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Zachary Alexander "Zach" Nichols II is a contestant from The Real World: San Diego (2011). He is the champion of Battle of the Seasons (2012) and was a finalist on Free Agents, Vendettas, and War of the Worlds 2. He also competed on Rivals II, Battle of the Exes II, Invasion of the Champions, Champs vs. Stars 1, Final Reckoning, and War of the Worlds.

Biography[]

Retrieved from MTV.com

Battle of the Seasons (2012)[]

Everything has turned upside down since the last time we saw Team San Diego. Blonde bombshell Ashley and muscle jock Zach were inseparable lovers during their season, but after a sour breakup, Zach confesses, "Ashley ripped my heart out, put it in a blender and served it to me for breakfast." But how will Ashley react when Zach hooks up with another girl in the house? Hothead Frank enters the game hell-bent on leading his team, but Zach has other ideas. These two alpha males hated each other during their season, but arrive at Battle of the Seasons hoping to change that, as Frank admits, "The thing that means the most to me is being able to cross the finish line with Zach. I wouldn't want to cross the finish line with anybody else." Frank and Zach may be friends for now, but will the pressures of the game reignite their past hatred? Rounding out the team is Sam, the least athletic and most politically inept teammate, who is out to prove to her team that she is a worthy asset. Will San Diego be able to start fresh and compete with a clean slate? Or will their toxic past rise up and destroy their chances of winning?

Rivals II[]

The male team that poses the biggest physical threat... is also the one fraught with the most bad blood. Zach and Trey hate each other and neither is afraid to express it. Zach seethes, "Trey is your typical douchebag. He's the friend no one likes. He's truly a disgusting human being and now I gotta carry Mighty Mouse to a final." Their feud has even spread to social media, where Zach assailed Trey's character in interviews and on Twitter. As Trey explains, "At first those things kind of bothered me and then I realized Zach is just a really insecure bitch. He wants everything to go his way because he's the biggest dude in the house." While Zach's size and strength are undeniable, he has a sensitive core that may cloud his judgment. For Trey, though, this Challenge is about redemption. After a disappointing debut last season, this Baltimore boy yearns to make a name for himself and finally impress his peers with his athletic ability. Will Zach love winning more than he hates Trey? Or will this toxic pair self-destruct?

Free Agents[]

After a winning rookie year in Battle of the Seasons, Zach made an unexpected exit from Rivals II when he was disqualified in the elimination round less than halfway through the game. Zach recalls, "Obviously I embarrassed myself last time. So, I'd like to redeem myself in that sense. I'm just in a much better place, mentally and physically." At 6'3" and 240 pounds, Zach is the biggest guy in the house and a threat to win any challenge, but his quick temper and sharp tongue have proven to be a serious liability. Will a kinder, gentler giant emerge? Or will old patterns repeat themselves?

Battle of the Exes II[]

Zach fell hard and fast for Jonna's baby blues on Battle of the Seasons. The two continued their romance after the show, when Zach relocated to Los Angeles to be with Jonna. However, Zach quickly realized it wasn't a good match and abandoned Jonna without looking back. For years, Jonna and Zach tiptoed around a tattered past without ever speaking a word. Zach explains, "I've wanted nothing to do with her since we broke up. She's got some animosity towards me, so we've got to settle that right away if we plan on doing anything in this Challenge." A wistful Jonna seeks closure from Zach for her broken heart and Jonna admits, "Because of how our relationship ended, I'm not sure if I’m going to be able to trust Zach this time around. And trust is one of the most important things for partners in this game." Will Zach and Jonna finally break the ice and slide into a Final? Or will old wounds send them into dark, tumultuous waters?

Invasion of the Champions[]

Last time we heard from gargantuan Zach, he was making waves in the Rivals III Challenge house, and he wasn't even there! Zach shattered the heart of beloved Challenge cutie, Jenna, ending their longstanding relationship. Now that the two may be reunited, Zach asserts he isn't here to rekindle an old flame, "I'm not good at being in a relationship, I've tried and failed, but I'd like to win another Challenge because I am a champion, and I want to prove that it wasn’t just a fluke." Because he is a trainer and gym manager, Zach is a force to be reckoned with on the playing field, and people should watch out when this competitor brings his A-game.

Champs vs. Stars 1[]

Standing at 6 feet 3 inches, Zach Nichols is a fierce presence on The Challenge field and already considers himself a pro-athlete after his college football career. Although Nichols didn't pursue his dreams of becoming an NFL star, he still devotes all of his time and energy to fitness, enough so that he earned his Champ title on Battle of the Seasons. In the past, Nichols' tumultuous relationship with fellow cast member Jenna Compono has brought drama on every season they’ve done together. Will their relationship flourish? Or will it distract him from taking down the Stars? The charity he'll be playing for is Wigs for Kids Michigan.

