The shirts were easy-tear Hollywood shirts. Sleeves and pockets loosely stitched on. So in case of a fight, they would easily tear off and the fight would look more violent than it was. But the guests weren't told the shirts were easy-tear.
I think they also used breakaway chairs and tables.
The whole point of the show was to encourage those sad, pathetic people to engage in fights, for the amusement of the audience.
And a deep contempt for the audience.
It appeared scripted and edited. A fake freak show. After the format was established, does anyone really believe someone would agree to appear on the show if invited.? The invited would know they were gonna’ be enraged and humiliated. Reminded me of the fake confrontations in WWE.