Robert Irwin Injured Just Before DWTS Finale in Shock Twist

Fans Rally Around Robert as Finale Week Gets Unexpectedly Tough

Well… this is not the pre-finale plot twist anyone asked for. Robert Irwin, the fan-favorite and leaderboard legend of “Dancing With the Stars,” has officially hit a major snag—an injury just one day before the grand finale. Yes, you read that right.

In a TikTok posted on November 24, Robert’s pro partner Witney Carson revealed that the 21-year-old wildlife conservation hero has been suffering from a painful rib injury during their final week of rehearsals. And the timing? Couldn’t be worse.

“Robert’s ribs have been killing him,” Witney shared, looking stressed but determined. She teased that more details will come out during the finale episode but admitted she's already had to rework choreography involving the other dancers. Translation: last-minute chaos.

“This is honestly the most stressful part,” she added. “We’ve gotta change things, run everything again, and somehow make it all come together by Tuesday.” The pressure is REAL.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Robert Irwin (@robertirwinphotography)

Fans, of course, jumped straight into supportive mode:

• “Oh no poor Robert… NOT the time to have a rib problem! Sending love!!”

• “I hope he doesn’t push himself toooo hard. Freestyle night is huge!”

• “Praying he gets better. You two deserve that mirrorball.”

Even injured, Robert’s heart is still fully in it. The Aussie sweetheart shared an emotional Instagram post ahead of finale night, reflecting on the entire experience—and especially his bond with Witney.

“I entered this experience to live out a dream, but I’ll leave with another big sister,” he wrote over a montage video. In the caption, he added, “DWTS has changed my life. But doing this with Witney has been my favorite part. It’s bittersweet… one last chance to dance.”

Cue the tears.

Robert and Witney will be going head-to-head with some strong finalists:
Jordan Chiles & Ezra Sosa, Alix Earle & Val Chmerkovskiy, Dylan Efron & Daniella Karagach, and Elaine Hendrix & Alan Bersten. The DWTS Season 34 finale airs Tuesday, November 25—and yes, all eyes will be on Robert’s performance (and ribs).

Injury or not, fans are convinced he’s still got the heart of a champion.