When shawn talks about being bloated, being off and not aesthetics people hates him. When Arnold talk about the bloated stomach all the people hailed him. The hypocrisy.
Grill Tür He was like Frank Zane on a moderate dose of steroids. It's hard to say who has ever had a better aesthetic body with mass and great presentation. Just look at his consistency, only Dexter goes beyond with that measure. Like him or not, his physique spoke for itself.
If they picked him instead of Dorian I think the sport would be in a better spot. He represents the sport so much better and continues to participate in it. Dorian hasn’t done nearly as much for bodybuilding as Shawn has.
@@JustSujC You're spot on. Yates was an ugly oversized abomination, taking the sport of building the prettiest physique on the planet, into the alley of just being bigger than anyone else. Shawn was the Zane of the 90's, and Yates in terms of aesthetics, had nothing on him.
People hate him because they can't argue with him. Everyone will get crushed arguing with him and then they will get mad for that haha. Shawn's depth and mindset to "Bodybuilding" is on whole other level. Not just about working hard in the gym, taking care of the food one eats, and talk about "blood, sweat, and years", that's just basic for Shawn. Knowing what he should improve compare to other top guys, what other competitors have or don't have, understanding what the judges are/ have been looking for, understanding every top guys' biography and everything, and knowing all the histories in Bodybuilding so that one can understand current situation and the future as well and etc. Some people say bodybuilding is self-discipline sport, and all you can do is to improve your physique to the best, and that's just silly. Being the best version of your-self is, a lot of times, not enough. You are gonna have to be aware of everything just like Shawn is doing here. Point things out so that judges can see. And that's not disrespecting other competitors. He is doing his job to be the best in the world. That's what is means to do "whatever it takes" imo.
I will always have a soft spot for Shawn Ray. Not only was his physique spectacular but how can I be mad at him after watching the flex magazine workout in the 90s? Did he ever look bad at a show? Not that I can remember. I still love looking back to old videos of him as an amateur as well. Glad he's still healthy and contributing to the sport.
Not sure why Lee Priest called Shawn Ray a kiss ass... Like this is 1996 and he's talking openly about things the IFBB obviously doesn't want him to talk about. Don't get me wrong I like Lee, but I'm slowly starting to think Shawn was right about him all along.
AndeN Shawn is right about lee think about it, lee priest hangs around all the losers of bodybuilding... Dave Palumbo, John Ramano etc... and Shawn is still welcome in the industry, Even after he spoke up openly. Lee priest was banished and he’s kind of uneducated. Shawn’s well spoken
AndeN are we going to pretend that black people aren't allowed to say what they want without repercussions? Blacks can make racist comments in any form without anybody batting an eye. Whites can't even live in a white neighborhood without being called a racist. Shawn was aloud to speak his mind because black people are made untouchable by the Jewish media
What? Everything Shawn said in here was completely and only bodybuilding related. Nothing about race has anything to do with this. Shawn saying this didn't help him in the placings at the Mr.O did it? So what's the point in saying that blacks are allowed to say stuff that whites can't. When it comes to race and slurs etc, yes you are right. But this is strictly competition and bodybuilding related. Nothing of what you described is relevant here since bodybuilding isn't even accepted by the public media in the first place outside the media that's strictly and only reports in the bodybuilding world.
Redouan Amankur bodybuilding is a Jewish business venture. The Jewish people want black men to look dominant when compared with whites. This is anywhere Jews have influence. You are correct. Sean ray didn't say anything wrong. I do enjoy Sean's commentary because he speaks facts without emotion. However, Sean is allowed more lead way than Lee priest. Sean routinely reminds how he was penalized for drug use when others were not. He definitely criticizes the IFBB free of repercussion.
love him or hate him you must admit the guy makes a lot of sense and to be fair he is a very educated individual. I totally get where he is coming from and he probably came close to having the most perfect physique we have ever seen. the truth hurts which is why a lot of people get upset by what he says but I believed it's all relevant. I definitely think he deserved to win the Mr. Olympia at least once and perhaps twice. I think in 96 he looked amazing. very good post.
