SUMMARY
- Following a particular challenge, Rogan recalled a female contestant punching Johnny Fairplay after the latter's unwanted mocking.
- Despite his extensive background in taekwondo and kickboxing, Joe has never been a person of violence.
Joe Rogan has garnered a reputation with the fans for his iconic reactions whilst commentating in the UFC. However, many will be surprised to know that Rogan was also a much different character before it. As such, let’s take a look at the time Joe nearly got into a big fight on TV.
For those unaware, Joe Rogan has enjoyed an extensive career in numerous media. Whilst fight fans know him via his commentary and podcast, Rogan also made a solid living as a comedian and host. Thus, alongside his UFC duties, he was also the host of ‘Fear Factor’ from 2001-2006. Whilst most of his work revolved around what you’d typically expect from a host, Joe was not one to shy away from getting his hands dirty.
Following a particular challenge, Rogan recalled a female contestant punching Johnny Fairplay after the latter’s unwanted mocking. As such, the action led to Rogan reprimanding the contestant. “I go, ‘Hey, he fell!’. I go, What are you doing, you can’t go around hitting people. Just cause you hit your husband doesn’t mean you can hit other people”. Further Joe reveals, “And then he goes, ‘Hey, hey, hey!’ and I go ‘Hey, hey, what?’ and he gets right in my face. And I push him and he goes, ‘I dare you to touch me again'”.
Fortunately, the matter was quickly defused after another contestant stepped in to try and keep things from escalating. Despite his extensive background in taekwondo and kickboxing, Joe has never been a person of violence. Thus, a full-fledged fight not breaking out was, in hindsight, a stroke of luck for the contestant.
The Miz recalls the Joe Rogan fight on Fear Factor
Looking back at the events that transpired, many may see it through a different lens after getting to know about Rogan’s past and capabilities. Although he retired after only three kickboxing fights, Rogan has since set records for having the hardest kicks. However, amidst the scuffle, many may not have realized who the contestant breaking up the fight was.
Upon closer inspection, fans will see that it was in fact WWE superstar, The Miz who kept Joe Rogan from eviscerating the other contestant. Years removed from the events, Miz recalled the events that he vividly remembers to this day. Speaking in an interview with The Schmo ahead of WrestleMania 39, the WWE star shared his side of the story.
Although his initial recalling differed a little from what happened, The Miz said, “I remember all of a sudden out of nowhere, this guy, think Jonny Fairplay, who’s having fun like it was all fun and jest and then, Joe was just like ‘You can’t do that’ and then the guy was like ‘You can’t tell me what to do.’” Further, he added, “I literally thought Joe was gonna kill him. I was like Joe is gonna put this guy down real fast”.
In the end, as the multiple-time WWE champion revealed, Joe Rogan and the contestant settled the matter shortly after. Surprisingly, this was not even the most terrifying Fear Factor moment for Rogan. As it turns out, that honor belongs to the bull-riding challenge, which Joe himself advised the contestants not to do.