by Christian Duque
The query of whether or not Nick Walker can win or not is extra a political one than anything. This text would probably fall into the class of an editorial, if magazines have been nonetheless round. Since I write and proof my articles, I don’t assume I’m being too presumptuous by making such an providing. Finally, this text – like lots of my different articles – is essentially framed in opinion. My aim has by no means been to report information. I’ve had news-based exhibits earlier than with StrengthAddicts, IronMag TV, and Muscular Improvement, however these exhibits have been at all times extra about paying the payments than exploring my forte. What I like to do most is have a look at a selected contest and see who’s competing. I really like handicapping exhibits when it’s largely what are known as “2nd and third callout guys.” That’s not an endearing time period, a lot much less an endearing idea. However these are the exhibits which are enjoyable to interrupt down.
In bodybuilding, as with just about any stroll of life, you will have winners and you’ve got losers. In bodybuilding, we’ve got guys calling themselves “2nd place winner” or “High 5 winner.” I’ve even seen guys dangle their hat on being a “High 10 winner” in a contest that had eleven opponents. On the finish of the day, you’re solely a winner, should you received one thing. For those who didn’t win – whether or not you positioned 2nd or twelfth – you misplaced. Now, I don’t wish to name these people losers, but when we’re going to be factual about it, that’s what they’re. Sorry to be so blunt. For those who’re offended, name the Emotions Police.
Right here’s a bombshell for ya… Politics play a serious position. Don’t ever assume they don’t. And in bodybuilding, politics have a means of working their means into controversial choices. Take the 2024 New York Professional. That’s a contest that Nick Walker ought to have taken 2nd in. It was clear as day that Martin Fitzwater had surpassed him. Nonetheless, there was a want to see Walker on the Olympia, and since Fitzwater had already certified by means of the Detroit Professional, it wasn’t make or break for him prefer it was for Nick. The Mutant made his place very clear earlier than doing that present. He sat out the Arnold and he made his one and solely stand at NY. He may as properly have held a join – both I win right here, or that’s it for 2024. And I imagine that that issue was sufficient to tip the scales in his favor. Sarcastically, the NY win served as a wasted qualification as a result of 2024 would mark the second consecutive time that Nick Walker pulled out of the Olympia.
There’s no likelihood Nick would dare pull out of the Pittsburgh. On the one hand as a result of it’s the President’s present. Possibly Nick thinks nothing of screwing over Jake Wooden – twice – however I extremely doubt he’d be so silly as to drag that crap on the Pittsburgh. I’m certain he’s most likely already been aware of a cellphone name or two. If he misses this contest, it had higher be due to an Act of God or one thing completely main as a result of something wanting that may put him in unhealthy standing with the Federation. Secondarily, if Nick doesn’t take the stage at 100% at that, he’ll successfully jeopardize no matter avenue cred he nonetheless has. He misplaced a lot of it together with his second Olympia no-show, however I’ll say that the momentum behind him on his Highway To Pittsburgh is plain. He’s additionally been very lively on social media.
Though the crown for many updates resulting in the Pittsburgh Professional would go to Michael Krizo, Nick Walker has been posting updates fairly repeatedly. He’s somebody that has his personal applications and seems on others, as properly. And though he competed eventually 12 months’s New York Professional, he’s considerably tapping into comeback vibes. I’d disagree with pundits who argue that he by no means left. He most actually did. Earlier than his two Olympia no-shows, Nick was a man who had received the Arnold Basic, narrowly misplaced his title protection in Columbus, however was nonetheless thought of to be an Olympia High 3 shoe-in. Then Martin wiped the ground with him and he took that controversial win. It was controversial then, it’s controversial now, and it’ll be controversial in ten years time.
Has the ‘81 or ‘97 Olympias change into any much less controversial some 30-40 years later? No. If something, extra followers have a look at these choices and surprise if Ray Charles or Helen Keller have been the pinnacle judges. The very fact of the matter is that controversial placings are simply that. And I see Nick hanging his hat on that win much less and fewer. I’d think about he’s most likely embarrassed that his hand was held excessive. He bought his ass handed to him and I’m certain he needs payback. That stated, this isn’t a Nick vs Martin rematch. This Nick vs Derek. This must be Nick vs Derek. And a type of two has to win.
The issue is, if Nick bests Derek in Pittsburgh, that’s going to make Columbus appear to be luck. If Derek beats Samson three months after the O, however then loses to Nick Walker, then Derek’s inventory will plummet. How many individuals journey over themselves to go stand subsequent to Samson in April or Might 2025? I don’t assume many. Samson bought his ass handed to him on the Arnold. He actually miscalculated by doing that present. Equally so, Derek miscalculated by insisting upon doing the Pittsburgh Professional. This has Nick Walker written throughout it. I imply Pittsburgh is a spot that likes him, the place he turned professional by profitable the North People, and the place everybody will probably be anticipating his return to greatness!
However what about Martin? Who? There is no such thing as a what about Martin – or – what about anybody else. There’s no room for BigVito, Krizo, or William Bonac. You watch – you’ll see. It’ll be Nick and Derek right down to the wire. It must be. There’s not going to be every other High 2. The query is, will they wish to do Derek soiled, or is the necessity to have Nick on the Olympia nice sufficient? That stated, it appears Nick can also be doing the NY Professional, so greater than probably Derek will win in Pittsburgh and Nick will qualify in NY. Then once more, possibly Nick upsets the apple cart, however I extremely doubt it. Confused, but? I do know I’m. That stated, I’d be ABSOLUTELY SHOCKED in the event that they let Martin or anybody else win. I feel there are higher possibilities I’ll regrow my hair (WITHOUT GOING FOR THAT TREATMENT IN TURKEY, LOL).
Sorry to jot down in all caps. I had a Gregg Valentino second, there. I needed to talk on to you, so I wanted to get your consideration. ALL CAPS have that energy. In any occasion, who do you will have profitable the 2025 Pittsburgh Professional? Do you agree or disagree with my take relating to the presence of politics?
I hope you loved studying my article, right here, at IronMag. I look ahead to studying your suggestions within the feedback. As at all times, please you’ll want to copy and paste a hyperlink to this text on all of your social media feeds. It can undoubtedly generate some vigorous dialog!