Despite stepping away from the stage in 2013,
Jay Cutler still follows the sport closely.
In a recent Cutler Cast podcast, Jay Cutler and Nick Walker discussed if there will ever be another Ronnie Coleman-like era, where a champion holds the throne for nearly a decade. In addition, they opened up on the successful reign and future of five-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead.
While proving himself as one of the best for 12 consecutive years, Cutler had the daunting task of facing one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time —
Ronnie Coleman, a talent known for unparalleled mass, definition, and freak factor. Ultimately, in 2006, Cutler caught up to Coleman and dethroned him.
Cutler no longer competes actively, but remains the only man in history to win back the Mr. Olympia title, a feat he made possible in 2009 after taking the honor from
Dexter Jackson. As the man responsible for dethroning one of the longest-running Mr. Olympia champions of the sport, Cutler joined
Nick Walker to discuss who could replicate Coleman’s success.
Jay Cutler and Nick Walker Discuss If There Will Ever Be Another Ronnie Coleman Era
When asked by Cutler if he believed there would be another longstanding Mr. Olympia, Walker mentioned three people: himself, Derek Lunsford, and Samson Dauda.
“The question arises, do we have a hang-on champion is the question,” asks Jay Cutler.
“I don’t think it’s not possible,” said Walker.
“Like are we looking at a Ronnie Coleman era or Phil Heath era where it’s just like okay, this guy is setting the standard?” asks Cutler.
“I think the only time we’ll see that again is if I win,” said Walker. “For 10 years yes or honestly, if Samson nails his conditioning and keeps it there. That’s what I believe.”
In light of the 2023 Mr. Olympia results, Walker was convinced Derek Lunsford could win a few more titles “for sure, without a doubt.”
“I can definitely see Derek winning a few for sure, without a doubt.”
Cutler mentioned that if Walker participated in the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest he could have won.
“You have an equation of a fuckin Hadi in the middle of these guys, right? Remember, I don’t know if he’s going anywhere. I think Nick would compare better with Hadi which could have led to a different contest.”
“If I said someone was 100% perfect I’d be lying right? Not to say these guys didn’t look astounding. Samson looked great. But it’s going to come down to once again, the conditioning, and the graininess, and the separation and the ability to just stand out,”
explains Jay Cutler.
Looking ahead, Walker accepted that one of his primary challenges would be holding his own with Lunsford from the back.
“I think it’s very hard to beat Derek from the back, it truly is,” adds Walker.
Nick Walker, Cutler on Chris Bumstead: “I Don’t Think Anyone Can Take Him Out Right Now”
According to Nick Walker, Chris Bumstead will remain the Classic Physique Olympia champion ‘for as long as he wants to.’
“He’s going to hold the title for I think as long as he wants to hold the title in my opinion. Ramon is doing well. He’s getting better every year but Chris is Chris. I don’t think anyone can take him out right now.”
Even though there have been rumors about Bumstead’s retirement, Cutler said that it’s all speculation.
“People keep questioning that [retirement] but he’s the only one to make that decision though,” said Cutler.
“February I think [is when Chris Bumstead’s baby is coming].”
This wasn’t Cutler’s first time discussing the potential action going down at the 2024 Arnold Classic. Given Lunsford’s success as of late, he believes the reigning Mr. Olympia
should enter his first Arnold Classic competition, underlining the impressive $300,000 prize money.
The only bodybuilder to come close to Lee Haney’s or Coleman’s reign is
Phil Heath, who managed to collect a total of seven Mr. Olympia titles throughout his career. Time will tell if the sport ever sees a champion as dominant as Coleman, Haney, or Heath, as no one appears close right now.
Watch the full YouTube video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below: