Pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez holds nothing back on his thoughts about Wes Watson, the assault video, and verdict
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, pro bodybuilder and host Victor Martinez tackled some of the biggest conversations currently surrounding bodybuilding and fitness. From fan reactions to Victor Martinez’s comments about Joseph Baena to Derek Lunsford’s chances at the 2026 Mr. Olympia, the panel offered their perspectives on some controversial topics making headlines. Victor Martinez also reacts to Hadi Choopan increasing his physique to his highest-ever weight – is it a big mistake or a game changing plan?
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episodes:
- Victor Martinez defends against Joseph Baena haters
- Victor stands by his criticisms of Derek Lunsford – the competition is closing the gap
- Analyzing the Wes Watson assault video recently released after his guilty plea
- Can Bryan Johnson’s biohacking overcome his new autoimmune disease?
- Victor weighs in – is Hadi Choopan making a huge mistake by adding on huge size?
- What does the future of Calum Von Moger hold?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a full breakdown of the entire discussion. Let’s get to it!
This week’s episode of the podcast is brought to you by Transparent Labs. If you would like to try Transparent Labs Grass-Fed Protein for yourself, save 10% OFF using code GENIRON10.
For a limited time, Transparent Labs is giving away a FREE Protein Starter Kit with every Grass-Fed Protein subscription! This kit includes a shaker bottle and a variety pack of 5 single-serving protein pouches in their top flavors, so you can find your favorite.
Victor Martinez addressed criticism from fans regarding his previous comments about Joseph Baena, the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Victor had stated that Baena has potential to surpass Schwarzenegger’s legacy.
One fan wrote:
“Short answer? No! Arnold was already a 6x Mr O at Joe’s age. Why are we even talking about this guy? If he weren’t Arnold’s son, nobody would give two shits about this dude. He’s nowhere near Arnold and never will be.”
Another fan commented:
“Victor must be running out of stuff to talk about. Joseph I’ll never be better than Arnold, do want to put money on it Vic?”
Victor believes these responses ultimately come from negativity and resentment. While joking that perhaps some critics simply wish Arnold Schwarzenegger was their father, Martinez explained that his overall philosophy is to support people rather than root against them.
While he readily acknowledges that Joseph Baena may never win seven Mr. Olympia titles or duplicate Arnold Schwarzenegger’s historic bodybuilding career, Victor doesn’t believe that’s the only measurement of success. Greatness can take many different forms.
He pointed to Dwayne Johnson as an example. The Rock’s father was a successful professional wrestler, yet Johnson ultimately surpassed his father’s legacy by becoming one of the biggest entertainers in the world. Early in Johnson’s career, very few people could have predicted the heights he would eventually reach.
Victor suggested that perhaps a decade from now, people may be having an entirely different conversation about Joseph Baena. While nobody can predict the future, Martinez believes writing someone off simply because they haven’t surpassed their famous parent at a young age is premature.
Victor Martinez Explains Why Derek Lunsford Is “In Trouble”
Another fan question challenged Victor Martinez’s repeated statements that Derek Lunsford could be in trouble heading into the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
The fan asked:
“Vic why do you keep say that Derek Lunsford is in trouble? He won 2 Mr. Olympia competitions bro. You think you have credibility saying this to this audience? How can you claim to be the Forrest Gump of Bodybuilding and say this to us?”
Victor believes there is a straightforward explanation behind his opinion.
Yes, Derek Lunsford is a two-time Mr. Olympia champion. However, Martinez noted that his second Olympia victory was extremely close and, in his opinion, somewhat questionable. More importantly, it demonstrated just how competitive the current Open division has become.
For Martinez, saying that Derek is “in trouble” doesn’t mean that he believes Lunsford is doomed or incapable of winning another Olympia title. Rather, it means that there are several competitors rapidly improving and closing the gap.
Of course, Lunsford himself is still improving as well. The concern isn’t necessarily that Derek has regressed, but rather that everyone around him is evolving at an incredible pace.
Wes Watson Assault Video Raises Questions About Self-Defense
The podcast also addressed the recently released video involving fitness influencer Wes Watson following his guilty plea in an assault case. After watching the footage, Victor Martinez believes the situation isn’t entirely black and white.
According to Victor, the individual who was assaulted appears to have approached Watson first, potentially acting as the initial aggressor. While viewers cannot hear the conversation that occurred before the physical altercation began, Martinez noted that things escalated quickly afterward.
