Ten adult creators moved into a villa in Baja California, Mexico, with $20,000 on the line and cameras capturing their every move. The project is CRUSH HOUSE, a reality competition series from MENCRUSH.
The platform, known for its documentary work, expands into unscripted entertainment with the release. Hosted by adult stars Josh Moore and JJ Aussie, the show drops ten creators into a high-stakes environment where they face challenges, form strategic alliances, and vote each other out. The ultimate winner earns $20,000 sponsored by MISTR and a personalized MENCRUSH documentary, along with the title of Most Valuable Crush (MVC).
The ten creators competing in the debut season are Tim James, Dom King, Roxas Caelum, Kyle Krieger, Horse Papo, Rocky Unleashed, Huge Ajax, Victor Vivone, Beau Butler, and Austin Ponce.
The series premiered on September 18 on MENCRUSH.com, with new episodes dropping every Friday.
I spoke directly with nine of the cast members to discuss villa chemistry, hidden backgrounds, and the tactics they brought to the competition.
Victor Vivone: The Competitive Romantic
Brazilian creator Victor Vivone entered the villa expecting a lighthearted trip, but his drive took over once the cameras rolled.
“I think the show will give people a chance to see the more human side of me,” Vivone said. “But I also have to admit… I got really competitive. And honestly I had no idea I had that in me!”
Vivone noted that flirting started immediately upon arrival. “Literally in 5 minutes,” he shared. “I got into the room and one of the guys was already very happy to see me, let’s just say that… haha.”
While he brought strategy to the game, Vivone pointed to a quieter beach moment as his highlight. “We all shared our personal stories and talked about our families and how we deal with being so exposed on social media,” he said. “I honestly wasn’t sure if I’d be able to tell my story, so I was actually really proud of myself for opening up like I did.”
Huge Ajax: The Strategic Athlete
Huge Ajax went into the villa with a clear objective: win the money. Drawing on a background in NCCAA Division I athletics and corporate tech, Ajax analyzed his competitors the second he walked through the door.
“Really from the moment that I set foot in the villa, I was looking around, trying to understand who I might have chemistry with, who I could form an alliance with, who I might need to watch my back with,” Ajax explained.
His game plan hit an unexpected obstacle during production. “There was a real-time twist that Production threw in, right in the middle of filming an episode,” he said. “It really turned my strategy upside down.”
Ajax also reflected on his moniker. “Ajax was an enormously strong and brave warrior, but when he was not given the recognition that he deserved for his skill and achievement, he acted out in fury and ended up dying in dishonor,” he noted. “I lived to fight another day, but whether I come out looking like a hero or a villain in the show… well you’ll have to watch to find out.”
Dom King: The Unfiltered Observer
Dom King entered the house for the experience, bringing a grounded approach to the competitive environment. Away from cameras, King prefers a quiet home routine over constant parties.
“My real life is a lot less exciting than my online persona makes it look,” King revealed. “I’m usually at home cooking, cleaning, doing yard work, going to the gym, or hanging out with my cats. I always joke that my actual life is more Real Housewife than porn star.”
That domestic reality did not soften his commentary inside the villa. “I think people who only know me from my work have a certain idea of who I am, but I’m sarcastic, opinionated, competitive, and I love observing people,” he said. “Put me in a house full of personalities and I’m definitely going to have commentary.”
King made his primary motivation clear from day one: “Definitely not looking for love. I went in for the experience and the competition.”
Horse Papo: The Stoic Powerhouse
Horse Papo relies on strong instincts, spotting game moves and chemistry early in the process.
“The moment I landed… I can spot a cruising eye from a mile away,” he recalled. “There were a few flirty winks and smiles… but also some sizing up of the competition.”
Behind his commanding online presence, Papo wanted viewers to see his grounded side. “My content is very commanding,” he said. “The crush house will show that I am powerful outside of that but in a more stoic and mindful way. Along with my silliness and playfulness.”
The eliminations caught him off guard. “I wasn’t ready for what was about to go down… and I don’t think the viewers will either,” Papo said. “Another memorable moment is the singlet challenge… they don’t leave much to the imagination… I’ll say that.”
