# Rylee Arnold’s Boyfriend Defends Her After DWTS Critiques

> Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend Walker Lyons publicly defended her after DWTS judges gave her and Connor Wood a 25/40 score.
- Title: Rylee Arnold’s Boyfriend Defends Her After DWTS Critiques
- Summary: Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend Walker Lyons publicly defended her after DWTS judges gave her and Connor Wood a 25/40 score. Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend Walker Lyons…
- Keywords: rylee arnold, connor wood, dwts, walker lyons, super bowl, samba, Rylee, Arnold, Boyfriend, Defends, Critiques, Cosmopolitan
- Source: Cosmopolitan — https://cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a74135222/rylee-arnold-boyfriend-defends-dwts-critiques
- Author: Samantha Olson
- Published: 2026-10-14T19:53:27+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: rylee arnold, connor wood, dwts, walker lyons, super bowl, samba
## Rylee and Connor’s DWTS Performance
Rylee Arnold and her DWTS partner Connor Wood received a 25/40 score for their Super Bowl-inspired samba, drawing criticism from judges over technique and costume choices.

> Robbery 👎
## Walker Lyons Defends Rylee
Walker Lyons publicly defended Rylee on social media, expressing frustration that she faced overly harsh criticism compared to other contestants.

> It’s all fun and games until it’s time to give critique to Rylee I guess 🤔🤷
## Fan Reaction to Scores
Fans rallied behind Rylee and Connor, arguing the judges were unfairly harsh and pointing out they scored lower than other competitors despite strong performance.

> They overly criticize them every week!!! So frustrating
## Judge Critiques on Costumes
Bruno Tonioli criticized Rylee’s neon orange fringe outfits, saying they hid a multitude of sins and lacked proper hip foot action for the samba.

> Sorry i can’t get over those pants whatever happens you’re gonna get a job at a car wash with that
## Other Judges’ Feedback
Carrie Ann Inaba said the pair threw a lot of content but wasn’t their best, while Derek Hough agreed they need to keep working on technique.

> This wasn’t your best
## Key takeaway

Rylee Arnold’s boyfriend Walker Lyons defended her after DWTS judges criticized her Super Bowl-inspired samba routine.