After landing in the bottom two, either boxer Victor Ortiz or comedian D.L. Hughley was about to be knocked out of the game.
In the end, it was Hughley who was KO'd. He didn't win the trophy, but he did dance away with new friendships and newfound knowledge.
"Being uncomfortable when you're stressed is the only time you grow," Hughley said. "I had a blast and I got half way there."
His journey started with a Cha Cha. It also included a Quickstep, then a salsa. He got his best scores last week with the Foxtrot. But this week's Tango turned out to be his last dance of the competition.
"It's been amazing to see his transition from becoming, like, literally not wanting to put his dance shoes on to coming into the studio every single day and giving me his all," said Hughley's professional dance partner, Cheryl Burke.
So what will Hughley miss most?
"I think I'll miss Cheryl," Hughley said. "I'll miss all of the contestants. Me and Jacoby (Jones) used to be in the back of the trailer. We called it Section 8. Gas and insurance was always higher."
Even when Hughley scores were less than stellar, he never lost his sense of humor - and that wasn't lost on his partner.
"Every single day, this guy's made me laugh, except for that one day when I walked out of rehearsal. But other than that, I had such a great time," Burke said.
See photos of the 'Dancing With The Stars' Week 5 results show!
Highley said he's grateful to his fans for keeping him in as long as they did and to Burke for believing in him.
"My heart is sad, but my legs are happy as hell," Hughley said.
The eight remaining couples will dance to the music of Stevie Wonder on Monday night. Wonder will also be performing.