‘The Challenge’ Veteran Cory Wharton Announces Break From the Show: ‘I Wanna Have That Fight’
The Challenge star Cory Wharton has competed in nine seasons, making it to the finals four times. Despite his strong social and physical game, the popular veteran has yet to clock a win in his 5-year Challenge career. Following his departure from season 37, the four-time finalist announced he plans to take a break from the show.
Cory Wharton announces a break from ‘The Challenge’
The recognizable veteran returned for his third season in a row, The Challenge 37: Spies, Lies, and Allies, partnered with rookie Bettina Buchanan.
After becoming one of the first vets the other returning faces turned on, Cory Wharton found himself in two eliminations, ultimately losing to newcomer Logan Sampedro. Following the Nov. 3 episode that featured his elimination, the veteran appeared on the after-show to discuss his departure.
He admitted he “checked out” during the elimination game and felt bad following his loss as he began thinking about his family. The veteran continued, noting his performance disappointed him. Therefore, he plans to take a break from the reality show.
According to Cory, he wants to “have that fight” and a desire to live in the Challenge house. He admitted he didn’t have his head in the game this season and feels it showed. The heavy hitter explained he plans to return in “a little while” at one point but later implied he’s only taking off next season.
He has competed in four finals throughout his time on the show
In 2014, the Michigan native made his reality television debut on The Real World: Ex-Plosion.
He then competed on MTV’s The Challenge: Battle of the Bloodlines (2016) as a rookie alongside his cousin Mitch Reid, and the two finished in second place.
Cory returned for a short-lived stint on Rivals 3 (2016) before placing third in Invasion of the Champions (2017). The veteran competed in three more seasons until he saw the finals again in back-to-back seasons, Total Madness (2020) and Double Agents (2021).
Throughout his nine seasons on the show, the reality star has won a total of 12 eliminations and racked up $113,750 in winnings.
Cory also reportedly turned down a spot on ‘The Challenge: All Stars’
As the four-time finalist got ready for an appearance on the Devyn Simone-hosted after show for The Challenge 37, Cory went live on Instagram to speak to his followers.
One viewer asked if he planned to compete on spinoff All Stars, which previously only featured OG players. The veteran admitted he had already received an availability call for the series.
He claimed he rejected the invitation for his daughters, Ryder (4) and Mila (1), as the former reportedly cried to him and begged him not to leave for another few months to film the competition show. Cory explained that’s “all I needed to see” and claimed he’s “not hurting at the time” and in a position to decline the coveted spot.
Therefore, he chose to pass. When the veteran returns to the show, there’s a chance viewers might see him on the spinoff rather than the original series. The Challenge 37 airs Wednesdays at 8/7 Central on MTV.
