During a Halloween episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast in 2023, Joe Rogan bet Elon Musk a single dollar that he could pierce the side of Musk’s Cybertruck using a compound bow. The resulting test has resurfaced online, capturing attention again in May 2026 as a clip went viral on X.
Rogan drew a broadhead arrow from a roughly 90-pound bow, sending a 520-545 grain projectile toward the ultra-hard stainless-steel exterior of the Tesla Cybertruck. Observers expected at least some penetration, but the arrow disintegrated on impact, leaving only a minor scratch on the truck’s surface.
Elon Musk, casually smoking a cigar in the background, had warned about potential ricochets and remained unfazed throughout the demonstration. His calm demeanor did not go unnoticed by viewers, with many comments noting his near-imperturbable confidence during the challenge.
The event highlighted the Cybertruck’s exoskeleton design, which relies on cold-rolled stainless steel to provide structural integrity and extreme dent resistance. The moment offered a rare, tangible glimpse into the material science behind one of Tesla’s most unconventional vehicles.
Sparks, Shards, and Social Media Reactions
When the arrow struck, sparks flew from the metal, and the arrowhead shattered spectacularly. Fans online have shared screenshots and GIFs emphasizing the visual drama, with one user, mu, remarking simply, “The sparks at the impact,” accompanied by a striking photo.
Joe Rogan bet Elon Musk $1 that he could pierce the Cybertruck with his compound bow
The arrow literally exploded against the stainless steel exoskeleton… and barely scratched it 😂 pic.twitter.com/hlMxxcRZnG
— X Freeze (@XFreeze) May 7, 2026
Other viewers focused on the comedic aspects of the recording. One comment humorously pointed out, “The camera man is licking a damn ice cream cone lol,” highlighting the casual, almost chaotic setting of the demonstration.
Memes quickly followed, featuring everything from Green Arrow references to playful critiques of the Cybertruck’s looks. Roshan Ramani summed up the duality of the moment: “Cybertruck surviving everything except public opinion,” a nod to both the vehicle’s toughness and its polarizing design.
Why did they do this anyway? It was a fun, impromptu demonstration during a podcast conversation about the Cybertruck’s durability and unique ultra-hard cold-rolled stainless steel body panels.
The truck may not have matched the hyped commercial success, but there’s no denying it was designed to be extremely tough, dent-resistant, and structurally strong, unlike conventional stamped sheet metal on most vehicles. Rogan was skeptical it could withstand the arrow; Elon was not. It highlighted the truck’s exoskeleton strength in a memorable, shareable way.
Engineering Triumph in Plain Sight
Beyond the humor, the clip sparked genuine discussion about materials science and modern automotive engineering. A Gene Robinson wrote, “This is what happens when internet confidence collides with actual materials science… The arrow didn’t ‘almost’ penetrate… it disintegrated,” highlighting how expectations met real-world engineering.
Some commenters suggested ways to improve the test, like using a bodkin arrowhead historically designed for piercing armor. Ziggy & Zwela noted, “lol that arrowhead was never going to work, do it right and try again with a bodkin,” sparking debates about projectile design and armor penetration.
Fans also praised the Cybertruck’s privacy stance and technological philosophy. TheRightMelissa noted the vehicle’s design includes protections against data collection and surveillance, setting it apart from other manufacturers in both software and hardware integrity.
The viral arrow-vs-Cybertruck demonstration went down in or near Rogan’s studio/garage area in the US (Texas area, associated with Elon’s Cybertruck at the time). The truck itself was Elon’s personal vehicle that he had driven to the podcast.
Musk’s Composure and the Viral Aftermath
Elon Musk’s stoic presence during the demonstration drew almost as much attention as the arrow test itself. Dauntlessknightz wrote, “Elon Musk has the chilliest composure in that room. Bro was like, if only you knew what we’ve tested it against,” perfectly capturing the mix of confidence and showmanship on display.
The clip’s resurgence in 2026 illustrates how certain moments capture public imagination long after they occur. Enthusiasts continue to analyze, meme, and joke about the arrow’s destruction, Musk’s demeanor, and the Cybertruck’s formidable durability.
As the Cybertruck continues to divide opinions for its looks and ambitious design, demonstrations like this underline its technological achievements. This clip resurfaces periodically because it’s entertaining and showcases the Cybertruck’s material science in action against a real-world (if unconventional) projectile.
The stainless steel performed as engineered—resisting penetration where a normal vehicle body would likely be pierced. Ultimately, both the arrow and Rogan’s skepticism collided with a reality of modern engineering that left the audience entertained, awed, and, for some, still laughing.