Flex Wheeler still keeps tabs on the latest shakeups in the Men’s Open. On Nov. 12, 2025, via YouTube, Wheeler urged Nick Walker to focus on streamlining his physique, emphasizing that bigger is not better.
The ‘bigger is not better’ concept resonates deeply with Flex Wheeler. In his prime, many considered him a shoo-in to eventually win the Mr. Olympia contest. However, former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman prevented him from earning the sport’s most coveted title.
Coleman’s size, coupled with his dry conditioning, set the foundation for his dynasty. In the 2000s, Wheeler attempted to catch up to Coleman by adding more size, but it ultimately backfired. After watching Nick Walker fall to sixth place onstage at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, he’s concerned “The Mutant” may be following a similar path.
Flex Wheeler Says ‘Bigger Isn’t Better’ for Walker, Believes Physique Was Stronger ‘Streamlined’
In the video, Wheeler shared that Walker is ‘nowhere near’ his best version, and believes he should stop focusing on size.
“He’s one of those guys where bigger isn’t better. That seems like what he’s targeting. I think I’ve seen him in better shape and him be able to control his waistline better at other shows.
I don’t think was nowhere near the best version of Nick we’ve seen. When he won the Arnold Classic, I think he was a little bit more streamlined. He was a lot harder than he was at Olympia,” he added. “Something definitely changed and didn’t pan out for him,” explained Flex Wheeler.
Get Fitter, FasterLevel Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Wheeler also touched on how the performance-enhancing drug culture has changed since his time onstage. He argued that work ethic has become secondary to drug protocols.
“We used things back in the 90s, but it was an additive. We enjoyed working out. We embraced it. It’s kind of like having a Mercedes, and it’s an amazing car, then adding rims to it. It’s still a Mercedes. It’s an additive, where I think drugs are being put first now. They are leaning more on drugs than they are the dieting, the consistency.”
“I won’t say they don’t work hard. I see a lot of the guys out there putting in amazing work. I just think that the work ethic is secondary to the drug protocol,” shared Wheeler.
After mistiming his peak, Walker is planning to return with an improved look. Days after the Olympia took place, he revealed that he was no longer working with ex-coach Kyle Wilkes. Walker has had a history of parting ways with coaches throughout his career, including Dominick “Dom Supersliced” Mutascio and Matt Jansen.
Fans are excited to hear about Walker’s next bodybuilding contest. Speculation is growing about his possible entry at the 2026 Arnold Classic, where a life-changing $750,000 winner’s purse will be awarded to the champion.
RELATED: Samir Bannout Says Nick Walker’s Waist Is ‘Fixable,’ Gives Opinion on His Coaching Fallout
Watch the full video from The Muscle News YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
