Arnold
Bill Pearl
Steve Reeves
Kevin Levrone
Okay that’s 4, but those are the four I am influenced by most. Obviously Arnold is the most popular/successful/influential, Reeves and Pearl had awesome physiques, and Levrone’s physique always amazed me, even though I felt it was a little out of proportion.
The classic look:
1 Zane
2 Schwarzenegger (legs never recovered imo)
3 Oliva/Paris
Most influential on the sport, for good or ill:
1 Schwarzenegger
2 Francis
3 Yates
Strongest (per era):
1 Pearl
2 Columbo
3 Coleman
[quote]Scotacus wrote:
Most influential on the sport, for good or ill:
1 Schwarzenegger
2 Francis
3 Yates
[/quote]
Why do you feel Francis deserves to be on this list? Not arguing, just wondering.
[quote]Sentoguy wrote:
Best by record:
Ronnie
Haney
Arnold
Made the most impact:
Arnold
Yates
Ronnie
Most flawless physique:
Ronnie
Flex
Toss up between Levrone/Dillet/Sergio (for his time)
Just too many possible angles to go at this from to say any 3 were the “best” of all time.
[/quote]
Sento, I’m surprised Rory didn’t make your list. 
[quote]Iron Dwarf wrote:
Sentoguy wrote:
Best by record:
Ronnie
Haney
Arnold
Made the most impact:
Arnold
Yates
Ronnie
Most flawless physique:
Ronnie
Flex
Toss up between Levrone/Dillet/Sergio (for his time)
Just too many possible angles to go at this from to say any 3 were the “best” of all time.
Sento, I’m surprised Rory didn’t make your list.
[/quote]
Ooh yeah! forgot bout Rory,… Paris is a good call too, especially towards the latter part of his career, when he was able to keep his lines, but sarted looking a bit thicker.
S
My favorite and best is Dorian Yates for his impact, Intensity in the gym, and his physique is awe inspiring.
2nd Branch Warren because I have met him 2 or 3 times and is a very nice guy and his physique is insane especially for his hieght.
3rd I have to say Arnold because of everything he has done for the sport and his physique is second to none.