Robert Irwin, the 21-year-old wildlife conservationist and son of the late Steve Irwin, is heading into the highly anticipated Dancing With The Stars (DWTS) Season 34 finale while managing a painful rib injury, according to his professional dance partner Witney Carson. The finale airs on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, and Robert will compete against a talented roster including Alix Earle, Jordan Chiles, Dylan Efron, and Elaine Hendrix for the prestigious Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy.

In a candid TikTok video shared on November 24, Carson revealed the physical and emotional challenges the pair faced leading up to the finale.

“After 11 weeks of crazy, vigorous, hard dancing, my body is feeling it. Robert’s body is feeling it. We’re, like, kind of falling apart right now. Just trying to keep it together for, like, two more days. Literally today and tomorrow, and then it’s over,” Carson said.

Robert Irwin’s Rib Injury and DWTS Rehearsals

Carson confirmed that Robert has been dealing with significant rib pain in the days leading up to the finale, though she did not specify how the injury occurred. She promised that viewers will get a full look at the challenges they’ve faced during the season 34 finale episode.

“Robert’s ribs have been killing him, and more will be revealed on Tuesday,” she explained.

Despite the injury, Robert remained committed to perfecting every routine. Carson documented her preparation for the final “camera blocking” of the season, emphasizing the duo’s dedication to rehearsing every detail.

“So I’m headed to rehearsal first, just to clean up Robert and what we need to do for blocking, and then we go to Television City to lock the freestyle. And then we’re gonna go back to the studio to rehearse even more, ‘cause this is the last chance, and knowing Robert, he’s going to want to rehearse till the very last second,” Carson said.

The DWTS pair even stayed at the studio late into the night to ensure they had “absolutely no regrets” heading into the finale.

“Last night we stayed at the studio till it closed down. Like, they had to kick us out at 9 p.m.,” Carson added.

Emotional Rollercoaster: Season 34 Wraps Up

Season 34 has been an intense journey for Robert and Witney, both physically and emotionally. Carson described the experience as “bittersweet,” reflecting on the exhaustion and the unique bond she’s developed with her dance partner.

“I was so emotional yesterday, I literally couldn’t stop crying. I think for a bunch of different reasons. I think I’m emotionally and physically exhausted, but also that this whole experience is coming to an end. It just feels very bittersweet,” she said.

Carson also expressed gratitude for the experience and for the fans who supported them throughout the season.

“I really do feel like I’ve already won in this experience with Robert as my partner. The experiences and the memories that we’ve shared have been so special, and just this entire season feels like the biggest gift,” she added.

Following in Sister Bindi’s Footsteps

Robert has another milestone motivating him—he has the opportunity to become the second member of the Irwin family to win DWTS, following in the footsteps of his sister Bindi Irwin, who won Season 21 in 2015 with her partner Derek Hough.

Reflecting on his sibling connection, Robert shared that there’s “no sibling rivalry” between him and Bindi. Instead, her advice has been encouraging and supportive:

“She has just said, ‘Go into this and make it your own.’ She said it’s going to be a completely different experience.”

The finale promises to be a culmination of weeks of intense competition, emotional growth, and physical perseverance, as Robert battles both his injury and the pressure of the Mirrorball Trophy. Fans can tune in to see whether Robert Irwin will continue the Irwin family legacy on Dancing With The Stars.

The DWTS Season 34 finale airs Tuesday, Nov. 25, at 8 p.m. EST/PST on ABC.