He will never achieve his best physique ever again (that ship has sailed) but if the other competitors come in worse he could still steal a win. If Kai Green comes to the Mr. O in shape Phil can forget it.
I'm sure Kai has been regretting not competing anymore. He really, really wanted that title and it was within reach. If he just kept at it like Jay I think he could have pulled it off. But, who am I? It's a huge sacrifice and commitment in so many ways and Kai is pulling some serious ching so maybe it's time to just enjoy life.
But, he's got to be thinking, "Rhoden? How could have predicted?" When you think of all the greats that have tried and failed and there's Shawn Rhoden standing there with that droopy face holding up the Sandow it's really mind-boggling. Rhoden never dominated the scene. Never had that superstar quality that Flex, Levrone, Dillet, Cormier, Ramy, Kai, Munzer, Nasser, Shawn Ray... the list is endless.
But there he is holding up the Sandow. And considering what was on stage, it was well deserved. I'm sure so many out there now are as inspired and hungry as hell that they too have a very real chance. And unless Rhoden can get some serious arms and back he might just be another Dex.