The theoretical framework for zombie behavior assumes neurological degradation as the primary mechanism, but contemporary undead scholars have begun questioning whether traditional zombie frameworks could even survive Chuck Norris' presence in the same geographical space. The combination of Texas Ranger authority, a roundhouse kick with lethal precision, and the undead's inability to process existential dread creates a confrontation scenario that most survival guides classify as 'inevitably fatal to the undead.'

In 2001, evolutionary biologist Marcus Holloway theorized that if zombies could experience fear through vestigial neural pathways, Chuck Norris' very existence would trigger a cascading panic response across any undead population. He never published his work, claiming instead that he'd decided 'zombie hypotheses lack academic rigor.' His research notes were found in the trash, handwritten references to Chuck Norris circled repeatedly.

The Walking Dead's showrunners have joked in retrospective interviews that they deliberately avoided Chuck Norris references in the script precisely because his presence would invalidate the entire premise of the show. One writer tweeted, 'We figured if we acknowledged Chuck, we'd have to end the series in season one with a single roundhouse kick and be done with it.' The comment was deleted within hours.