Kai Greene creates his list for the best bodybuilders of all time from NYC
The latest episode of Kai Greene Effect covered a wide range of topics from honoring legendary bodybuilder Bill Grant to discussing Chris Bumstead’s recent injury concerns, and celebrating New York City’s bodybuilding legacy by naming the top five best bodybuilders from NYC.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Kai Greene names the all-time top bodybuilders from New York City
- Paying respects to Golden Era bodybuilding legend Bill Grant
- Kai reacts to Chris Bumstead’s tricep injury
- Who is the richest bodybuilder that Kai has ever met?
- Kai breaks down the concept of “flow state” and how it works in bodybuilding
- Drake or Kendrick? Kai weighs in
You can watch the full episode of Kai Greene Effect above. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdow of the discussion. Let’s get to it!
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Who Are the Greatest New York City Bodybuilders of All Time?
With excitement surrounding the New York Knicks and their championship aspirations, the conversation shifted toward another New York debate: Who are the greatest bodybuilders ever to come out of New York City?
Kai Greene admitted that creating an official top-five list was nearly impossible. New York has produced too many exceptional athletes throughout bodybuilding history.
Instead of ranking competitors, he chose to highlight several individuals who helped define the city’s bodybuilding culture.
Victor Martinez
One of the first names Kai mentioned was Victor Martinez.
Kai has long admired Martinez and spoke about watching him rise through the ranks of professional bodybuilding. As a fellow New York athlete, Kai found inspiration in Martinez’s work ethic, stage presence, and achievements.
He also shared a memorable story from one of Martinez’s competitions.
According to Kai, Victor stepped on stage with a physique so impressive that the entire audience fell silent. The crowd appeared stunned by what they were witnessing.
Then, from the back of the venue, one voice shouted: “Vic, you look bulletproof!”
Kai described the moment as unforgettable. To him, it felt like the exact moment everyone realized Victor Martinez was destined to become one of the defining bodybuilders of his generation.
Lou Ferrigno
Kai Greene also highlighted Lou Ferrigno as one of New York’s most influential bodybuilding figures.
Ferrigno’s success extends far beyond bodybuilding contests. His portrayal of The Hulk introduced bodybuilding to mainstream audiences and helped bridge the gap between fitness and entertainment.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Ferrigno became one of the most recognizable physiques in history.
Juan Morel
Another notable New York competitor mentioned was Juan Morel.
Known as the “King of New York” during portions of his career, Morel earned significant respect through consistent professional success and multiple New York Pro victories.
Akim Williams
Kai Greene praised Akim Williams for his longevity and competitiveness.
For more than a decade, Williams has remained a formidable presence in professional bodybuilding and continues to challenge elite competitors on major stages around the world.
Jon De La Rosa
Recently retired competitor Jon De La Rosa also received recognition.
During his prime years, De La Rosa established himself as one of New York’s most respected professional bodybuilders and regularly generated excitement among fans.
Other Notable New York Bodybuilders
Kai additionally acknowledged several athletes deserving recognition:
- Darrem Charles
- Leroy Colbert
- Freddy Ortiz
- Vincenzo Masone
- Sadik Hadzovic
- Arash Rahbar
Vincenzo Masone was singled out as an especially promising representative of bodybuilding’s next generation.
Meanwhile, Kai noted that Hadzovic and Rahbar have made substantial contributions outside the Men’s Open division and deserve mention among New York’s bodybuilding elite.
Although Kai ultimately declined to name a definitive top five, he emphasized that every athlete discussed has played an important role in New York City’s rich bodybuilding history.
Kai Greene Pays Tribute to Bodybuilding Legend Bill Grant
The bodybuilding world recently lost one of its most respected pioneers, Bill Grant. During the podcast, Kai Greene took time to reflect on Grant’s impact on the sport and why his legacy continues to matter today.
According to Kai, his first impression of Bill Grant came long before he fully understood the scope of Grant’s influence on bodybuilding. Kai recalled meeting Grant in person and being surprised by how approachable and energetic he seemed. At the time, Kai admitted he did not fully appreciate how important Bill Grant had been during bodybuilding’s Golden Era.
It wasn’t until later that Kai began researching Grant’s career more deeply. Looking back through old photos and historical records, he realized just how dominant and influential Bill Grant had been during the early years of professional bodybuilding.
Kai described Grant as “the man,” emphasizing that his achievements went far beyond competition victories and impressive physiques.
What stood out most to Kai was Grant’s continued commitment to bodybuilding long after his competitive prime had ended. Rather than disappear from the industry, Bill Grant remained actively involved by educating and inspiring future generations.
He launched his own podcast, created educational content, and regularly shared training insights, tactics, and personal experiences with younger athletes. Kai noted that this willingness to give back is what separates true legends from those who simply achieve success.
More importantly, Grant demonstrated that influence extends beyond a person’s lifetime.
