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Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: MCWAY on June 06, 2025, 06:07:24 PM

Title: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 06, 2025, 06:07:24 PM
Now that Getbig is back, it's back to posting more classic videos. While Dorian Yates (circa 1993) is deemed to have officially ushered in the era of the "mass monster", there were a few guys in the early 90s who helped paved the way.

Among them, I would suggest, is none other than World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Stardom.

Here he is, guest-posing at FIBO shortly before or after winning his first championship.


Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 06, 2025, 09:42:45 PM
Strydom looked better than Yates. Better arms, smaller waist, taller, more personality and Gary smiled a lot. Dorain never did, he always looked like a zombie on stage.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 06, 2025, 11:51:11 PM
Strydom looked better than Yates. Better arms, smaller waist, taller, more personality and Gary smiled a lot. Dorain never did, he always looked like a zombie on stage.
Strydom looked great from the front but became The Invisible Man when he turned around.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 07, 2025, 04:41:52 AM
gary strydom had a great look he was smart he took the wbf money, he made more in three years from the wbf than yates did his entire olympia run with the weiders
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: illuminati on June 07, 2025, 05:31:17 AM
Now that Getbig is back, it's back to posting more classic videos. While Dorian Yates (circa 1993) is deemed to have officially ushered in the era of the "mass monster", there were a few guys in the early 90s who helped paved the way.

Among them, I would suggest, is none other than World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Stardom.

Here he is, guest-posing at FIBO shortly before or after winning his first championship.





Gary Like Paul Dillett was a potential Mr O winner from the front
& a also ran finisher from the back.

Better Than Dorian Ha, ha ha  ;D  :D ;D  Nope.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: wes on June 07, 2025, 05:34:45 AM
Crazee Wear Of Peace   ;D
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: galain on June 07, 2025, 06:09:01 AM
Strydom was really really good. I think he brought his back up a lot toward the end of his career.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Donny on June 07, 2025, 06:42:53 AM

Gary Like Paul Dillett was a potential Mr O winner from the front
& a also ran finisher from the back.

Better Than Dorian Ha, ha ha  ;D  :D ;D  Nope.

yes his back was nothing like Dorian´s  :) Dorian was the King !
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: IroNat on June 07, 2025, 07:56:35 AM
"Gee Dad, he's big..."

(https://64.media.tumblr.com/6e08d5600db4ab0e54fa6d90ee1d1044/fd89e66a433ce14d-75/s400x600/0014a5a1fc4c823aae9c06ae7456288f3fad96bc.gif)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 07, 2025, 10:49:42 AM

Gary Like Paul Dillett was a potential Mr O winner from the front
& a also ran finisher from the back.

Better Than Dorian Ha, ha ha  ;D  :D ;D  Nope.

I made no such claim. I said that he was one of the "mass monsters" that precedes Yates. His 1991 physique was gigantic.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 07, 2025, 03:03:52 PM
had the best chest delt combo  i have seen
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: njflex on June 07, 2025, 03:07:18 PM
had the best chest delt combo  i have seen
Add traps and quads as well insane,and had good arms.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 07, 2025, 03:09:14 PM
Add traps and quads as well insane,and had good arms.

i liked his look myself one of my favorites. 
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: njflex on June 07, 2025, 03:17:04 PM
i liked his look myself one of my favorites.
If he had stayed in the IFB be, he would’ve won a lot of small shows easily and I think once the Olympia hit the 92, 9394 seasons, if he didn’t come in super sharp, he probably would’ve been a top five at the best, he had the kind of genes his muscle was just round and ffull on top and quads he didn’t need to diet himself to death to look good the size of him alone carry him. I just think Haney and Yates had to much combination of everything that would’ve kept him back but otherwise the guy was outstanding
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 07, 2025, 03:37:45 PM
If he had stayed in the IFB be, he would’ve won a lot of small shows easily and I think once the Olympia hit the 92, 9394 seasons, if he didn’t come in super sharp, he probably would’ve been a top five at the best, he had the kind of genes his muscle was just round and ffull on top and quads he didn’t need to diet himself to death to look good the size of him alone carry him. I just think Haney and Yates had to much combination of everything that would’ve kept him back but otherwise the guy was outstanding

totally agree,  he would have had to come in better condition in that era he definately had the structure to win. a buddy of mine who was in the industry at that time told me between his wbf contract and crazee wear money he was the highest earning guy  in the industry.

i remember shawn mooney who worked for the wwf  at that time said on his podcast gary was getting 400k per year  from the wbf  that was way more than any other pro was making in the ifbb at that time.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Irongrip400 on June 07, 2025, 05:22:22 PM
Strydom looked great from the front but became The Invisible Man when he turned around.


