Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, and Dexter Jackson have cemented their places in the annals of professional bodybuilding. Their competitive histories are interlinked, showcasing intense rivalries and mutual respect, often symbolized by iconic moments like their gym sessions with Joe Weider, the founder of Mr. Olympia and the IFBB Pro League.

Cutler recently posted a few pictures, sharing glimpses of the past with fans and followers. The post’s caption reflected: “12 Olympia titles and the man that made it all possible.” The pictures were taken in the gym, showing Heath, Cutler, and Jackson flexing muscles while Weider sat in a chair.

Moreover, the 50-year-old Cutler appeared to be having a serious conversation with the founder in the next slide. Their careers have intertwined in fascinating ways. Cutler and Jackson began their bodybuilding careers in the 1990s, while Heath entered the scene later. Despite being a newcomer, Heath quickly rose to prominence, becoming one of the elite athletes in the bodybuilding circuit. However, the rivalry among these three athletes captured significant attention from fans.

Cutler placed second at the Mr. Olympia competitions before finally dethroning the eight-time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman, in 2006. He remained champion the following year, but in 2008, in an unexpected twist, he was defeated by Dexter Jackson, with Cutler coming in second. This defeat shocked everyone, including Cutler. Nevertheless, he showed remarkable resilience, making a grand comeback and reclaiming his title from Jackson.

Cutler’s comeback is considered one of the greatest in bodybuilding history, earning him the nickname “Quad Stomper” for his signature pose. Cutler reigned as Mr. Olympia for two years until Phil Heath, known as “The Gift”, defeated him in 2011. Heath then went on to win seven consecutive Sandow Trophies. And Cutler retired in 2013 owing to his multiple injuries. Interestingly, Heath once revealed that during his winning streak, there was a period when Cutler stopped talking to him.

Jay Cutler’s disconnection from Heath after he surpasses his wins

In 2019, during an interview with Patrick Bet-David, Heath reflected on his career and motivation to win seven Mr. Olympia titles. He shared not only his inspirations but also his feud with Jay Cutler. He recounted and explained his unique mindset: “I was the 13th Mr. Olympia champion. Imagine only 13 people climb that mountain.” Heath drew parallels with the video game Mortal Kombat: “You start here and there’s like a totem pole of competitors. I was like it’s not about the competition anymore.”

Heath saw each victory as a step towards reaching the top level, akin to defeating stronger opponents in a video game. He referenced past champions like Dexter Jackson and Chris Dickerson as milestones along his journey.  Heath confessed, “I got four, I’m tied with Jay. Pissed him off, to the point where we barely even talk anymore.” He aimed higher, wanting to reach the level of legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Despite the rivalry, his mindset helped Heath stay motivated and focused on his goal of becoming one of the most decorated Olympia champions in history. Well, their journey embodies the famous saying, “Legends aren’t born, they are built.” It’s a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance required to achieve greatness.