We'll have to disagree there, LIFT.
Rusty being in the show would be the news story of the week. As much as you've worked to hype the show- and it's a good show- the big news story right now is not the upcomoing COlo Pro.
And if you feel that Rusty being in the show would not generate revenue in excess of that plane ticket, you're extremely offbase and Shawn should reconsider his choice in who he goes to for advice. I could swing $2k in ad revenue for Shawn TODAY with a quick launch of the Rusty Statement Show- Letting the physiques do the talking at the Colorado Pro. I could swing $10K in ad revenue if Bob AND Rusty did the show.
Pit Rusty against Bob Chick in a rematch. You're insane to think that tickets wouldn't sell like crazy. Even if they ended up 4th and 5th. RUSTY is big news right now. Whether you want to admit it or not.
I know you're tied into the whole muscle beauty/respect thing, but I am in tune with the heartbeat of the fans, LIFT. Whether they agree or disagree- they respond emotionally. And that is where your ticket sales and web ad revenue is generated.
But what do I know? 
Ok first off it is highly UNlikely Bob Chic will compete at the Colorado pro. Plus, unless it is a MASTERS pro meet it is UNlikely Rusty J will have a shot at the top 5. Those that plan on going to the Colorado pro (or not), won't be swayed by any large numbers over Rusty being on stage against some top pros.
Chic won,no matter what anyone else thinks that ias the final result, a rematch next year at the same show could be some hype , I agree with that. Rusty will end up being yet another footnote and trivia question related to the endless controversial decisions in bodybuilding history.We all agree he should have placed much higher, but, none of us judged and many of us were NOT even at the show. No offense , but, get over it and lets us look fwd to a great 2006
season.
Howard