"Heated Rivalry" Star Hudson Williams "Very Proud" of His "Slutty Little Back Arch"

Hudson Williams, who portrays Shane Hollander in the steamy series "Heated Rivalry," has captured widespread attention for a distinctive back arch featured in an intimate scene. The moment, showing his character crawling naked across a bed toward rival Ilya Rozanov , exploded online with over 24 million views on X. Williams addressed the viral image directly in an interview with Timid Magazine, stating, “Yes, I’ve kept tabs on my slutty little back arch. It’s actually not true, it’s not fully an arch. It’s kind of like my right leg is up, my left leg is going down flat, but the ass shot is there none the less, and I’m very proud.” He even shared that his family is aware of its popularity, calling it his “proudest achievement” and noting his dad loves it.

"Heated Rivalry", created by out showrunner Jacob Tierney and adapted from Rachel Reid's "Game Changer" book series, follows the intense rivals-to-lovers arc between hockey players Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov. Their chemistry unfolds from rookie-year encounters to years of secret trysts and deep romance. The back arch screenshot from one of the show's explicit sex scenes surfaced days after the premiere, quickly amassing over 23 million views and sparking fervent reactions across social media. Williams' preparation for the role included targeted gym work, reflecting his self-described “butt obsessed” approach, where he used the abductor machine to sculpt his physique. Co-star Storrie credited cable squats for his own impressive form, visible in shower and sex scenes.

The viral moment has inspired fans within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond to replicate Williams' physique. Social media is flooded with fan edits, screenshots, and workout challenges focused on back arches and glute gains. One fan posted on X , “seeing shane hollander’s arch told me i had to lock in and start stretching! #heatedrivalry #shanehollander #arch” under the handle @terryaunbell0. Another remarked, “Heated rivalry is proof that we don’t need AI in storytelling. We need human stories and human butts #heatedrivalry #gay #lgbtq” via @tmurray06. Williams, responding to the buzz in his Timid Magazine chat, urged fans: “I love you, you guys are very nice, but you’re not that freaky yet... you just need to step it up.” He also noted his back dimples trended after episode 4 aired.

In a separate Entertainment Weekly interview, Williams and Storrie discussed the fan fixation on their bodies. Storrie embraced being dubbed “America's ass,” saying, “I love it. I'll take it. Feels good.” Williams affirmed, “It’s a great butt.” They described filming sex scenes as technical, involving rehearsals with intimacy coordinator Chala Hunter, who directed precise movements like “Knee little higher! Knee little lower!”

The stars extended their reach into queer spaces. On December 10, 2025, Storrie and Williams surprised patrons at Hi Tops, a gay sports bar in West Hollywood, during trivia night for Rainbow Labs charity. Storrie quipped, “Thank you for tweeting about our butts,” adding it means much to have LGBTQ+ embrace. Responding to queer youth aspiring to hockey, Storrie advised: “Take up space, be yourself really loud, and don't take shit from anyone.” Williams added: “Just believe in yourself and be yourself and just swing it and bang it in every which direction and don't let anyone shut you up.” These interactions underscore Heated Rivalry's resonance with LGBTQ+ viewers, fostering visibility for queer stories in sports entertainment.

The show's success, streaming on Crave in Canada and HBO Max in the US, signals growing demand for authentic gay narratives. Williams' lighthearted embrace of the viral arch celebrates body positivity and fan enthusiasm within inclusive LGBTQ+ spaces.