I’m not sure why the back trumps the other muscle groups, when it’s the only weak part. Dorian looked bad by the end, and because of his back he kept winning.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 07, 2025, 06:08:15 PM
totally agree,  he would have had to come in better condition in that era he definately had the structure to win. a buddy of mine who was in the industry at that time told me between his wbf contract and crazee wear money he was the highest earning guy  in the industry.

i remember shawn mooney who worked for the wwf  at that time said on his podcast gary was getting 400k per year  from the wbf  that was way more than any other pro was making in the ifbb at that time.


$400K per year in salary plus $100K for winning the WBF title means Strydom was making at least $500K per year way back in 1991.

Haney won $60K for winning the 1990 Olympia and $80K for his victory in 1991. His Twinlab contract sure wasn't paying him $400K and neither did his previous Weider contract.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 07, 2025, 06:10:38 PM
gary strydom had a great look he was smart he took the wbf money, he made more in three years from the wbf than yates did his entire olympia run with the weiders

Shawn Ray said he seriously considered jumping ship, until he learned that his training partner (Troy Zuccolotto, 1989 NPC Nationals Champion, who had yet to compete as a pro) was offered $275K per year; while Ray was only offered $225K a year, coming off his 3rd-place finish at the 1990 Olympia.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: jude2 on June 07, 2025, 06:11:13 PM
Strydom looked great from the front but became The Invisible Man when he turned around.
He was  badass from the front.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: BayGBM on June 07, 2025, 06:15:59 PM
totally agree,  he would have had to come in better condition in that era he definately had the structure to win. a buddy of mine who was in the industry at that time told me between his wbf contract and crazee wear money he was the highest earning guy  in the industry.

i remember shawn mooney who worked for the wwf  at that time said on his podcast gary was getting 400k per year  from the wbf  that was way more than any other pro was making in the ifbb at that time.

Good for him.  At least he is not on gofundme begging the community for donations. ::)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: AbrahamG on June 07, 2025, 06:22:23 PM
Good for him.  At least he is not on gofundme begging the community for donations. ::)

It's been widely reported that Gary was quite friendly with the cock.  Not his own.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 08, 2025, 12:21:51 AM

I’m not sure why the back trumps the other muscle groups, when it’s the only weak part. Dorian looked bad by the end, and because of his back he kept winning.
It is the one body part that seems to separate Olympia winners from contenders.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 08, 2025, 11:36:02 AM

I’m not sure why the back trumps the other muscle groups, when it’s the only weak part. Dorian looked bad by the end, and because of his back he kept winning.

Strydom beat a number of guys in the WBF who had better backs (Mike Quinn, Mike Christian, and especially Tony "the Jetman" Pearson). Pearson had the best back of all the WBF bunch but never made the top 5 there (though some made the case that he should have done so in 1992).
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: beakdoctor on June 08, 2025, 01:23:35 PM
Strydom looked great from the front but became The Invisible Man when he turned around.

That's always been the knock against him. Like Nasser or Dillet, weak back. But Dorian was more than just a better back. It was his size and density. Even in 1994 and 1997, when he was off and injured, his size and density gave him a certain look the others didn't have.

Personally, I'd rather have a Mr.Olympia who looks like the winner from the front. A great back is impressive, it seems to emphasize the difference in size and conditioning moreso than other body parts but who would you rather look like Gary 1992? Or Dorian, any year?

Unfortunately all those WBF guys relegated themselves to sideshow status. Their careers were over the minute they signed with the WBF. The smart ones used their WBF money wisely and seemingly did well in life.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: beakdoctor on June 08, 2025, 01:31:47 PM
Strydom beat a number of guys in the WBF who had better backs (Mike Quinn, Mike Christian, and especially Tony "the Jetman" Pearson). Pearson had the best back of all the WBF bunch but never made the top 5 there (though some made the case that he should have done so in 1992).

Christian and Strydom were very close competitively.  Always splitting those Grand Prix shows. Christian probably looked his absolute best at the drug tested Mr Olympia and got shafted in the final placing. Strydom was wider but Mike had the better back. Mike's legs were always a bit too small as well.

