Summary

• Mark Long reveals behind-the-scenes alliance with Derrick and Darrell that led to his elimination.
• Mark, a Challenge veteran, part of the Triangle alliance, plans to return for future seasons.
• Despite his elimination, Mark's impact on the franchise remains profound, excited for what's to come.

The Challenge season 40, also branded as Battle Of The Eras, the longtime competitor met his end in the first elimination.

"Myself, Derrick, and Darrell have a tight alliance"

Speaking to Screen Rant about his elimination after The Challenge season 40’s premiere, Mark shared that his matchup in the elimination ring, his close friend Derrick Kosinski, wasn’t as much of a surprise as viewers would imagine. After Derrick volunteered to go into elimination over Darrell Taylor to face Mark, viewers were curious about how the decision came to be. “What they didn’t show is that we had conversations going up to the deliberation room. Myself, Derrick, and Darrell have a tight alliance, we call ourselves the Triangle,” Mark shared, explaining, “I kind of gave him my blessing [to volunteer].”

Will Mark Continue Competing On The Challenge In The Future?

He’s Been Part Of The Franchise Throughout Its Run

As a member of The Challenge season 40 cast, Mark is one of 40 competitors who have been part of the franchise. While some have only been on a few seasons, many of the veterans in Mark’s era (Era I) have been part of the franchise since its inception. While cast like Chris “C.T.” Tamburello come back frequently, others like Mark and Tina Barta Bridges have returned for select seasons and The Challenge: All-Stars in recent years. Mark shared he’s “just getting started” when it comes to the franchise, and hopes to be back on another season soon.

loss on The Challenge season 40. Sharing he has a love for the game and feels the best he ever has physically, Mark plans to return to The Challenge in the future. Having been a cast member and eventually moving into a producer role on The Challenge: All-Stars, Mark has been able to impact the series in various ways throughout his time in the franchise. Creating lifelong relationships within the series and outside of it, Mark’s life has been changed because of The Challenge.

Although Mark didn’t make it past the invitational on The Challenge season 40, his impact on the franchise has been profound. With a long history on the show, Mark has been able to see every iteration of The Challenge and make his own impact on the show in a variety of ways. Though the epic fortieth season of the series may not have been his time to shine, the two-time winner has been upfront and open about his desire to continue on The Challenge in the future, excited for what’s to come.

The Challenge airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. EDT on MTV.

Source: Mark Long/Instagram