One of the most controversial bodybuilder ever! But, in my opinion, he was right all along. And what a flawless physique he had! Omg! The muscle bellies, symmetry, proportions, etc. The best and most photographed bb of the nineties! If he had been 5cm taller, he would have won the Olympia many times...
Extremely intelligent and brave man. Definitely marches to his own beat. This man has the most perfect physique ever as well imo. Perfect symmetry, nothing jumps out cause everything is balanced. Always had the perfect V taper and abs.
Yep! He's not really talking about them personally but just about their physiques...which is how they win and lose. Judges who are honest about competitors flaws. Do they want sports announcers to lie about how a team is performing? I think it's a crime Shawn would get penalized in a contest placement by what he says. Always the same judges at the O. If Dorian won last year, hmmm, who's gonna win the next year? And the year after?
Tomn8er na i am not into online chatting and forums and other stuff. So if you say he is hated then I guess you - people have already formulated that opinion. I thought nobody is hated in bodybuilding
Great interview, for me it's one of the greatest mysteries how Lee being honest is cool and brave and smart etc. While when Shawn tells absolute truth it's him being a dick. Plus from a bb standpoint shawn destroys Lee.
Yup I always thought there was a weird double standard there because they're both blunt as hell and talk a lot of smack but Lee gets praised and Shawn gets crucified. Probably because Lee brought more of a humourous element to it whereas Shawn often just sounded salty
@Dj_M1 Dorian is the least impressive mr o winner ever. Absolute opposite of aesthetic and symmetry. He only deserve his first 2 mr o. but Flex, Kevin and Shawn were all better than him. It's a shame, that he had the judges in his pocket. He brought us the bubble gut era. You can decide whatever I say is true or not, but This is not just my opinion, but most of the audience and pro competitors. Shawn said it right, Dorian was an ass licker, that is why he won with torn bicep, gut and absolutely unaesthetic physique.
When you put Shawn in his place and can back it up, he backs off. Known him since we were both teens. He was genetically gifted before taking any drugs. His legs, including calves were already stage ready at 17 years old. Then when he got on drugs, well...it was over. His genetics were phenomenal. Otherwise, I think he had the best physique of that time and I understand bodybuilding, competing, and what a bodybuilding champion is supposed to look like. Most guys would say if they could have a any physique from the 90’s, anyone with sense would say Shawn.
shaun said that Dorian has phenomenal back and calves and the rest is so so. He has said Flex Wheeler is by far Mr Olympia when in shape. anyone disagree?
Ray is always spot on. Also the fact he says he wouldn't mind losing to Flex shows it is purely the lunacy of losing to Yates when he has one arm and a beer gut that is what is up, who could argue with that?
If you want to learn what bodybuilding is all about listen closely to what Shawn has to say. I agree with him 100%. At the end of the millennium many things where in decline such as music, prosperity, humanity, role models, ethics and decency. People telling the truth like Shawn being hated and disrespected. Mass more important than class. Quantity over quality. Things got worse and worse ever since then. Now in 2020 we live in dark times in many ways. Bodybuilding has become a sellout. A bloated unreal and dishonest idea of what a human physique should look like. My interest in BB contests died in the late 90s. I still love BB secretly for myself though.
It seems that the organization didn't want a well spoken representative with a genuine passion for bodybuilding who also has the ideal physique of what bodybuilding should be about.
Shawn came up through the era of Lee Haney, Lee Labrada, Rich Gaspari, Bob Paris and others. He still had the mindset of someone competing then, he still viewed bodybuilding more old school
I couldn't agree more about what you said in this video about Shawn. He's very outspoken and doesn't bs or beat around the bushes. I used to hear Shawn talk and thought he was just an ass. Now, I respect Shawn more than most and even see so much truth in what he has to say. Love these Shawn Ray videos, thanks Tom!
I saw nothing that makes me think Shawn Ray is the horrible person so many (especially bodybuilders ) think he is. I can’t disagree with anything he said and he comes across as a smart dedicated guy.
Shawn Ray had the best physique, period! That he wasn't given the ultimate Mr O title more than a few times! was cold blooded robbery! The Mr O competition was run by some shysters who were only interested in making money! Unfortunately for Shawn Ray, the judges simply went with size over everything else! Shawn Ray you were better than all the rest! the most beautiful complete body to grace the disaster known as Mr O!! The truth is on your side, and everyone knows it!
