As of 05:06 PM +07 on Friday, June 27, 2025, Fox News has become the stage for an unexpected and uproarious clash between two of its most distinct personalities: Tyrus, the towering former wrestler turned commentator, and Dana Perino, the poised co-host of The Five and Gutfeld!. Their recent on-air showdown, marked by Tyrus’ playful yet audacious remark about Perino vanishing in his oversized jacket, has sent fans into fits of laughter and ignited a firestorm of debate across social media. Dubbed a “muscle mountain” versus a “sitting queen,” this dynamic duo’s chemistry—both comical and absurd—has viewers questioning whether this pairing is a stroke of genius or the most bizarre match-up in television history. This article dives into the moment, its context, and the cultural ripple it has created.
The encounter unfolded during a June 25, 2025, episode of Gutfeld!, Fox News’ late-night satirical program hosted by Greg Gutfeld, which consistently draws around 3.3 million viewers. The show, known for its sharp political humor and eclectic panel, featured Tyrus, the 6-foot-7, 375-pound former WWE star turned analyst, alongside Perino, the 5-foot-tall veteran broadcaster with a reputation for her calm, collected demeanor. The segment began with a discussion on cultural debates—likely a hot topic given the current political climate—but quickly veered into uncharted territory when Tyrus, in a moment of deadpan delivery, quipped, “Dana could fit in one of my jacket sleeves and still have room to host The Five!” The studio erupted in laughter, with Gutfeld nearly spilling his coffee, while Perino, visibly amused, retorted, “I’d need a ladder to reach your shoulders, Tyrus—let’s keep this fair!”
This exchange highlighted their striking physical contrast—Perino’s petite frame dwarfed by Tyrus’ imposing physique—turning a routine panel into a viral sensation. Clips of the moment, shared widely on X, have amassed millions of views, with fans dubbing it “TV gold.” One post described it as “the most absurd pairing since peanut butter and pickles,” capturing the unexpected delight of the interaction. Tyrus’ comment, a blend of self-aware humor and gentle ribbing, played on his larger-than-life persona, while Perino’s quick wit underscored her ability to hold her own, cementing their unlikely chemistry.
The backstory to this showdown adds depth. Tyrus, born George Murdoch, transitioned from a wrestling career—where he was known as Brodus Clay—to a Fox News role, joining Gutfeld! and The Five with his no-nonsense style. His recent personal turmoil, including a cryptic June 2023 apology to his wife on Instagram about neglecting her, had left fans concerned, but his return to form with this quip suggests a rebound. Perino, a former White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush, brings a polished presence to Fox, often serving as the “voice of reason” amid the show’s chaos. Their height difference, first noted in an August 2018 The Five backstage photo, has long been a source of lighthearted commentary, with X users marveling at how Tyrus towers over her even in heels.
The “muscle mountain” and “sitting queen” labels, coined by fans on X, encapsulate their dynamic. Tyrus’ physicality—built from years in the ring—contrasts with Perino’s regal, composed air, earning her the affectionate nickname. His jacket remark, implying she could disappear in his clothing, tapped into this contrast, sparking a wave of memes showing Perino swimming in a comically oversized jacket. The absurdity lies in their pairing: a wrestler-turned-commentator and a polished political analyst rarely share a stage, yet their banter feels oddly natural. Gutfeld’s role as the instigator, often pitting panelists against each other, likely amplified the moment, turning a casual jab into a cultural touchstone.
Contextually, this occurred amid a charged media landscape. Fox News has faced scrutiny for its coverage, with recent clashes like Tucker Carlson’s June 2025 Iran critique of Jennifer Griffin drawing ire. Gutfeld! thrives by offering a lighter counterpoint, and Tyrus’ humor—seen in his June 2023 The View showdown—fits this mold. Perino’s ability to laugh at herself, honed over years on The Five, complements this, making their exchange a standout. The timing, post-Trump’s NATO summit and amid Leavitt’s Iran briefing fallout, suggests a deliberate shift to levity, though the spontaneity feels genuine given their history.
Fan reactions on X range from adoration to amusement. “Tyrus and Dana are the comedy duo we didn’t know we needed!” one user exclaimed, while another quipped, “Is this a show or a circus? Either way, I’m here for it!” The vanishing jacket comment has inspired fan art and edits, with some joking about Perino hosting from inside Tyrus’ sleeve. Critics, however, question the pairing’s longevity, with posts suggesting it’s “too absurd” for serious discourse, reflecting a divide between those who see it as entertainment and those who prioritize policy. This split mirrors broader cultural tensions, with Fox’s audience split between humor seekers and political purists.
The establishment narrative frames this as harmless fun, with Fox likely to lean into the buzz for ratings. However, this overlooks the deeper interplay of power and persona. Tyrus’ physical dominance contrasts with Perino’s intellectual authority, a dynamic that could subtly reinforce gender stereotypes if not handled with care. His past controversies—his The View clash accused of derailing the show—raise questions about whether such moments empower or overshadow, especially for Perino, a key female voice. The lack of pushback from her suggests comfort, but it also invites scrutiny of how Fox navigates these dynamics.
The implications are multifaceted. This showdown boosts Gutfeld!’s appeal, potentially drawing new viewers with its absurdity, a tactic that aligns with Fox’s strategy to counter CNN and MSNBC’s declining ratings—CNN’s new streaming service launched in May 2025 has struggled. It also humanizes Tyrus post-personal drama, reinforcing his relevance, while showcasing Perino’s versatility beyond politics. For TV, it challenges conventional pairings, suggesting that diverse personalities can coexist for entertainment, though it risks alienating viewers seeking substance over silliness.
As of June 27, 2025, the moment’s legacy grows. Clips continue to circulate, with fans demanding a “Tyrus-Dana spinoff.” Whether this pairing endures as TV’s most absurd or evolves into a staple, it highlights the unpredictable alchemy of Fox’s lineup, where a muscle mountain and a sitting queen can turn a jacket quip into a cultural phenomenon.
