In what will surely go down as one of the more dramatic finishes in Olympia history, Jay Cutler is fighting tooth and nail to defend his title against a strong field of contenders, lead by Phil Heath.
Based on the judges’ callouts the top six could end up being Cutler, Heath, Branch Warren, Dexter Jackson, Dennis Wolf and Ronny Rockel, but it’s anyone’s guess at this point as to how the order will shake out tomorrow night. It would seem, however, that Jay and Phil could be fighting it out for top honors here at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas tomorrow night.
The arena crowd roared during the evening’s first callout, which consisted of Cutler, Heath, Jackson and Warren. Each man brought his own set of strengths Warren freaky mass and vascularity, Jackson classic lines, Heath a great blend of shape, size and conditioning and Cutler overwhelming size and zippered quads.
As impressive as Jay is, he’s a bit off from his conditioning of last year, in which he set a new standard of excellence for himself. He’s not far off, but possibly just enough to let Phil grab a Sandow of his own.
Phil brought an excellent physique to the stage tonight, and if he isn’t as dry as we’ve seen him, his added size has given him a better shot at dethroning Cutler. Jay’s still larger, to be sure, but Phil’s lines help negate some of the difference. Both men have their contingent of supporters here and it’s hard to argue with either side’s arguments.
Branch Warren is on par with the physique that earned him second place last year and remains every bit the crowd pleaser. Look for a top four finish from him, as well as from “The Blade,” Dexter Jackson. Although Dexter’s legs are down from their peak, he looks the best we’ve seen him in a couple of years, and worthy of a top four spot.
The surprise of the evening has to be Kai Greene, who sunk back into the evening’s second callout and who, despite great anticipation for a top three finish, could end up out of the top six tomorrow night.
As for a dark horse, give that title to Ronny Rockel, who could place as high as fifth.
Although the final placings may be up in the air, one thing that’s guaranteed is an exciting show tomorrow night, highlighted not only by the crowning of the 2010 Mr. Olympia, but an onstage appearance by all 12 Mr. Olympia winners along with Mr. Olympia creator Joe Weider in a special 45th anniversary celebration. Be sure to check in right here at flexonline.com for a full report.
