Ashley Kelsey Discusses Her Reunion with Dario Medrano on The Challenge All Stars: Rivals
After her exit from The Challenge All Stars: Rivals during episode 8, Ashley Kelsey opened up about her past relationship with Dario Medrano in an exclusive interview with Parade on March 20, 2025. Ashley emphasized Dario’s accountability during their time together on the show, reflecting on their long separation:
“At least you have complete responsibility and didn’t try to deflect. Because usually men deflect, and he didn’t.”
The reunion was particularly notable, as the former couple had not communicated for six years prior to being paired on the show. Their time together sparked widespread discussion due to their shared history off-screen.
The Surprising Dynamics of Their Partnership
Competing as partners despite their tumultuous history, Ashley shared her thoughts on the unexpected matchup:
“I have not talked to this person in almost six years at the time. That’s a very long time to go from cut and dry, ‘I don’t want to talk to you,’ to ‘Oh, hi, we’re partners now.'”
The initial awkwardness gave way to collaboration, as Ashley and Dario managed to secure an early victory and earned a star. Their success highlighted their potential to work together as a team, transcending the difficulties of their past.
Unresolved Issues and the Quest for Closure
Yet, their collaboration was layered with unresolved feelings. Ashley expressed that there was “absolutely no closure at the end of it,”which prompted a need to address their past. Following one of their eliminations, they were able to engage in a crucial conversation:
“When you solely do something for somebody else, that usually doesn’t end well for you.”
This moment allowed Ashley to elucidate how Dario’s lifestyle in Las Vegas contributed to their growing distance. She noted her disappointment that this deeper context wasn’t fully captured in the televised episodes, stating:
“I said so many things…And I felt like that was the change of our relationship. I felt like he got kind of back in the scene.”
Despite the challenges, Dario’s acknowledgment of his role was pivotal, and Ashley believed that this conversation helped them to continue their journey in the competition with less emotional baggage.
Current Relationship Status Between Ashley and Dario
Post-elimination, Ashley and Dario parted ways on amicable terms, having effectively resolved their lingering issues. She remarked on their relationship dynamics, expressing:
“We’re friend[s]. We totally like each other; it’s nothing like that. But it’s definitely just separate ways, but we’re friends.”
Although they don’t maintain regular contact, Ashley conveyed a sense of comfort in knowing they can reach out to each other if necessary:
“It is nice to know that I could text him if I needed to, or call him.”
For fans eager to catch more of the thrilling twists and turns of The Challenge All Stars: Rivals, new episodes are released every Wednesday at 8 PM on MTV.