From Viral Tiktok to Sold-out Raves: the Rapid Rise of the Heated Rivalry 'Big Ole Freak' Trend
What is the Heated Rivalry 'Big Ole Freak' edit?
It is a viral fan-created video and audio mashup that synchronizes Megan Thee Stallion’s 2018 rap track "Big Ole Freak" with the characters Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov from Rachel Reid’s queer hockey romance novel, Heated Rivalry.
Where did the trend originate?
The trend originated on TikTok and CapCut in late 2024, created by romance book fans who paired aggressive hockey game footage, character illustrations, and text excerpts with Megan Thee Stallion's bassline before evolving into a trending audio remix.
Why are there club nights and raves based on this edit?
As the mashup gained tens of millions of views, event promoters in cities like Toronto, New York, and Chicago organized romance-themed dance nights. Fans gather wearing custom fictional hockey jerseys, turning digital fandom edits into physical community celebrations.
