We might have the best rivals of bodybuilding yet.
It’s already been established that the rivalry between Phil Heath and Kai Greene has brought an abundance of buzz to the sport of professional bodybuilding. The 2014 Mr. Olympia has been crowned and not without some controversy. Before the competition was even underway Phil and Kai already had some choice words for each other. “All jokes aside, there’s been thirteen Mr. Olympias. They’ve all earned that right to write that on anything. Don’t disrespect the game,” Phil said in response to Kai signing his name as 2014 Mr. Olympia Champion on numerous promotional posters. Kai wasn’t to be outdone by his rival however. “This is an amazing weekend we have in store for you all, because we’re going to show you why talk is so cheap,” Mr. Greene said in response. “The past is the past. This weekend we will show you what the future brings.”
The Mr. Olympia press conference was marred, or perhaps enhanced, by the Phil/Kai clash. Phil’s “uncharacteristic” humility versus Kai’s “disrespectful” comments on the notion that the champions past victories wouldn’t help him secure a fourth straight title. The sad fact for Kai is that Mr. Heath was able to pull it off and walk away with the Bronze Sandow. But now that the competition is in the past and tensions have cooled we have a real opportunity to discuss the elephant in the room: what does this rivalry do for the sport?
It can’t be denied that bodybuilding has had and will continue to have its share of superstars, each competitor bringing something unique with their physique and personalities. But if professional sports has taught us anything it’s that any event can be enhanced by some good, old fashioned rivalry. The past two competitions has shown a steady increase in the confidence of Kai Greene that some have come to consider to be cocky. Some have said his attitude is outright disrespectful to not only the reigning champion Heath, but to the sport itself. And therein lies the question. Does drama cause buzz? The simple answer is yes. It’s the same reason we tune into our favorite television shows or why we go to the movies. Viewers want emotional content and the rivalry between Heath and Greene offers that in spades.
There’s no doubt that the pressures to win the coveted Sandow are momentous. With Phil having to deal with the passing of his father this past March it was clear that the champion had added motivation to push himself past his limits. This was on full display during the press conference. His character was that of composed calm and poise, a quiet confidence. Kai on the other hand appeared far more aggressive than usual, provoking Phil at every opportunity. It may have been disrespectful, it may have been underhanded, but first and foremost it was entertaining. After viewing the press conference why wouldn’t you want to see the competition if only to have a conclusion to the story line.
Much like the rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, Kai and Phil’s rivalry brings an added spice to the Mr. Olympia competition. When Kai or Phil are on the microphone tensions run high and there’s no denying the electricity the two athletes can generate. In a way both Phil and Kai need each other, though it’s likely neither man would ever admit it. They bring out the best in each other and really, isn’t that the reason we tune in? We want to see the best of the best compete in this sport. It’s like big business: the better your competition the bigger the drive to put forth your best. We as spectators have a front row seat to this duel between two hardworking and determined athletes. It may not always be every viewers cup of tea, but a good rivalry will always bring you back to the table.
.
Why don’t you let us know your favorite rivalries of all time? Comment down below and tell us what you think is the most entertaining rivalry in bodybuilding. You can also follow us on our official Facebook and Twitter pages for more updates post-Olympia weekend!
