Yes, I was aware that Joe worked with Flex. That was the reason behind my comment of "After placing second to Flex at the USA, I know for certain that is why Duffy contacted Joe". Again I said I assumed you had done the same knowing that Joe trained Flex.
Regarding that show, I do have the video of it. In my opinion, it was Flex and then everyone else. The emcee makes no mention of it being a single point decision whatsoever. I'm sure if I pressed the issue I could get JM to dig up the scoresheets and provide a fax. Regardless, you both looked great but on that day it was Flex head and shoulders above the rest (his competitive career as a whole should help that understanding be clearer).
Also, wasn't there a big stink by some current professionals at the time when the NPC News mag came out with Flex winning the USA? I believe the headline on the cover stated "Flex Wheeler's Win Makes Pros Shudder", or something along those lines. I guess some of the more "sensitive" pros thought that was a disrespectful comment. Unfortunately, their argument held water for only about 12 weeks until Flex's 4 straight win streak began at the IronMan in Feb of '93.
Irrespective of all of this, yes, a "best-ever" comeback would certainly be in order here. I have a feeling that maybe if you pressed Joe a little bit more, you may be able to turn the tide slightly. 
If not, I know of a "Plan B" that would definitely be in your best interests.
To clear the air on the statement that you made in regards to Flex's competitve career as a whole should help the understanding be clearer. A bit of info about me that maybe you didn't know. Bodybuilding was never the vehicle that I used to keep food on my table. Mainly, the sport has been a hobby that I enjoyed. I have always, and will always have other things going on outside of the sport that I can depend on. With this sport,
you're hot today, you're not tomorrow When I obtained my pro card, I was very naive in the way things were done in our sport. I didn't know that you had to nurture certain relationships, be scene in certain places, and do who knows what in order to make it. I actually believed that if an athlete represented a company, that he actually used their products(imagine my surprise when reality set in). I thought that it was all based on who worked the hardest, not who had access to the largest chemistry set or who you knew that could help you get where you wanted to go. I hope that you can get a clearer understanding of where I'm coming from. If I had have played the geme, the way that the game is played, there wouldn't be such a vast difference in our careers. Not offended by your statements, I just realize that unless you actually step foot on that stage and see what the guys go through, you can never really understand. I have been on both ends of the spectrum, so, I'm sure that I have a much clearer picture than you do.
