The 2026 Arnold Classic delivered a major shakeup in the Men’s Open class. On March 9, industry veterans Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo discussed the show’s outcome. In addition, they gave their opinion on Martin Fitzwater’s bad sportsmanship and whether Nick Walker should enter the Detroit Pro.
It was Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea‘s night in Columbus, Ohio. He took out Nick Walker in the finals to claim his first Arnold Classic trophy. Meanwhile, Walker bounced back after his sixth-place drop at the Mr. Olympia. While he wasn’t crowned a two-time champ, he restored his momentum in the eyes of the bodybuilding community.
However, the same couldn’t be said for Martin Fitzwater. He finished in fourth place, but angered fans after showcasing unsportsmanlike behavior. He cheered when Walker lost to Jacked and refused to shake his hand. Moreover, he allegedly cursed at and shoved Walker backstage and has been hostile to fans online, prompting discussion.
Shawn Ray Talks Martin Fitzwater Fallout, Tells Nick Walker to Compete at 2026 Detroit Pro
In the video, Ray emphasized that social media is ruling Fitzwater’s life, and said it’s now costing him money.
“It never ends good. We cannot continue to make excuses for this guy. This was Craig Titus 2.0. We know how this ends. If he continues with this behavior, with no reprimands or repercussions. I don’t know who’s in his camp. It sounds like nobody. Social media is ruling his life and ruining his fan base.”
While he shared that celebrating Walker’s loss wasn’t a good look, Ray is unsure if Fitzwater has broken any rules in the IFBB Pro League.
“I’m not sure what rules he broke. I do know him cheering Nick Walker’s loss was a bad look for him. I do know congratulating everyone and skipping Nick onstage is another bad look. Running to his social media, telling people that if you can congratulate him, he’s going to block you because losers don’t get congratulated. It’s already costing money. Elev8 has dropped him as a food sponsor.”
Looking at the 2026 Arnold Classic results, Ray had Hadi Choopan beating Walker.
“While Nick was better than the Olympia, which was easy to do, I still had Hadi Choopan beating him,” said Ray. “That’s why he didn’t win, I’m presuming. Had they gave him the win, we’d be talking about what you just mentioned, an incomplete bodybuilder who was not arguably the best on the stage.”
To earn his passage for the 2026 Mr. Olympia, Ray urged Walker to consider competing at the upcoming Detroit Pro, set for March 14.
“I don’t believe Andrew Jacked would be in Detroit, so he’d definitely be the guy to beat,” adds Cicherillo.
“He has to go to Detroit. Why let your weight go up and down right now? Just stay on the horse and go to Detroit,” said Ray. “I’d do Detroit and get it over with.”
Since Walker was unable to secure the Arnold Classic win, he’s still tasked with qualifying for the 2026 Mr. Olympia. For the past few years, “The Mutant” has earned his tickets with victories at the New York Pro. Time will tell which show he chooses next.
The 2026 Arnold Classic saw competitors enjoy ups and downs. Moving forward, Ray and Cicherillo hope to see Fitzwater back in a stable headspace and Walker compete in Detroit.
Watch the full video from the VOB Media YouTube channel below:
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