The fans have always loved epic clashes on The Challenge, where contestants were forced to face some of their biggest rivals head-on. The stakes are always very high on The Challenge, particularly when the contestants' fates on the show depend on them winning a particular elimination challenge against a rival co-star. 36 seasons later, there are definitely quite a few noteworthy elimination challenges for the fans to look back on.
With The Challenge: All Stars having just wrapped on Paramount+, it is clear that certain elimination showdowns were more unforgettable than others. These iconic clashes made The Challenge history and will likely never be forgotten by longtime fans of the series. Since the off-season is now just hitting the fandom, it's the perfect time to look back at some of the best elimination wins of all time.
CT Tamburello vs. Johnny Bananas - "Back Up Off Me"
CT Tamburello vs. Johnny Bananas in "Back Off Me" will forever go down as one of the most unforgettable showdowns in history. This elimination had the players attached back to back with a backpack, with the goal of them reaching opposite ends of the ring while dragging the opponent along. CT immediately hoisted Bananas onto his back like the lightest shell that ever adorned a turtle's back. Meanwhile, Johnny thrashed about. Brad Fiorenza described CT's march to the finish line as a "transformer walk with the Boston mumble." Johnny Bananas said, "Am I hurt? My pride and my ego hurt. That's what hurt." No matter how many years may pass, TJ and the fans will never let this one go.
Kam Williams vs. Tori Deal - "Crazy 8"
"Crazy 8" asked its opponents to hold onto opposite ends of a metal eight wrapped in twine to yank the object out of the opponent's hands. Tori flaunted that she had been doing a great job all season long, and poked fun at Kam being a rookie. Alas, while Tori won the first round, Kam came back with a vengeance and won the second round, wrenching the twisted hoops out of Tori's arms. Kam told producers, "I know lots of people probably thought she would beat me as the rookie, but I definitely proved myself tonight." In turn, Tori reacted: "It's nice to see The Challenge filling up the house with strong females. Let's go, girl!"
Jenna Compono vs. Amanda Garcia - "Man Overboard"
Both Jenna and Amanda are somewhat skinny ladies, but The Challenge Dirty 30 proved that Jenna is far stronger than she looks. Johnny Bananas didn't underestimate the pair and said, "Bubble vs. Freckles. This is going to be a fight to the finish." For "Man Overboard," both women were suspended on a swinging platform above the water with only a padded center column to cling onto. Jenna said, "I'm getting gassed out. I'm using every muscle in my body." Despite the fact that Amanda seemed to have her pinned, Jenna eventually got her back against the pole and kicked Amanda with three sharp jabs, and sent her flying over the edge of the platform.
Jordan Wiseley vs. Josh Martinez - "End of The Rope"
Jordan was playing a game of tug-of-war with only one fully functioning hand. To succeed, he had to be highly tactical against the Big Brother alum. Jordyn said, "During the entire fight, I'm watching Josh's hands, watching his body to see what he does right before he pulls, and finally I see it. Every time Josh makes a big change with his hands, that means he's about to give a big pull." Even though losing made Josh feel like a "dumbass," Jordan also acknowledged that both men were putting everything they had into the rope. Zach Nichols also remarked on the fact that Jordan had found a way to turn his one fully-functioning hand into an advantage during The Challenge. Ultimately, the ability to play mind games and confuse an unsuspecting opponent is what yielded a win in both rounds. After Jordyn fed the majority of the rope to Josh, he got desperate and needed a new approach. So he decided to let one foot off the platform in a fake-out, and when Josh pulled again, he fell off.