I really thought that's exactly what would happen, that there was no way he'd actually compete. But I think too many people have called him out on that plan and he pretty much has to compete now. I don't think he could stand having Shawn Ray say "I told you so."
I think Jay is in for a real eye-opener when he gets to about two weeks out and his true physique is starting to come in.
No matter what he looks like though, he will be gifted at least two spots higher than he should be placed. And he knows that as well.
Last year, AFTER the biceps surgery, Jay was VERY clear that he would be back for the O. Then he quietly decided not to a few months before.
This year, there was SO MUCH hype, and he probably thought he could get into shape.
And all the "Jay is coming in smaller and shredded" also messed with him - See, I think that was the ONLY way Jay could compete for a title. I thought that was a GOOD idea.
This "I'm coming in bigger than ever" is nuts. Ramy and Phil and Kai will be bigger than ever too. Jay's ONLY shot to win was to come in DICED in that crazy condition we haven't seen since the 1990s. That was the ONLY way. Being bigger than Ramy? No, will not happen.