The WBF only had 2 shows but it changed bodybuilding forever,  for better and for worse.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 08, 2025, 02:23:52 PM
Christian and Strydom were very close competitively.  Always splitting those Grand Prix shows. Christian probably looked his absolute best at the drug tested Mr Olympia and got shafted in the final placing. Strydom was wider but Mike had the better back. Mike's legs were always a bit too small as well.

The WBF only had 2 shows but it changed bodybuilding forever,  for better and for worse.

Indeed! Christian placed 2nd to Strydom at the 1991 WBF Championship. After the drug testing started, I said Christian looked like a crackhead at the 1992 show (not knowing how right I actually was at the time). Then, Jim Quinn was hyped as the only guy who could challenge Strydom. Quinn could match size-wise; but he was too blocky and Strydom beat him.

Quinn was also a pre-Yates mass monster. I liken him to a giant Rich Gaspari. But, Strydom's size and shape was more mind-blowing.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: njflex on June 08, 2025, 05:33:37 PM
If you think about it, some of the newer pros that went to WBF like Aaron, Baker and David dearth looked good in those shows, and then went on to do better again when they went back to IFBb, Eddie Robinson after his contract was up and he was drug tested during those years by Ico pro, he did well in like 96 to 97 season came back looking as big as ever and in great shape and some of those shows. The May never recovered Azucar Lado competed but didn’t do anything either he couldn’t hang with those I have BB pros by then.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 08, 2025, 07:08:17 PM
If you think about it, some of the newer pros that went to WBF like Aaron, Baker and David dearth looked good in those shows, and then went on to do better again when they went back to IFBb, Eddie Robinson after his contract was up and he was drug tested during those years by Ico pro, he did well in like 96 to 97 season came back looking as big as ever and in great shape and some of those shows. The May never recovered Azucar Lado competed but didn’t do anything either he couldn’t hang with those I have BB pros by then.

Baker was never in the IFBB prior to joining the WBF; so why he got punished is absurd. Same goes for Jim Quinn and Troy Zuccolotto.

Baker claimed that, unlike some WBF guys, he did not follow Dipasquale's anabolic diet and credited that for his 3rd-place finish at the 1992 show. Plus, he was tested at the 1990 USA when he turned pro. So having to train for a show drug-free wasn't an issue for him. The 1990 North American Championship was also drug-tested when Jim Quinn won it. He claimed he simply had size to spare at 300 in the off-season. So, the testing didn't bother him either; he lost some weight but was still pretty big.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: kreator on June 08, 2025, 09:07:38 PM
The schmoes were probably hosed down with cold water after his showing. They really got fired up
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 08, 2025, 10:19:42 PM
Strydom kept in better shape than 99% of all bodybuilding pro's
He was 47 years old in this photo

(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/47/e4/b0/47e4b0a7a82efbee93da2f4ba6c25303.jpg)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 08, 2025, 10:21:02 PM
Promotional photos I think from 1982

(https://www.betterbodies1982.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/19231-670x486.jpg)

(https://www.betterbodies1982.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/19291.jpg)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: French on June 09, 2025, 12:52:26 AM
 8)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: falco on June 09, 2025, 03:27:10 AM
(https://www.greatestphysiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Gary-Strydom.10.jpg)
(https://www.greatestphysiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Gary-Strydom.09.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/AmUw6HUz94CIa0LxMNjRF11i3Ckk-88bwGxlPXqr97ytoz5LoBxDPZI8WIjuAWmj64KbkoeNC345rweBB_nkfb3Wwl2wO8pxwnqR6prupJ7sYtWvACD-5GunWx6Y8BtHFbHmgXMn8dwWtoc)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 09, 2025, 03:56:58 AM
Strydom kept in better shape than 99% of all bodybuilding pro's
He was 47 years old in this photo

(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/47/e4/b0/47e4b0a7a82efbee93da2f4ba6c25303.jpg)

looked way better in his comeback than levrone did
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Rambone on June 09, 2025, 03:58:12 AM
I wonder if Gary would’ve accepted a better back under the condition that he could never wear a hat or a wig ever in his life. This is the stuff that keeps me awake at night.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 09, 2025, 04:34:24 AM
Promotional photos I think from 1982



Not from 82. Gary won the Nationals in 87 and got his hair transplant afterwards around 1988. 1982 is when Brian Moss started Better Bodies
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 09, 2025, 04:41:24 AM

Gary Like Paul Dillett was a potential Mr O winner from the front
& a also ran finisher from the back.

