Everybody has the best to their opinion. And I wish to make sure you give SSR his flowers. The man is a bodybuilding legend, and I occur to love and respect him. That stated, 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 might use it “responsibly” like different legends and preserve his ideas to himself, or, he could possibly be vocal. Along with being a legend for what he did on stage, Shawn can be a legend for what he’s executed 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 provided up some unsolicited recommendation, however regardless of the context could 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 trying to merely rain on the man’s parade? I don’t suppose so. I feel the older guys simply come out with it. I don’t suppose Ray was making an attempt to be detrimental, reasonably, in his purview it’d 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 do you have to? It was that when an individual received their card on the USA’s or Nationals, they’d take a full yr (minimal) earlier than making that essential professional debut. I might see the place Shawn is utilizing the identical logic. And if that’s the case, there’s nothing detrimental about it. If something, he’s looking for Eriya, and that’s cool. In the end, 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 making an attempt 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 purpose that anybody who takes 2nd at a professional present, most likely had at the very least a decide or two who thought he ought to have received. 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’ll be able to compete on the perfect stage on the planet? I feel 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 imagine the runner-up finishes from final yr show the simple starvation this athlete has.
Each professional who competes in a professional present, does so as a result of they wish to compete on the Olympia. Quinton missed the qualification 4 occasions 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 whole lot of issues, and surprising is what got here to thoughts, first. It’s like Fouad Abiad surmised. You possibly can’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 could possibly 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 could possibly be on their manner into the High 6. That’s a no brainer for Dauda and Jacked, however think about having Krizo and Beastwood within the combine as properly. Derek and Hadi would appear like their youngsters. 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 wish y’all to really feel huge, too. It’s the least we might do. However right here’s the deal, I don’t care how broad and freaky a half-pint can get, if a tall man comes equally prepared, I feel most individuals will favor the taller guys. Why? As a result of peak equates to stature and energy. Possibly as a tall individual, I’m biased, however what seems extra highly effective? Somebody brief and jacked or somebody tall and jacked?
PLUS, it’s not nearly peak, alone. Let’s not overlook AESTHETICS, FLOW, and SYMMETRY. These are areas the place guys like Quinton excel. CONDITION can be essential. I feel Eriya got here in dialed in for Toronto, however he might nonetheless are available in tighter. That is the one space the place he would possibly want somewhat extra work for the O – offered it’s wholesome for him to take action. Well being is wealth (no cap). One different issue that for my part isn’t as necessary, 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 suppose I simply don’t perceive. Would you like him to be even higher for his professional debut? I suppose 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 received’t then compete on the Olympia stage. I feel each promoter who presents an IFBB PRO LEAGUE sanctioned professional present needs the winner of their contest to compete on the Olympia. It’s about bragging rights; it’s concerning the RESPECT. “Think about a competitor profitable a professional present, qualifying for the O, after which profitable stated title. Everybody – together with the promoter of the present the place the individual certified – can be by the moon.
It’s additionally good for the OLYMPIA WEEKEND. You’ve received a man who tried so exhausting in 2025, then strategically picked his hometown present for 2026, received 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 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, undecided what the issue is.
As all the time, 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 look ahead to studying your suggestions within the feedback. Please copy and paste a hyperlink to this text on all of your social media feeds.
As all the time, I go away the final phrase to you, the loyal readers of IronMag. Do you agree with Shawn? Do you agree with me? I look ahead to studying your suggestions within the feedback. As all the time, please copy and paste a hyperlink to this text for all of your social media feeds. It’s certain to generate full of life dialog.
Writer Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the proprietor of StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and power web site based in 2008. He has labored for a variety of bodybuilding web sites, together with RX Muscle and Muscular Improvement. Christian has written practically 1,000 printed 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 regulation, immigration, and prison protection.
