“We’re not friends”— The Challenge’s Cory Wharton discusses dynamics with Amanda Garcia

The Challenge is a reality competition that tests contestants not only physically but also mentally and strategically. Cory Wharton, a long-time competitor, has faced numerous challenges throughout his 11 seasons on the show yet has consistently fallen short of winning.

In a recent interview with TV Insider on December 11, Cory opened up about his relationship with fellow The Challenge competitor Amanda Garcia, explaining that despite their brief interactions on the show, their connection has always been more tactical than personal. Cory’s stated,

“It’s not like we were friends before. We’re not friends now.”

Cory Wharton shed light on the competitive nature of his alliances and the importance of strategy in a game that can often blur the lines between friendship and rivalry.

---

The Challenge Cory Wharton reflects on early-game strategy

The dynamics between Cory Wharton and Amanda Garcia

Cory Wharton and Amanda Garcia’s relationship during season 40 was defined more by game strategy than personal rapport. Early in the season, their lack of communication set the tone. Cory revealed,

“Amanda never came up and talked to me. She just thought the one combo we had would be good.”

Instead, Cory focused on forging alliances with Leroy Garrett and Nia Moore, whose strategies aligned more closely with his own goals. Cory explained,

“Nia came up to me the night before, cried, [and] said she did not want to go against Averey [Thompson] because I would have sent in Averey.”

By prioritizing these alliances, Cory sought to build numbers early in the competition.

“Early on in the game, you try to build as many numbers as you can. And that was one of my ways of being like, ‘Hey, I’ll give you who you want. Just look out for me,’” he elaborated.

These decisions, while strategic, ultimately led to Amanda’s elimination from episode 2 of the competition.

---

Cory’s performance in season 40

Cory’s performance during season 40 was marked by perseverance and determination, even as he faced stiff competition. He advanced to the Top 5 among male competitors and earned multiple victories in elimination rounds, defeating notable players such as Brad Fiorenza, Derrick Kosinski, and Josh Martinez.

Despite his successes, Cory remained focused on the ultimate goal of winning a season of The Challenge.

“It means a lot. I always try to humble myself as much as possible… but I have to win,” he said.

In the daily challenge “Fire Plunge,” which involved a puzzle, a car plunging from a cliff, and a swim, Cory came up short, leading to his eventual elimination. In the arena challenge, “Closing Time,” his opponent Derek Chavez employed a more effective strategy, which contributed to Cory’s defeat.

---

Preparing for future challenges

Cory’s preparation for season 40 included significant work on puzzles and physical conditioning, and he plans to continue this approach in future seasons.

“I’ll probably just keep doing puzzles, work on my cardio, and get in shape the best that I can,” he said during the interview.

He emphasized the unpredictability of The Challenge, noting that what he loves about it is that he "never know what to expect”. He highlighted the diversity of challenges—including physical, mental, and strategic elements—that ensures that no competitor can be fully prepared for every scenario. Cory remarked,

“I have done 11 seasons now, and I’ve only seen the same puzzle once or twice. They find a new way to put a new twist in there to make you uneasy.”

Cory also reflected on the personal growth he’s experienced over the years.

“The older I get, the more that I appreciate The Challenge. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to come and to compete in Vietnam and to spend the time there,” he said.

---

The Challenge: Battle of the Eras airs every Wednesday at 8 pm ET on MTV.