On May 29, 2023, Jesse Watters Primetime delivered a Memorial Day weekend treat that had Fox News viewers roaring with laughter. In a special “Sink or Swim” segment, military veterans Pete Hegseth and Johnny “Joey” Jones faced off in a high-energy trivia duel packed with political zingers, patriotic pride, and a sidesplitting mishap involving a wayward prop that nearly sank the set. The clash, blending sharp wits with brotherly banter, showcased the indomitable spirit of two of America’s most beloved veterans, proving that even in a game show format, their camaraderie and humor steal the spotlight.

The Veterans at the Helm

Pete Hegseth, 43, is a familiar face on Fox News, co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend and authoring books like American Crusade. A former Army National Guard officer, Hegseth served in Iraq and Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. His commanding presence, quick intellect, and knack for debate made him a natural for the “Sink or Swim” challenge, though his competitive streak hinted at a flair for theatrics.

Johnny “Joey” Jones, 36, brings a different but equally compelling energy. A retired Marine Corps bomb technician, Jones lost both legs above the knee in a 2010 IED blast in Afghanistan. Now a Fox News contributor, host of the Proud American podcast, and advocate for veterans through his Boot Campaign, Jones combines Southern charm, biting humor, and unshakable optimism. His ability to disarm with a smile while delivering razor-sharp quips set the stage for a showdown that was as entertaining as it was heartfelt.

Both men, bound by their service and mutual respect, approached the segment with a mix of rivalry and camaraderie, ready to honor their military roots while giving viewers a good laugh. Host Jesse Watters, known for his impish grin and love of chaos, promised a “veterans’ spectacular” that would test their knowledge and nerves.

Setting Sail with ‘Sink or Swim’

“Sink or Swim” is a fan-favorite segment on Jesse Watters Primetime, where two contributors duel in a rapid-fire trivia contest spanning politics, history, and pop culture. Correct answers earn points, while mistakes or hesitations push contestants toward the “plank” of defeat. Watters spices things up with curveballs—timed challenges, quirky props, or surprise penalties—ensuring no one escapes unscathed. The winner dons a captain’s hat, while the loser faces a humiliating (but hilarious) consequence, like wearing a pirate eyepatch or reciting a mock apology.

For this episode, the set was transformed into a nautical wonderland, complete with a ship’s helm, a giant anchor, and a comically oversized rubber duck bobbing in the background. Watters, sporting a sailor’s cap, introduced the contestants with flair: “Tonight, we’ve got Pete Hegseth, the Army vet who thinks he’s the admiral of answers, versus Johnny ‘Joey’ Jones, the Marine whose charm is deadlier than a battleship!” The audience cheered as Hegseth marched in, fist-bumping the air, while Jones rolled up, flashing a mischievous grin and tossing a toy anchor at Hegseth’s feet.

The Battle Kicks Off

The first round dove into military history, a natural fit for the duo. Watters fired off, “Who commanded the Union Army at Gettysburg?” Hegseth slammed the buzzer, answering, “George Meade,” with a smirk. Jones, unfazed, leaned in and teased, “Pete, you only know that ‘cause you’ve got a Civil War beard!” The jab drew laughs, but Jones quickly proved his mettle, nailing a question about the Battle of Iwo Jima with “February 1945,” earning a point and a mock salute from Hegseth.

The second round shifted to politics, where both men shone. Asked to name the congressman who spearheaded the 2022 PACT Act for veterans, Jones answered, “Mark Takano,” before adding, “Pete’s still googling that one!” Hegseth retaliated by acing a question about the Electoral College, but his victory was overshadowed by a theatrical flex that prompted Watters to quip, “Easy, Rambo, this ain’t a gym!” The back-and-forth kept the energy high, with the score neck-and-neck as the segment hit its peak.

