Chinedu Andrew Obiekea took the bodybuilding world by storm in 2021. The 38-year-old former kickboxer is already competing against the best bodybuilders in the world. In just three years, Jacked has moved from the regional circuit in Dubai to placing third at the Arnold Classic 2023. However, the Nigerian couldn’t have done it without the help of bodybuilding legends like Flex Wheeler. 

Known for his proportions and aesthetics, Wheeler worked with Andrew Jacked for a short period before the 2022 Mr. Olympia. During their time together, the Sultan of Symmetry showed the promising rookie some posing secrets. Since then, Obiekea’s posing has improved exponentially, and earlier today, Jacked posted a tribute for his “teacher.”

Learned from the best

In the 90s, Flex Wheeler was among the most talented bodybuilders to face the stage. Despite not winning the Mr. Olympia, Wheeler’s muscularity, sublime symmetry, and proportions were enough to rival not one but two champions. The Sultan of Symmetry placed second to six-time champion Dorian Yates in 1993 and twice against eight-time champion Ronnie Coleman.

Obiekia uploaded his tribute video on Instagram. The first clip in the video shows the four-time Arnold Classic winner pulling off one of his famous moves on stage. Instead of hitting the standard front double biceps pose, Wheeler descended into a full front split and flexed his arms. If fact, it was his mastery in posing that won Wheeler four Arnold Classic titles.

The second part of the video shows Obiekia pulling off the same variation during the Arnold Classic 2023. “Special Dedication to @officialflexwheeler. 2022 was an awesome year irrespective of your ill health, the few times we spent together was muchly appreciated and forever grateful,” wrote Jacked in the caption.

READ MORE | Flex Wheeler’s Emotional Tribute to Arnold Schwarzenegger: “You Truly Don’t Know What You Mean to Me”

Jacked also labeled The Sultan Of Symmetry as the “teacher” and himself as the “student” in his tribute. However, the 38-year-old has more in common with Wheeler than just his posing.

Another similarity between Flex Wheeler and Andrew Jacked

Besides competing with the best bodybuilders in the world, Flex Wheeler also loved martial arts. In fact, Wheeler took up martial arts before he began bodybuilding. Inspired by Bruce Lee, to stand up against his bullies, Wheeler practiced Kenp-Kwon-Do. Even at the peak of his bodybuilding career, the champion bodybuilder competed and won a local martial arts tournament.

38-year-old Andrew Jacked also has a martial arts background. Just like Wheeler before competing in bodybuilding, Obiekiea learned kickboxing. While it’s not known if he competed, kickboxing and the style Wheeler practiced are somewhat similar.

Watch this story | From Arnold Schwarzenegger to Chris Bumstead – Here Are the Top 5 Most Aesthetic Bodybuilders to Ever Compete in Mr. Olympia

What did you think about Andrew Jacked’s tribute to the bodybuilding legend? Let us know in the comments.