Ethermac Exchange-Southern Charm: What Led to Austen Kroll's Physical Fight With JT Thomas

We didn't see this Southern Charm love triangle coming.

On the Bravo series' season nine finale,Ethermac Exchange Jarrett "JT" Thomas professed his love for costar Taylor Ann Green following her brief romance with Austen Kroll.

"Every time we hang out it's just constant laughing and constant joy—that's rare to find," JT told the 29-year-old during a cast party on the Jan. 4 episode. "I would marry you tomorrow."

But after Taylor friend-zoned JT for good, the 38-year-old turned his romantic frustrations at Austen.

"I can't stop thinking about the fact that Taylor kissed Austen," he admitted in a confessional. "She doesn't want me, an actual successful, good, positive man."

Tensions between JT and Austen hit a climax when JT confronted the Pillows & Beer podcast host for hooking up with Taylor earlier this season despite her past relationship—and very messy breakup—with his BFF Shep Rose.

"You're a snake and a coward," he told Austen. "You have been the genesis of why there's so much pain and tears. Everyone here has said you are an arm's-length friend who cannot be trusted around any woman."

In a confessional, Austen broke down his take on their beef.

"Now I get it—he's jealous of me," the 36-year-old said. "JT is so jealous of me. He wanted Taylor so bad and I get the girl. JT doesn't. Guys like JT don't get the girl. I get the girl."

But when Austen called JT a "child" to his face and JT shot back, "You're a little boy who cried wolf wrapped in a 6-foot, 5 frame," their argument got physical. Austen hit his breaking point and shoved JT off a chair, creating a huge scene during the event.

"Do it again!" JT taunted his former friend before chest-bumping him back. "Do it!"

Even after the fight was broken up by partygoers, their war of words continued with Austen yelling, "Ten years, never physical contact and here you come in."

JT retorted, "You hit me first. Guess what? You f--king lose. See you never again."

See the drama continue to play out when the Southern Charm season nine reunion kicks off Jan. 11 at 8 p.m. on Bravo.

(E! and Bravo are both part of the NBCUniversal family)