Is Wolf vs Rhoden the biggest bodybuilding rivalry no one notices?

When it comes to modern day bodybuilding rivalries, there’s a tendency to focus on Phil Heath and Kai Greene and with good reason. Both men are on the top of their games and are the consensus number one and two in the sport. But there’s another rivalry that seems to be underplayed in the media. One that has a bitter back and forth that twists and turns into a truly exciting story: Shawn Rhoden vs Dennis Wolf.

Rhoden and Wolf are two bodybuilders with massive talent. Both are champions in their own right, though neither of them have ever captured the coveted Olympia title. But their storyline is as intriguing as Kai and Phil’s for one reason: both men seem to trade off on the number three spot. Forget about the same old repetitive patter you see at the top. You know the drill – Phil first and Kai second. Sort of gets boring after a while don’t you think? The real excitement is happening right under them – and right under all of our noses.

At this years Olympia, Shawn Rhoden took the third spot behind Phil and Kai, while Dennis Wolf took fourth place. A week later at the Arnold Classic Europe, with the absence of both Phil and Kai, Dennis Wolf took first place while Shawn was forced into second. The two have alternated first and second place in multiple shows in the past couple of years. While the number one spot is always a goal for any pro athlete, there seems to be an obvious battle going on between these two for the consensus number three in the world. Neither one can get a constant foot hold over the other – and that’s what makes it so exciting.

So who’s winning the overall battle so far? Let’s take a look at some of their common competition history.
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Rhoden vs Wolf Records

2014 IFBB San Marino Pro – Rhoden (1st)* , Wolf (2nd)
2014 IFBB EVLs Prague Pro – Rhoden (3rd), Wolf (1st) *
2014 IFBB Arnold Classic Europe – Rhoden (2nd), Wolf (1st) *
2014 IFBB Olympia Weekend – Rhoden (3rd) *, Wolf (4th)
2014 IFBB Arnold Classic – Rhoden (2nd), Wolf (1st) *
2013 IFBB Arnold Classic Europe – Rhoden (4th), Wolf (3rd) *
2013 IFBB Olympia Weekend – Rhoden (4th), Wolf (3rd) *

It seems that Wolf has the upper hand when it comes to his placement above Rhoden. However, 2014 has seen Rhoden coming in over Wolf in the Olympia and the San Marino Pro. Just like Rhoden’s many battles, this one seems to come down to size vs symmetry. Wolf’s size gives him certain merit as well as his shredded figure and height. Wolf is 5’11”, not particularly tall, but in comparison to most other bodybuilders his height is towering. Rhoden is only an inch shorter, but his size in comparison to Wolf is notable. What he makes up for his size deficiency is his symmetrical definition. Every part of his body is well defined and well proportioned. In the end it’s truly a matter of opinion on which man is superior to the other.

So if you want to get in on the real excitement, take a break from the cries of Kai and Phil for a while. Focus your lasers on when Shawn and Dennis go head to head. You won’t be disappointed.

So who do you think is the true champion in the battle between Flexatron and The Big Bad Wolf? Give us your opinion in the comments below and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.