Better Than Dorian Ha, ha ha  ;D  :D ;D  Nope.


Looked fantastic from the front & sides but like you said
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: falco on June 09, 2025, 04:42:39 AM
Promotional photos I think from 1982

(https://www.betterbodies1982.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/19231-670x486.jpg)

(https://www.betterbodies1982.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/19291.jpg)

Bertil had killer arms.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: wes on June 09, 2025, 05:04:21 AM
Bertil had killer arms.
Literally !!  ;)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 09, 2025, 08:18:37 AM
Promotional photos I think from 1982

(https://www.betterbodies1982.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/19231-670x486.jpg)

(https://www.betterbodies1982.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/19291.jpg)
Who is that monster in the middle? ;D
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 09, 2025, 10:35:08 AM
Who is that monster in the middle? ;D
That's Brian Moss who started Better Bodies gym in NYC he dated Gladys Portuguese   
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 09, 2025, 12:41:20 PM
Gladys Portugues in her prime was worth it:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GJWu1slWoAAfh9y.jpg)

(https://www.the-sun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/06/NINTCHDBPICT000824743063.jpg?w=1240)

Nice daughter too

https://nypost.com/2016/05/08/van-dammes-daughter-is-even-more-badass-than-he-is/
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 09, 2025, 11:54:28 PM
^^^ So hot Van Damme married her twice! :P
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: falco on June 10, 2025, 05:09:34 AM
Who is that monster in the middle? ;D
Their hormone dealer.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 10, 2025, 08:03:34 AM
Their hormone dealer.
That's why they showed him so much love. ;D
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: BB on June 10, 2025, 08:16:49 AM
Who is that monster in the middle? ;D

That's Brian Moss who started Better Bodies gym in NYC he dated Gladys Portuguese   

That dude must've got so much fitness poontang. If you remember those pics (Dettweiler, etc...) that looked like they were shot in a schmoe's basement, that was his later stuff. He also does a lot of the Animal Pak stuff.

https://www.betterbodies1982.com/photos/ .
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 10, 2025, 08:19:06 AM
That dude must've got so much fitness poontang. If you remember those pics (Dettweiler, etc...) that looked like they were shot in a schmoe's basement, that was his later stuff. He also does a lot of the Animal Pak stuff.

https://www.betterbodies1982.com/photos/ .
I actually liked the Animal Pak supps although it was like swallowing horse pills.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 10, 2025, 04:07:52 PM
I actually liked the Animal Pak supps although it was like swallowing horse pills.

they actually worked animal makes good stuff
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 10, 2025, 05:13:27 PM
 :)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 10, 2025, 08:21:38 PM
1991 WBF Posing Routine:



Interview:


Top 5 Posedown (vs. Mike Christian, Jim Quinn, Berry DeMey, and Eddie Robinson).....NEW CHAMPION!!








Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 10, 2025, 08:36:55 PM
1992 WBF posing routine (video half-second ahead of audio):



Top 5 Posedown (vs. David Dearth, Aaron Baker, Jim Quinn, and Berry DeMey)




Post-victory interview (WHOPPER ALERT!!)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: pamith on June 10, 2025, 08:56:47 PM
Great physique, very complete, possibly the best delts ever, yes he was massive
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: michael arvilla on June 10, 2025, 09:26:06 PM
“ very complete?” What about his back? (Horrible)… don’t get me wrong I’m a fan of his physique…… if he had a back he could have been Mr O
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: pamith on June 10, 2025, 10:24:56 PM
It's been widely reported that Gary was quite friendly with the cock.  Not his own.
Bro...
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 11, 2025, 12:12:16 AM
Great physique, very complete, possibly the best delts ever, yes he was massive
Shitty back eliminates his Physique as being complete.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Van_Bilderass on June 11, 2025, 02:38:22 AM
He was a mass monster back then but now you look and he had a middleweight's back. The delts and chest made him look massive but now he looks "boyish" to me.

He was known for his high calorie, extremely high carbohydrate diet which was uncommon at the time.

Later he was known for pushing the GH higher than anyone else at the time(12iu rumored).
Also early user of insulin, "you use it when you need it" (when on high GH).
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: AbrahamG on June 11, 2025, 05:52:51 PM
Bro...

