Tom Sandoval and Nick Viall recently faced off in an intense showdown on the latest episode of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test. The Vanderpump Rules star, Tom Sandoval, and former Bachelor, Nick Viall, found themselves pitted against each other in the show’s first combat challenge. As the group arrived at a remote location, they were informed by Mark “Billy” Billingham, a directing staff member, that hand-to-hand combat would be the most difficult obstacle they would face. The recruits were tasked with fighting each other until the directing staff (DS) called time and declared a winner.
The stars of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test have realized that the living conditions they face on the show are just as challenging as the physical obstacles. The celebrities are pushed to their limits both mentally and physically as they undergo military training on the competition series. The show’s previous seasons have featured casts enduring extreme living conditions in addition to the rigorous challenges they face.
Before his fight with Viall, Sandoval reflects on his past wrestling experiences, noting that his refusal to give up was often the key to victory. He believes his competitive nature will kick in during the fight. On the other hand, Viall admits that while he has a fighter inside him, it has never translated into physical altercations before.
As the fight begins, the DS emphasizes that they are not looking for the recruits to win every fight, but rather to show their fighting spirit and determination. Both Sandoval and Viall seem evenly matched while throwing punches, but Sandoval eventually emerges as the winner. However, he struggles to control himself even after being instructed to stop, leading the DS member, Billingham, to reprimand him for his lack of self-control.
Sandoval’s next fight is against Jack Osbourne, who reveals his skills in hand-to-hand combat. Osbourne shares that he competes in jiu-jitsu tournaments and prefers to tire out his opponents before making his move. The DS team hopes to see Sandoval demonstrate better self-control during this fight. However, Osbourne ultimately triumphs, leaving Sandoval with a bloody nose.
Throughout the show, the DS team emphasizes the importance of emotional control and a focused mindset. They want to see the recruits maintain a laser-like focus rather than letting anger or other emotions disrupt their performance. Sandoval admits that he has been carrying around a lot of anger in recent months, which he worries may affect his performance.
Sandoval made headlines earlier this year due to his infidelity, cheating on his ex-girlfriend Ariana Madix with fellow Pump Rules costar Raquel Leviss. The scandal caused their nine-year relationship to end, with Madix moving on and Leviss seeking help at a mental health facility. Sandoval joined Special Forces as a form of punishment for his actions, hoping to take a beating to make amends.
After the combat challenge, the DS begins to question Sandoval’s state of mind. They take him in for tactical questioning, where he explains how the public backlash and betrayal from friends have taken an emotional toll on him. However, the DS instructors have little sympathy for his situation, urging him to take ownership of his actions.
Since the fallout from the scandal, Sandoval and Leviss have put their relationship on hold, with Leviss even blocking him on social media. Sandoval is also currently not on speaking terms with Madix, although they still live in the same house. Both are currently filming the 11th season of Vanderpump Rules, with Leviss confirming that she will not return for the upcoming season.
Despite facing challenges both on and off the show, Sandoval expresses his desire to start anew and be a person of integrity. The journey continues for the stars of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test as they face more obstacles and strive to prove themselves.
Catch Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test on Fox every Monday at 9 p.m. ET.
