Phil Heath isn’t stepping back on stage, but he might be stepping into a new role.
As the Masters Olympia makes its return, fans have been speculating about potential comebacks from some of the sport’s greatest athletes. Given his seven Olympia wins, many wondered if Phil Heath would consider giving it another shot in the Masters division. However, he recently put those rumors to rest in a conversation with Jay Cutler on the Cutler Cast podcast.
“I’m not gonna compete. There’s no Masters Olympia for me.”
For those hoping to see The Gift back under the bright lights, this may be disappointing news. But Heath isn’t walking away from bodybuilding entirely. Instead, he’s hinting at a new venture-coaching. And his first client? None other than his longtime rival, Kai Greene.
Phil Heath Talks Masters Olympia & The State of Modern Bodybuilding
Heath isn’t the only champion reflecting on how the bodybuilding landscape has changed over the years. In his chat with Cutler, he discussed how different eras produced different types of competitors, from the era of Kevin Levrone and Flex Wheeler to the dominance of Dexter Jackson and Jay Cutler.
“The talent pool is just different now. You’re not gonna see another Ramy, he’s probably not gonna compete anymore, right?”
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While acknowledging the return of the Masters Olympia, Heath made it clear that he isn’t interested in stepping on stage again. His last Olympia appearance was in 2020, where he finished third behind Big Ramy and Brandon Curry. Since then, he’s remained in the gym, but he hasn’t shown any interest in making a comeback.
Heath to Train Kai Greene? “I Might Do It”
Although Heath isn’t returning to competition, he might still play a role in a major comeback. He teased the idea of coaching Kai Greene, the man who pushed him to his limits in their unforgettable Olympia battles.
“I might train Kai though. I’d do it. We gotta work on his posing.”
This isn’t the first time Greene has dropped hints about a return, leaving fans wondering if a Masters Olympia showdown could be in the works. Greene even responded to Heath online, joking that he would be the one coaching Phil instead.
Would we really see these two longtime rivals working together? Or is this just another case of bodybuilding banter?
For those who followed bodybuilding in the early 2010s, the Phil Heath vs. Kai Greene rivalry was the must-watch event of the Olympia weekend.
After placing third in 2011, Greene went on to finish second to Heath three years in a row (2012-2014) in what became one of the most intense rivalries in bodybuilding history. Their battles weren’t just about muscle—it was about attitude, showmanship, and ego.
Even now, Heath can’t resist throwing some playful jabs at his former rival. When asked about their relationship during the 2025 Arnold Sports Festival, Heath teased that he could have done a speaking panel with Greene—if Kai wasn’t “too salty” to sit next to him.
The back-and-forth continues, but whether it leads to a Masters Olympia showdown or a legendary athlete-coach partnership, fans will be watching closely.
Will Phil Heath Ever Return to the Olympia Stage?
While Masters Olympia isn’t happening, could Phil Heath return to the Olympia stage in another role? Coaching Greene might just be the first step toward something bigger.
One thing is certain: fans aren’t letting go of the idea of a comeback anytime soon. Until then, Heath remains one of the most decorated champions in the sport, and his next chapter—whether in coaching, commentary, or business—will still keep him in the bodybuilding spotlight.
Would you want to see Phil Heath train Kai Greene? Or should both legends make one final run at Olympia? Drop your thoughts below!
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