Kai Greene reveals a behind the scenes battle he had with Kali Muscle in an attempt to earn a major movie role
In a recent episode of Kai Greene Effect, legendary bodybuilder Kai Greene and co-host Vlad dive into one of the more compelling recent stories in bodybuilding: Joseph Baena earning his INBA Pro Card after competing in an NPC natural show. Along the way, the discussion expands into deeper territory, touching on judging subjectivity, overlooked physiques, fan criticism, and the evolving culture of bodybuilding. Kai Greene also shares the strange connection he has with bodybuilding influencer Kali Muscle.
Here is a breakdown of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Kai Greene reacts to Joseph Baena’s natural bodybuilding achievement
- What does Kai believe pro bodybuilding needs to improve?
- Kai answers: does the best bodybuilder always win Mr. Olympia?
- Kai’s list of the most underrated bodybuilders of all time
- Lee Priest, Kali Muscle, and Kai Greene
You can watch the full episode of Kai Greene Effect above! Keep reading for a more detailed recap of the episode. Let’s jump in.
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Joseph Baena’s Natural Bodybuilding Achievement
Kai Greene opens the conversation by acknowledging just how difficult it is to build a competitive physique. He emphasizes that stepping onto a bodybuilding stage is already a major accomplishment. It requires discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to push through physical and mental limits.
But in Kai’s eyes – for Joseph Baena the achievement goes even further.
Within just two weeks of competing, Baena not only entered the bodybuilding scene but also earned pro status. Kai describes this as “truly a big accomplishment,” noting that such rapid progression is rare and speaks to both preparation and execution.
What stands out even more is Baena’s decision to compete in a natural bodybuilding competition. In today’s landscape, performance-enhancing drugs are widely known and often used tools among aspiring competitors. Kai points out that many young bodybuilders feel pressure to take that route.
But Baena chose differently. By competing naturally, he placed himself in an environment where he could stand on equal footing with others who made the same choice. Kai sees this as both commendable and strategically interesting. It removes a layer of complexity and allows the focus to remain on discipline, training, and genetics.
Vlad adds another layer to the discussion, noting that Baena competed in two different organizations within a short period. This is unusual in bodybuilding, where athletes often stay loyal to a single federation. Some organizations even discourage or frown upon cross-competition.
Kai agrees that it’s not common, though he’s unsure if there are strict rules against it. Regardless, it highlights Baena’s willingness to explore opportunities and challenge norms early in his career.
Living Under the Shadow of Arnold Schwarzenegger
Of course, Joseph Baena’s journey cannot be discussed without mentioning his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Kai reflects on what it must feel like to step onto a bodybuilding stage while carrying that legacy. Schwarzenegger is not just a famous bodybuilder. He is widely considered the most recognizable figure in the history of the sport, and one of the most globally known celebrities across entertainment and politics.
That kind of legacy creates immense pressure. Kai points out that Baena is stepping into a space where comparisons are inevitable. Every pose, every physique update, every competition will be viewed through the lens of his father’s legacy. Yet Baena chose to compete anyway.
Kai sees this as a sign of courage. While the pressure is undeniable, Baena also benefits from support and genetic advantages. It’s a unique combination of challenge and opportunity, and how he navigates it will define his long-term trajectory in bodybuilding.
What Bodybuilding Needs to Improve
The conversation then shifts toward the broader state of competitive bodybuilding. Kai highlights one area he believes needs significant improvement: posing.
Posing, in Kai’s view, is more than just a requirement. It’s an art form. He argues that modern judging criteria often overlook the artistry behind posing routines. While physiques are evaluated in detail, the presentation aspect does not always receive the same level of attention or respect. Kai believes this is a missed opportunity.
A well-crafted posing routine can elevate a physique, tell a story, and create a memorable experience for the audience. It bridges the gap between athletic performance and artistic expression.
What Kai would like to see is a renewed emphasis on posing as an art. This means encouraging athletes to invest more time into their routines and pushing judges to recognize and reward that effort.
