Comedian John Mulaney stayed true to his word during a recent episode of Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney, taking part in a bizarre but hilarious showdown against three 14-year-old boys. What started as an internet meme-inspired gag evolved into a full-blown grappling match in front of a live studio audience.
A Promise Turned Wrestling Match
“Four weeks ago, I promised to fight three 14-year-olds,” Mulaney opened during his What Is on the Mind of Teens? episode. “It’s time to end the smack talk… and settle this, man-to-boy.”
The segment, clearly more comedic than combative, had specific rules:
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No punching, no kicking, no gouging, no biting
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Headlocks were allowed if one of the opponent’s arms was encircled
It wasn’t so much a fight as it was a well-rehearsed comedy wrestling sketch—yet the crowd loved it.
A Star-Studded Setup
Guest stars Adam Sandler and executive producer Richard Kind introduced the contestants in professional wrestling fashion. Mulaney, clad in a suit and tie, matched the boys’ outfits, though the kids had protective wrestling headgear. The comic was ironically booed by his own audience, prompting him to flip the bird in good humor.
The match didn’t last long. Within 50 seconds, the heaviest boy had Mulaney in a legal headlock, forcing the comedian to tap out. Spectator Sean Penn barely had time for two puffs of his cigarette before it was all over.
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Meme Culture Brought to Life
The bit was inspired by the viral online debate: “100 men vs. 1 gorilla.” Mulaney and his team in the writers’ room gave the meme a physical twist — three teens vs. one grown man.
“It’s going to be all three jumping on me,” Mulaney predicted at a recent FYC event. “And that’s what I’m preparing for.”
His preparation, however, was limited by the obvious legal and ethical boundaries. As a 42-year-old father, Mulaney knew he couldn’t hurt anyone — even accidentally — especially on Netflix, which aired the segment.
“I can’t push a 14-year-old on national TV. I have a family,” Mulaney admitted.
In the end, the match delivered laughs more than action. The physical comedy, paired with witty commentary and audience interaction, made for one of the most memorable — if absurd — moments in Mulaney’s Netflix series.
