Wesley Vissers compared some of bodybuilding’s biggest legends at their absolute best, with one iconic physique emerging victorious
Who would win if the greatest bodybuilders of all time stepped onstage against each other at their absolute peaks? Classic Physique star Wesley Vissers recently tackled that question in a fun head-to-head challenge featuring some of the biggest names in bodybuilding history.
The challenge included legends such as Kai Greene, Shawn Ray, Kevin Levrone, Dennis Wolf, and Flex Wheeler. Vissers was asked to pick a winner between two competitors before matching his selection against another bodybuilding great.
The discussion also touched on the ongoing debate between Kai Greene and Shawn Ray, a topic recently explored on the Generation Iron Podcast.
By the end of the challenge, Vissers had crowned his ultimate winner, and it was a bodybuilder who never managed to capture the Mr. Olympia title.
Wesley Vissers Picks Kai Greene Over Several Bodybuilding Legends
The challenge began with Kai Greene, the three-time Arnold Classic champion and one of the most recognizable bodybuilders of his generation.
Vissers was first asked to choose between Greene and Dennis James. He quickly sided with Greene.
The same result followed when Greene was matched against Chris Cormier and Lee Priest. However, things became more interesting when Shawn Ray entered the conversation.
“I mean, I prefer Shawn Ray’s physique, but at the Olympia, Kai Greene would win,” Vissers explained.
When the interviewer clarified that the challenge was about personal preference rather than who would win under Olympia judging standards, Vissers changed his selection.
“I think Shawn Ray then.”
That distinction is particularly interesting considering the recent debate involving Greene and Ray on the Generation Iron Podcast.
The podcast explored the two bodybuilding icons in a discussion about their respective legacies and Hall of Fame recognition. Both men enjoyed extraordinary careers without winning the Mr. Olympia title.
Watch the Generation Iron Podcast discussion on Kai Greene and Shawn Ray here.
Vissers’ answer highlighted an important distinction between judging a physique based on competitive standards and simply choosing which bodybuilder has the more appealing look.
Shawn Ray Advances Before Dennis Wolf and Victor Martinez Enter the Picture
After selecting Ray over Greene, Vissers continued backing the former Olympia contender.
Ray defeated Milos Sarcev and Branch Warren in the hypothetical matchups before facing Dennis Wolf.
That was where Vissers faced another difficult decision.
“Well, this is gonna be a difficult one because Dennis Wolf has a little bit of a physique like mine, at least that’s what sometimes people tell me.”
Vissers ultimately selected an early version of Wolf, praising the taller bodybuilder’s physique.
Wolf then defeated Paul Dillett before facing Victor Martinez.
“2007 Victor is very difficult to beat,” Vissers admitted.
He ultimately chose Martinez, referencing the version of the bodybuilder who finished runner-up to Jay Cutler at the 2007 Mr. Olympia.
However, Martinez’s run ended when Kevin Levrone entered the challenge.
Kevin Levrone vs. Flex Wheeler: Who Has the Better Physique?
Vissers had little hesitation when Kevin Levrone’s name came up.
“One of my favorite physiques of all time,” he said.
Levrone advanced past Martinez and Rich Gaspari before facing another bodybuilding icon, Flex Wheeler.
This proved to be one of the toughest decisions of the entire challenge.
“It’s hard to beat ’93 Flex Wheeler,” Vissers said.
Wheeler’s 1993 physique remains one of the most celebrated in bodybuilding history. That year, he won the Arnold Classic and finished second at the Mr. Olympia behind Dorian Yates.
Known for his exceptional symmetry, proportions, and muscle shape, Wheeler earned the nickname “The Sultan of Symmetry.”
Vissers ultimately selected Wheeler over Levrone.
The final matchup featured Wheeler against Lee Labrada, another bodybuilding legend celebrated for his aesthetics and posing.
Vissers once again chose Wheeler, officially crowning him the winner of the challenge.
“He deservedly won,” Vissers said.
Wesley Vissers’ Head-to-Head Bodybuilding Results
Here is how Vissers’ selections unfolded throughout the challenge:
- Kai Greene defeats Dennis James
- Kai Greene defeats Chris Cormier
- Kai Greene defeats Lee Priest
- Shawn Ray defeats Kai Greene
- Shawn Ray defeats Milos Sarcev
- Shawn Ray defeats Branch Warren
- Dennis Wolf defeats Shawn Ray
- Dennis Wolf defeats Paul Dillett
- Victor Martinez defeats Dennis Wolf
- Kevin Levrone defeats Victor Martinez
- Kevin Levrone defeats Rich Gaspari
- Flex Wheeler defeats Kevin Levrone
- Flex Wheeler defeats Lee Labrada
Overall Winner: Flex Wheeler
Flex Wheeler Takes the Crown Without an Olympia Title
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of Vissers’ selections is that his ultimate winner never captured bodybuilding’s biggest prize.
Wheeler finished runner-up at the Mr. Olympia three times and won four Arnold Classic titles. Despite never becoming Mr. Olympia, he is widely regarded as one of the most aesthetically gifted bodybuilders in history.
The same can be said about several other names featured in the challenge. Shawn Ray, Kai Greene, and Kevin Levrone all built legendary careers without winning the Sandow Trophy.
Vissers’ choices also reflect his own background in Classic Physique, a division that places tremendous emphasis on symmetry, proportions, and overall presentation.
Of course, comparing athletes from different eras is always subjective. Judging standards, conditioning, muscle mass, and the level of competition have changed dramatically over the decades.
Still, Vissers made his preference clear. When it comes to choosing the greatest physique at its absolute best, among some of the best to ever do it – 1993 Flex Wheeler is his winner.
Featured image embed via Instagram @officialflexwheeler
