Netflix released a new documentary featuring Liver King – and reveal more dishonesty in his past
The latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosted by Victor Martinez tackled everything from bodybuilding tattoos and PEDs to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s upcoming transformation, the Liver King’s new documentary, and whether bodybuilding could ever get its own “Rocky”-style movie.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Do heavily tattooed bodybuilders have no chance to win a major pro bodybuilding competition?
- The do’s and don’ts of Masteron, Tren, & Testosterone.
- Victor Martinez reacts to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s transformation for The Smashing Machine.
- The Liver King has a documentary on Netflix – is it any good?
- Could the sport of bodybuilding get it’s own Rocky underdog story feature film?
- Ramon Dino’s potential move to Men’s Open division – good or bad idea?
- Victor reacts to 19-year-old bodybuilding phenom Albertus Krinickis.
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a more in-depth review of the discussion. Let’s dive in!
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Fan Question: Do Tattoos Hurt a Bodybuilder’s Chances on Stage?
The question came straight from the fans: If a bodybuilder is heavily tattooed, do they need to be in significantly better condition just to be judged fairly?
Victor Martinez was the first to weigh in. He made it clear — tattoos won’t automatically disqualify you from placing well. He referenced Dorian Yates, a six-time Mr. Olympia who had tattoos and still dominated the sport. But there’s a catch: Yates’ tattoos were strategically placed. He didn’t have full sleeves or extensive ink covering his torso. That’s the difference.
According to Victor and Ehsan, heavily tattooed competitors do face a disadvantage. Tattoos obscure muscle definition, especially under stage lighting and with tanning oils applied. This makes it harder for judges to accurately assess conditioning, symmetry, and muscular detail — the core components of competitive bodybuilding.
So, what’s the solution?
Victor speculated that strategically placed tattoos might even enhance a look — perhaps making certain muscle groups stand out more. But full-body ink? That’s another story. It complicates visual assessment and will likely hurt scoring unless the competitor is exceptionally conditioned.
Pro tip from Victor and Ehsan: If you’re passionate about ink and serious about bodybuilding, stick to the forearms. It’s the safest spot where tattoos won’t interfere with your physique on stage.
Fan Question: Should You Use More Masteron and Tren Than Testosterone?
This next question dives into performance-enhancing drug (PED) territory — a topic the Generation Iron crew doesn’t shy away from.
The fan wanted to know if, when stacking Masteron, Trenbolone, and Testosterone, it’s better to keep test lower than the other two compounds.
Victor Martinez was quick to start with a bold statement: “Don’t use Tren. It’s just not worth it.” He’s held that stance for years. The side effects and long-term health risks of Trenbolone often outweigh any short-term gains.
However, for those who choose to use this stack anyway, Victor confirmed that keeping Testosterone at a lower dose than Masteron and Tren is a common strategy. The rationale? Minimize estrogenic side effects and water retention, which can soften a competitor’s look.
That said, everyone’s physiology is different. What works for one person may not work for another. The podcast crew emphasized that PED use is never one-size-fits-all — and without a knowledgeable coach and medical supervision, it’s a dangerous road.
RELATED: Bodybuilders Are Dying: An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
The Rock’s Physique in ‘The Smashing Machine’ — Real Change or Just Marketing?
Next, the crew turned their attention to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and his transformation for his role in the upcoming biopic The Smashing Machine.
Victor Martinez was honest: “The Rock is always jacked.” His physique hasn’t changed dramatically, but he’s added some mass for this particular role. Because he’s already massive and lean, these subtle changes look more dramatic to the public.
Bottom line? It’s not a radical transformation — it’s just The Rock doing what he’s always done: staying photo-ready and stage-fit at all times.
Liver King: Fraud, Fame, and the Netflix Documentary
The recent Netflix documentary on Liver King was another hot topic.
Victor Martinez didn’t mince words: “Even when he was a thing, I didn’t understand why he was a thing.” He’s still baffled by the influencer’s popularity, even before the steroid scandal broke.
The doc dives deep into Liver King’s shady past — including counterfeiting, shoplifting, and drug dealing. Victor and the team were quick to differentiate his case from others like The Rock or Mike O’Hearn, who have both been accused of steroid use.
What’s the difference? Liver King profited by selling supplements under the false pretense that his physique was natural and could be replicated by using his products. That crosses the line from speculation into fraud.
As Victor put it – If The Rock wants to lie about steroids, that’s his personal business. But he’s not telling people they’ll look like him if they buy something.
Could Bodybuilding Ever Get Its Own “Rocky”?
Vlad posed an interesting question: Can bodybuilding have an inspirational underdog story like “Rocky”?
Victor Martinez thinks the story potential is there, but bodybuilding’s steroid stigma makes it a tough sell for mainstream audiences. No matter how heroic or uplifting the story, the moment the public sees a jacked physique, the first thought is: steroids.
Ehsan added a historical perspective. When Rocky came out in 1976, boxing was already a massive sport with cultural significance. Bodybuilding has never had that level of mainstream credibility, making it difficult for an emotional, feel-good blockbuster to gain traction.
Still, the crew agreed that with the right script and talent, it could happen — it just hasn’t yet.
Ramon Dino to Men’s Open? Good or Bad Idea?
Another hot topic: Classic Physique standout Ramon Dino may be considering a jump to Men’s Open.
Victor Martinez believes he should hold off — at least for one more Olympia season. With Chris Bumstead stepping away from competition, Ramon has a real shot at taking the Classic title.
Ehsan disagrees with the move entirely. He thinks Ramon’s structure and proportions don’t support the kind of mass needed to succeed in Men’s Open. According to him, Ramon risks losing his aesthetic edge by chasing size.
Verdict from the hosts: Stay in Classic and win the title while the lane is open.
Rising Star: Albertus Krinickis Turns Heads at 19
The episode wrapped up with a spotlight on Albertus Krinickis, the 19-year-old German bodybuilder who’s drawing serious attention.
Ehsan praised his physique as being tailor-made for Men’s Open — comparing him to a young Keone Pearson. He’s got the mass, symmetry, and potential to climb the ranks quickly.
Victor agreed but advised a measured approach: Start in Classic, build experience, and transition to Men’s Open once the foundation is solid. That’s the blueprint Keone Pearson followed, and it paid off.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast highlighted the real challenges and opportunities in bodybuilding — from aesthetics and strategy to ethics and media perception. Whether it’s navigating the world of PEDs, understanding the impact of tattoos on competition, or imagining the future of the sport, Victor Martinez and the team continue to offer raw, unfiltered insight backed by years of experience.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And make sure to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