The Great Prop Debacle

The highlight—and the moment that sent the internet into a frenzy—came during a surprise “nautical challenge” round. Watters unveiled a massive inflatable octopus, nicknamed “Kraken,” and announced that contestants had to toss it back and forth while answering rapid-fire questions. The prop, a tangle of floppy tentacles, was less cooperative than anticipated, setting the stage for chaos.

Jones went first, wrestling the octopus with a grin and answering, “Arlington National Cemetery,” to a question about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. He hurled the Kraken toward Hegseth, but the throw went rogue, sending the inflatable beast cartwheeling into the set’s backdrop. A cardboard lighthouse toppled, and a bucket of confetti—meant for the segment’s finale—exploded prematurely, showering Watters in glitter. The host yelped, “Joey, you’ve sunk the whole show!” as the audience howled.

Hegseth, now speckled with confetti, grabbed the octopus, only to fumble his question about the Navy’s Blue Angels. “Uh, fighter jets… F-16s?” he guessed, earning a buzzer. Jones seized the moment, catching the Kraken and answering correctly, but not before one tentacle snagged his microphone, broadcasting a muffled, “Dang it, this thing’s worse than boot camp!” across the studio. The crew scrambled to untangle the mess, while Watters, wiping glitter from his face, deadpanned, “This is why we don’t give veterans giant sea creatures!”

The octopus debacle went viral on X, with clips racking up millions of views. Users dubbed it “Kraken-gate,” with one posting, “Pete and Joey vs. the octopus is the chaos 2023 deserves!” Another shared a meme of the Kraken captioned, “When Fox News tries to tame veterans.” The moment, equal parts absurd and endearing, cemented the segment as a classic.

The Final Showdown and Victory

With the score tied and the set still sparkling with rogue confetti, the final round tested pop culture. Watters asked, “Which 1980s film featured a Navy pilot named Maverick?” Hegseth buzzed in with “Top Gun,” but Jones stole the next point, correctly naming Platoon as a Vietnam War classic. In a desperate bid, Hegseth tried to psych Jones out by humming the Marine Corps Hymn during a question about Saving Private Ryan, but Jones stayed cool, clinching the win with a final answer about Band of Brothers.

Watters crowned Jones the champion, placing a captain’s hat on his head while presenting Hegseth with a pair of flippers as his “loser’s trophy.” Hegseth, ever the good sport, slipped on the flippers and waddled around the set, joking, “Joey, you’re buying the beers after this!” Jones dedicated his victory to “every vet out there still pushing forward,” a nod that brought a standing ovation from the crew.

A Lasting Impact

The “Sink or Swim” segment did more than entertain—it humanized two men who’ve faced war’s darkest moments, showing their ability to laugh and connect despite their scars. The Kraken chaos, in particular, resonated with viewers, reminding them that even heroes can stumble into hilarity. On X, fans called for a rematch, with posts like, “Pete and Joey need their own show—call it ‘Kraken Attack’!” Others praised the segment’s timing, noting its uplift during Memorial Day’s somber reflections.

The episode drove traffic to Hegseth’s and Jones’ veteran advocacy groups, with Vets for Freedom and Boot Campaign reporting donation spikes. Fox News leaned into the hype, releasing a blooper reel of the octopus incident and teasing a “Veterans’ Revenge” episode later in 2023. Watters, in a follow-up, called the segment “a love letter to our troops, with a side of glitter.”

Brotherhood in the Spotlight

As the cameras stopped rolling, Hegseth and Jones shared a quiet moment, swapping stories of their military days over the wrecked set. “That octopus was tougher than any drill instructor,” Jones laughed, while Hegseth vowed to “train for the rematch.” Their bond—forged in service, strengthened by humor—shone through, offering viewers a glimpse of the resilience that defines America’s veterans.

The “Sink or Swim” showdown, with its trivia triumphs and inflatable octopus mayhem, was a masterclass in levity and loyalty. Hegseth and Jones reminded us that even in a world of serious debates, there’s room for laughter, friendship, and the occasional rogue sea creature. As the confetti settled, one thing was clear: these veterans didn’t just swim—they soared.