We wouldn’t throw these twists into an elimination.

The Challengepulled the rug out from under the players competing onTotal Madnessin the best way.

No more coasting to the final or fighting to stay out of an elimination.

The Challenge

Credit: MTV

They cannot play scared or play it safe.

With the red skulls,The Challengehas given the franchise its latest twist.

Heres all the other twists that we love as much as our new friend, the red skull.

The Challenge

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Better yet, the combo offers action viewers dont expect because the conflict isnt built-in.

Now thatd be an explosive mess.

DuringFinal Reckoning, the pairs voted secretly, providing something new to the long-running series.

The Challenge

MTV

Voting in secret gives everyone a chance to vote how they actually want.

A prime example: Kams elaborate mastermind plan, Sylvias tears and all.

It’s simple: if you’re one of the losers, you go home.

The Challenge

MTV

No politics or maneuvering a “weaker” player into an elimination against you.

The Double-Cross

Dirty 30introduced the double-cross and made eliminations more thrilling.

Some players dont like to draw attention to themselves by winning or making big moves early on.

The Challenge

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Case in point: The epic showdown between challenger Joss and mercenary Derrick.

Other formats narrow down the options to a select few, allowing well-allied players to keep themselves safe.

But with this feature of the game, you have to win to ensure your own safety.

The Challenge

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Ashley did the same because of her toxic Final Reckoning partnership with Hunter.

The twist delivers some dramatic moments and makes for a deliciously awkward reunion.

Why make the very end of the seasons any different?

The Challenge

MTV

The Challengeairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m.

The Challenge

MTV

The Challenge

MTV

The Challenge

MTV