Stephen Nedoroscik may or may not be part of Season 34, but his respectful and genuine approach to every interaction—especially meeting Walker—cements his place in the hearts of fans
The hope now is that these relationships continue to grow, both under the spotlight and in quieter moments behind the scenes.
As the DWTS universe prepares for its next chapter, fans are not only looking forward to the dances and the drama but also the human connections that make the show special.
Rylee Arnold’s likely return promises more heart, more laughter, and more growth—both on and off the stage.
Rylee made her relationship with Walker public in 2023, sharing snippets of their growing bond through social media. Fans were charmed by their sweet interactions, and the pairing quickly gained attention both inside and outside the DWTS fanbase.
The story of how they met—a seemingly random Uber ride followed by social media synchronicity—offered a fresh twist on the traditional “how we met” narrative. It felt modern, serendipitous, and uniquely suited for a world increasingly connected by digital platforms.
Also Read: Rylee Arnold Responds to Stephen Nedoroscik’s Post-DWTS Tribute and Shopping Challenge
Table of Contents
How Rylee Arnold and Walker Lyons Met?
On an ordinary day that would soon turn extraordinary, Rylee Arnold hopped into an Uber bound for the mall.1
Her mission? To pick up an outfit for her appearance on Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). What she didn’t expect was that the car ride would become the starting point of her love story with college football player Walker Lyons.
As she chatted with the Uber driver, the conversation naturally shifted toward her passion for dance and her work on DWTS.
The driver, intrigued, mentioned that her nephew was a student-athlete at the University of California—a football player she thought might be the perfect match for Rylee.
WE ARE TIED FOR FIRST RIGHT NOW 🤯🤯 https://t.co/ecNIrSqcuT
— Stephen Nedoroscik (@GymnastSteve) April 30, 2025
A Social Media Spark
Curious, the Uber driver encouraged Rylee to check out her nephew’s Instagram profile.
That alone might have seemed like a quirky story to tell her sisters later, but things quickly escalated when her siblings sent her a TikTok video of the same guy not long after.
The coincidence caught Rylee’s attention, and she noticed they had a surprising number of mutual friends.
With her interest piqued, Rylee followed Walker on Instagram. Their conversations started casually but deepened over time. The chemistry they felt online carried into real life, and eventually, they started dating.
Born into a family passionate about dance, Rylee Arnold grew up with rhythm in her veins. She is the younger sister of Lindsay Arnold, a former DWTS professional and one of the show’s beloved veterans. Naturally, Rylee followed in her sister’s footsteps and joined Dancing with the Stars as a pro.
Her first high-profile pairing came during Season 32, when she was partnered with social media influencer Harry Jowsey. Despite mixed reviews from the judges, the pair won the hearts of fans with their on-screen chemistry and memorable performances.
Stephen Nedoroscik: Stronger Second Season
In the following season, Rylee found herself teamed with Stephen Nedoroscik, an elite American gymnast known for his precision and athleticism.2
Their partnership proved fruitful, as they delivered consistent performances throughout the season, ultimately securing a fourth-place finish.
Rylee’s choreography and guidance were often credited for Stephen’s growth as a performer. While he brought athletic flair, she fine-tuned his movements with graceful dance technique.
The partnership wasn’t just professional—it was rooted in mutual respect and camaraderie.
A Brief Setback on the DWTS Tour
After a successful season, Rylee joined the DWTS live tour, a cross-country celebration of the show’s best dancers and routines.
Unfortunately, her journey was cut short after the Salt Lake City performance due to an ankle injury. Her fans were disappointed, but Rylee’s health had to take precedence.
Kailyn Rodgers, a member of the DWTS troupe, stepped in to cover Rylee’s remaining shows.
Despite the setback, Rylee remained involved and supportive from the sidelines, cheering on her fellow dancers and maintaining her connection with fans through social media.
Stephen Nedoroscik: Who Is He?
More Than Just a Gymnast
Stephen Nedoroscik is no stranger to the spotlight. Known for his incredible performances on the pommel horse, he brought home two bronze medals for Team USA during the 2024 Summer Olympics.3
His success in artistic gymnastics cemented his status as one of the top talents in the sport.
What many didn’t expect, however, was his adaptability on the DWTS stage.
Though he entered the competition with no formal dance experience, Stephen gradually transformed into a compelling performer—thanks in large part to Rylee’s guidance.
A Relationship Beyond the Dance Floor
Rylee and Stephen formed a genuine friendship during their time together. Their bond extended beyond rehearsals and routines; it was clear to viewers that they respected and enjoyed each other’s company.
Interestingly, the duo had more in common than dance. Both were navigating the pressures of public life, balancing competition with personal milestones.
Their off-screen friendship flourished as they often hung out with their significant others, Walker Lyons and Tess McCracken, even attending movie premieres like Wicked together.
Double Dates and Shared Moments
One of the standout moments for fans was seeing the two couples enjoying a night out at the premiere of Wicked.
The event wasn’t just a date night—it was a celebration of new connections and friendships formed through unexpected circumstances.