Bet you blew up his FB messenger within 10 minutes.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: AbrahamG on June 11, 2025, 05:54:15 PM
(https://www.greatestphysiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Gary-Strydom.10.jpg)
(https://www.greatestphysiques.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Gary-Strydom.09.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/AmUw6HUz94CIa0LxMNjRF11i3Ckk-88bwGxlPXqr97ytoz5LoBxDPZI8WIjuAWmj64KbkoeNC345rweBB_nkfb3Wwl2wO8pxwnqR6prupJ7sYtWvACD-5GunWx6Y8BtHFbHmgXMn8dwWtoc)

For a second I thought I was looking at Brian WH Hankins, Esq!
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: 1Patrick on June 11, 2025, 06:34:33 PM
Gary is an idiot who sucked Bertil’s dong.

Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Never1AShow on June 11, 2025, 07:18:51 PM
“ very complete?” What about his back? (Horrible)… don’t get me wrong I’m a fan of his physique…… if he had a back he could have been Mr O

I agree weak back, but he looks fucking huge with Bertil right above here.

Ever since we've been back I've been deviled with the concern of what to do if the Board ever goes down again.  Then I see your post Mike and I had an idea.  If it happens again we all rally in the comments of Mike A's Facebook page (with your permission of course).  We need a place for updates and info and comfort in case, God forbid, it ever happens again.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 11, 2025, 10:44:54 PM
His arm - chest development back then was superior to most IFBB pro's in 2025

(https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/culturista-1660037213.jpeg?resize=980:*)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: falco on June 12, 2025, 01:35:49 AM
Great physique, very complete, possibly the best delts ever, yes he was massive

If anything, not complete. His back was very underdeveloped.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Royalty on June 12, 2025, 12:15:06 PM
:)

If Eddie Robinson was a bit drier in 1991, he would’ve been a threat to win that WBF show.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 12, 2025, 01:04:02 PM
If Eddie Robinson was a bit drier in 1991, he would’ve been a threat to win that WBF show.
Eddie was a tank and pretty complete
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Never1AShow on June 12, 2025, 01:25:00 PM
There was no threat. It was as real a show as WWF.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 12, 2025, 03:20:46 PM
gary's chest and delt combo is the best i have seen . it just flowed nicely if he had a good back the dude would have been a multiple mr o, but. he was smart he took the wbf money invested it and never really competed much after that only twice actually.   in fact it was rumored the weiders didnt care if he competed every time they put him on  a magazine cover it sold well.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Royalty on June 12, 2025, 04:56:34 PM
gary's chest and delt combo is the best i have seen . it just flowed nicely if he had a good back the dude would have been a multiple mr o, but. he was smart he took the wbf money invested it and never really competed much after that only twice actually.   in fact it was rumored the weiders didnt care if he competed every time they put him on  a magazine cover it sold well.

Additionally, his quads were enormous and cut
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 12, 2025, 07:54:48 PM
There was no threat. It was as real a show as WWF.

So, they hired former Mr. Universes and Mr. Olympias as judges, just for the heck of it?

Eddie looked great. Strydom was just bigger and more aesthetic. For all the claims about how this show was "rigged", almost NOBODY can make an argument as who should have beaten Strydom and why?

Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 12, 2025, 07:56:01 PM
Eddie was a tank and pretty complete


If Eddie Robinson was a bit drier in 1991, he would’ve been a threat to win that WBF show.

I remember back then, I picked either Robinson or Strydom to win it. When I saw the highlights on WWF Superstars and found out Robinson only got 5th, I was a big miffed. Eddie's a FL guy  ;D

[/quote]
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Never1AShow on June 12, 2025, 09:04:32 PM
So, they hired former Mr. Universes and Mr. Olympias as judges, just for the heck of it?

Eddie looked great. Strydom was just bigger and more aesthetic. For all the claims about how this show was "rigged", almost NOBODY can make an argument as who should have beaten Strydom and why?

