Even people who weren't consciously hoping he'd fall tuned in partially because they might get to see him hit a rock and display what he had for lunch.
In ancient Rome people crowded the arenas to watch gladiators hack each other to death and get eaten by critters. Today, people watch horror films and slasher movies for the same reason. This event was no different. The human fascination with blood and circus remains as strong as ever.
“...see him hit a rock...”
Wasn’t going to happen...he was tethered.