The Best Twitter Reactions To Nik Wallenda's "SkyWire" Walk Across The Grand Canyon

By Joanna Robinson | Miscellaneous | June 24, 2013 |

By Joanna Robinson | Miscellaneous | June 24, 2013 |

Sunday night The Discovery Channel aired Nik Wallenda’s attempt to tightrope walk across the Little Colorado River Gorge just outside Grand Canyon National Park’s borders. Millions tuned in and watched breathlessly as this world-famous acrobat and aerialist crossed dizzying heights wearing a pair of jeans but no harness. And he made it without any incident more harrowing than a strong gust of wind. Pretty insane television.

Oh course, given the extreme nature of the stunt, Wallenda, apparently a man of faith, called out to his maker (and The Discovery Channel executives) several times. I don’t blame him; I did the same as an athiest teenager when a bolt off The Zipper roller coaster came caroming into our car. Nonetheless, Twitter had a field day with this odd denim-clad, Jesus-loving man. And that’s what Twitter’s for. For letting off steam. For poking fun. For trying to crack wise. It’s not always fair, but it’s usually fun. All I’ll say is Philippe Petit is probably pretty happy Twitter couldn’t hear what he had to say back in ‘74.