Robert Irwin may be known for wrangling crocodiles and carrying on his late father Steve Irwin’s wildlife legacy, but this season on Dancing With the Stars, he’s proving he’s just as fearless in the ballroom as he is in the wild. With pro partner Witney Carson at his side, Robert is unleashing a new side of himself that fans are calling “untamed, electrifying, and unstoppable.”
The latest rehearsal video released ahead of Week 3 has taken the internet by storm. In it, Robert moves with a raw intensity — his spins, dips, and dramatic footwork exploding with the kind of instinctual precision that can’t be taught. Witney, watching her partner transform before her eyes, praised him on camera, saying, “He’s not just dancing, he’s living it — every move feels like it comes straight from his heart.”
What’s striking fans the most is how Robert seamlessly channels the same energy his family is known for into his performances. The passion, the courage, and the unpredictability that made the Irwins a household name are now setting the DWTS stage ablaze. As one fan wrote on social media, “He may not be wrangling crocs, but he’s taming the dance floor like it’s his own territory.”
The judges, too, have taken notice. After his fiery tango in Week 2, Robert earned a wave of praise for his precision and emotional storytelling. Carrie Ann Inaba noted that he had “a natural animal instinct” for performance, while Derek Hough called him “a revelation” — a contestant who’s not just learning steps, but embodying the spirit of the dance.
For Robert, the journey is about more than perfect scores. Behind the rehearsals and live performances, he’s been open about carrying his family’s legacy with him. He’s said more than once that his late father, Steve, always encouraged stepping outside one’s comfort zone — and for Robert, the ballroom has become a new kind of wild. Every week, he dedicates his performances to the idea of fearlessness and love of life that his dad instilled in him.
Meanwhile, Witney Carson has been vocal about Robert’s growth. In interviews, she’s confessed that his work ethic and willingness to take risks remind her of past partners who’ve gone on to win the mirrorball trophy. “There’s something different about Robert,” she explained. “He doesn’t just want to do well — he wants to honor his family, his fans, and himself.”
Fans online have already begun predicting that Robert will be one of this season’s frontrunners. Hashtags like #IrwinOnFire and #WildSideBallroom are trending, with viewers sharing clips of his rehearsals and live performances. Many have even gone as far as calling him the “dark horse” of the competition, ready to shock the world by dancing his way into the finals.
Still, Robert remains humble amid the growing buzz. In a recent interview, he admitted that he never imagined himself competing in a ballroom competition, but he’s grateful for the chance to grow. “I’ve faced some wild animals in my time,” he laughed, “but this is a whole different kind of challenge. I’m learning to let go, trust the music, and give it everything I’ve got.”
Whether or not he takes home the mirrorball trophy, one thing is certain: Robert Irwin has arrived in the ballroom as a force of nature. His fearless energy, heartfelt dedication, and undeniable charm are captivating both fans and judges, proving that his wild spirit belongs not just in the outback — but under the glittering lights of the Dancing With the Stars stage.
