90s bodybuilding legend, Flex ‘The Sultan of Symmetry’ Wheeler, achieved greatness in bodybuilding. He is among those bodybuilders whom fans consider an uncrowned Mr. Olympia. However, despite not winning a Mr. Olympia title, many consider his physique one of the finest and most balanced in competitive bodybuilding history. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger said the four-time Arnold Classic winner was his favorite. However, many, including former Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates, and now Wheeler’s friend, have said he didn’t realize his potential.

While appearing in the latest episode of ‘The Menace Podcast,’ former competitive bodybuilder and ‘Star Trek: Picard’ actor Rico McClinton narrated an incident. Chris Cormier remembered the incident and asked McClinton to describe why Flex Wheeler didn’t talk to McClinton for two weeks. During their conversation, McClinton also gave additional insight about Wheeler.

The incident that made Chris Cormier roll with laughter

During the Podcast, Chris Cormier asked, “Remember that time he stopped talking to you for like two weeks?” while barely holding back laughter. However, McClinton’s extended “yeah,” made Cormier burst into laughter. While the 55-year-old knew what happened, he wanted the Start Trek actor to explain it to Milos Sarcev and Dennis James. 

“I was always straight shooter,” said McClinton. “I always felt like um… I’d rather you hurt my feelings in the gym, than my feelings get hurt on stage,” added the former bodybuilder. So when Flex Wheeler asked Rico McClinton how his physique looked, the actor didn’t hesitate to say exactly what he felt. “Uh! You look kind of fatty,” McClinton told Wheeler.

However, the four-time Mr. Arnold Classic champ wasn’t ready to hear the criticism. “It’s not fat it’s water,” retorted the three-time Mr. Olympia runner-up. However, Wheeler’s friend wasn’t ready to concede. “if that’s water, this is the most water I’ve ever seen you hold,” McClinton responded. All three hosts laughed after hearing the story, and Cormier recounted how he felt at that moment.

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The six-time Arnold Classic runner-up said he was “standing right there” when it happened and was “rolling” with laughter. Besides narrating the incident, Rico McClinton also said something Dorian Yates had said about Flex Wheeler.

Did Wheeler work hard enough?

While appearing for an interview with Patrick Bet-David, the six-time Mr. Olympia said Wheeler had more talent than him. However, Yates also said Wheeler never beat him because he had more mental fortitude. While Yates dug in during every prep, never missing a beat, Wheeler sometimes slipped up.

Rico McClinton echoed the same sentiment. The former pro bodybuilder said Flex Wheeler’s physique was “a blessing,” but there were times that things didn’t go in his favor. “I think there were times he could have… dug a little deeper… did cardio a little harder. Maybe… didn’t have that burger,” McClinton said.

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While Flex Wheeler never admitted to slacking off, McClinton joined the ranks of those who thought the Sultan of Symmetry didn’t realize his potential. What do you think about the story? Let us know in the comments.