“I want to be clear that I’m not leaving the community,” Bergmann tells EW.
Warning: This article contains spoilers forThe Challenge: USA 2episode 10, “A Less Perfect Union.”
Wes Bergmannhas officially retired fromThe Challenge.
Wes Bergmann on ‘The Challenge: USA’.cbs
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: How do you feel about your exit now that you’ve watched it in the episode?
Well, in this situation, they were very truthful.
They were like, “We’re going after him because he will beat us in the end.
Chris Underwood and Wes Bergmann on ‘The Challenge: USA’.CBS
He is better than us.”
They knew that between the running and the puzzles, they were in trouble.
And I appreciate them being very honest about the threat capacity.
In previous seasons, it’s very much so been exactly that.
They’ll say, “He’s an asshole,” or whatever, and that gets to me.
I would’ve won this season pretty easily so they made the right move.
I had a little bit more time left in me and so I kept going.
Speaking of that, how committed are you to your retirement?
Frankly, losing a vet like you is devastating for the franchise.
Unfortunately, I have been unsuccessful at doing so.
And let me explain.
I’m not retiring because I’m not good.
I’m not retiring because I don’t want to be there.
I have this great problem where I have two jobs that are both very fulfilling and very fun.
It’s just one is more responsible, higher paying, and safer.
I don’t have to wrestle anybody falling out of a helicopter or anything.
I wish I could do both.
My business books things out nine months in advance, we’re in incredibly high demand.
I’ll be a father of a 2-to-4-year-old.
And then, what, I’m going to go back on MTV and play this game?
It doesn’t make a whole lot of sense.
But … you’re saying there’s a chance …
[Laughs] Not really, no.
I’m trying to be nice.
So I’m not holding my breath thatAll Starsis going to go in a different direction.
And I’m also not complaining, they need that much time.
But six to eight weeks for a “short schedule” is not that.
How did you come to this decision, and did you ever waver on it?
They’re very communicative, they know I need more time than the average Challenger.
Okay, I guess we can’t be friends anymore.
I’m going to miss it.
Let’s get into this episode, which is now your swan song.
Did you ever suspect Josh was going to betray you like that with his vote?
No, I did not suspect that Josh was going to betray me.
On one end, I understand.
I would’ve beat him in the final.
But so would Fessy and Cory and Bananas.
That’s what my strategy would be if I was him.
It’s a little bit more of a mistake than not.
Every single vet now needs to have one eye open with him.
But even that still might not be scary enough for them to care.
The Challenge: USAseason 2 airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
