Nick Walker Fires Back at Bob Cicherillo’s Olympia Doubts, Cicherillo Responds
IFBB Pro Nick Walker is ramping up his comeback as he prepares to step back on stage at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro in May. This competition serves as his opportunity to secure a qualification for the prestigious Mr. Olympia, a stage he has missed for the past two years.
The question remains: if Walker qualifies, does he have what it takes to claim the Olympia title? Veteran bodybuilder and industry insider Bob Cicherillo doesn’t believe so.
Bob Cicherillo Doubts Nick Walker’s Olympia Chances
Walker was forced to withdraw from the 2023 Mr. Olympia due to a torn hamstring, a major setback that disrupted his prep. However, he made a triumphant return at the New York Pro, securing a victory despite polarizing opinions on the final results. Opting out of the 2024 Olympia, Walker instead set his sights on a dominant comeback in 2025, with the Pittsburgh Pro serving as his proving ground.
During a recent discussion, Cicherillo cast doubt on Walker’s ability to ever claim bodybuilding’s most coveted title, stating outright that he would “never” win the Mr. Olympia crown. Walker was quick to fire back.
“I’m not sensitive but watching it and the way he would say some things, it was a little disrespectful. And that’s cool, if that’s how you feel.”
Heated Exchange: Nick Walker vs. Bob Cicherillo
Addressing the criticism on a recent podcast appearance, Walker responded with confidence, citing his career accomplishments and contrasting them with those of Cicherillo. In an unfiltered rebuttal, Walker questioned Cicherillo’s credentials with the remark.
“Who the f*ck is Bob?”
I’m all for constructive criticism. I don’t give a f*ck. But you wanna play the game a little bit, now I’m gonna play it back. All fair game.”
Cicherillo, never one to back down, quickly issued a response of his own, escalating the back-and-forth between the two bodybuilding figures.
“My response first would be, let me tell you who the f*ck I am, I’m the guy who’s gonna be announcing you 8th place at the Olympia.”
Seizing the moment, Walker took the feud a step further—releasing a new T-shirt inspired by the controversy, embracing the attention surrounding their clash.
With 10 weeks until the Pittsburgh Pro, all eyes are on Walker as he prepares to step on stage once again. Given the scrutiny he faced after the NY Pro victory, his performance in Pittsburgh will be crucial in setting the tone for his Olympia campaign. If Walker delivers a dominant showing, it will undoubtedly fuel the ongoing conversation leading up to bodybuilding’s biggest night.
