“Acting Like a Baby”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Rude Act, Forced Former Bodybuilding Champion, to Publicly Call Him Out, During 1980 Mr. Olympia Controversy

The bodybuilding fraternity saw Arnold Schwarzenegger winning six Mr. Olympia titles. During that period, he became the best in the world. Proving to be the benchmark for other bodybuilders, Arnold set the standards in the sport. Thus, after he retired in 1975, he returned to compete in the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest. But every sport adapts yearly. This time, he had a cold welcome after he returned to the sport. 

With several other bodybuilders aiming to win the title, Arnold’s decision to compete at the last moment shocked everybody. Soon, arguments arose, and former American bodybuilder, Mike Mentzer, was in the thick of it. The dispute dampened the mood of the contest while Arnold won it controversially. Mentzer, in the meantime, had some harsh words for Schwarzenegger. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger returns controversially

Before the contest, Arnold arrived to commentate on the event. On the morning of the competition, his return sparked resentment amongst the other competitors. Significantly, Mentzer got irritated with his conduct during the event. The crux of the matter lies in the rules of the competition. Arnold wanted to run under the format of two classes: under 200 pounds and over 200 pounds. To this, most bodybuilders opposed the new change preferred by Arnold as it became an open class after the 1979 Olympia. From 1974 to 79, they ran it like how Arnold mentioned.

But, what followed was significantly controversial incidents that marred the event. When everyone discussed the weight class issue, another bodybuilder, Boyer Coe, stood up to ask Arnold whether to explain why he wanted two weight classes. To this, Arnold remarked, “Boyer, let’s talk like adults here.” It irked Mentzer as he thought Boyer questioned him with no animosity. Mentzer opposed Arnold, and it provoked him. He snapped. 

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“Mike Mentzer, we all know Zane beat you last year because you have a big stomach!” mentioned Arnold, who bent out of shape. All hell broke loose, as Mentzer approached him with two men who needed to be separated. “Look, Arnold, Boyer Coe said what he did as a gentleman–he didn’t deserve that response. You’re the one who’s acting like a baby, literally! Arnold couldn’t look me in the eye,” mentioned Mentzer. 

All hell broke loose!

The creator of Mr. Olympia, Joe Weider, intervened and defused the situation. That ended the debate with Arnold and cited, “I withdraw my objection.” The next day, the competition resumed, and Arnold Schwarzenegger won his seventh Mr. Olympia title. 

Meanwhile, Mike Mentzer finished fifth, and he never competed again. There can be many theories that could come out from this episode. For years, Arnold received cheers for the iconic physical masterpiece he put on a show. But, that day, he received a chorus of boos, and the 1980 Mr. Olympia contest became the most controversial one in its history. Do you think Mentzer needed to react?

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