However, Victor believes the legal issues surrounding the incident stem largely from what happened after the other individual was clearly incapacitated. Once the other person was no longer capable of defending himself, Martinez believes Watson should have stopped. Continuing the attack at that point transformed the situation from self-defense into something far more dangerous.
The conversation also expanded into the realities of internet fame within the fitness industry. Martinez expressed concern that influencers and well-known fitness personalities are increasingly recognizable in public settings.
That visibility potentially creates opportunities for bad actors seeking financial settlements. Victor worries that some individuals may intentionally provoke confrontations in hopes of being assaulted and subsequently filing lawsuits.
While he isn’t suggesting that every confrontation is motivated by financial gain, Martinez acknowledged that internet fame creates unique challenges that public figures must carefully navigate.
Bryan Johnson’s Autoimmune Disease Sparks Discussion About Longevity and Peptides
Biohacker Bryan Johnson recently revealed that he has an incurable autoimmune disease affecting his stomach, prompting discussion among the Generation Iron hosts.
Victor Martinez questioned when Johnson first became aware of his diagnosis. He wondered whether Johnson’s extensive longevity efforts over the years were partially motivated by knowledge of his condition or whether this represents an entirely new medical development.
Martinez speculated that it’s possible Johnson has known about the issue for some time and has only recently decided to discuss it publicly because the condition has progressed. Conversely, it may simply be a recent diagnosis despite Johnson’s extensive health protocols.
Meanwhile, co-host Ehsan Farahi used the conversation to discuss growing concerns surrounding peptides and their increasing accessibility.
Ehsan specifically mentioned that peptides have become remarkably easy to purchase in certain states, including New York. While he believes peptides can provide legitimate benefits when prescribed and monitored by qualified medical professionals, he worries about consumers experimenting without adequate knowledge or guidance.
When individuals can simply walk into retail establishments and purchase peptides over the counter, numerous questions arise regarding dosage, purity, safety, and long-term health outcomes.
He wondered whether peptide usage could potentially play any role in situations like Bryan Johnson’s health challenges, though he emphasized that such connections are purely speculative.
Ultimately, Ehsan encouraged caution, suggesting that consumers may benefit from waiting for stronger regulations and more comprehensive scientific understanding before casually experimenting with these compounds.
Is Hadi Choopan Making a Mistake by Getting Bigger?
Hadi Choopan’s recent physique update has sparked significant discussion after reports emerged that he is approximately 20 pounds heavier than usual during preparations for the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
Ehsan Farahi isn’t entirely convinced that additional size is what Choopan needs at this stage of his career. In his view, lack of muscle mass wasn’t the primary reason Hadi fell short at his previous Olympia appearance. Instead, Ehsan’s concern revolves around maintaining Choopan’s trademark conditioning and proportions.
Looking at recent physique updates, Farahi believes Hadi’s waist appears somewhat wider than usual. If that appearance remains when stepping on stage, it could become problematic against elite Olympia competition.
Adding twenty pounds only becomes advantageous if Choopan can maintain his aesthetics while preserving a tight midsection.
That said, Ehsan acknowledged that it remains far too early to make definitive conclusions. Choopan is still deep into his contest preparation, and substantial changes can occur between now and Olympia weekend.
Victor Martinez largely agreed with Farahi’s assessment but remains hesitant to make any strong predictions at this stage.
For Martinez, patience is essential. There is still considerable time remaining before fans see Hadi Choopan’s final package. Until then, Victor believes any evaluation should remain tentative.
Finally, the hosts discussed Calum von Moger’s surprising return to social media after spending nearly a year offline. Victor Martinez jokingly questioned whether moving to Thailand represents the ideal environment for someone focused on recovery and personal improvement.
According to Victor, Thailand presents no shortage of distractions and temptations that could potentially complicate that journey. He joked that in Thailand, when it comes to obtaining drugs, people can essentially “say what you want and then you will receive.”
Despite the humor, Martinez made it clear that he sincerely wishes the best for Calum von Moger and hopes he continues moving in a positive direction. His comments reflected concern rather than criticism, emphasizing that recovery often requires placing oneself in supportive environments that minimize unnecessary risks.
Wrap Up
This week’s Generation Iron Podcast showcased why Victor Martinez and the rest of the panel continue to generate passionate discussions within the bodybuilding community. Whether defending Joseph Baena against harsh criticism, analyzing Derek Lunsford’s Olympia prospects, or debating Hadi Choopan’s offseason strategy, the hosts offered nuanced perspectives that went beyond simple headlines.
As the bodybuilding world continues moving toward another exciting Olympia season, these conversations will undoubtedly continue both inside and outside the Generation Iron Podcast.
