It's often been said that Dorian's greatness didn't always get exuded in photos, that you had to see him in person to appreciate how impressive and dense his physique truly was. I believe Shawn is the opposite. Shawn usually looked great in photos, but even on video doesn't look nearly as impressive. Truth be told, he never had a prayer of beating the likes of Haney or Yates. They were in a different league all together.
Shawn had a great career to be sure, and was very consistent, but for a bodybuilder whose goal was allegedly to become Mr. Olympia, he didn't make near significant enough improvements to make such an accomplishment realistic. Genetically, Shawn was outclassed badly by the Wheeler's and Levrone's (and others), and he knew it. Why else would Shawn have resorted to the little games to try throw Flex off of his? The calf implant accusations, etc. For all of Shawn's spouting off, he's insecure and felt he needed to find an edge, even if it meant playing "dirty pool". Not to mention Shawn's constant public carping in the magazines. It was so transparent the way he would always drop comments inferring that his physique should be viewed as the ideal, while at the same time ridiculing the physique's of those that defeated him. How he figured this would win favor with the judging panel, I'll never know.
While I've never met the man, he strikes me as a self serving little two faced backstabber. I suppose those that know him best would have to verify if my impression is truly accurate, or not.
