Chris “CT” Tamburello has heard the chatter — and he’s not letting it slide. After enduring weeks of shade from rookies and even some vets on “The Challenge: Vets and New Threats,” the five-time champion is hitting back at the body-shaming and disrespect he faced during season 41.
In a candid interview with Entertainment Weekly, the longtime star admitted he wasn’t at his best physically, but he’s reminding everyone why he’s still one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game.
“I won four out of the last 11 Challenges during the ‘dadbod era,’” CT said. “I have a higher win percentage in this last decade than — I don’t know, does anybody have a higher winning percentage within the last 10 years? And I did it looking like Uncle Fester.”
CT Tamburello Addresses His Toughest Season Yet
Although CT managed to outlast and even outperform many of the rookies during a grueling mini final, he was ultimately sent home after being disqualified from trivia and losing an elimination with his partner Tay Wilcoxson. Watching the season back was a wake-up call.
“I can honestly say I didn’t realize how big and how much I had let myself go until the show aired,” CT admitted. “And I was like, ‘Oh, (expletive).’” At 45, the legend acknowledged that his age is catching up with him — even realizing he was the same age as his partner Tay’s father. “So you guys are all talking (expletive) to your (expletive) dad right now? No respect.”
Still, he isn’t talking retirement. Instead, he says it’s time to change his approach. “If I’m going to come on these Challenges, I need to take better care of myself before I come on. Maybe I should start transforming myself a little bit earlier before I show up,” CT explained.
Why ‘The Challenge’ GOAT Says He’s Not Done Yet
CT has faced criticism from players who accused him of being washed up, but he believes the results speak for themselves. “Let’s be honest, I would’ve won that mini final if everybody didn’t cheat,” he said. “What are we doing here?! The gall to say that I’m washed? Talk about judging a book by its cover.”
Despite the negativity, he’s using the season as motivation to come back stronger. “I felt like I needed that kick in the butt to have that chip in my shoulder,” he admitted. “Like, ‘All right, (expletive), I’m going to see you when I come back. I ain’t going nowhere.’”
Now training harder and eating healthier, CT says he’s ready to close out his so-called “humble pie era” and start a new chapter. “I’m starting to believe in myself again. I think I can still win,” he told EW. “Especially with what I did with that mini final. You guys have a lot of (expletive) nerve talking all that (expletive) to get smoked. I see you.”
“The Challenge: Vets and New Threats” airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.