Kai explained that anyone with a platform, whether athlete, coach, creator, or public figure, has the ability to impact others through their words and actions. Those lessons can continue long after that person is gone.
This reality serves as a constant reminder for Kai in his own career. He shared that he tries to be thoughtful about how he communicates and carries himself because future generations may one day look back at his work in the same way he now looks back at Bill Grant’s contributions.
Perhaps Kai’s most meaningful observation was that Bill Grant represented something bigger than bodybuilding itself.
In Kai’s view, Grant embodied the idea that bodybuilding is not merely a sport. It is an art form.
The discipline, creativity, presentation, and dedication required to sculpt a physique elevate bodybuilding beyond simple competition. Bill Grant helped demonstrate that artistic side of the sport, and his legacy remains a reminder of bodybuilding’s deeper cultural significance.
Chris Bumstead’s Reported Triceps Injury Sparks More Comeback Speculation
Another major topic discussed during the episode involved six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead.
Recent reports suggested Bumstead may have suffered a Grade 1 triceps tear while sharing a high-volume arm workout. Naturally, the news led many fans to wonder whether it would affect the possibility of a future comeback.
Kai Greene first acknowledged that injuries are always unfortunate, particularly when they affect gifted athletes. Anyone who dedicates years of their life to elite-level competition understands the frustration that comes with physical setbacks.
However, Kai was quick to point out that a minor injury does not automatically eliminate the possibility of future competitive appearances.
At the same time, he emphasized an important distinction: the idea of Chris Bumstead making a comeback remains largely fan-driven speculation.
According to Kai, much of the conversation surrounding a potential return has been fueled by supporters who would love to see Bumstead back on stage. While fans are passionate about the possibility, no official comeback plans have been established.
Kai admitted he understands how these situations develop because he has personally experienced years of comeback rumors himself.
Athletes rarely want to permanently close the door on future opportunities. Leaving that door slightly open allows for flexibility later in life. The downside is that fans often interpret that openness as confirmation that a comeback is inevitable.
As a result, speculation continues indefinitely. For someone with Chris Bumstead’s stature, that level of attention is unavoidable.
Bumstead has become one of the most influential figures in modern bodybuilding. His accomplishments, fan following, and impact on the sport make him a constant subject of discussion.
Kai believes the recent injury should be viewed as a temporary setback rather than a career-defining event. Ultimately, he feels Bumstead has earned the right to pursue whatever path he chooses in the future, whether that involves returning to competition or focusing on other ventures.
Lightning Round: Kai Greene Answers Fan Questions
The episode concluded with a rapid-fire series of fan-submitted questions.
Who Is the Richest Bodybuilder Kai Greene Has Ever Met Besides Arnold Schwarzenegger?
Kai Greene admitted he genuinely does not know.
While he has met many successful and financially accomplished individuals throughout his career, he rarely focuses on people’s personal wealth.
Instead, Kai prefers to remember the individuals who helped him along his own journey.
He reflected on the many people who were in better positions than he was at various points in his career and offered support when he needed it most.
Today, he tries to pay that generosity forward whenever possible by helping aspiring athletes pursue their goals.
What Has Bodybuilding Taught Kai Greene About Consciousness and the Human Spirit?
This question prompted one of the episode’s most philosophical discussions.
Kai explained that a true flow state emerges through relentless repetition and dedication.
When an athlete spends enough time practicing, training, and refining their craft, something changes. Eventually, the conscious mind stops analyzing every movement.
Instead, the athlete simply exists within the action itself. Each repetition feels natural. Each set feels complete. The body and mind become synchronized.
Kai described this experience as difficult to fully explain through words alone. However, he believes one thing is certain:
The state can only be achieved through consistent dedication to the work itself. There are no shortcuts.
Flow is earned through repetition, discipline, and commitment.
Drake or Kendrick Lamar?
When asked to choose between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, Kai offered a different perspective entirely.
Rather than taking sides, he suggested that much of the feud may have functioned as marketing that benefited both artists. As he has gotten older, Kai says he has become increasingly skeptical of celebrity controversies and public drama.
He also pointed out that the debate itself is now several years old. For that reason, he declined to pick a winner and instead treated the discussion as old news.
Wrap Up
This episode of Kai Greene Effect showcased many of the qualities that have made Kai Greene one of bodybuilding’s most compelling voices.
Whether discussing the legacy of Bill Grant, addressing speculation surrounding Chris Bumstead, celebrating New York City’s bodybuilding history, or exploring deeper questions about consciousness and human potential, Kai consistently returned to themes of legacy, discipline, and personal growth.
Perhaps the strongest takeaway came from his reflections on Bill Grant.
A bodybuilder’s influence extends far beyond trophies and stage appearances. Through mentorship, example, and dedication to the craft, individuals can continue inspiring future generations long after their competitive careers end.
For Kai Greene, that may be the ultimate measure of success.
