Just how fit is Kai Greene these days? Is he in real deal bodybuilder shape?
On the latest episode of theKai Greene Effect podcast, bodybuilder Kai Greene touches on several major topics that matter to fans and athletes alike. From the announcement that the Mr. Olympia will return to the Orleans Arena, to Kai’s unforgettable first meeting with Flex Wheeler, to a deeper discussion on whether modern bodybuilders truly need coaches. Kai Greene also reveals just how close to pro bodybuilding shape he is in 2026.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed this week:
- The Olympia returns to a bigger arena this year – Kai Greene reacts
- Kai describes his first meeting with Flex Wheeler – and the intensity of parasocial relationships
- Kai weighs in on whether or not coaches are needed for pro bodybuilders – analyzing Sam Sulek and Nick Walker’s recent decisions
- What kind of shape does Kai consider himself in currently?
- The strongest bodybuilders Kai has trained alongside
You can watch the full episode of the Kai Greene Effect above. Keep reading for a more in-depth breakdown of this week’s discussion. Let’s get to it!
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Olympia to Return to Orleans Arena in 2026: Kai Greene’s Reaction
One of the biggest talking points in this episode is the news that the Mr. Olympia will return to the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas in 2026. For longtime fans of bodybuilding, this announcement carries more weight than a simple venue change.
Kai Greene immediately notes the historical significance of the Orleans Arena. It was the last venue to host the Olympia while Joe Weider was still alive. For Kai, that alone gives the location a special place in bodybuilding history. Joe Weider was not just a promoter, but a foundational figure who helped shape the sport into what it is today. Returning to a venue tied to that era feels symbolic, almost like reconnecting with the roots of professional bodybuilding.
Vlad expands on this by noting that in recent years, the Olympia had moved to the Resorts World Casino. Resorts World offered a higher-end stage presentation and premium accommodations, but it also came with a major downside: limited seating.
According to the discussion, that limited seating created frustration for fans who wanted to attend the finals in person. The Mr. Olympia is not just a livestream event. It is a fan-driven spectacle where energy in the room matters. When fewer fans can physically attend, something is lost.
Kai Greene sees the return to the Orleans Arena as a positive sign. To him, it signals that demand to watch the Mr. Olympia live and in person is still strong. People want to be there. They want to feel the moment, not just watch it through a screen. Kai even suggests that if demand continues to grow, the Olympia could realistically move into even larger arenas in the future.
From his perspective, this decision is not a step backward. It is a response to fans. And in a sport built on passion, loyalty, and community, that matters.
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Kai Greene’s First Meeting With Flex Wheeler: When a Fan Meets His Idol
One of the most memorable moments of the episode comes when Kai Greene drifts into a personal story about meeting Flex Wheeler for the first time. It is a story that many fans can relate to, even if they have never met a bodybuilding legend.
Kai explains that when he first encountered Flex Wheeler, he did so as a fan, not as a peer. At the time, Flex Wheeler was already an icon. Kai had spent years seeing him on the covers of Iron Man Magazine, studying his physique, and absorbing his presence through photos alone. Wheeler’s intense stare left such an impression that Kai admits he felt a kind of relationship with him, even though it only existed in his imagination.
Kai jokes about staring into Flex’s eyes on magazine covers, building a silent connection that felt real to him at the time. But when fantasy meets reality, things can get awkward.
When Kai finally met Flex Wheeler in person, his first words were simple and respectful. He told him it was an honor to meet him and asked for an autograph. Flex agreed and asked a standard question: “Who am I signing this to?”
That question stopped Kai cold.
In that moment, Kai Greene realized something that seems obvious in hindsight but felt shocking at the time. Flex Wheeler had no idea who he was. The connection Kai had built in his own head did not exist in real life. Kai froze, stumbled, and had to mentally reset before giving his name. He describes the experience as shell shocking, like being snapped back to reality.
The story is funny, honest, and revealing. But it also leads into something deeper.
