'We're All Gonna Make It': Gym Culture's Early Influencer Zyzz Re-examined

A new documentary, "Poster Boy: Becoming Zyzz," is shedding light on Aziz Shavershian, an Australian man who became an early social media sensation under the moniker Zyzz. Shavershian, known for his muscular physique, confident and often provocative online presence, and bodybuilding lifestyle, died at the age of 22 in 2011.

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What me and Aziz always preached was we're all going to make it.

Fifteen years after his death, Zyzz's influence is resurfacing, coinciding with a new wave of online content celebrating early internet and rave culture. However, this renewed attention also occurs amid the rise of "looksmaxxing" and the "manosphere," online communities often associated with misogynistic views, exemplified by figures like Andrew Tate.

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It's a message of just that, 'Hey man, if I made it, so can you.' And that was what we're always about, just uplifting the little guy and uplifting anyone to be the master of their destiny.

Said Shavershian, Aziz's older brother, also known as ChestBrah, observes the significant shift in the culture surrounding young men and masculinity. He contrasts his and Aziz's original message of empowerment – "We're all gonna make it," signifying that anyone can achieve their goals if they put in the effort – with the current landscape. Said believes that true masculinity involves vulnerability and kindness, qualities he feels are lacking in many contemporary male role models.

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Being someone that's vulnerable, that's kind, that's loving.

Said Shavershian does not view figures like Andrew and Tristan Tate, who are currently facing serious legal charges, as inheritors of his brother's philosophy. He argues that Zyzz's "aesthetics movement" was about uplifting individuals and encouraging self-mastery, a stark contrast to the performative displays of wealth and status often promoted by modern influencers. The Shavershian brothers aimed to inspire ordinary young men, offering relatable role models in an era where such figures are perceived to be scarce.

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Young men out there, young boys don't really have many positive role models to look up to in society and ones they can kind of feel relatable to.