A Brand-New Twist Will Change The Challenge: USA Eliminations

The Challenge: USA was touted as a series "where anything can occur And the premiere episode of the brand-new CBS show -- featuring alums from Survior, Big Brother, The Astonishing Race and Love Island -- definitely delivered on this promise with a unexpected curveball that will undeniably affect each decision moving forward.


Shortly immediately following the opening elimination in The Arena -- which featured BB23 pair Kyland and Azah, plus ousted Islanders Javonny and Cely, in "Knot So Fast" -- host TJ Lavin declared he had something to show the remaining 26 players.


No, it was not a Redemption Residence (seen before on Dirty XXX and Final Reckoning) on Ex-ile (featured on Battle of the Exes 2).


"My heart drops. I really don't like twists, so I'm super nervous," Survivor 41 alum Danny, who faced a flurry of shockers courtesy of Jeff Probst, declared. It's not a Shot in the Dark, obviously.


"This is the algorithm," TJ explained to the shocked crowd. The digital device will "randomly select new teammates" at every showdown in The Arena.


Well, they should have known that the possibility to select their partners in the inaugural mission may be a sign that this would not continue.


So what does all this mean? These pairs will no longer be in a team together:


Alyssa and Ben


Angela and Tyson


Azah and Kyland


Cashay and Derek


Cayla and David


Desi and Cinco


Justine and Domenick


Kyra and Cashel


Sarah and Enzo


Shan and Danny


Shannon and James


Tasha and Xavier


Tiffany and Leo


Most disappointed? Survivor winner Tyson and BB20 fourth-place finisher Angela, who hoped to "steamroll" their way to the end right after besting each person in "Down to do the Math." Biggest jaw drop? Amazing Race Season 32 champ James.


"The algorithm is beautiful and all, although I love to be in control of my own fate," he mentioned. "And who is aware what that thing has in store for us?"


Well, this "thing" is undoubtedly going to up the ante, and chaos will ensue as they scramble to prepare power plays and guarantee they have enough "bounty" money for the final.


What do you know of "the algorithm," and more importantly, the series premiere of The Challenge: USA? Tell us your thoughts, then be sure to watch every Wednesday at 9/8c on CBS and stream the next day on Paramount+.