New Olympia Dark Horses, Cormier on “Neckzilla,” and North Americans Week

[rxmuscle]

No fluff—here’s what Dave Palumbo and Chris Aceto actually covered and why it matters.



Olympia Shake-Up

• GoodVito: Aceto says he’s at least a top-6 threat. Front double + vacuum + freak quads. If he’s dry from the back, he could push even higher.
• Urs Kalecinski: officially moving to the Open. The Classic weight cap was killing him. Expect a 25–35 lb jump from last year.
• Rubio “Neckzilla” Mascara: finally got his visa. Cormier called him a monster in person—bigger than Ramy, freak-of-the-show factor. Conditioning will decide his fate.

Next Up – Italy Qualifier Quinton, Sergio, Emir, and Lewis Breed all in the lineup. Last real chance to punch an Olympia ticket, and it’s stacked.

North Americans / Masters Week (Pittsburgh)

• Over 1,000 amateurs across the week, plus pros Sunday.
• Host hotel + venue = short, watchable sessions.
• Medals instead of giant trophies (better presentation).
• Tans were flawless across the board.
• Pro payouts are automated now—QR code + PayPal.

Standouts

• Christian Palmer (Light Heavyweight) took the Overall. Clear path to 212 if he tightens up.
• Ken Jackson looked great in Masters 40+.
• NDO Champ (Robert Wilmote) made a big pro debut—if he hardens from the back, he’s dangerous. Plus, he brings personality the sport needs.
• Vanessa Garris earned her pro card in Women’s Physique.
• Ava Milo flagged as a future Olympia threat—huge quads and big upper body.
• Longevity notes: Vinnie Galante still competing after 42 years. Jim Arrington (93) still on stage, sharp as ever.

Men’s Physique Buzz Ali Bilal (Aceto’s guy) is stirring the pot and going after Ryan Terry. Training with Derek and Greg in Tampa—expect fireworks.

Cormier Stories

• Jay Cutler used to drive four hours in the middle of the night just for a specific therapist.
• Paul Dillett once literally called a “timeout” on stage because of asthma.

Masters Olympia Fix Palumbo says stop putting it where athletes can’t afford to go. His solution: lock it in Orlando, Florida. Accessible, affordable, fan-friendly. Japan was a bust.

Promoter Playbook (from Pittsburgh)

• Spread the schedule into short sessions.
• Standardize tans.
• Award medals, not giant trophies.
• Automate payouts.
• Keep everything tied to the host hotel/venue for convenience.

Open Discussion

• Is GoodVito top-3 level yet, or capped at top-6 until the back matches the front?
• Where does Urs land in the Open today?
• Is Rubio “Neckzilla” pure freak factor or a serious Saturday-night player if he’s tight?
• Should Masters Olympia be locked to Orlando?
• Bring back body-part awards (best arms/legs/chest/most muscular) at big shows, or gimmick?