Victor Martinez challenges the historic impact of Joe Weider in bodybuilding
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, host Victor Martinez dives deep into bodybuilding’s most heated discussions. From the state of modern physiques to prize money debates and industry controversies, the episode pulls no punches. Here’s a full recap of what went down. Most notably, Victor Martinez challenges the impact of Joe Weider on bodybuilding and digs deep into the controversies surrounding Bob Cicherillo.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- A fan challenges Victor Martinez’s previous comments that bodybuilding has regressed.
- How to make a fitness comeback after letting loose when you are over 50 years old.
- A deeper dive into bodybuilding prize money and why Victor thinks enough has not been done.
- Reacting to Lee Haney’s latest comments – does he have beef with Dorian Yates?
- Bob Cicherillo takes aim at Regan Grimes… and Regan pushes back.
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more detailed breakdown of this week’s discussion. Let’s dive in!
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Victor Martinez Clarifies “Bodybuilding Has Regressed” Comment
The fan reaction was fierce after Victor Martinez’s recent claim that modern bodybuilding has regressed. Many called it out as “nonsense,” pointing out that today’s bodybuilders are bigger and freakier than ever before, dwarfing legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Victor, in response, clarified his position. His comment wasn’t about disrespecting modern athletes or expressing bitterness. Instead, he emphasized that he still “lives and breathes bodybuilding.” His concern is about depth of quality, especially in the Men’s Open division. While size has undeniably increased, Victor argues that quality isn’t just about mass. It’s about balance, conditioning, and aesthetic structure across the board.
He points to the 1990s as a prime example. Back then, the competitive pool was deeper, and even stepping on stage as a top-tier athlete was a bigger challenge. With the rise of other divisions—like Classic Physique and Men’s Physique—some of that talent has been spread thin, leaving the Men’s Open category less competitive than in its heyday.
Victor concludes that bodybuilding, like every sport, goes through phases. This isn’t permanent regression—it’s evolution with peaks and valleys. But unless the sport generates more income for its athletes, those valleys will deepen.
Fan Question: Fitness Comeback at 55
One fan wrote in with a powerful story: 55 years old, six feet tall, military background, and now dealing with weight gain and sluggishness after years of enjoying barbecue post-retirement. He’s on a mission to cut fat and build muscle—his stubborn areas being his chest and underarms.
Victor responded with a cautious yet strategic approach. First off, he advised against overloading on protein. While protein is essential, too much can lead to fat storage—especially when the body isn’t in high anabolic mode.
Instead, Victor pushed for cardio as the foundation of fat loss, especially for someone with past injuries. But that doesn’t mean boring treadmill sessions. “Hike, swim, bike—do what’s fun. The more you enjoy it, the more consistent you’ll be.”
He also mentioned hormonal health. At 55, it may be worth looking into blood tests, TRT, or peptide therapies, though these should only be pursued after professional medical evaluation. Recovery is possible—it just requires the right blend of movement, moderation, and medical support.
Bodybuilding’s Prize Money Problem
A major theme of this episode was the long-standing issue of prize money in bodybuilding. After Victor previously criticized the lack of financial support for athletes, fans responded in droves.
Some recalled heartbreaking stories—Chris Dickerson, a former Mr. Olympia, reportedly struggled with hospital bills near the end of his life. Others questioned why Pro Card athletes aren’t offered health insurance. And several pointed out that Joe Weider was a businessman—not a philanthropist—who profited greatly from athletes’ sacrifices.
Victor Martinez agreed but flipped the narrative. Without Arnold Schwarzenegger, he said, Weider wouldn’t have blown up the way he did. While Weider helped organize and expand the sport, it was Arnold’s charisma and mass appeal that turned bodybuilding mainstream.
He also called out the disproportionate attention Weider gave to Arnold, leaving many other talented athletes in the shadows. Victor’s main message: If the athletes aren’t paid, the sport won’t thrive.
Vlad floated the idea of a bodybuilding union, but Victor quickly shot it down. He sees it as unrealistic—not just because the industry isn’t profitable enough, but also because bodybuilders are too independent and disconnected to organize at that scale.
Dorian Yates vs. Lee Haney: Is There a Rivalry?
A fresh firestorm was sparked when Lee Haney made dismissive comments about Dorian Yates, criticizing his symmetry and calling his physique “weird.”
Victor offered insight. From his view, Dorian Yates likely didn’t view Haney as a rival. He wasn’t focused on beef—he was focused on training. Known as “The Shadow,” Yates spent months out of the public eye, grinding in silence until showtime.
Victor admits that Haney had superior symmetry, but Yates brought something new: mass. As the “original mass monster,” Yates ushered in a new era that still shapes the Men’s Open division today.
So why the shots from Haney? Possibly because Yates directly succeeded Haney as Mr. Olympia. Perhaps Haney feels the need to define the gap between their styles. Either way, both men changed the game—just in very different ways.
Regan Grimes vs. Bob Cicherillo: A New Beef Brewing?
The final segment of the episode tackled a growing conflict between Bob Cicherillo and Regan Grimes. Bob, known for his role as the voice of Mr. Olympia, suggested Grimes should skip this year’s Olympia due to poor placings.
Grimes clapped back hard on Instagram. “If you qualify for the Olympia, you compete. It’s an honor,” he wrote. Then he threw shade at Bob’s own mediocre Olympia placing during his competitive years.
Vlad posed a sharp question: Is Bob Cicherillo becoming the new Shawn Ray?—a reference to the notorious, unfiltered bodybuilding critic.
Victor Martinez didn’t hold back. “Bob is the voice of bodybuilding—not the truth of bodybuilding.” His opinion is just that—an opinion. And if he’s tearing down active competitors, especially ones he’ll later introduce on stage, that’s a conflict of interest.
Ed disagreed. He believes bodybuilding needs more unfiltered opinions, more drama, and more entertainment. The sport has grown too soft.
Victor partially agreed—yes, controversy can spark interest. But it shouldn’t come from someone in Bob’s position. The job of announcing isn’t just ceremonial—it sets the tone. And punching down on athletes who already aren’t getting paid enough sends the wrong message.
Wrap Up
Victor Martinez closed the podcast with a strong statement. The bodybuilding world is struggling. Prize money is low. Athletes are often broke. Many live under constant pressure, physically and financially.
So when influential voices like Bob Cicherillo start disparaging active competitors, it doesn’t help—it hurts. If bodybuilding is to grow, it needs to stop tearing itself apart from the inside. Unity, respect, and financial investment are the only path forward.
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever you download podcasts.