Very hard to find a bodybuilder with the pleasing look that Shawn had. He had everything accept the height. Close to the perfect body if you ask me. Everything just flows and looks balanced on him. Hate him or love him regarding what he sais through the years, but his body spoke for itself. One of the GOAT for sure.
Dorian was/is thin skinned. Watch the Joe Rogan/Dorian podcast. His narcissism still shines through. Shaun's physique speaks for him. One of (if not the greatest) of all time.
You know, I've never liked Shawn but lately I've been listening to him by putting myself in his place and I ask myself how would I feel? I agree completely with Shawn here. He should have won at least 2 titles.
Amazing he’s saying the same thing today..man seems to be consistent in his beliefs...on another note this looks like an old heel turn WWF promo hahaha
Shawn Ray...a world class bodybuilder with an intelligent mindset. I can understand his frustration, when i see a pic or footage with Shawn and Dorian my eyes are glued to Shawn because he looks so superior. There is not one single pose Dorian can do other than lat spread that makes me go wow, thereas Shawn could hit 20 poses that look just awesome. Another thing about Dorian is that he refers to himself as the best bodybuilder and the hardest trainer that ever lived which is a load of bs.He also has some very controversial viewpoints in other topics which made me lose almost complete respect for him. Let's see what these cokeloaded judges do at this next 2019 Mr O.
I always get the feeling that people don't like Shawn Ray for the same reasons they don't like good coaches and trainers: they tell you the truth, and if your feelings get hurt because you can't handle the truth, then that's not their fault, and people can't accept that. Bodybuilding is about constant physical improvement, whether you're a hobbyist, amateur, professional, beginner, advanced, natural, enhanced - it's the discipline of putting in time and effort towards looking better than you previously have. If you can't handle the truth that a body part is lagging behind, or that you need to lose body fat, or that something is off-balance, or that you don't train hard enough, or your nutrition is off, or whatever the problem might be, then these are all areas for improvement, you can either take it seriously, or you can be stuck where you are currently feeling butthurt. There's a difference between being a bully and being honest, and if people would get over themselves, they might be able to see that difference.
You can't say something personal and not expect people to not take it personally. Everything about bodybuilding is personal. I respect Shawn' s personal opinion. I think he was a great bodybuilder and looked his best in 1996. Still, I think mathematically, Dorian still beat him. Bigger and more symmetrical, despite looking slightly bloated. I love great biceps. But in the grand scheme of things, it was a minor body part for Dorian who never had great biceps to begin with. His silhouette was better than Shawn's in the double biceps pose.
Shawn over his career was out spoken and for the most part right in almost every thing he said and pointed out. The problem is unfortunately the truth hurts and a lot of people got their backs up on what shawn was saying. Dorian kept quiet through out because he was winning. The winner won't want any thing to change and why would he! Pointing the finger at the judges was the way to go but of course that doesn't work either! When you single people out they'll hit you where it hurts the most, in this case shawns placings. It's a subjective and opinionated sport. I've competed at world level on 9 occasions and I've judged at a high level also and I'll be the first to say some judges at certain shows are out of their depth both in pro and amateur level. This went against shawn I believe. What we miss today is shawns out spokenness and the competitiveness of the sport. We have no one kicking up stink like shawn used to do and I don't believe we have the nail biting edge of seat competitiveness as we did back in the 90s. It's a pity shawn didn't win at least one Olympia. Under different circumstances he certainly would have done I believe. Again just my opinion.
If you're judging on the basis of overall symmetry balanced with density & proportionate mass then it's easy to see that Shawn Ray was never judged with open eyes. Like him or not, he lacked nothing.
Ray is kind of the Kai Green of the 90s in terms of having a higher IQ and being more articulate and well-spoken than the rest. But while Kai is absolutely and - honestly - way too respectful with almost anyone anywhere and being this spiritual thinker and influencer, Shawn is and was an outspoken individual who was criticizing the industry and fellow bodybuilders - while being a tad bit too generous to himself. Bottom line is that some part of the community hate both of them for some reasons, and they never won (never will) an Olympia. Two of my favorite bodybuilders btw :) intricate, interesting and exciting characters.
