“Looks so defeated”— The Challenge 40’s Tori Deal chimes in on eliminating Cara Maria ahead of the finale

In the penultimate episode of The Challenge 40, Tori Deal faced off against Cara Maria Sorbello in a grueling elimination that tested their physical and mental endurance. Despite her elimination victory, Tori’s demeanor during and after the event sparked discussion among fans, with some interpreting her as "looking defeated."

"I made the final I thrilled I really am but I'm also like sad Cara just looks so defeated and it just sucks. Her and I have suffered through hours of this elimination together and have been bonded in a way that no other two people on the planet will ever be able to understand." she said.

The challenge required Tori and Cara Maria to push past their limits against each pther, culminating in a bittersweet moment as Tori advanced to The Challenge finale.

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Tori deal reflects on emotional victory over Cara Maria in The Challenge 40 elimination

The final challenge: “Fortress Bricks”

Before the elimination showdown, the competitors took on their final group challenge, "Fortress Bricks." Players raced to the top of a Spanish fortress, carried 40 heavy bricks down, and assembled a puzzle at the top.

The challenge tested both stamina and strategy. Jordan won for the men after a close race with Kyland, who struggled with the puzzle. Jenny triumphed for the women despite breathing difficulties, while Cara Maria finished in second place.

However, due to her prior loss, Cara faced a three-minute penalty, leaving her vulnerable. Tori, unable to gain momentum during the puzzle phase, finished last, sending her straight to elimination on The Challenge.

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Strategic decision: Cara Maria vs. Rachel

As the losing competitor, Tori waited for her fate, which was in the hands of Jordan. He had to choose her opponent: Cara Maria or Rachel. Both women were tough opponents.

Rachel, the last representative from the show’s first era, made a compelling case for her inclusion in the finale. Meanwhile, Cara Maria, despite her penalty, had demonstrated resilience and physical strength throughout the season.

Jordan finally settled on Cara Maria, saying that she was vulnerable to water-based eliminations. This led to a very competitive elimination round, as both women were ready to fight for the last spot in the finale.

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The final elimination

The elimination challenge, titled “The Final Elimination,” required Tori and Cara Maria to tread water for as long as possible, escalating in difficulty as time progressed. Both women demonstrated remarkable stamina, enduring the physical discomfort of prolonged water exposure and the mental strain of nighttime conditions in open water.

Complicating the task were environmental challenges, including biting plankton and even an encounter with a snake. Tori stated in the confessional,

"I am trying to keep my composure right now, but it's terrifying to be in here in the middle of the night... I literally feel like I am a meal inside here for these fish."

The change brought new difficulties for Cara Maria:

"The panic does start to set in. I'm going to do everything in my power to do this, but like, my hands were definitely helping me to feel comfortable, and now I'm not allowed to use them."

After two and a half hours, Cara Maria’s endurance gave out, and she submerged beneath the water, conceding the elimination to Tori. While Tori secured her spot in the finale, the match left an emotional impact on both competitors.

"Tori just looks like a statue; she looks like she could do this for another two hours...Me, on the other hand, I'm sinking, and I keep dipping below the water." Cara reflected in a The Challenge confessional.

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Don't miss a moment of the action! Catch The Challenge 40: Battle of the Eras every Wednesday, only on MTV.