The Challenge season 40 episode 16: Who went home tonight? 

As one of the most anticipated reality TV shows, The Challenge has captivated audiences with its blend of physical intensity and strategic gameplay. Episode 16 of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras marked a significant juncture in the season as viewers witnessed the departure of Cory Wharton from the competition.

The episode, titled Must Win Era, aired on December 11, 2024, and featured a high-stakes combination of physical endurance and mental challenges that tested even the most seasoned veterans.

This episode was pivotal, setting the stage for the upcoming final and reshaping the dynamics among the remaining contestants.

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The Challenge: Battle of the Eras episode 16 elimination and highlights

Daily challenge overview

Episode 16 focused primarily on a drastic daily challenge meant for the contestants as they had to carry out a multi-step task. First, the puzzle was unlocking a convertible car; when the puzzle was solved, the car was rolled off a cliff. At that point, it became a 500-meter swim to the finish.

Tori Deal and Jordan Wiseley were the winners here, and their win gave them immunity from elimination and a reward of cash sponsored by Burger King.

Having won this event, they placed themselves in the game, which helped them prepare for the next challenges without the fear of being eliminated immediately.

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Elimination round: "Closing Time"

Following the daily challenge, the competition moved into the elimination arena. Cory Wharton and Derek Chavez faced off in a contest titled "Closing Time."

This elimination required the participants to use heavy cinder blocks to construct a specific image, testing both their physical strength and strategic planning abilities.

Cory would collect all the blocks before building them, while Derek chose to build as he collected the blocks. Derek Chavez's strategy worked for him as he continued in the competition, while Cory Wharton was sent home.

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Remaining contestants and future challenges

With Cory's exit, the count of competitors is reduced with each episode of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras, which fuels the battle for the ultimate prize.

The contestants are Johnny "Bananas" Devenanzio, Cara Maria Sorbello, Derek Chavez, Jenny West, Jordan Wiseley, Kyland Young, Michele Fitzgerald, Rachel Robinson, and Tori Deal.

Each participant now faces a new set of challenges that require them to use their unique strengths and alliances to move forward in the game.

The upcoming episodes are expected to bring additional twists and high-stakes eliminations as the show progresses towards its climax.

The episode also focused on the interpersonal dynamics, and strategy shifts among players. Having emerged victorious in the elimination round, Derek Chavez took the power to make three female contestants as prospective elimination candidates, namely Cara Maria Sorbello, Jenny West, and Rachel Robinson.

This decision could influence forthcoming alliances and strategies, adding a new layer of complexity to the competition in The Challenge: Battle of the Eras.

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Who is going to outlast everybody and take the win of the season of The Challenge? As the remaining players make it through the season, both physically and socially, they need to outsmart and outplay their opponents.

Don't miss the action! The Challenge: Battle of the Eras airs new episodes every Wednesday at 8/7c on MTV. Tune in for all the drama as cast members advance and are sent home in this action-packed season of The Challenge: Battle of the Eras.