entertainment / Saturday, 23-Aug-2025

Frank Fox Is The Villain We've Been Waiting For On The Challenge (The Series Legend Should Definitely Return)

Frank Fox (née Sweeney) last appeared on MTV's The Challenge in 2014, leaving the show's "Free Agents" season due to a medical disqualification. Frank made the final on his two previous seasons, "Battle Of The Seasons" and "Rivals II," winning the former with his team from The Real World: San Diego. Frank was a formidable challenger during his initial run on the show.

Now, Frank has made his return on The Challenge All Stars: Rivals. Teamed up with his "Battle Of The Seasons" co-winner Sam McGinn, Frank is proving that his time away from the flagship show may have been beneficial. Frank's maturity, athleticism, and social strategy prove that if Frank were to return to The Challenge, he could not only give the other contestants a run for their money but also be the villain we've been waiting for.

Frank Has Grown Since His Original Run On The Challenge

His Maturity Is Noticeable

Frank has come a long way since he initially competed on The Challenge. On "Rivals II," Frank infamously got into a physical altercation with Challenge legend CT Tamburello. Frank also struggled to work well with his team on "Battle Of The Seasons," frequently yelling at Sam and navigating a tough dynamic with fellow alpha dog Zach Nichols. Frank's verbal altercations with Sam led to their partnership on The Challenge All Stars: Rivals.

So far, Frank has played a very different game on the MTV competition show.

He's traded in physical fights and screaming matches for social strategy and genuine support of his partner. Instead of quipping, "Sam, you are not Jesus carrying the cross," on "Battle Of The Seasons," Frank has updated his tactics when working with Sam. On The Challenge All Stars: Rivals episode three, Frank came in with a gentler approach, coaxing Sam into moving faster with statements like "Let's get you some water; the quicker you get down, the quicker you get water."

Of course, Frank isn't sunshine and rainbows all the time, especially when Sam gave up during the aforementioned daily challenge. While he didn't yell or curse, Frank was clearly frustrated and dejected by the duo's poor performance. His cocky side came out later in a confessional when he speculated that if he were playing a solo game, he "would make it to the finish line." Still, this reaction is a far cry from the outbursts we saw from Frank in previous seasons.

Related
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now

Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.

Frank Is The Villain The Show's Been Missing

His Hiatus Means He's Not Loyal To Anyone

Due to the show's format, Frank and Sam are stuck together for the duration of the season, no matter how poorly they may communicate at certain moments. However, Frank didn't come on this season with any other alliances, a fact he has used to his advantage. Frank was the first person this season to suggest a duo to send into elimination, setting his sights on competition beasts Adam Larson and Steve Meinke. Frank successfully convinced the rest of the house to nominate the strong pair not only for the first elimination but for every elimination we've seen so far.

Later, inepisode three, Frank was able to save himself and his partner from going into elimination against Adam and Steve by promising the daily challenge's winners, Leroy Garrett and Devin Walker, protection and an alliance (although he had little intention of honoring such a deal). Due to Frank's manipulation, Devin and Leroy sent in Frank's choice, KellyAnne Judd and Sylvia Elsrode. Frank got the outcome he wanted without winning any challenges and without getting any blood on his hands. Seeing more of Frank's political game would prove that he should return to the original The Challenge.

The Challenge All Stars: Rivals airs Wednesdays at 8pm ET on MTV

Source: Frank Sweeny Fox/Instagram

The Challenge

Your Rating

The Challenge
TV-14
Adventure
Competition
Reality
10.0/10
Release Date
April 20, 1998
Writers
Mary-Ellis Bunim, Jonathan Murray
Franchise(s)
Road Rules

Cast

See All
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    David Rainey
  • Cast Placeholder Image
    David Edwards

"The Challenge" is an MTV reality competition show that began in 1998 as a spin-off of "The Real World" and "Road Rules." Originally featuring alumni from these shows, it now includes contestants from various MTV and non-MTV franchises. Participants compete in extreme challenges, with winners sharing a large cash prize.

Creator(s)
Mary-Ellis Bunim, Jonathan Murray
Streaming Service(s)
Paramount Plus
Main Genre
Reality
Seasons
41

trendglee

Fresh, fast, and fun — all the entertainment you need in one place.

© Trendglee. All Rights Reserved. Designed by trendglee