Vendettas[]

Unfiltered and unafraid, Zach is amped to get a chance at another Challenge championship. He's known for dominating competitors but has had his fair share of blunders (including a devastating third place finish on Free Agents). The Battle of the Seasons winner is often found politicking with Bananas but always seems to be left at the starting line when plans change and deals are made. Will Zach be able to power through the competition? Or will he be left in the dust with no chance of making it to the top?

Final Reckoning[]

Amanda and Zach were on opposite teams during their first meeting on The Challenge: Invasion of the Champions. When Amanda spread rumors of Zach's ex-girlfriend and fellow Challenger, Jenna, hooking up with Bruno, Amanda and Zach immediately became enemies. Having never been aligned or on the same team, will they be able to start fresh and work cohesively?

War of the Worlds[]

This Real World: San Diego alum is back after a troubled journey on Final Reckoning involving constant feuding with his partner Amanda. This season, Zach returns alongside his girlfriend Jenna, hopeful that the two can make it deep in the game together. Unfortunately for the happy couple, Amanda has long been threatening to drop a "massive bomb" about their relationship. Is it all bluster, or does his nemesis really hold the tea that can scorch Zach's chance at big money?

War of the Worlds 2[]

The gruff Veteran is back in the game and looking to return to his once winning ways after a disappointing showing on War of the Worlds. A formidable athlete, Zach has proven himself to be a dominant force in challenges and eliminations -- provided he can keep his head in the game. Unfortunately, his carelessness with politics sometimes comes back to bite him, as does his insensitivity to his fellow competitors. With plenty of bad blood lingering between him and some of his Veteran teammates, it remains to be seen whether or not Zach can get his mind right, mend old wounds and return to being the dominant competitor of seasons past.

Battle of the Seasons (2012)[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Team Result
1 Don't Cross Me Team San Diego SAFE
2 Oil Change WIN
3 Hook, Line and Sinker SAFE
4/5 Don't Weigh Me Down SAFE
5 Chairman of the Board WIN
6 Insane Games SAFE
7 Logged Out ELIM
8 Hunger Games ELIM
9 Abandon Ship WIN
10 Force Field WIN
11 Sling Shot SAFE
12 Final Challenge WINNER

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
7 Water Torture WIN
8 Hall Brawl WIN

Notes[]

  • Zach received $62,500 for winning the Final Challenge.

Rivals II[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 Game of Inches WIN
2 XXX Games WIN
3 Mind Over Splatter SAFE
4 Stumped SAFE
5 Frog Smash DQ

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
5 Breaking on Through DQ

Notes[]

  • Zach & Trey were disqualified from the game during the "Breaking on Through" elimination due to failing to alternate breaking each floor.
  • Zach received $500 for winning the "XXX Games" challenge.

Free Agents[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partners Result
1 Out on a Ledge Team Red SAFE
2 Auto Body Rally Aneesa SAFE
3 Bar Crawl Team Zach SAFE
4 Bounce Out Team Yellow ELIM
5 Piggy Back Team Purple WIN
6 Smarty Pants WIN
7 Sausage Party SAFE
8 Hold That Pose Team Devyn WIN
9 Dug Out CT WIN
10/11 Crossover Theresa SAFE
11 SAFE
11/12 Final Challenge Devyn THIRD
Nany
Laurel

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponent Result
4 Oppenheimer WIN

Notes[]

  • Zach received $15,000 for finishing the Final Challenge in third place.

Battle of the Exes II[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 I Got You Babe SAFE
2 Rounding the Bases SAFE
3 On Again, Off Again SAFE
4 The Brush Off WIN
5 Open Arms SAFE
6/7 Don't Forget About Me SAFE
7 Are You the One? SAFE
8 Speed Dating OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
8 Hammer It Home OUT

Battle of the EX-iled[]

Episode Ex-ile Partner Opponents Result
9 It Takes Two to Tangle OUT

Invasion of the Champions[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partners Result
1/2 Not in Game
3
4
5/6 Knockout Champions SAFE
7 Roll with the Punches OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Opponent Result
7 Pole Wrestle OUT

Notes[]

  • Zach invaded the game prior to the "Knockout" challenge as part of the season's twist.

Champs vs. Stars 1[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Team Result
1 Tow Truck Champs WIN
2/3 Parkour the Course SAFE
3/4 Slam Ball WIN
4 Push Ball SAFE
5 Jumbo Foosball SAFE
6 Flag Pole SAFE
7/8 Sink or Swim OUT

Notes[]

  • Zach raised $10,000 for Wigs 4 Kids Michigan for being the MVP of the "Tow Truck" and "Slam Ball" challenges.
    • Following Ashley's withdrawal from the game, Zach stated he would instead donate $5,000 of his winnings to Ashley's charity, Prevent Child Abuse America.