In doing so, bodybuilding could evolve into a more complete form of performance, one that resonates not just with judges but with fans as well.
Does the Best Bodybuilder Always Win Mr. Olympia?
One of the most debated questions in bodybuilding is whether the best physique always wins competitions like the Mr. Olympia.
Kai acknowledges that judging in bodybuilding is inherently subjective. Unlike sports with points scored by clear cut goals, bodybuilding involves comparing physiques that may excel in completely different ways.
To illustrate this, Kai references Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Both are legends, yet their physiques are drastically different. Comparing them is like comparing apples to oranges. So how do judges decide?
According to Kai, it can come down to personal preference on a given day. Judges are human, and their perceptions can shift based on what they value in that moment.
This means that winning is not always about being objectively better. Sometimes it’s about aligning with what judges are looking for at that specific time.
The Most Underrated Bodybuilders of All Time
Kai also takes time to highlight athletes he believes deserve more recognition.
He mentions Phil Hill as an exceptional competitor who is largely forgotten by mainstream fans. Similarly, Aaron Baker stands out to Kai as someone with incredible potential, even if that opinion might be controversial.
These examples raise an important question: why do some talented bodybuilders fade into obscurity?
Kai suggests that multiple factors could be at play. It could be subjective judging, timing, or even personal challenges that derail careers.
He also brings up Serge Nubret and Robby Robinson, pointing to their limited presence in Pumping Iron as a reason they may be underrated.
Despite being top-tier competitors, their lack of exposure in such an influential film may have impacted how they are remembered today.
Fan Criticism and Misunderstanding in Bodybuilding
The episode includes a lightning round featuring fan comments, including criticism of several modern bodybuilders. One comment targets Derek Lunsford, labeling him as arrogant and undeserving of his success. Kai Greene is surprised by this perspective.
From his experience, Lunsford has been respectful and professional. Vlad adds that while Lunsford may not be widely hated, he did receive backlash after winning Mr. Olympia.
Kai uses this as an opportunity to reflect on the nature of public perception. When an athlete reaches the top, they become a focal point. Increased visibility often leads to increased criticism, especially in the age of social media. Kai believes that fans sometimes lose sight of the person behind the athlete. It becomes easy to judge without understanding the full picture.
He shares a personal example from his own career. Early on, he was labeled an underdog, which he initially found offensive. To him, it implied that he was less than the best.
Over time, he realized that fans meant it as a compliment. They saw him as someone who deserved recognition and success.
This shift in perspective taught Kai the importance of understanding intent before reacting.
Reflections on Lee Priest and Kali Muscle
In response to fan questions, Kai Greene discusses his admiration for Lee Priest.
As a teenager, Kai viewed Priest as a larger-than-life figure. His physique seemed almost mythical, representing the pinnacle of what Kai hoped to achieve.
Although their careers did not significantly overlap, Kai’s respect for Priest remains strong. He acknowledges both his accomplishments and the controversies that shaped his legacy.
Kai also shares thoughts on Kali Muscle.
Rather than criticizing, Kai praises Kali’s ability to build a brand and succeed beyond competitive bodybuilding. He recalls a moment during a movie audition where Kali’s presence made him question his own chances.
To overcome this, Kai leaned into performance and confidence, even drawing inspiration from Kali’s personality. The experience highlights Kali’s impact not just as an athlete, but as a charismatic figure.
RELATED: Watch Lee Priest Vs Bodybuilding On Digital Today
Wrap Up
This episode of Kai Greene Effect offers more than just commentary on current events. It provides a deeper look into the mindset of a champion and the complexities of bodybuilding as both a sport and an art form.
From Joseph Baena’s natural bodybuilding success to broader discussions about judging, legacy, and perception, Kai Greene delivers insight rooted in experience.
At its core, the episode reinforces a simple idea: bodybuilding is not just about muscle. It’s about courage, expression, and the willingness to step onto a stage, regardless of the expectations placed upon you.
