"Paying dues" is a term coined by the fans of bodybuilders who just dont cut it at the top level.
If you are good enough and you fit what the judges want then you will win shows.
Lee Haney, Dorian, Arnold, etc
Wolf has basically declined since 07. But his placings has improved.
Same for Kai. Peaked in 09. But his second places came later.
Jay looked better young but got the titles later on.
sure it's comparative to the current field but still. This coined phrase is not out of nothing.
I would love for anyone to be able to come in and win it just by being judged on that day. A no namer. Like the year before was erased from the judges minds.
Maybe.. They all should have masks and not be allowed to talk at any point just to deemohasize the personality aspect.
Why not at least bring in new judges every year? They obviously don't have any special knowledge of judging. They allow guts and seem to have no proportion standards.
But it's ingrained in the sport.. Just like to point this out
