ABC’s new competition series Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro has already delivered plenty of memorable performances, but one of the biggest talking points so far has come from an elimination that many viewers never saw coming. After Benji Castro was sent home during the second episode, social media quickly filled with reactions from fans who questioned whether the judges had made the right decision. While the judges ultimately chose to eliminate Benji, a significant number of viewers believed his partner, Nina Mayster, should have been the contestant leaving the competition instead.
The new series follows talented ballroom dancers competing for a coveted professional spot on the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars. Hosted by Robert Irwin, the competition challenges dancers with weekly assignments designed to test not only their technical ability but also the qualities required to become successful professional partners. Each week brings a different challenge, with contestants expected to demonstrate choreography, leadership, creativity, and storytelling.
During Episode 2, contestants were paired together for a storytelling challenge. Benji Castro and Nina Mayster performed a rumba inspired by Nina’s personal story, but rehearsal footage revealed growing communication problems between the two dancers. Benji admitted he sometimes felt unheard during rehearsals, while Nina said she wasn’t aware of his concerns because he had not expressed them clearly. Their disagreements became part of the episode before they took the stage.
After the performance, the judges praised parts of the routine but also pointed out that the storytelling lacked clarity. Guest judge Brandon Armstrong described the dance as somewhat disjointed, while Mark Ballas emphasized that communication is one of the most important qualities for a professional dancer working with celebrity partners. The judges agreed the pair had struggled to work together effectively throughout the challenge.
When the results were announced, Benji and Nina landed in the bottom. Although both received feedback about their partnership, the judges ultimately decided to eliminate Benji, allowing Nina to continue in the competition. The decision immediately sparked discussion among viewers, many of whom felt Benji had shown stronger overall potential during the first two weeks of the competition.
Across online fan communities, many viewers argued that Nina appeared to contribute more heavily to the communication breakdown. Several fans said they believed Benji had been placed in a difficult position, trying to balance collaboration while avoiding conflict with his partner. Others felt that the storytelling challenge was built around Nina’s personal narrative, making it especially difficult to judge Benji’s individual abilities fairly.
Some viewers also pointed out that Benji had received positive feedback during the premiere episode and believed he had demonstrated qualities that could have developed further as the competition progressed. They argued that one difficult partnership should not outweigh the promise he had shown earlier in the series.
Not everyone disagreed with the judges, however. Some fans felt Benji needed to communicate more confidently and show stronger leadership during rehearsals, noting that professional dancers on Dancing with the Stars must often guide celebrity partners through challenging situations. Others believed both dancers shared responsibility for the routine’s shortcomings, even if only one contestant ultimately faced elimination.
The controversy has also drawn attention to one of the show’s biggest themes: evaluating qualities that go beyond technical dance ability. Judges have repeatedly explained that the competition is searching not only for exceptional dancers but also for professionals capable of teaching, collaborating, choreographing, and building strong partnerships under pressure.
The passionate response online demonstrates how quickly viewers have become invested in the contestants. Many fans expressed disappointment over Benji’s departure while wishing him success beyond the competition. Others remain eager to see how Nina responds in future challenges now that she has another opportunity to prove herself on the show.
As The Next Pro continues, every performance carries even greater importance. With fewer contestants remaining, each challenge will play a major role in determining who earns the opportunity to join the professional cast of Dancing with the Stars. Whether viewers agreed with Benji’s elimination or not, the debate has already become one of the most talked-about moments of the season.
