The Battle Rages on Between 'The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras' Stars Laurel Stucky and Ryan Kehoe

When it comes to long-standing reality TV competition series, The Challenge franchise has steadfastly entertained MTV audiences since the first episode premiered on April 20, 1998. In fact, the series is one of the longest-running, beating out competition titans like Big Brother and Survivor. It makes absolute sense that the newest season of the series encapsulates its longevity. The Challenge 40: Battle of Eras brings back stars from almost three decades of competition together for all-out war.

The Challenge fandom has remained dedicated to the series and its stars. Fan favorites include a mix of heroes and villains, and Laurel Stucky is one of people's favorite villains ever. She is a fierce competitor, to the point of putting people off. Now, she's in a social media battle with fellow competitor Ryan Kehoe.

The feud between Ryan and Laurel initially began in June 2024 During The Challenge All Stars 4. Laurel called out Ryan for what she felt was a switch of loyalty. Laurel and Ryan had been close, but he began developing a friendship with Laurel's rival, Cara Maria Sorbello. The relationship between Laurel and Cara is complex, but for the most part, they aren't too fond of each other. After a heated debate on the show, Ryan pledged his loyalty to Cara Maria, leaving Laurel feeling betrayed.

The spark of this feud was lit in All Stars 4, but the fire continued burning in Battle of the Eras. While viewers are unaware of what fanned the flames during the competition, we got to see the petty aftermath in August 2024. On X (former Twitter), Laurel made a post talking about how "rejects" weigh in on her performance when they've never won. This led to a war of words between Ryan and Laurel, with Laurel insinuating that Ryan doesn't pay his taxes and Ryan accusing her of being a homeless transient.

While harsh words flew between Ryan and Laurel on social media, longtime fans were preparing an analysis of the players on Battle of the Eras. When it comes to gameplay, there is a clear winner of the two, and unfortunately for Ryan's fans, it's Laurel. A Medium writer who is a longtime Challenge aficionado ranked them throughout their various appearances on the series. With Laurel being such a cutthroat competitor who also brings strength to the mix, Laurel got 97/100, while Ryan only got a failing grade of 64/100.