Warning: This article contains spoilers forThe Challenge: USA 2episode 3, “Civil War.”
But I never was blacklisted, am not blacklisted.
I’m here."
Paulie Calafiore on ‘The Challenge: USA’.Jonne Roriz/courtesy of Paramount
PAULIE CALAFIORE:Not really.
I had an idea my name was being tossed around on the CBS side.
OnWar of the Worlds 2, I used Theo like every single time I wanted somebody gone.
Johnny “Bananas” Devenanzio and Paulie Calafiore on ‘The Challenge: USA’.Jonne Roriz/courtesy of Paramount
[Laughs] And he kept coming back until Jordan beat him.
So I understand it.
They took a shot, and they took a shot early, and there was nothing I could do.
The hopper made it a somewhat uncontrollable game.
I went into every elimination with my mind made up that I was going in.
Why did it take so long?
I think it was a combination of perfect timing mixed with other things.
I had to take a break.
I got pulled offTotal Madnesslast minute for some stuff that happened the night before the reunion.
But were the rumors true?
Were you were blacklisted from coming back?
From a production standpoint, they have a method to their madness.
I came in really hot on my first three seasons.
I felt unstoppable and untouchable.
I had to have those conversations [with producers], and those were hard conversations to have.
But love me or hate me, you’re not going to feel nothing or say nothing about me.
But I never was blacklisted, am not blacklisted.
Otherwise it could come back to bite you!
“Who should I hook up with?”
“Should I be friends with this person?”
“Do I want this person to be my rival?”
I’m a team player, I want the show to succeed.
Because if the show is succeeding, everyone succeeds.
Were you surprised you were cast to come back before Cara Maria?
I wasn’t really surprised.
They have a plan for everything.
I think everyone’s going to be really happy with it.
Everyone wants to be the best and I had to break down why do Ineedto be the best?
And do I need that for myself or for the validation of others?
How did that make me feel?
What are my long term goals?
It got me on the right path and that’s why I was so much lighter this season.
There were times people came up to me and told me, “I voted for you.”
Normally I would have gotten aggressive about it because I would feel personally attacked.
But now I’m like, “Okay, that’s just the game.”
And then in your mind you’re like, “How can I strategically handle this?”
OnWar of the Worlds 2, I proved, politically and strategically, I could hang.
What did you learn from this season that you’re going to apply to future seasons?
The biggest takeaway was being able to have conversations with people I didn’t before.
That was a truly amazing experience and something I’ll carry with me for future seasons.
This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
