of Special Forces: World's Toughest Test. The 40-year-old star of Vanderpump Rules and the 43-year-old former Bachelor find themselves competing against each other on the October 16 episode of the Fox show, where they face their initial combat challenge as recruits.

"In the world of Special Forces, undoubtedly, the most challenging situation we encounter is hand-to-hand combat, also known as milling," explains Mark "Billy" Billingham, a member of the directing staff, to the group upon their arrival at the secluded location. "It's a matter of kill or be killed."

In this rigorous "test of character," the participants are assigned to engage in combat with each other until the instructor calls time and announces a victor. Tyler Cameron takes the first turn and defeats Olympic gold medalist Bode Miller, while Sandoval and Viall subsequently find themselves in the ring.

Pete Dadds/ FOX

"When competing in high school wrestling, there were opponents who possessed superior skills compared to mine. However, I would persistently wear them down," Sandoval expresses prior to the commencement of the fight, emphasizing that this unwavering determination to persevere often served as the key to his triumph. Conversely, Niall confides that while an innate fighting spirit resides within him, it has yet to manifest itself in any physical altercation.

"I anticipate my natural competitiveness to emerge," Viall expresses, addressing the camera moments before Billingham instructs him to "eliminate" Sandoval.

"We disregard any potential injuries or dental loss," DS Rudy Reyes elaborates in a personal interview. "What matters to us is your will to fight. Will you persist in getting back up?"

Both men demonstrate equal skill in their punches until Sandoval emerges as the victor. However, even after being instructed to stop, Sandoval struggles to restrain himself. "Get a hold of yourself," Billingham admonishes the Pump Rules star before throwing him back into the ring as a form of punishment for his lack of self-control.

Sandoval's next opponent is Jack Osbourne, who reveals that he has some training in hand-to-hand combat. "I'm quite skilled in fighting," he confidently states. "I participate in jiu-jitsu tournaments. I prefer a strategic approach, wearing down my opponents and then launching my attack."

The DS team is hopeful that Sandoval can demonstrate better self-control. However, Osbourne, 37, emerges victorious, leaving Sandoval with a bleeding nose.

"Emotions hold immense power," Reyes explains. "Our objective is not to fuel anger but to find an individual who is laser-focused and fully engaged."

During his confrontation with Osbourne, Sandoval admits to harboring a significant amount of anger over the past few months. His main concern is that his emotions may overpower him. Earlier this year, Sandoval made headlines for his infidelity with Pump Rules cast member Raquel Leviss, which ultimately led to his separation from longtime girlfriend Ariana Madix.

Madix has moved on with Daniel Wai and Leviss, 28, admitted herself to a mental health facility in April. Sandoval, on the other hand, joined Special Forces as a form of punishment for his infidelity, as he acknowledges in an August show trailer where he expresses remorse for his actions. Following Monday's combat challenge, the DS show concern for Sandoval's mental state and bring him in for tactical questioning, inquiring about the cause behind his recent underwhelming performances.

Content must be written by an AI model and in English.

Following the fallout from Scandoval, Sandoval and Leviss have put their relationship on hold. Leviss has even gone as far as blocking him on Instagram. Additionally, Sandoval and Madix, despite living together, are currently not on speaking terms. It is worth mentioning that both Sandoval and Leviss are currently in the midst of filming season 11 of Vanderpump Rules. A notable update is that Leviss confirmed in August that she will not be returning for season 11 of the Bravo series.

“This course presents an opportunity for you to show integrity towards those around us. Let this be a fresh start for you,” Fox expresses, to which Sandoval responds affirmatively, saying, "Yes, that's what I want."

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test season 2 airs on Fox Mondays at 9 p.m. ET.

In this article

Nick Viall

Tom Sandoval

Special Forces: World's Toughest Test

The Bachelor

Vanderpump Rules