Guys, I didn't say that Kai was Olympia worthy in any of his years. Well, he had a really good package in many years and he is absolutely top tier, but even in 2014 - which he arguably was the closest to Phil - he was a bit short of getting the Sandow. Phil is just better, they have similar strong points but Phil has less weakness. I just stated that Kai is kind of a black sheep of bodybuilding for some people because of the way he talks (riddles) and how he behaves on and off stage. This often comes down disrespectful towards him. Somehow I understand Kai's "riddles" 99.5% of the time and I actually believe that he is more profound and more mature than many others. Shawn is the same but they are on the opposite sides of the "nice guy" meter :) But if I had to choose, I'd say Shawn was definitely more Sandow-worthy and he was probably the better bodybuilder with the better physique.
This is why the olympians in the 90s where absolutely the best and Dorian points it out all the time, it’s because a) they were phenomenal as muscle building specimens, the sport’s gone down since then, b) any one of them could’ve won at any given time save the edge in charisma that the view of Dorian had which was enough to blow the rest away and unfortunately this is a result of many years of training and a specific genetic gift the rest couldn’t replicate but most importantly c) they were all awesome and charismatic personalities, leaders and champions each in his own right... this is why we keep seeing them or read about them today, over 20 years after most retired. This last point never happens with any one of the prior generation of bodybuilders nor did it happen before in proportion of course to how much it could’ve relative to the media outlets available at the time. No one even remembers who else was on that stage with Arnold in ‘75 besides Ferrigno, no one even knows who was next to Lee Haney in ‘85 and barely anyone remembers or gives a shit who was on stage or even Mr O in ‘05 or ‘15... but in ‘95 you know them all, and care to catch up on them today... ...because in the 90s it wasn’t bodybuilders competing for the Mr. Olympia, it was the Yokozunas of bodybuilding competing just for the title of the moment... because they didn’t know they had all already won their glory for the rest of time.
This is how I've always felt about bodybuilding. Guys that have huge mass just look like a fat guy with muscles. Their muscles are too big to show stridations and tie ins and proper definition which is what a complete bodybuilder should have. It can't be about who is the biggest. To base the judging solely on that is to completely disrespect the sport of bodybuilding altogether. Size should be a small part of it, definition,symmetry,separation and overall aesthetic shape should be way more important, otherwise complete more asthetic physiques like Lee Priest and Shawn Ray will never have a chance against walls of muscle like big Ramy and Nick Walker. (No disrespect to them).
I do actually feel bad for Ray. His physique was outstanding when he stood alone- next to some of his peers he got dwarfed. I don’t think that detracts from his excellence As a bodybuilder though
Some good points but overall I think Shawn Ray was just suffering from a Napoleon complex because he was a small guy. Great bodybuilder for sure but I didn't see him beating Yates, ever. Yates was a like a cyborg. So impressive, massive and conditioned. I'm sure he Shawn was more symmetrical and had better and maybe more classic shape but he was just too small. He never had that "presence" and charisma Yates had. Everyone was like "holy shit" when Yates walked to the stage. That back was just out of this world. I dunno if Coleman was bigger but imho Yates' was in some ways even more impressive.
Well, Idc that Shawn says disrespectful things. I just don't agree with his opinions at all. I think Dorian deserved every Mr O he won, except for 1997. Mandatory poses win match-ups, and I'd give Dorian the majority of the poses. Even if you count the most muscular as a mandatory, and even if you pick 1994 Dorian 👍
Shawn Ray is a great example of why it is important to have the right tone in your criticism. He definitely let his jealousy take over valid arguments about the judging. He ended up being very bitter and jealous towards the competitors instead of the judges. Also if a body part is injured, one has to look at how many poses does it affect. You have 7 mandatory poses and Dorian only got exposed in front double biceps. The poses are judged in binary terms: win or loss. There is no gradation or weighted average taken of the scores. If anything Shawn could have argued for changing the judging itself such that if a body part is visibly torn / injured then that rule overrides all the victories in other poses. But him attacking everyone worked against him. If he had got other to be on his side may be every athlete would have supported Shawn except Dorian. It is not good enough to be blunt. You need tact and strategic alliance to make a change.
