True. If Arnold lost in 80 this would've made him come back next year with a serious prep and destroy the competition. The thing is no one from that era could've stop him if he wanted to win more Olympias.
Yes, your right .Arnold could have gone right up to 1984 barring possible injuries. Fact is he was not driven to go that long. He had no desire to win more than 5
Olympias.
He was convinced to enter the 75 for Pumping Iron which meant exposure for his acting goals. Which proved very beneficial for him
He entered the 1980 not because he wanted another Sandow.
He entered because he wanted to silence Mike Mentzer for his criticism towards Arnold and Joe Weider. Not to mention it would help promote his Conan movie.
I remember this contest well when it happened as well as the aftermath. You did not hear much from Mentzer until he got exposure from his revitalized career in his Heavy Duty years later.
Mike Mentzers claim to fame is his competing in the 1980. Had he not done so nobody would know who he was.
His fans think he should have won because he had a perfect score of 300 prior at a Universe contest
Well Mentzer claimed the system was rigged and corrupt
How do you think his competitors at his 300 score universe felt about that. Was his Universe contest rigged as well?
Or does his narrative only fit when it applies to his losing?
Mike was a weak champion. One whom felt cheated when he thought so highly of himself. He thought he was going to just walk on stage and be guaranteed a win.
Mike in his best condition was not good enough to beat Arnold at his worse.
