Fitness Volt
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Exercise Guides
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • More
    • CrossFit
    • Mr. Olympia
    • News
      • 2023 WSM
      • Arnold Classic
      • Results
    • Fitness Calculator
    • Mastering The Deadlift
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Exercise Guides
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Supplements
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • More
    • CrossFit
    • Mr. Olympia
    • News
      • 2023 WSM
      • Arnold Classic
      • Results
    • Fitness Calculator
    • Mastering The Deadlift
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
No Result
View All Result
Bodybuilding

Branch Warren Talks 2022 Olympia, Dismisses Masters Olympia Comeback: ‘Hell No, I’m Done With Those Drugs’

The bodybuilding veteran said he's played 'Russian roulette' with his life long enough and won't entertain a Masters Olympia return.
Doug Murray

Written by Doug Murray

Last Updated onOctober 31, 2022

Branch Warren on Masters Olympia

Branch Warren (Credit: @thebranchwarren/Instagram)

Open bodybuilder Branch Warren maintains a jacked physique years after his last contest. In a recent video, the bodybuilding veteran shot down a Masters Olympia comeback for next year and discussed the upcoming 2022 Olympia contest. 

“I played Russian roulette [with my life] for a long time, and I won. I’m done playing Russian roulette.’ I’m going to stay that way,” Branch Warren shared.

Warren, an American bodybuilder from Tyler, Texas, rose in the IFBB Pro League with hard work and a grit few athletes possess today. His relentless attitude toward work and training were on par with some of the most prolific bodybuilders to walk the earth, like former Mr. Olympias Jay Cutler and Ronnie Coleman. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Branch Warren (@thebranchwarren)

During his tenure that lasted over two decades (1992-2015), Warren proved to have a championship-caliber physique, having won the Arnold Classic title in 2011 and 2012. While he never won a Mr. Olympia title, Warren came extremely close. Looking back at 2009 Mr. Olympia, Branch struggled to accept the outcome after beating the reigning champion (at the time) Dexter Jackson.

Warren finished runner-up but was unable to stop Cutler from making history by winning back the title he lost. Nevertheless, Warren boasts an incredible physique and brought a wow factor when he took to a stage. For his latest endeavor, however, Warren is discussing a potential Masters Olympia comeback and his top picks for 2022 Mr. Olympia. 

Branch Warren on Masters Olympia Chances: “No Not At All, Zero’ 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Branch Warren (@thebranchwarren)

In a recent interview with Dave Palumbo, Warren made it clear that he has no intention of returning to the sport. 

“No. Not at all. Zero,” says Warren. “They announced it earlier in the year right, they’re bringing back a Masters Olympia. Johnny calls me and says, ‘hey man did you hear?’ I said, ‘hear what?’ He said they’re bringing a Masters Olympia back. I didn’t say nothing. Then about ten seconds, he goes, ‘yo man, what do you think, do we have another one in us?’ I go, ‘you do,'” Branch Warren said.

Earlier this year, Olympia President Jake Wood hinted that the Masters Olympia show would ‘definitely’ be returning next year (2023). There have been unconfirmed rumors floating around that Masters Olympia will feature a 45+ age cap for the Men’s Open division. In addition, IFBB judge Terrick El Guindy has suggested the potential show will take place next Aug. or Oct. Regardless of the show’s status, Warren isn’t returning to a competitive stage. 

“Hell no [I wouldn’t do a Masters Olympia with a 50+ over age limit]. Just like I told him, I said, ‘for me, there’s no positive upside to it. None.’ I go, ‘if I can’t look the way I did when I was 36 years old, I can’t. I’m 47. I’ll be 48 next year. I look almost like I did in my thirties at the top of my game.

Even if I win — that prize money doesn’t change how I live. They are supposed to have a six-figure prize. First place or something, whatever it is, $150,000. it doesn’t make a difference in how I live. Number two, even if I win, it still hurts me because everybody is going to remember that version of me and not the other version of myself or whatever,” Warren said. 