Yes, it was all for show.  The Toast of the Town deserved to win and had the best physique, but it was for show.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 12, 2025, 10:12:19 PM
WBF had a great lineup


(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1200,h_600,c_fill,f_jpg,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc104316a-6643-453c-89d5-8aa9cc3fcb22_1200x675.jpeg)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 12, 2025, 10:17:14 PM
Of the guys on that photo Morant, Comerford, Dearth and Mike Quinn are dead
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 13, 2025, 12:40:59 AM

I remember back then, I picked either Robinson or Strydom to win it. When I saw the highlights on WWF Superstars and found out Robinson only got 5th, I was a big miffed. Eddie's a FL guy  ;D


I met him when he was still an Ohio guy. Great guy either place. Started out as a great powerlifter as well.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: galain on June 13, 2025, 03:59:53 AM
Of the guys on that photo Morant, Comerford, Dearth and Mike Quinn are dead

I'm surprised at how much bigger Jim Quinn is than Mike Q. He always seemed a like a wide dude with bad insertions but he looks quite a bit larger than I ever thought he did.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 13, 2025, 04:37:24 AM
I'm surprised at how much bigger Jim Quinn is than Mike Q. He always seemed a like a wide dude with bad insertions but he looks quite a bit larger than I ever thought he did.

Jim is 6'0" 260lbs Mike was 5'8" at his best 204lbs
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Never1AShow on June 13, 2025, 06:37:45 AM
WBF had a great lineup


(https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1200,h_600,c_fill,f_jpg,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep,g_auto/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fc104316a-6643-453c-89d5-8aa9cc3fcb22_1200x675.jpeg)

Amazing lineup, someone post the 1991 or 1992 Mr. Olympia for comparison.

Absolute bad luck, wrong place, wrong time for the WBF.  The beginning of the 30 year slide of America due to the leftists
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 13, 2025, 06:46:10 AM
Amazing lineup, someone post the 1991 or 1992 Mr. Olympia for comparison.

Absolute bad luck, wrong place, wrong time for the WBF.  The beginning of the 30 year slide of America due to the leftists

91 and 92 line-ups were better
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 13, 2025, 06:51:04 AM
 :)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Methyl m1ke on June 13, 2025, 06:54:33 AM
Strydom was a lousy pro, had genetics that wete apparently too good as they robbed him from having any discernable work ethic (gains come too easy syndrome.)
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 13, 2025, 07:09:10 AM
here is a pic of gary from his 06 comeback i thought he looked great here at the age of 46 and had not competed in 10 years
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Van_Bilderass on June 13, 2025, 07:26:59 AM
Amazing lineup, someone post the 1991 or 1992 Mr. Olympia for comparison.

Absolute bad luck, wrong place, wrong time for the WBF.  The beginning of the 30 year slide of America due to the leftists

The new anabolic steroid legislation in '91 killed the WBF. It was just that.

Vince "shit on woman's head" McMahon "had to" start testing the dudes.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 13, 2025, 08:28:04 AM
The new anabolic steroid legislation in '91 killed the WBF. It was just that.

Vince "shit on woman's head" McMahon "had to" start testing the dudes.

van you are right i also remember reading that dr mario pisquali  was having all the competitors do keto as well.  i am not sure if this was after vince was indicted on the roids charges or right before.  Lou ferrigno was supposed to be in that show, in fact vince signed him to a 500 grand per year contract , when lou found out he was going to be drug tested he left.  which makes me wonder how much did the weiders off lou. 500k was alot of money back then even for goofy lou
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 13, 2025, 09:30:46 AM
here is another thing,  when vince first formed the wbf  the wwe was hot, then there business dropped big time. vince at that time did not have big tv contracts the wwe revenue was mainly from house shows and ppv's  around this time they all dropped a ton.  if the wwe had stayed hot then the wbf may have continued on. also the goofy gimmicks he gave the bodybuilders just did not work. but he was paying them way more than those cheap bastards the weiders it was definately better for the body builders, unfortunately the bodybuilders where puninshed buy the weiders when they returned to the wbf getting shitty placings . aaron davis was really fucked over that guy looked great.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: NarcissisticDeity on June 13, 2025, 10:06:28 AM
here is a pic of gary from his 06 comeback i thought he looked great here at the age of 46 and had not competed in 10 years

From the front he still never improved his back
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Van_Bilderass on June 13, 2025, 10:16:25 AM
van you are right i also remember reading that dr mario pisquali  was having all the competitors do keto as well.  i am not sure if this was after vince was indicted on the roids charges or right before.  Lou ferrigno was supposed to be in that show, in fact vince signed him to a 500 grand per year contract , when lou found out he was going to be drug tested he left.  which makes me wonder how much did the weiders off lou. 500k was alot of money back then even for goofy lou

