It is clear that the relationship between Paul Skenes and Olivia Dunne is built on trust and a shared sense of humor. Not everyone handles pranks well, especially when they feel real. But Skenes, known for his serious demeanor on the mound, ended up taking Dunne’s latest joke in stride-even if it took him a few seconds to process what was happening.
As one of TikTok’s most recognizable faces, Dunne often jumps on platform trends, even ones that have been circulating for a while. Skenes, who keeps a lower profile on social media, appeared unfamiliar with this particular challenge. That disconnect made him the perfect target.
A simple trend and a convincing reaction
The prank itself is straightforward. The person being filmed chews on a piece of uncooked spaghetti and asks someone to crack their back during a stretch. At the exact moment of pressure, they snap the pasta with their teeth, creating a sharp sound that mimics a spine popping. The goal is to make the other person believe they have caused harm.
Dunne executed the trick seamlessly showing that her acting lessons are taking off. As Skenes helped her stretch, the snap echoed clearly. For a brief moment, he looked genuinely alarmed, convinced he had hurt her. That instant of panic-before realizing it was just pasta-became the heart of the video.
From concern to viral clip
His reaction was one of real concern, and it pushed the clip across timelines. The video quickly made the rounds online, turning Skenes into an unexpected viral figure. While Dunne controlled the setup, it was his response that made the moment land.
Off the field, the timing adds another layer. Skenes is slated to make his spring training debut against the Atlanta Braves and is also scheduled to pitch in one of Team USA’s exhibition games in Arizona. Even with a busy schedule ahead, he found himself in the spotlight for something far removed from baseball.
Ans Dunne proved once again why she understands digital culture, and Skenes showed that even the most focused competitors can become part of the joke.
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