Everyone has the right to their opinion. And I want to be sure to give SSR his flowers. The guy is a bodybuilding legend, and I happen to like and respect him. That said, he’s very outspoken and he’s lived long enough (in life and especially in this industry) to know that his word carries weight. He could use it “responsibly” like other legends and keep his thoughts to himself, or, he could be vocal. In addition to being a legend for what he did on stage, Shawn is also a legend for what he’s done as a media powerhouse. From key posts at MD to Digital Muscle to the Olympia Weekend, Shawn’s voice carries even more weight. I don’t know if Quinton sought out Shawn’s counsel or if Shawn just offered up some unsolicited advice, but whatever the context may have been, it’s gone viral.
It hasn’t even been a week since Beastwood’s first pro win. So, what’s Shawn’s motivation? Is he looking to simply rain on the guy’s parade? I don’t think so. I think the older guys just come out with it. I don’t think Ray was trying to be negative, rather, in his purview it might make more sense to wait, improve, and then compete. It’s kind of like getting your pro card. You COULD get your pro card and immediately do a PRO SHOW, but should you? It used to be that when a person won their card at the USA’s or Nationals, they’d take a full year (minimum) before making that very important pro debut. I could see where Shawn is using the same logic. And if that’s the case, there’s nothing negative about it. If anything, he’s looking out for Eriya, and that’s cool. Ultimately, Shawn is just expressing his opinion.
And here’s my opinion. I disagree with “Sugar” Shawn Ray. For me, Quinton didn’t just stumble into a pro show and have a lucky day. I don’t think Shawn is trying to take anything away from the Toronto win, but this wasn’t Beastwood’s first show is all I’m saying. He had something like four runner-up finishes in 2025 alone and the guy just kept coming back. HE JUST KEPT COMING BACK! And he’d come back better. That caught my eye. And it stands to reason that anyone who takes 2nd at a pro show, probably had at least a judge or two who thought he should have won. The way that I look at 2nd place is the way I look at a boxing match with a split decision. I mean, that’s pretty much what it is, right? So, would we be having this conversation if we say two of those 2nd’s last year were wins? In other words, what’s the magic number of wins before you can compete on the best stage on the planet? I think Quinton has more than ample stage experience and would be very much at home on the Olympia state. I also think he’s more than qualified. The 2026 Toronto win is what will get him there, but I believe the runner-up finishes from last year prove the undeniable hunger this athlete has.
Every pro who competes in a pro show, does so because they want to compete at the Olympia. Quinton missed the qualification four times in 2025. That’s brutal. I can’t even imagine what that does to a person psychologically speaking. And when he qualifies – a bodybuilding legend publicly advises him not to do the O. That’s unexpected. I mean, it’s a lot of things, and unexpected is what came to mind, first. It’s like Fouad Abiad surmised. You can’t ignore Shawn and his words carry weight but imagine poor Quinton having to read that. It’s AWKWARD AF to say the least!
For me, Quinton is part of a crew of tall bodybuilders who are really making their presence felt. This could be what so many of us are expecting to be a changing of the guard. While Derek is talking about his dominance and Hadi trains to regain his title, muscular giants like Samson, Andrew, Krizo and Beastwood could be on their way into the Top 6. That’s a no-brainer for Dauda and Jacked, but imagine having Krizo and Beastwood in the mix as well. Derek and Hadi would look like their children. Four giants and two small-fries. What a sight that would be!!
I’m sorry to our vertically challenged readers, but bodybuilding isn’t a short man’s sport. Us tall people just play along with that because we want y’all to feel big, too. It’s the least we could do. But here’s the deal, I don’t care how wide and freaky a half-pint can get, if a tall guy comes equally ready, I think most people will favor the taller guys. Why? Because height equates to stature and power. Maybe as a tall person, I’m biased, but what looks more powerful? Someone short and jacked or someone tall and jacked?
PLUS, it’s not just about height, alone. Let’s not forget AESTHETICS, FLOW, and SYMMETRY. These are areas where guys like Quinton excel. CONDITION is also very important. I think Eriya came in dialed in for Toronto, but he could still come in tighter. This is the only area where he might need a little more work for the O – provided it’s healthy for him to do so. Health is wealth (no cap). One other factor that in my opinion isn’t as important, but does sell tickets and protein powder, is SIZE. And QUINTON HAS SIZE and then some! So, what or why should he not compete at the Olympia?
I guess I just don’t understand. Do you want him to be even better for his pro debut? I guess that’s fair, but he’s 31 years of age and looks spectacular!! And he will get better, but why can’t he evolve over many years competing at the O? He’s a pro bodybuilder who qualified at a tough show in his hometown. I also think that it does the Toronto Supershow and the country of Canada a bit of a disservice if the guy who wins their most prestigious pro title won’t then compete on the Olympia stage. I think every promoter who presents an IFBB PRO LEAGUE sanctioned pro show wants the winner of their contest to compete at the Olympia. It’s about bragging rights; it’s about the RESPECT. “Imagine a competitor winning a pro show, qualifying for the O, and then winning said title. Everyone – including the promoter of the show where the person qualified – would be through the moon.
It’s also good for the OLYMPIA WEEKEND. You’ve got a guy who tried so hard in 2025, then strategically picked his hometown show for 2026, won it commandingly and went viral in the process. And now he’s NOT going to do the Olympia? WTF? YOU WANT POPULAR COMPETITORS TO COMPETE. That translates to more asses in seats, feet at the expo, and PPV sales.
I love ya, Shawn, but I couldn’t disagree more with you about Quinton doing the 2026 Olympia. Everyone wins if he does. Quinton wins by being an Olympian , his sponsors win, the Toronto Supershow wins, the Olympia and the fans win. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? He has the physique, he’ll be dialed in, not sure what the problem is.
As always, I leave the last opinion for you, the loyal readers of IronMag. Do you agree with “Sugar” Shawn Ray, or, do you agree with me? I look forward to reading your feedback in the comments. Please copy and paste a link to this article on all your social media feeds.
As always, I leave the last word to you, the loyal readers of IronMag. Do you agree with Shawn? Do you agree with me? I look forward to reading your feedback in the comments. As always, please copy and paste a link to this article for all your social media feeds. It’s bound to generate lively conversation.
Author Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the owner of StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and strength website founded in 2008. He has worked for a number of bodybuilding websites, including RX Muscle and Muscular Development. Christian has written nearly 1,000 published articles for IronMag Blog, as well as articles for StrengthAddicts, RX Muscle, and others. By day, he is also a licensed attorney practicing in the areas of family law, immigration, and criminal defense.