Vendettas[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Team Result
1 Get Off the Rock SAFE
2/3 Who's Got Balls? SAFE
3/4 #Vendettas SAFE
4/5 Food Wars Team 6 WIN
6/7 Gasping for Air Team 4 WIN
7/8 Puppet Master Blue Team SAFE
8/9 Car Crash Team 2 SAFE
9/10 Kickin' Ass Blue Team WIN
11 This Land is My Land Green Team WIN
12 Spanish Treasure Team 1 WIN
12/13 Help Me, Rhonda WIN
13 Outside the Box SAFE
14 Final Challenge SECOND

Notes[]

  • Zach received $35,000 for finishing the Final Challenge in second place.
    • He received an additional $37,125 from his individual bank account, bringing his total earnings to $72,125.

Final Reckoning[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 Opening Challenge WIN
2/3 Wreck Yourself SAFE
5 Shark Bait SAFE
6/7 Off the Rails WIN
7/8 Dig Deep SAFE
8/9 Don't Push Me Around WIN
10/11 Dunking for Dinner SAFE
11/12 Sky Bridge SAFE
12/13 Caged In OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
13 Shake It Off OUT

Redemption History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
15 That's the Ticket N/A DQ

Notes[]

  • Despite winning the "Caged In" challenge, Zach & Amanda were unable to break a tie between Ashley & Hunter and Bananas & Tony, and were sent into Armageddon instead.
  • Zach was medically disqualified from the game prior to the "That's the Ticket" Redemption elimination due to fracturing his nose during the "Shake It Off" elimination.

War of the Worlds[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Partner Result
1 Impending Dune SAFE
2 Arms-a-geddon Tired ZahidaWOTWIcon
Zahida
SAFE
3 Search and Destroy ELIM
4 Fallout SAFE
5 Tired Out OUT

Elimination History[]

Episode Elimination Partner Opponents Result
3 Map It Out ZahidaWOTWIcon
Zahida
BananasWOTWIcon MorganWOTWIcon
Bananas & Morgan
WIN
5 Lights Out WesWOTWIcon DeeWOTWIcon
Wes & Dee
OUT

War of the Worlds 2[]

Challenge History[]

Episode Challenge Team Result
1 Trench Warfare Team USA SAFE
2 Cryptic Crossbow SAFE
3 Paddlewheel Puzzle WIN
4 Relic Runner SAFE
5 Hooked SAFE
6 Explosive Decision SAFE
7 Resilient River Run WIN
8 Crate Expectations SAFE
9 Under Siege SAFE
10 Incoming SAFE
11 Temple Wall Traverse WIN
12 Escape to Freedom SAFE
13 Puzzling Swim WIN
14 Mine the Cart SAFE
15/16 Final Challenge LOSER

Post-Challenge[]

  • Zach made a surprise appearance during Episode 9 of Battle of the Bloodlines as a Heavy Hitter. He was brought in to compete in the Pit against Mike Boise.
  • Zach made surprise appearances during Episodes 6 and 7 of Total Madness where he spoke to Jenna Compono over video call about their relationship. He later appeared alongside her during the reunion to discuss that fight and their recent engagement.

Trivia[]

External Links[]

Rivals II Contestants
CTRivals2Icon WesRivals2Icon
EmilyRivals2Icon PaulaRivals2Icon
FrankRivals2Icon JohnnyRivals2Icon
CaraMariaExesIcon CookeRivals2Icon
JordanRivals2Icon MarlonRivals2Icon
CamilaRivals2Icon JemmyeRivals2Icon
AneesaRivals2Icon DiemRivals2Icon
KnightRivals2Icon PrestonRivals2Icon
JonnaRivals2Icon NanyRivals2Icon
LeroyRivals2Icon TyRivals2Icon
JasmineRivals2Icon TheresaRivals2Icon
TreyRivals2Icon ZachRivals2Icon
Trey & Zach
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SarahRivals2Icon TrishelleRivals2Icon
AnastasiaRivals2Icon JessicaRivals2Icon
DunbarRivals2Icon TyrieRivals2Icon
NaomiRivals2Icon
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Battle of the Exes II Contestants
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Jonna & Zach
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Champs vs. Stars 1 Contestants
BananasCvSIcon
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JustinaCvSIcon
MichelleCvSIcon
ArianeCvSIcon
KimCvSIcon
MattCvSIcon
ToriXXXIcon
WesCvSIcon
ZachCvSIcon
Zach
AneesaCvSIcon
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CamilaXXXIcon
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