Perhaps the most important reason why Branch isn’t making a comeback is that he doesn’t want to take the drugs most consume to stay on top of the sport. 

“The last reason — and I’m just going to say it to be honest… I don’t want to take those drugs.”

Warren on 2022 Olympia: ‘Hunter Labrada Can Win If He Brings The Conditioning’ 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ben Chow (@squatlikechow)

According to Warren, Hunter Labrada is a dark horse to win the contest and dethrone reigning champion Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay. He added that Hunter has been able to add ten pounds of quality muscle to his physique since last year. 

“Big Ramy. Hunter Labrada — I saw Hunter Labrada a few weeks ago when I went down to Houston. He’s 5″8′ 284 pounds. He legit added ten pounds of muscle,” Warren said. “As we know, at that point in your career, that’s almost unprecedented. I told him, if he can bring his conditioning better than we’ve ever seen before — he could win if he brings the conditioning. He’s got that physique.” 

Derek Lunsford Offseason
Derek Lunsford Offseason

In addition to Labrada, Warren indicated that 212 Olympia champion Derek Lunsford could surprise some people too. 

“I don’t think it’s [going out] on too much of a limb, but I go Derek Lunsford. He was 228 when he did 212. He will be 230 plus going in, if he brings that same conditioning. That fifth spot — man I don’t know. You got Brandon Curry, Nick Walker, I’m not saying they are going to be in the fifth spot, there’s a lot [of competitors],” Branch Warren shared.

Warren isn’t the only veteran confident in Hunter Labrada and Derek Lunsford ahead of the marquee show. Samir Bannout, a former 1983 Mr. Olympia, suggested that Labrada and Lunsford could both do a ton of damage at 2022 Mr. Olympia if they ‘show no weaknesses’ and improve their posing routines. 

In the past, Warren and Lunsford linked up for an intense arms workout. While Branch’s technique differs from Derek’s coach Hany Rambod’s, the reigning 212 Olympia champion still got a massive pump. 

RELATED: Watch Bodybuilding Veteran Branch Warren Annihilate His Quads with Machine Hack Squats

Warren may have stepped away from the stage, but he still maintains his physique with brutal training sessions. Even though he stays in excellent shape at 47, Branch has no intention of returning to the Masters Olympia stage next year. 

Check out the full video below:

Experience the excitement of the 2023 Mr. Olympia with our comprehensive coverage! From pre-judging and event recaps to in-depth analysis and final results, find everything you need at our Olympia coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/olympia. Don’t miss out on the action!


This news was written by Doug Murray, a News Editor for Fitness Volt. Doug is passionate about strength sports, bodybuilding, and powerlifting, and he is dedicated to bringing you accurate and insightful news reports. He loves connecting with readers and is always happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions about this news article, please feel free to contact Doug by leaving a comment below.

Published: 31 October, 2022 | 6:23 PM EDT

Stay on top of the latest fitness news and updates by adding Fitness Volt to your Google News feed: Follow us on Google News You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for even more content.
Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard LinkedIn Pinterest
Categories: Bodybuilding News Videos
Previous Post

Bodybuilding Legend Ronnie Coleman Reacts to Liver King’s Craziest Videos

Next Post

Diarrhea During Fasting: Causes and Cure

Doug Murray

Doug Murray

Doug Murray is a news writer and editor for FitnessVolt. He has built experience in various sporting fields, including MMA, and has written for a number of leading publications like MMA News, Sportskeeda, and CagesidePress.

Related

Kevin Levrone

Kevin Levrone on Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera: ‘He’s a Victor Richards & Ronnie Coleman Combo’

Talks of Rubiel "Neckzilla" Mosquera's potential continue to brew following his splash in the Men's Open division. In a recent...

Vladislava Galagan

Vladislava Galagan Discusses How OnlyFans & WebCams ‘Saved Her’: “I Was Struggling A Lot” 

Vladislava Galagan, a thriving fitness influencer, continues to garner popularity online thanks to her aesthetics and physique, earning her the...

