Heated Rivalry: Fan Theory Suggests Ilya and Shane’s Rivalry Ends in Heartbreak
As HBO Max readies its adaptation of Rachel Reid’s decade-spanning romance, a viral Heated Rivalry fan theory is gaining steam—hinting that Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander’s endgame could turn tragically dark.
Heated Rivalry fans have spun up a new, very bleak theory about where the Ilya and Shane story could go on screen. It connects dots from the books, what we see on TV, and some real-world risk factors in a way that is... grimly convincing.
What the books actually do
In Rachel Reid's books, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander spend years circling each other. It spans roughly a decade, they go through a lot, they fight for the relationship, and they ultimately get married and end up on the same team. HBO Max has the rights to adapt that saga for TV.
Where the new theory starts
It starts with Ilya's dad, Grigori Rozanov. In the books, he is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and his memory deteriorates so severely he forgets his wife has died. On TV, his symptoms are presented even more plainly, which is what set some fans off down this path.
"Watching Heated Rivalry is fun until you realize Ilya's dad has dementia."
- TikTok user @lexiegracelin
Why fans think it tracks
- Alzheimer's can have a hereditary component, so if Grigori has it, fans worry Ilya could face elevated risk later in life.
- Ilya plays pro hockey. Repeated hits and fights come with head trauma concerns, which are tied to higher risk for neurodegenerative issues.
- One viral breakdown specifically flags the combo of contact injuries plus lifestyle factors like drinking and smoking as a nasty multiplier for long-term brain health.
- Readers of The Long Game know Ilya has clinically diagnosed depression. Fans note that mood changes and cognitive blips can show up early alongside, or be mistaken for, neurodegenerative problems.
The gut-punch version of this
The theory's worst-case ending is brutal: even if Ilya and Shane fully get there as a couple, Ilya might eventually not recognize Shane at all, or his depression could undo him first.
So... is this where the show is headed?
There is zero confirmation. This is fan speculation, built on details the books already established and how the show is framing Ilya's family. Genetics and head injuries can increase risk, but they are not destiny. Still, as far as tragic endgame theories go, this one has receipts — which is why it is blowing up.