“I’m a Big Celebrity in a Small Arena”: 4X Mr. Olympia Discussed the Reason Bodybuilding Is Behind Wrestling or UFC in 2014

Jay Cutler is a bodybuilding superstar. Fans admire Jay, and many believe Jay should’ve won more titles than he has. Cutler has had an inspiring career. For years, Jay was the top rival for eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. While many would’ve given up after placing second to Coleman four times, Jay didn’t. In 2006, Jay dethroned the ‘King’ and became Mr. Olympia.

Fans loved Jay because he was the underdog in the Coleman-Cutler rivalry. However, fans began admiring him even more when the former champion made a successful comeback after losing to Dexter Jackson. Jay became the only man to avenge a loss on the Mr. Olympia stage and reclaim the title. However, in 2014, Cutler revealed although he was famous, there was a fundamental problem.

Jay Cutler once opened up on what’s holding back bodybuilders

In 2014, Jay Cutler sat down for an interview with Barbra Terry. During the interview, Barbra asked Cutler about future ventures. “Everything you do from this point on is just going to add to all your greatness.” said the interviewer. However, Cutler’s response wasn’t positive. “Well, that’s the whole thing. The problem is that I’m a big celebrity in a small arena,” said the bodybuilding icon.

Cutler said bodybuilding has a niche fanbase. “It’s not as mainstream, obviously, as wrestling or UFC or other fighting stuff.” said the four-time Mr. Olympia winner. “Obviously, we (bodybuilders) stand out. When I come into a club, I stand out,” Jay also said.

“I’m very popular when I walk the streets… and a lot of athletes and celebrities know me because of magazines.”, said the former Mr. Olympia. The star also added, “So I’m just trying to capitalize on it and move forward and bring something that’s unique.” However, few bodybuilders have a fanbase as large as Cutler.

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Unlike the UFC or professional wrestling, televising of bodybuilding events is lacking. People tune in weekly to watch WWE RAW and SmackDown. Not just for the American audience, UFC and WWE events are broadcasted worldwide. However, Mr. Olympia was last shown on TV in the 80s.

UFC announcer Bruce Buffer also spoke about bodybuilding’s popularity

The UFC was established in 1993 when MMA was on the fringes of the sporting world. While bodybuilding and mixed martial arts have had a similar journey, MMA has found a home on networks like ESPN. In an interview, Bruce Buffer once echoed Cutler’s sentiments. He said, “Not everybody in society is attracted to the bodybuilding industry… it has its niche fans.”

However, Buffer said bodybuilding requires immense dedication, and he has a lot of respect for bodybuilders. He also revealed he introduced Ronnie Coleman during the Mr. Universe contest.

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What do you make of Jay and Bruce’s takes on bodybuilding? Do you think the sport can become mainstream in the future?