In a development that sounds more like a late-night Twitter fever dream than genuine news, Elon Musk has reignited a peculiar challenge to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg — a cage match, proposed initially in June and now apparently still on the metaphorical table. Yes, the literal physical kind, not a debate or a regulation negotiation, but a cage match. Presumably to find out which tech titan can emerge victorious not in quarterly earnings but in fisticuffs.
“Zuck v Musk fight will be live-streamed on X,” Musk tweeted, confirming that he plans to broadcast the bout from his very own social media platform, formerly known as Twitter before it underwent an identity crisis. Proceeds, Musk insists with the earnestness usually reserved for giant mechanical rocket launches, will go to charity for veterans. How comforting.
Zuckerberg, employee of the month at the House of Lizard-like Composure, took to Threads — Meta’s slightly younger and slightly less exciting social platform — to note that no official agreement has been signed and therefore, he would prefer not to be shadowboxed in public until logistics are, at the very least, penciled in.
“I’m ready today,” Zuckerberg said. “I suggested Aug 26 when he first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed. Not holding my breath.”
For those keeping track at home, this is not the first time the pair have engaged in what appears to be a gladiatorial foreplay masquerading as internet banter. Musk has suggested training with UFC legend Georges St-Pierre, while Zuckerberg has been spotted rolling on the mats with professional fighters and winning jiu-jitsu tournaments, proving that his preparation goes a bit beyond tweeting.
The Italian government even got involved, with officials from Rome offering the Colosseum as a potential venue because apparently what the ancient Romans built for mortal combat has now become available to tech bros with billion-dollar grudges and questionable workout routines. A spokesperson later denied that any formal offer was made, but a tiny part of all of us wished it had been.
While some critics decry the proposed fight as a very expensive ego trip layered in protein powder and self-promotion, others argue that at least it would be more entertaining than another Apple product launch. As for the actual date, rules, venue or whether anyone is going to bring medical insurance, those details remain as unclear as a Twitter algorithm post-2022.
And for anyone wondering if these two are serious: remember, these are adults who voluntarily built rocket ships and virtual worlds yet somehow circled all the way back to schoolyard “fight me” energy.
Some billionaires go to space while others orbit each other in a slow spiral of testosterone and corporate branding.