Lee Priest

Lee Priest Takes Aim at Obesity: “Putting Food in Your Fuc**ng Mouth is Not a Disease”

With America's obesity epidemic at an all-time high, conversations about weight gain continue to take center stage. In a recent...

Nick Walker

Nick Walker on Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera: “I’m A Fan Dude, I Think He’s Fuc**ng Awesome”

Rubiel "Neckzilla" Mosquera is one of the hottest names in the Open class following his latest performance. In a recent Mutant...

Jay Cutler Talks Toughest Competitor

Jay Cutler Reveals List of Fiercest Competitors He Faced During Mr. Olympia Reign

To stake his claim as one of the best bodybuilders to ever step on stage, Jay Cutler was tasked with...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

2024 World’s Strongest Man Returns To Myrtle Beach, South Carolina From May 1-5

Mark Wahlberg Pushes Past Injuries With Intense Leg Day Training Session

Inderraj Singh Dhillon (120KG) Smashes 395.5-kg (871.9-lb) Raw Deadlift IPF World Record at 2023 EPF European Championships

Kevin Levrone on Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera: ‘He’s a Victor Richards & Ronnie Coleman Combo’

Ventsislav Dimitrov Locks Out 505-kg (1,113.3-lb) Deadlift at 2023 Eisenhart Black Competition

Powerlifter Nabil Lahlou Smokes 600-lb (272.5-kg) Raw Squat PR in Training

Reviews

Best Sissy Squat Machines

The 10 Best Sissy Squat Machines of 2023

Strongest Pre-Workouts

11 Strongest Pre-Workouts for 2023 Reviewed & Ranked

Pre Workouts Without Creatine

12 Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine For 2023

Fitness Volt

At FitnessVolt.com Our mission is to help our readers to achieve their fitness goals, regardless of where you’re at on your journey, we are on a mission to educate You with the latest from strength and fitness space. Read more.

Email: sm(at)fitnessvolt.com

Disclosure: FitnessVolt.com has an affiliate relationship with different brands and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. However, our reviews are based on well research backed analysis.

Follow Us

Trending Topics

  • Mr. Olympia
  • Bodybuilding
  • Strongman
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • At Home Workouts
  • Bodyweight Exercises
  • Best Pre-workout
  • Best Fat Burners
  • Bodybuilding Diet
  • Bicep Workouts
  • Triceps Workouts
  • Chest Exercises
  • Back Workouts
  • Leg Workouts
  • Front Squat Guide
  • Calf Workouts & Exercises
  • Forgotten Exercises
  • Jefferson Deadlift

Calculators

  • Calorie Burning Calculators
  • IF Calculator
  • TDEE Calculator
  • Calorie Calculator
  • Keto Calculator
  • RMR Calculator
  • Macronutrient Calculator
  • Creatine Calculator
  • Wilks Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • FFMI Calculator
  • IBW Calculator
  • LBM Calculator
  • Fat Intake Calculator
  • Calories Burned Swimming
  • Calories Per Meal Calculator

  • Food Nutrition Analysis
  • Carb Cycling Calculator
  • Weight Gain Calculator
  • Weight Loss Calculator
  • Calories Burned Calculator
  • Strength Standards
  • One Rep Max Calculator
  • Body Fat Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • Weight Loss Percentage
  • Treadmill Calorie Calculator
  • Body Surface Area Calculator
  • Running Pace Calculator
  • Bench Press Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Water Intake Calculator
  • Body Type Quiz
  • Steps to Miles Calculator
  • Calorie Deficit Calculator
  • Home
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Accessibility
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Syndication
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Copyrights
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Cookies
  • Disclaimer

© Copyright 2010 - 2023 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Bodybuilding
  • Mr. Olympia
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • CrossFit
  • Workouts
  • Exercise Guides
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Shoulders
    • Yoga
  • Training
  • Nutrition
    • Diet
    • Fasting
    • Diet Plans
    • Supplements
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • Fitness Calculator
  • More
    • News
    • Mastering The Deadlift
    • 2023 WSM
    • Arnold Classic
    • Diet
    • Motivation
    • Videos

© Copyright 2010 - 2023 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.