Everybody has the proper to their opinion. And I need to remember to give SSR his flowers. The man is a bodybuilding legend, and I occur to love and respect him. That mentioned, he’s very outspoken and he’s lived lengthy sufficient (in life and particularly on this trade) to know that his phrase carries weight. He may use it “responsibly” like different legends and preserve his ideas to himself, or, he might be vocal. Along with being a legend for what he did on stage, Shawn can also be a legend for what he’s accomplished as a media powerhouse. From key posts at MD to Digital Muscle to the Olympia Weekend, Shawn’s voice carries much more weight. I don’t know if Quinton sought out Shawn’s counsel or if Shawn simply supplied up some unsolicited recommendation, however regardless of the context might have been, it’s gone viral.
It hasn’t even been every week since Beastwood’s first professional win. So, what’s Shawn’s motivation? Is he seeking to merely rain on the man’s parade? I don’t suppose so. I believe the older guys simply come out with it. I don’t suppose Ray was attempting to be damaging, somewhat, in his purview it would make extra sense to attend, enhance, after which compete. It’s form of like getting your professional card. You COULD get your professional card and instantly do a PRO SHOW, however must you? It was once that when an individual gained their card on the USA’s or Nationals, they’d take a full yr (minimal) earlier than making that essential professional debut. I may see the place Shawn is utilizing the identical logic. And if that’s the case, there’s nothing damaging about it. If something, he’s searching for Eriya, and that’s cool. Finally, Shawn is simply expressing his opinion.
And right here’s my opinion. I disagree with “Sugar” Shawn Ray. For me, Quinton didn’t simply stumble into a professional present and have a fortunate day. I don’t suppose Shawn is attempting to take something away from the Toronto win, however this wasn’t Beastwood’s first present is all I’m saying. He had one thing like 4 runner-up finishes in 2025 alone and the man simply stored coming again. HE JUST KEPT COMING BACK! And he’d come again higher. That caught my eye. And it stands to motive that anybody who takes 2nd at a professional present, in all probability had a minimum of a choose or two who thought he ought to have gained. The best way that I take a look at 2nd place is the way in which I take a look at a boxing match with a cut up determination. I imply, that’s just about what it’s, proper? So, would we be having this dialog if we are saying two of these 2nd’s final yr had been wins? In different phrases, what’s the magic variety of wins earlier than you possibly can compete on the perfect stage on the planet? I believe Quinton has greater than ample stage expertise and can be very a lot at dwelling on the Olympia state. I additionally suppose he’s greater than certified. The 2026 Toronto win is what is going to get him there, however I consider the runner-up finishes from final yr show the plain starvation this athlete has.
Each professional who competes in a professional present, does so as a result of they need to compete on the Olympia. Quinton missed the qualification 4 instances in 2025. That’s brutal. I can’t even think about what that does to an individual psychologically talking. And when he qualifies – a bodybuilding legend publicly advises him to not do the O. That’s surprising. I imply, it’s a variety of issues, and surprising is what got here to thoughts, first. It’s like Fouad Abiad surmised. You may’t ignore Shawn and his phrases carry weight however think about poor Quinton having to learn that. It’s AWKWARD AF to say the least!
For me, Quinton is a part of a crew of tall bodybuilders who’re actually making their presence felt. This might be what so many people expect to be a altering of the guard. Whereas Derek is speaking about his dominance and Hadi trains to regain his title, muscular giants like Samson, Andrew, Krizo and Beastwood might be on their means into the High 6. That’s a no brainer for Dauda and Jacked, however think about having Krizo and Beastwood within the combine as nicely. Derek and Hadi would appear to be their kids. 4 giants and two small-fries. What a sight that might be!!
I’m sorry to our vertically challenged readers, however bodybuilding isn’t a brief man’s sport. Us tall folks simply play together with that as a result of we would like y’all to really feel massive, too. It’s the least we may do. However right here’s the deal, I don’t care how vast and freaky a half-pint can get, if a tall man comes equally prepared, I believe most individuals will favor the taller guys. Why? As a result of peak equates to stature and energy. Possibly as a tall particular person, I’m biased, however what seems extra highly effective? Somebody quick and jacked or somebody tall and jacked?
PLUS, it’s not nearly peak, alone. Let’s not neglect AESTHETICS, FLOW, and SYMMETRY. These are areas the place guys like Quinton excel. CONDITION can also be essential. I believe Eriya got here in dialed in for Toronto, however he may nonetheless are available in tighter. That is the one space the place he may want somewhat extra work for the O – supplied it’s wholesome for him to take action. Well being is wealth (no cap). One different issue that for my part isn’t as essential, however does promote tickets and protein powder, is SIZE. And QUINTON HAS SIZE after which some! So, what or why ought to he not compete on the Olympia?
I assume I simply don’t perceive. Would you like him to be even higher for his professional debut? I assume that’s honest, however he’s 31 years of age and appears spectacular!! And he’ll get higher, however why can’t he evolve over a few years competing on the O? He’s a professional bodybuilder who certified at a tricky present in his hometown. I additionally suppose that it does the Toronto Supershow and the nation of Canada a little bit of a disservice if the man who wins their most prestigious professional title gained’t then compete on the Olympia stage. I believe each promoter who presents an IFBB PRO LEAGUE sanctioned professional present desires the winner of their contest to compete on the Olympia. It’s about bragging rights; it’s concerning the RESPECT. “Think about a competitor successful a professional present, qualifying for the O, after which successful mentioned title. Everybody – together with the promoter of the present the place the particular person certified – can be by means of the moon.
It’s additionally good for the OLYMPIA WEEKEND. You’ve acquired a man who tried so onerous in 2025, then strategically picked his hometown present for 2026, gained it commandingly and went viral within the course of. And now he’s NOT going to do the Olympia? WTF? YOU WANT POPULAR COMPETITORS TO COMPETE. That interprets to extra asses in seats, ft on the expo, and PPV gross sales.
I really like ya, Shawn, however I couldn’t disagree extra with you about Quinton doing the 2026 Olympia. Everybody wins if he does. Quinton wins by being an Olympian , his sponsors win, the Toronto Supershow wins, the Olympia and the followers win. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? He has the physique, he’ll be dialed in, unsure what the issue is.
As at all times, I go away the final opinion for you, the loyal readers of IronMag. Do you agree with “Sugar” Shawn Ray, or, do you agree with me? I sit up for studying your suggestions within the feedback. Please copy and paste a hyperlink to this text on all of your social media feeds.
As at all times, I go away the final phrase to you, the loyal readers of IronMag. Do you agree with Shawn? Do you agree with me? I sit up for studying your suggestions within the feedback. As at all times, please copy and paste a hyperlink to this text for all of your social media feeds. It’s sure to generate energetic dialog.
Creator Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the proprietor of StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and power web site based in 2008. He has labored for quite a few bodybuilding web sites, together with RX Muscle and Muscular Improvement. Christian has written almost 1,000 revealed articles for IronMag Weblog, in addition to articles for StrengthAddicts, RX Muscle, and others. By day, he’s additionally a licensed legal professional working towards within the areas of household legislation, immigration, and prison protection.
