The IFBB Pro League is packed with exciting storylines heading into the second half of 2025. On May 25, 2025, Jay Cutler discussed the latest changes Nick Walker made to his physique. In addition, he talked about Keone Pearson potentially moving into the Men’s Open and predicted he would make the top five at the Mr. Olympia.
Walker’s journey back to the top of the Men’s Open class was filled with hurdles. In 2023 and 2024, he was forced to bow out of the Mr. Olympia contest, leading many fans to question his capabilities against the best in the world. However, when the Pittsburgh Pro was over, those doubts vanished.
Walker held his own against Derek Lunsford and gave the former Mr. Olympia a run for his money. While he secured silver, ‘The Mutant’ competed a week later at the New York Pro, where he clinched gold and his qualification for the Olympia. With the biggest show of the year approaching, Cutler discussed Walker’s potential and what’s next for reigning two-time 212 Olympia Keone Pearson.
Jay Cutler Talks Nick Walker Improving His Physique’s ‘Flow,’ Says Keone Pearson Makes Top 5 at Open Mr. Olympia ‘Easy’
In a recent YouTube video, Cutler explained that Walker improved the flow of his physique and praised his new coach Kyle Wilkes.
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“Nick has definitely changed his physique. They talk about how he’s not aesthetic and everything else and I don’t call him aesthetic, but he actually flows pretty well. I was happy for him.
All the talk. I know people were questioning the new coach. Kyle Wilkes is his coach, he does an amazing job. I’ve seen him work with a lot of guys from Young LA. He’s very talented with his coaching.”
He also acknowledged Samson Dauda, whom he complimented for representing the Mr. Olympia title with class.
“I was happy for Nick, happy for Derek. You see Samson out there? He’s doing an amazing job as Mr. Olympia. He’s touring around. I just hope he’s not too busy because you know how that is, you win the title and you have big shoes to fill,” said Cutler.
As far as Cutler is concerned, Pearson could place within the top five in the Open at the Mr. Olympia. He dubbed him a ‘Ronnie Coleman in the making.’
“Keone is just biding his time. He could be in the top five easy at the Olympia. I think he’s just going to ride his time, win another 212, I think pretty handily, and we’ll see what the progression is.
He’s still a young guy. Remember, he was natural for a very long time so he trained his body to the fullest potential as a natural athlete. He’s like a Ronnie Coleman in the making. You haven’t even seen the potential there yet. He trains his ass off. He’s so dedicated.”
Walker has been an open book since his close encounter with Lunsford. Not only does he think he won the showdown in Pittsburgh, but he’s made it clear that his top threat at the Mr. Olympia isn’t Lunsford or Samson Dauda, but actually Hadi Choopan.
The Men’s Open class is on track to deliver a historic contest on the horizon. The 2025 Mr. Olympia is set for October 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.