Jay Cutler, a former four-time Mr. Olympia, is back to discuss the latest events in bodybuilding. In a recent Cutler Cast podcast, Cutler went over Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay’s future after withdrawing his name from the upcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia competition, scheduled for November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.
Big Ramy has been a powerhouse since he started his pursuit of bodybuilding glory. His second show was a first-place finish at the Amateur Mr. Olympia and Elssbiay earned his pro card, which quickly jumpstarted his career. From there, Big Ramy brought his massive build and killer conditioning on stage to win his Pro debut at the 2013 New York Pro.
Elssbiay wasted no time and immediately took to the Mr. Olympia stage where he impressed the judges despite his inexperience and earned eighth place. This would only be the beginning of many incredible and memorable feats Big Ramy would accomplish over the course of nine years.
Asserting himself as an elite Men’s Open threat, Big Ramy became the Mr. Olympia champion in 2020 and maintained his position in 2021. Unfortunately, Elssbiay was dethroned in 2022 by the current champion Hadi Choopan. This was a shock to the bodybuilding community as he fell to fifth place though he remained cheerful and determined to return better.
Elssbiay gave it his best shot at the 2023 Arnold Classic where he took fourth place but still seemed determined to avenge his loss. As many fans prepared for Big Ramy to appear on stage at this year’s Mr. Olympia, he recently announced that he will not be competing because he feels a break is what’s best for his career’s longevity. The latest to give their opinion on Ramy’s decision was Jay Cutler.
Jay Culter Discusses Whether ‘Big Ramy’ Can Make A Return To The Sport After Stepping Away
Jay Cutler, a decorated four-time Mr. Olympia, not only became an expert in training but is known for taking closer looks at the Men’s Open division of today. Cutler recently discussed his point of view during a Cutler Cast podcast. He first addressed his surprise when the news broke of ‘Big Ramy’ pulling out of the competition.
“Kinda a shocker. Did I expect it? I actually thought he was going to compete. I really thought he was going to.”
“I talked about him at the Arnold I thought he was very improved at the Arnold. I thought he didn’t necessarily get a fair look there” Cutler said.
Cutler discussed the challenging road Ramy will face after choosing to take a year off at the highest level.
“It’s going to be very difficult, and now him not competing this year. I think unless he gets in the early shows next year, remember he is Mr. Olympia so he is qualified for life he can come back in 10 years if he wants. Once you step away and get back into real life it’s much different and Ramy doesn’t need money, he doesn’t thrive on the fame. It’s really gonna come down to what he wants to do but I can tell you once he steps away and maybe he attends the show or doesn’t attend and sees either a repeat champ or a new champ it’s gonna make it that much more difficult for him to get that fire to come back.”
“I think for Ramy yes he can come back but I don’t feel like he should rush it and say okay since he sat out the Olympia he jumps into Arnold or the early shows like to see. I think he needs to really take the time and plan accordingly and I think he should really do his best to say okay maybe not even next year compete. I mean he’s gonna be 40 by that time he needs to see where his head is at he has a family he’s got more important things.”
Even though Big Ramy won’t be competing at this year’s Mr. Olympia, fans can still look forward to Elssbiay’s appearance as a guest this November 2-5 in Orlando Florida.
One of Big Ramy’s greatest attributes is his sportsmanship regardless of the contest outcome. All in all, Cutler would love to see him come back and avenge his loss to become the second man to win back a Sandow after surrendering it.
RELATED: Big Ramy Predicts Top 5 Finishers at 2023 Mr. Olympia After Pulling Out of the Contest
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