Mountain Dog may be a solid trainer but he looks like a Palumbo-y POS when on stage himself.
I saw him compete at the Toronto Pro, the same year he competed in the Arnold. He was the leanest and driest on state by far. Looked like a damn block of granite. His shape hurts him a lot on stage, but the guy knows how to get in shape, for sure. I think he got screwed in that show, he should have been a couple places higher. But I think, for him, the most important thing is just getting up on a pro stage and competing with the best after almost dying a few years ago.
I'm a huge fan of John, but I haven't seen any pro he's gotten ready that looked phenomenal. Maybe he relies on training too much? As bad as it sounds, maybe he's not pumping enough drugs into his guys to be competitive...? I mean, I get that he may be counselling them to be healthier and all that, but healthier doesn't make you a better pro bodybuilder. And if you're going for health, then quit the competitive part of this "sport" and train for health/to look good on a beach.