Rocky Unleashed: The Mindful Competitor
Rocky Unleashed approached CRUSH HOUSE as a chance to strip away public expectations and build genuine connections.
“In an industry so focused on fantasy and projection, this felt like a chance to share more of my personality, my story, and my heart with my audience,” Rocky said. “Flirtation is obviously part of our work, but because sexuality is already so built into what we know we’ll be doing together, I actually think there’s more room to focus on genuinely connecting.”
He admitted that the competition pushed him into unpredictable situations. “I’m not naturally a very competitive person, but integrity matters a lot to me,” he shared. “The very first voting process brought several unexpected moments my way in very quick succession. I was genuinely shocked in more ways than one.”
On what makes a true crush, Rocky kept it straightforward: “Sexy gets my attention. Realness is what makes me crush.”
Austin Ponce: The Chaotic Academic
Austin Ponce brought high energy and an unexpected resume to Baja California.
“I’m a professional physician and way smart college boy with big serious degrees and multiple languages with interest on art, history and geography,” Ponce revealed. “And at the same time a clown, a BIG ASS JESTER who just wants to make the best out of his life.”
Ponce embraced the villa’s wild environment right away. “Inmediately! I mean… HOW COULD IT NOT!?” he said regarding the immediate flirting. “The very first second while meeting the boys we all felt welcomed and observed… the chemistry got, I’ll just say, explosive!”
He offered a quick reality check on finding romance during filming: “Love!? PLEASE! It’s XXI century in a house filled with adult content creators… AND I’M A TWINK! I AM THE CHAOS!”
Tim James: The Strategic Ginger
Former finance professional Tim James swapped corporate spreadsheets for creator life, bringing an analytical mindset to the competition.
“I spent ten years working in finance before this, spreadsheets all day, and I walked away from six figures to build something of my own,” James said. “And everyone assumes I’m an extrovert because I’m loud and bubbly online, but I’m deeply introverted.”
James focused on building real bonds rather than ruthless backstabbing. “I’ve been sharing a bed with Dom King all week, and I went in with a little crush on him already. It’s grown since,” he shared.
He also emphasized sticking to his values throughout the game. “A lot of people came in ready to backstab and do whatever it takes,” James noted. “If I win the game but I give that up, I haven’t won anything. Also, I’m the only ginger in the house, so I’m easy to spot.”
Roxas Caelum: The Tech-Savvy Gamer
Roxas Caelum came into the villa with a quiet demeanor, taking time to assess the room before stepping up his game.
“When I meet new people I go quiet and put my walls up,” Caelum said. “Once I’m comfortable, my personality comes out, and that’s when things got fun.”
Beyond his adult work, Caelum focuses on music production and technology. “I’m a huge nerd. Video games, a fully smart home I control from my phone, and I read constantly,” he explained. “I’m also a DJ and I produce music.”
His primary focus remained on the game itself. “If you made me choose between love and the game, I’d take the game, because love is still there when the game is over,” Caelum stated. His favorite memory was connecting with fellow creator Rocky: “We live in the same city and for years it had been hi and hello in passing… This was the first time we sat and talked properly, and now we have plans back home.”
Beau Butler: The Calculated Veteran
Beau Butler entered the show with a pre-built support system and a clear game plan. Having already worked with most of the cast, he avoided early drama by teaming up with his closest friends.
“I came in with my two closest friends in the house, Horse Papo and Roxas, and I was very happy with that,” Butler shared. “My entire strategy was to stay tight with my two besties and never let anyone work out that we were besties.”
Butler also brings a background outside the industry. “I spent years working in behavioural health, in drug and alcohol treatment, before any of this,” he revealed. “And I’m behind the camera far more than people realise… Long term that’s where I want to go.”
Married and focused strictly on the prize, Butler laid out his goal: “Root for me, I want to win. I wasn’t looking for love, I’m married. I was there for the game, my friends and the beach.”
Watch CRUSH HOUSE exclusively on MENCRUSH.com, with new episodes dropping every Friday.