Because Kai understands how intense the fan-idol relationship can feel, he made a conscious decision later in his career. Whenever he did meet-and-greets, he refused to rush people through the line. He stayed and talked to every fan. He never wanted someone to walk away feeling dismissed or disconnected.
For Kai, respecting fans is not a marketing move. It is personal. He knows what it feels like to stand on the other side.
Sam Sulek Training for the Arnold Classic Without a Coach: Kai Greene’s Perspective
Another major topic in this episode centers on rising bodybuilding star Sam Sulek and the fact that he is preparing for the Arnold Classic without a coach. This has sparked debate online, with many fans questioning whether it is a mistake in today’s highly coached bodybuilding landscape.
Kai Greene approaches the topic calmly and without judgment.
He points out that there was a time when coaches were not nearly as common as they are now. Many legendary bodybuilders built their physiques through self-experimentation, discipline, and relentless self-awareness. At its core, bodybuilding is still an individual pursuit.
Kai emphasizes a key point: the real work is always done by the athlete. A coach can provide tactics, structure, and guidance, but they cannot lift the weights, control the diet, or maintain focus. That responsibility belongs to the bodybuilder alone.
From Kai’s perspective, there is no single correct answer when it comes to coaching. Some athletes thrive with guidance. Others perform best when they are fully in control of their own process. What matters most is whether the athlete can absorb information, apply it with precision, and push themselves with purpose.
Kai makes it clear that having a coach does not make someone great. Likewise, not having one does not mean someone is making a mistake. If an athlete has the drive and talent to become a champion, they will find a way to succeed, with or without outside help.
He also cautions against criticizing athletes like Sam Sulek or Nick Walker for choosing different paths. Bodybuilding is a process of learning, adjusting, and discovering what works for the individual. That journey can involve a coach, or it can be self-directed.
In Kai’s words, a coach is a valuable tool, but never a crutch.
Lightning Round: Questions, Stories, and Strength Surprises
The episode wraps up with a lightning round of questions and comments that give listeners even more insight into Kai Greene’s mindset.
What Kind of Shape Is Kai Greene In Today?
One question asks what kind of shape Kai Greene is in today compared to his prime years competing at the Mr. Olympia. Raising curiosity about how close he currently is to stage-ready condition.
Vlad reminds listeners that Kai recently said he would need about eight to ten months to prepare for a show. That timeline, combined with the occasional training photos Kai shares on social media, gives some indication of his current shape.
However, Kai adds important context. He admits that he sometimes plays it safe when estimating how long he needs to get ready. He shares a story from his competitive career when an opportunity to compete came up on short notice. Kai initially wanted to decline, believing there was not enough time to prepare properly.
His coach at the time disagreed and pushed him to go for it. Kai trusted the guidance, committed fully, and ended up winning the show. The story serves as a reminder that readiness is not always as clear-cut as it seems.
The Strongest Pro Bodybuilders Kai Greene Has Trained With
Another question asks which professional bodybuilders impressed Kai Greene the most in terms of strength. His answer surprises many listeners. In response, Kai says the strongest bodybuilders he has ever trained with are women.
He gives an example of a female athlete he currently trains with who competes in the Figure division. According to Kai, she handles 200-pound dumbbells with ease, lifting them with power and control that he finds deeply motivating.
He also speaks highly of training with bodybuilder Dayana Cadeau, describing her as someone with “strength on top of strength.” What impressed him most was not just the weight she moved, but the flawless mechanics behind every rep. Her form was precise, efficient, and almost machine-like.
For Kai, that combination of strength and technique is inspiring at any level.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Kai Greene Effect stands out because it balances news, nostalgia, and practical wisdom. Kai Greene does not chase controversy or trends. Instead, he offers context, humility, and perspective shaped by decades in the sport.
Whether discussing the Olympia’s return to a historic venue, reflecting on the reality of fandom, or addressing modern debates about coaching, Kai consistently brings the conversation back to personal responsibility, respect, and growth.
For bodybuilding fans, this episode is a reminder that the sport is not just about physiques. It is about people, history, and the mindset required to keep evolving.
