Kai Greene has finally opened up about one of the most controversial moments of his career—when Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly questioned his victory at the 2016 Arnold Classic.
In a recent episode of The Kai Greene Effect podcast, the legendary bodybuilder shared his thoughts on the incident and reflected on his career, competition history, and personal philosophy.
The Controversy: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Kai Greene
Back in 2016, Kai Greene secured a major victory at the Arnold Classic, one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the world.
However, his celebration was cut short when Arnold Schwarzenegger, the event’s namesake and a revered figure in bodybuilding, made a surprising comment.
In front of thousands, Arnold Schwarzenegger suggested that another competitor, Cedric McMillan, had a more aesthetically pleasing physique and hinted that he believed Kai Greene should not have won.
“When it comes to the physical development, Cedric was ahead,” Arnold Schwarzenegger told Kai Greene, right after his win. The comment sparked controversy and raised questions about subjective judging in bodybuilding competitions.
For years, Kai Greene remained silent on the issue, but now he has finally broken his silence, offering insight into how he processed that moment and why he chose not to react negatively.
Kai Greene’s Perspective on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Comment
Rather than seeing it as a personal attack, Kai Greene explained that he took Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comment as an opportunity to reflect on his journey.
“I could have let it bother me, but what good would that do?” Greene said on his podcast. “At the end of the day, what matters is the work I put in, the fans who support me, and the legacy I leave behind.”
He emphasized that bodybuilding is a subjective sport and that opinions, even from a legend like Arnold Schwarzenegger, do not define an athlete’s worth or accomplishments.
Fan Q&A: Kai Greene Addresses Key Topics
During the episode, Kai Greene also answered fan questions about his career, mindset, and thoughts on the current state of bodybuilding.
Has Kai Greene Ever Had a Bodybuilding-Related Injury?
When asked if he had ever suffered a serious bodybuilding-related injury, Greene remained cryptic. He explained that he prefers not to discuss injuries publicly, as it can alter how judges and fans perceive an athlete.
He used fellow bodybuilder Tony Freeman as an example, explaining how Freeman’s career was affected after he openly admitted to an injury.
Does Kai Greene Still Have His Brooklyn Apartment?
Kai Greene shared that he no longer resides in his old Brooklyn apartment but credits it with shaping his mindset.
“That place was more than just an apartment; it was a symbol of the power of thought and belief,” he said. “I went from being homeless to setting a goal and achieving it. That’s when I realized the power of visualization.”
Advice to His Younger Self
Reflecting on his early years in bodybuilding, Kai Greene offered advice to his younger self:
“Stop focusing on the limits. Your potential is far greater than what you think it is. If you believe in yourself and put in the work, the possibilities are endless.”
Bodybuilding Rivalries and Industry Controversies
Kai Greene also weighed in on some of the current rivalries and controversies in the bodybuilding world.
Akim Williams: Brooklyn Rivals?
One fan asked if Kai Greene ever felt animosity toward fellow Brooklyn bodybuilder Akim Williams.
“No, never,” Greene responded. “I’m proud of him. If anything, it’s inspiring to see another guy from Brooklyn making waves in the industry.”
Bob Cicherillo vs. Nick Walker
Greene also addressed the recent feud between Bob Cicherillo and Nick Walker.
After Cicherillo stated that Nick Walker would never win the Mr. Olympia title, Nick Walker fired back, leading to a public argument.
Kai Greene took a diplomatic stance, saying, “Nick Walker represents the new generation of bodybuilders, and that confidence is refreshing.
Bob has been around a long time, but we should be building each other up, not tearing each other down.”
Ali Bilal’s Boycott of the Arnold Classic
Another hot topic was Ali Bilal’s recent decision to boycott future Arnold Classic events after Schwarzenegger called Men’s Physique shorts “bogus.”
Bilal felt the comment was disrespectful to his division and refused to compete in any more Arnold Classic shows.
Kai Greene offered a measured response, saying, “As a champion, you have to think about the bigger picture. One person’s opinion shouldn’t define your career.”
His co-host Eduardo added that Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comment was about the shorts, not the division itself, and suggested that Bilal’s boycott might send the wrong message.
Final Thoughts: A Lesson in Resilience
Kai Greene’s ability to remain calm and composed in the face of criticism is a testament to his resilience and maturity.
Rather than holding grudges, he has continued to inspire generations of bodybuilders with his philosophy of hard work, mental strength, and perseverance.
“At the end of the day, my legacy isn’t defined by a single comment. It’s defined by the years of dedication, the work I’ve put in, and the people I’ve inspired along the way,” he said.
And that is exactly why Kai Greene remains one of the most respected figures in bodybuilding today.