Thread: Are the BBing federations playing chicken?

I apologize if this topic is taboo here for any reason.

All of the pros that I have spoken to- they all want to do the PDI AND the Olympia. That's what the PDI wants, that's what the jumpers want, and that is what many IFBB guys would enjoy... Imagine if the currently 2nd tier IFBB Euro guys could do a few October shows near their home countries, right after the O. They might make $2000 all year with the IFBB, but could come out with 10 or 20k from the Euro Tour, where the bigger names may not be at every show.

And here's the kicker...
There's a reason that there is a 2 week window BEFORE, and a 2 week window AFTER, the Mr Olympia from any PDI shows. Guys want to be able to do the NOC in NYC, then 2 weeks later do the O, then 2 weeks later hit up the Euro Tour. Mr O is sept 30, right? See how nicely that fits? Fans and athletes can enjoy both the PDI and the IFBB! We can all be friends



The general consensus is that if a fairly large chunk of the Olympia lineup had to be suspended, the IFBB wouldn't do it. It would allow the two federations to co-exist, de facto, rather than de jure. Did I get those mixed up? It would just happen, and become precedent, instead of being determined by men in ties and decreed.

I dunno what will happen. It's business- it could end tomorrow, it could be bought out, there could be some change of events, I dunno. But what I personally gathered is pretty brilliant, IMO. Putting on the mother of all shows in NYC (in terms of effects, quality, excitement, etc), with a few IFBB fan favorites onstage who are already qualified for the O. Then, they all enter the O two weeks later. WIll the IFBB suspend some of its most popular guys who are in contest shape? What would the fan reaction be if say, a Dex/Lee/Vince/??? were ready to get onstage and they were denied?

Kind of a very slow and public game of chicken. If the IFBB blinks, the guys do the O and there is precedent. If they deny the guys a chance to compete, the fans are gonna be a little irked, and suddenly, the IFBB guys have grounds for lawsuit, since no one enforces suspension on ppl who break other IFBB rules.

Thoughts? Possible? Am I crazy?

I think allowing IFBB guys to compete in PDI, without fear of retribution, would only be good for the sport. More exposure, more shows, more chances for the guys to make money. It works out for everyone, especially the athletes because if the IFBB doesn't shape up and treat them right, guys won't do their shows. The problem, of course, is that the IFBB wants to be the only gang on the block.