Ronnie really should just retire after this year, no matter the outcome.
Why? Because if he wins, he'll be #1 in all-time wins and have nothing more to gain. He lost his response to lifting last year, and most likely his body won't have the same reaction- look at his "half a back" and "lack of triceps" last year.
If he finishes anywhere besides 1st, he'll have more and more trouble coming back-especially given the points above in regards to his body failing him.
Really, this is should be his last year no matter the outcome. I'd like to see Ronnie comeback, in his 99 form or even '05 shape. But if you look at the history of BBer's, once most people lose that response, it's gone.
Nothing to gain? How about renewing his huge BSN contract? And how about prize money?
First place: $155,000. Second: $90,000. Third: 60,000. Fourth: $48,000. Fifth: $38,000. Sixth: $30,000. Seventh: $18,000. Eighth: $17,000. Ninth: $16,000. Tenth: $14,000. Eleventh and lower: $4,000 each.
Not to mention all the money from guest posings and seminars, traveling the world, banging fitness chicks everywhere, etc.... He's not going to just walk away from that.