Remember when we told you about Robert Irwin – Australia’s wholesome wildlife warrior turned unexpected thirst trap? Well, last night on Dancing with the Stars, the 21-year-old conservationist officially shed his good-boy image along with his shirt, and the internet collectively lost its mind.
During TikTok Night (yes, that’s apparently a thing now), Robert and his pro partner Witney Carson delivered a scorching salsa to Tommy Richman‘s “Million Dollar Baby.”
And just when we thought we were prepared after that Bonds underwear campaign earlier this year, Robert decided to remind everyone that he’s been doing more than just wrangling crocodiles at Australia Zoo.
The Shirt Rip Heard ‘Round the World
The performance started innocently enough – well, as innocently as a salsa can start with Witney perched on Robert’s shoulder while he smoldered at the camera.
But midway through the routine, in a moment that will live rent-free in our minds forever, Robert casually ripped off his shirt to reveal that well-toned physique we’ve all been admiring from afar.
The live audience erupted. Social media exploded. And somewhere, Steve Irwin was probably saying, “Crikey!”
The performance was packed with body rolls, flips, and enough hip action to make even the most composed viewer need a moment.
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba admitted that seeing a shirtless young Robert made her feel like a grandmother – which, honestly, same. Meanwhile, the rest of us were just trying to remember how to breathe.
“Robert Irwin shirtless on my TV screen. Thank you to the ballroom gods, Witney Carson, the costume department, and the endless reasons to tune into this blessed program!” one fan wrote on social media, perfectly capturing the collective mood.
Watch it here, before we tell what happened next:
The Rizz Has Been Extracted
After the performance, Robert joked in the skybox that Witney has been a pro at “extracting the rizz” from the zookeeper.
And honestly? Mission accomplished. The transformation from khaki-wearing crocodile wrangler to Latin dance heartthrob has been something to witness.
“Like he needed to try any harder to get the girls & gays votes,” another viewer quipped, and honestly, facts.
One fan declared, “Robert Irwin is about to break the internet again with this moment,” while another cheekily noted, “Classic gaybaiting… Crocodile Hunter style!” (We’re not complaining.)
Robert Irwin shirtless on my TV screen. Thank you to the ballroom gods, Witney Carson, the costume department, and the endless reasons to tune into this blessed program! @RobertIrwin @WitneyCarson #DWTS pic.twitter.com/bJg6ccuWF2
— Frank Costa (@feistyfrank) October 1, 2025
The judges awarded the pair 22 out of 30, which fans immediately deemed too low.
“Best dance by far. Judging is obviously rigged,” one passionate viewer wrote. Many others insisted Robert and Witney were “robbed” – and given the audience reaction, they might have a point.
Witney’s Inbox Has Entered the Chat
Speaking of being overwhelmed, Robert’s dance partner Witney recently revealed she’s been absolutely flooded with messages from people trying to date her dance partner.
And while the media has focused on women sliding into those DMs, let’s be real – after last night’s performance, Witney’s probably fielding applications from all genders.
“Girls I love ya, thank you for the applications through somehow my email and flooding the DMs,” Witney posted, calling the situation “too stressful to handle.” She even half-jokingly suggested Robert should become the next Bachelor.
But here’s the thing – after last night’s performance, that application pool just got a whole lot bigger and a whole lot more diverse than Robert might be expecting.
And of course, let’s not forget that just a few months ago, The Internet was somehow ‘shipping him with none other than… Shawn Mendes.
From Crocodiles to West Hollywood
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Robert admitted that going from “neck deep in mud in the mangroves catching crocodiles in remote Australia” to flying directly to Hollywood to start dancing was quite the transition.
His take? “I don’t know what’s scarier, crocodiles or West Hollywood.”
After last night, West Hollywood is definitely less scared of him, that’s for sure.
Robert also revealed that being in his underwear for that viral Bonds campaign was actually less comfortable than having a snake draped around his shoulders.
“As soon as I had that snake draped around my shoulders, I’m like, ‘ah, okay!'” he said. Clearly, the shirt-ripping on DWTS was another step in his journey of getting comfortable outside his wildlife comfort zone.
Following in Bindi’s Footsteps
Robert has called competing on DWTS a “childhood dream” that he’s had for 10 years, ever since watching his sister Bindi win Season 21. “I was just in such awe,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. “She won with flying colors. So no pressure.”
Judge Derek Hough, who partnered with Bindi for her winning season, told Robert after his premiere performance that he was “so relieved, because you had some big shoes to fill. You didn’t just fill them; you owned those shoes.”
Loving every second! pic.twitter.com/tWpP6T5pzu
— Robert Irwin (@RobertIrwin) September 29, 2025
After last night’s salsa, Robert posted on Instagram: “So much FUN to let loose and show a different side in this week’s salsa!” He thanked Witney for “helping me find my inner ‘cool,'” adding, “I’m so grateful for another week in this competition – truly having the time of my life.”
The Verdict
The kid who grew up holding baby alligators on talk shows has officially evolved into a full-fledged heartthrob who can dance, strip, and smolder with the best of them.
Robert and Witney scored high enough to advance to Week 4’s Disney Night, and if last night was any indication, we’re not prepared for what’s coming next.
Dancing with the Stars airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and streams on Hulu and Disney+ the next day. Just remember to hydrate before watching – you’re going to need it.