The Anabolic Diet. Five days of high fat, zero carbs. Then 2 days carb load. After some times for the "metabolism to change" it was zero carbs except around training, you would eat like 2K calories from carbs, just before, during and just after. It had some legitimate aspects. Lyle McDonald later perfected it.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 13, 2025, 10:32:09 AM
The Anabolic Diet. Five days of high fat, zero carbs. Then 2 days carb load. After some times for the "metabolism to change" it was zero carbs except around training, you would eat like 2K calories from carbs, just before, during and just after. It had some legitimate aspects. Lyle McDonald later perfected it.


thanks for the clear up i am going to look him up i knew who pisquali was but not mcdonald   i think pisquali was an olympic lifter at one poing in his life
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Van_Bilderass on June 13, 2025, 11:04:09 AM

thanks for the clear up i am going to look him up i knew who pisquali was but not mcdonald   i think pisquali was an olympic lifter at one poing in his life

Lyle's The Ultimate Diet 2.0, you can find the PDF online I'm sure. Duchaine had something similar but then said Lyle's was better.

DiPasquale was an elite powerlifter. He was a PED expert in his time, a legit MD.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Chidoman on June 13, 2025, 07:09:14 PM
Lyle's The Ultimate Diet 2.0, you can find the PDF online I'm sure. Duchaine had something similar but then said Lyle's was better.

DiPasquale was an elite powerlifter. He was a PED expert in his time, a legit MD.

You're probably talking about This masterpiece, which was very well ahead of its time back in '92 when it came out I believe. The man was a genius RIP.

(https://i.ibb.co/bjZyXqK7/download.jpg)

While staying in topic, didn't Gary move to Thailand a while back to be near his Ladyboys?
Last i read somewhere anyways.
Someone might have the scoop on this. Also someone posted a pic of him from a shitbook post being all shriveled up and useless to Us.
Please confirm. ;D
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 13, 2025, 07:09:28 PM
91 and 92 line-ups were better

The 1991 guys had two top-10 Olympia placers from 1990: Christian (4th) and Robinson (10th). Mike Quinn just missed with 11th but he did make the top ten at the O in 1988 (6th) and 1989 (7th).

Two guys qualified for the 1990 O but didn't compete in it: Padilla and Dearth; two competed but got popped on the drug test (DeMey, Comeford).

So, most of those guys were Olympia-caliber. Three were rookies: Baker, J. Quinn, and Zuccolotto.

Of course, the 1992 Olympia lineup was better. They were in a open show and could use whatever anabolics they pleased. The 1992 WBF guys got tested for everything but the kitchen sink.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Never1AShow on June 13, 2025, 10:48:07 PM
The Anabolic Diet. Five days of high fat, zero carbs. Then 2 days carb load. After some times for the "metabolism to change" it was zero carbs except around training, you would eat like 2K calories from carbs, just before, during and just after. It had some legitimate aspects. Lyle McDonald later perfected it.

Pure BroScience horseshit.  Anabolic diet = Gimmick like WBF.  It's all about "just the finishing touch."

Also, I think the legislation didn't matter as much as the culture and some hucksters trying to figure out a way to cash in to a larger mass market and pretending there was a way to do it without the huge amount of drugs required.  Hucksters on all sides, some pretending steroids were certain death within months, some pretending "natural" pro shows would work, some pretending whatever they needed to in order to hype and make money.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Brenda Steunbeer on June 13, 2025, 11:06:07 PM
The 1991 guys had two top-10 Olympia placers from 1990: Christian (4th) and Robinson (10th). Mike Quinn just missed with 11th but he did make the top ten at the O in 1988 (6th) and 1989 (7th).

Two guys qualified for the 1990 O but didn't compete in it: Padilla and Dearth; two competed but got popped on the drug test (DeMey, Comeford).

So, most of those guys were Olympia-caliber. Three were rookies: Baker, J. Quinn, and Zuccolotto.

Of course, the 1992 Olympia lineup was better. They were in a open show and could use whatever anabolics they pleased. The 1992 WBF guys got tested for everything but the kitchen sink.


In 1992 all WBF should have taken their normal PED stack. If all were tested positive, what was McMahon going tot do? He would be left with zero athletes if he cancelled them all
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 14, 2025, 12:34:37 AM
You're probably talking about This masterpiece, which was very well ahead of its time back in '92 when it came out I believe. The man was a genius RIP.

