Perfect Matchseason 3 brought some of the most interesting faces in reality TV romance into one space, featuring stars from Netflix’s reality TV universe alongside other franchises, butone chaotic pairing that emerged in the first episodes left me questioning everythingabout this season.Perfect Match,Netflix’s answer toLove IslandandBachelor In Paradise,has always had an interesting point of view.
Bringing people from outside the Netflix reality TV universe into the mix has been a fascinating experiment in the show’s most recent season. Thoughprevious seasons focused solely on Netflix stars,this season opened the doors of thePerfect Matchvilla to stars who got their start outside the streaming platform, welcomingBacheloralumni,Love Islandstars, and others into the mix.
As new stars flocked toPerfect Matchseason 3, many were curious about what would happen to those who may have had previous connections. Whether they had appeared on the same show in the past, met at an event, or had some other connection,Perfect Matchseemed to prepare for most circumstances. Unfortunately,one former couple reconnecting wasn’t onmybingo card.
Clayton Echard & Rachel Recchia’s Bachelor History Isn’t Pretty
Clayton Broke Rachel’s Heart More Than Once
Clayton Echard, lead ofThe Bachelorseason 26, has known Rachel Recchia since his season of the series, and their relationship history hasn’t been something viewers were quick to forget.Rachel made it to Clayton’s final three along with Gabby Windey and Susie Evans, and while Clayton was intimate with both Rachel and Gabby, he still had lingering feelings for Susie.
Having told Rachel and Gabby that his feelings for them were intense and, seemingly, exclusive, it quickly became clear thatClayton was in a predicament after having over-promised and overextended himself. Breaking Rachel and Gabby’s hearts, Clayton went on to date Susie publicly after she rejected his final rose. Rachel and Gabby co-headlinedThe Bacheloretteseason 19, which also left Rachel on her own.
Clayton Matching With Rachel On Perfect Match Season 3 Was Messy
He Left His Current Match To Rekindle Things With Rachel
DuringPerfect Matchseason 3’s first episodes, Rachel entered into the show’s villa after Clayton had come in with the original cast. Clayton, who had already matched up withSiesta Key’sJuliette Porter, seemed tentative about how he wanted to approach his ex, but ultimately the pair chatted about seeing one another in an unlikely place. Feeling something nostalgic,they chose to couple up.
Clayton quickly felt that something wasn’t right while it appeared that Rachel was willing to give things a shot with her ex one more time. Within a day of coupling up,Clayton called things off, triggering an understandably emotional response from Rachel. While she was able to recover quickly, Clayton unearthing an old wound and opening it back up felt unnecessary.
Clayton’s Behavior With Rachel Was Diabolical
I’m Tired Of This Man
While I can understand Clayton making the decision to quickly call things off with Rachel before they escalated any further,the fact that he even tried to rekindle a romance was diabolical. Sure, he may have been feeling nostalgic and hopeful, but the way the former couple approached a potential reunion felt so mutual that it wasshocking to see Clayton flip a switch.
Though I can empathize with the pull of an ex coming into the mix and scrambling your emotions,Clayton had to know that choosing to bait and switch Rachel on reality TV againwasn’t going to land well. Rachel’s reaction, which was heartbreaking to watch, made it clear that he had no real understanding of what he was doing onPerfect Match.
Perfect Matchseason 3 is streaming on Netflix, with new episodes dropping on Fridays.
