In a recent episode of The Price Is Right, a lighthearted game show moment quickly turned into an unexpected viral sensation when a contestant refused to shake host Drew Carey’s hand—opting instead to thank longtime model Rachel Reynolds.

The moment began innocently enough, with contestant Raymond taking the stage to play the game “Punch a Bunch.” Known for its suspense and big cash prizes, the game challenges contestants to guess whether certain items cost more or less than a listed price. If they guess correctly, they earn a chance to punch one of several holes on a prize board and collect the cash amount hidden inside.

Raymond showed skill and poise, correctly pricing four everyday items: a stress ball, ankle weights, a quizart ice cube maker, and a steeping spoon. These wins earned him four punches on the board.

His first two punches revealed modest amounts, but his third uncovered a $2,500 prize. In a strategic move, Raymond decided to stop there and keep the winnings rather than risk the fourth punch. As it turned out, the final punch would have only given him $1,000—a decision that confirmed Raymond’s smart gameplay.

But what happened next stole the spotlight.

As the game ended, Drew Carey—always the good-natured host—extended his hand to congratulate Raymond. However, the contestant walked right past him without acknowledgment. Instead, he headed straight to model Rachel Reynolds and shook her hand, smiling and saying, “Thank you so much.”

Drew, ever the professional, laughed off the moment with a smile and joked, “Showcase Showdown coming up—don’t go away!” before the show cut to its commercial break. The audience chuckled, but many viewers at home were left wondering—why did Raymond bypass Drew?

While some fans speculated on deeper meanings, the answer appears to be less dramatic and more heartwarming. Rachel Reynolds has been a staple on The Price Is Right since 2003, originally joining the show during Bob Barker’s era. Over the years, she’s built a strong connection with fans and contestants alike, known for her charisma and approachability.

Her popularity has never waned, despite the changing cast over the decades. Rachel has had her share of memorable moments, such as the time she accidentally drove a car onto the set too quickly while presenting a prize. These little missteps only made her more endearing to viewers.

Beyond The Price Is Right, Rachel has made appearances on shows like How I Met Your Mother, Scorpion, and The Bold and the Beautiful, expanding her recognition beyond the game show world.

Contestants like Raymond are clearly moved by Rachel’s presence, and his choice to greet her over the host may have simply been a moment of heartfelt appreciation. In a show that thrives on spontaneity, this brief gesture struck a chord with many fans.

Was Raymond’s decision rude or relatable? Viewers were quick to share opinions on social media. Some defended him, saying the moment was harmless and clearly meant with good intentions. Others debated whether he should have at least acknowledged Drew Carey, who has hosted the show with warmth and humor since 2007.

Still, the incident became one of the episode’s standout moments—not because of controversy, but because of the humanity behind it. It reminded audiences that game shows, while competitive, are also filled with unscripted interactions that reveal a contestant’s personality.

In the end, Raymond walked away with $2,500 and a memorable moment that fans won’t soon forget. Whether he meant it as a tribute to Rachel Reynolds or simply followed his instincts in the excitement of the moment, one thing’s for sure: it added a unique twist to a classic game show.

So, what would you have done? Would you shake Drew’s hand, or head straight for the iconic Rachel Reynolds? Let us know in the comments—and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more unforgettable game show moments!