Watch the entire conference.

With the realization that Kai will no longer be competing at this year’s competition, the bodybuilding community was thrown for a loop. Many fans that hoped to see a showdown between bitter rivals Phil Heath and Kai Greene will have to readjust and reset their priorities. Sure, Kai not competing is a blow to the event in some ways, but it makes for an even more compelling storyline as we enter into the weekend. If Kai won’t be his primary challenge, who will be the one to potentially rival Phil Heath this year?

It’s anybodies guess as this year’s event gets underway. Many had believed that Big Ramy would be a potential threat to the crown. Some even believed that he was looking impressive enough to possibly take out Kai at the event. The Egyptian bodybuilder will be competing at over 300 lbs at this event, setting the record for the heaviest bodybuilder to ever compete on the Olympia stage. That in itself presents some interesting story threads to follow.

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But despite that, some fans are still having a hard time coping with the loss of the number 2 bodybuilder in the world. Without Phil versus Kai how the hell is anyone supposed to get hyped up for this thing? Well, if you were doubting that the Olympia was going to be any less intriguing this year, then check out the video below of the full press conference for the event.

With so many bodybuilders hoping to dethrone Phil Heath, there’s no shortage of motivation to watch this show. Kai’s presence will undoubtedly be missed, but the competition is still sure to be impressive.

So who do you think will be the biggest threat to Phil Heath’s crown? Let us know in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.