The sight of Rylee, Walker, Stephen, and Tess together highlighted the sense of community that often forms around DWTS.
It’s not just about the competition; it’s about the relationships that grow off-camera—whether romantic, platonic, or somewhere in between.
The Role of Social Media in Modern Love Stories
- The way Rylee and Walker’s story began highlights a broader trend in how relationships form today. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have become tools for connection, exploration, and even matchmaking.
- What makes Rylee’s story stand out is how organically it unfolded—there were no dating apps, no intentional setups.
- It started with a conversation with a stranger, followed by a moment of curiosity and a few friendly nudges from her sisters. Their story feels refreshingly unscripted.
- While her ankle injury may have sidelined her from dancing temporarily, Rylee Arnold’s passion and talent remain unshaken. She has hinted at returning stronger than ever, and fans eagerly await updates about her recovery.
- If anything, the injury reminded everyone of her resilience. Injuries are part and parcel of a dancer’s life, but how one responds makes all the difference. Rylee handled it with grace, optimism, and gratitude for the support she received.
- Looking ahead, Rylee has a promising future in entertainment and dance. Whether it’s returning to the DWTS stage, choreographing new routines, or exploring other ventures in television or social media, she’s already made a name for herself in the industry.
- Her growing public presence, both as a dancer and as someone whose personal story resonates with fans, suggests that the best is yet to come.
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When Stephen Nedoroscik Opened Up About Rylee Arnold’s Boyfriend?
In the world of dance, chemistry between partners can make or break a performance.
That chemistry often extends beyond the stage, with friendships forming that go far deeper than mere choreography.
For Stephen Nedoroscik and Rylee Arnold, their partnership on Dancing with the Stars was one built on mutual respect, positivity, and trust.
But what happens when personal lives intersect with professional routines? When Stephen first met Rylee’s boyfriend, Walker, the moment was unexpectedly heartwarming—and, as it turns out, quite memorable.
First Impressions on the Dance Floor
Speaking with Access Hollywood, Nedoroscik shared an endearing story about meeting Walker, Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend, during a dance session.
As Stephen recalled, the situation was slightly awkward at first—but quickly turned pleasant.
“We were in a little bit of a dance, he walked in, and I was like, ‘Oh shoot… this is weird. I’m dancing.’
But he seemed like such a nice guy—definitely, definitely a sweet dude. He held the door for me. I could tell he was polite from the start, so that’s always a great sign,” Stephen said with a chuckle.
The encounter was brief, yet impactful. First impressions often shape relationships, and in this case, Walker’s respectful demeanor set the tone for a friendship that could coexist with the professional one Stephen shared with Rylee.
Stephen Nedoroscik: Behind the Scenes of Dancing with the Stars
For fans, Dancing with the Stars is a dazzling display of sequins, fast feet, and elegant routines.
But behind the glitter lies grueling rehearsals, emotional vulnerability, and an intense workload.
What many don’t see are the small moments of support between cast members, and how these relationships help keep everyone going.
Stephen and Rylee quickly became one of the season’s most relatable duos. Their easy camaraderie, transparent communication, and joyful presence made them fan favorites—not necessarily because they were the best dancers, but because they represented the emotional heart of the show.
In that sense, it’s easy to understand why meeting someone close to Rylee, like Walker, could feel like crossing into personal territory. But Stephen took it in stride, treating the moment with the same openness and curiosity he brought to the dance floor.
The Importance of Respect in Personal Relationships
Stephen’s thoughtful description of Walker—calling him a “sweet dude” who “held the door” and gave off polite vibes—might seem simple on the surface, but it reflects something deeper.
Respect is a recurring theme in all of Stephen’s interactions, whether with dance partners, friends, or significant others. That kind of consistent character leaves an impression.
For Stephen, there was never any sense of competition or discomfort when meeting Rylee’s boyfriend. Instead, it was an opportunity to expand their circle of support.
The sincerity in how he spoke about Walker made it clear: he was rooting for their happiness, not just on the dance floor, but in real life, too.
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ABC Announces DWTS Season 34
As of April 22, 2025, ABC officially announced Season 34 of Dancing with the Stars. With new faces and returning pros expected to take the stage, anticipation is building.
Though the full cast list has not been revealed, insiders suggest Rylee Arnold is likely to return, bringing her trademark energy back to the ballroom.
Her performance and popularity in previous seasons make her a prime candidate for another run, and fans are eager to see who she might be partnered with next. Whether or not Stephen returns remains unclear, but their season together has already left a lasting mark.
A Lasting Impression Beyond the Dance Floor
Though their partnership was limited to a single season, the bond between Stephen and Rylee is clearly something that extends beyond competition.
Their mutual encouragement, shared laughs, and emotional support made them an example of how professional partnerships can evolve into meaningful friendships.
Even now, long after the curtain has dropped, the story of Stephen meeting Rylee’s boyfriend continues to resonate.
It’s a moment that reflects trust, warmth, and the seamless merging of personal and professional lives—a reminder that in the world of entertainment, authenticity always shines through.
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