(https://i.ibb.co/bjZyXqK7/download.jpg)

While staying in topic, didn't Gary move to Thailand a while back to be near his Ladyboys?
Last i read somewhere anyways.
Someone might have the scoop on this. Also someone posted a pic of him from a shitbook post being all shriveled up and useless to Us.
Please confirm. ;D
Great book!
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: MCWAY on June 14, 2025, 07:28:50 PM

In 1992 all WBF should have taken their normal PED stack. If all were tested positive, what was McMahon going tot do? He would be left with zero athletes if he cancelled them all

With the feds breathing down his neck, no way was McMahon letting that happen....especially with the wrestlers (who were also getting tested frequently) complaining about the WBF guys and their exorbitant salaries. NO WAY were the WWF guys getting put through the ring while the WBF guys went unscathed.

Some did test positive and got fined a month's salary. Mike Christian got popped and it cost him $25,000.

Mike Quinn, I believe, got nailed too; he kissed about 12 or 13 grand goodbye.

"Major Guns" Eddie Robinson stayed with Titan Sports (now World Wrestling Entertainment) an extra two years as an ICOPRO poster boy, which extended his contract an extra two years. But, he got tested as well and, if he popped positive, he was gone. As he mentioned in a MuscleMag interview, McMahon made it worth his while to remain drug-free.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 15, 2025, 12:12:42 AM
With the feds breathing down his neck, no way was McMahon letting that happen....especially with the wrestlers (who were also getting tested frequently) complaining about the WBF guys and their exorbitant salaries. NO WAY were the WWF guys getting put through the ring while the WBF guys went unscathed.

Some did test positive and got fined a month's salary. Mike Christian got popped and it cost him $25,000.

Mike Quinn, I believe, got nailed too; he kissed about 12 or 13 grand goodbye.

"Major Guns" Eddie Robinson stayed with Titan Sports (now World Wrestling Entertainment) an extra two years as an ICOPRO poster boy, which extended his contract an extra two years. But, he got tested as well and, if he popped positive, he was gone. As he mentioned in a MuscleMag interview, McMahon made it worth his while to remain drug-free.
Eddie Robinson had the genetics to look good even off gear.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Donny on June 15, 2025, 01:53:09 AM
Did anyone on here ever train with Gary?

Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: njflex on June 15, 2025, 05:23:27 AM
You can see even walking from behind how crappy his back was,and what he thinking in 88 he was so small for him why go for that death look.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 15, 2025, 06:40:40 AM
Did anyone on here ever train with Gary?



i would have liked to , i dont think he trained super heavy either. dude had a great look to him.  and compared to these turds today he looked way better
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 15, 2025, 07:12:39 AM
You can see even walking from behind how crappy his back was,and what he thinking in 88 he was so small for him why go for that death look.

nj do you think if had trained his back yates style it would have came up?  other than his shitty back the dude was perfect from the front. he should have trained with mentzer for a few months just to see how he responded . 
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Never1AShow on June 15, 2025, 07:22:42 AM
nj do you think if had trained his back yates style it would have came up?  other than his shitty back the dude was perfect from the front. he should have trained with mentzer for a few months just to see how he responded .

I think he suffered from Big Arms/Shitty back syndrome where the arms do too much of the back work
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: honest on June 15, 2025, 08:20:03 AM
From all reports he trained his back hard just didn't have the genetics there.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: oldschoolfan on June 15, 2025, 09:07:03 AM
From all reports he trained his back hard just didn't have the genetics there.


ha what  a shame the dude had everything the weiders where looking for to, my buddy who was in the business told me when they resigned him in 92 they really didnt care if he competed or not they threw him on magazine covers and they sold well,  he made more money from the wbf than any of those guys weider made in there whole career in that era . he was one of the few smart ones.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: Humble Narcissist on June 16, 2025, 12:21:17 AM
From all reports he trained his back hard just didn't have the genetics there.
That must be torture to have almost perfect genetics for bodybuilding except one big part like back.
Title: Re: Underrated "Mass Monster":World Bodybuilding Federation Champion, Gary Strydom
Post by: illuminati on June 16, 2025, 11:49:15 AM
That must be torture to have almost perfect genetics for bodybuilding except one big part like back.

No more so Than say a national level bodybuilder having the Grit/ Determination
/ Mental attitude & train real hard & consistent year after year & not get
anywhere near the size or physique Gary had, that's the Genetic lottery.