Why does Joseph Baena refuses to use Arnold Schwarzenegger’s last name?

The Schwarzenegger family is one of the iconic families that every bodybuilding fan wants to be a part of, and Joseph Baena was born into the family. The fame of the Schwarzenegger family is not limited to bodybuilding and fitness but also to Hollywood. But the bodybuilding legend's son refuses to take his last name, as he wants to build his own legacy.

Despite being a Hollywood and fitness icon, Baena chose not to take the last name, as he didn't want everyone to think of him as just another nepo kid. Instead, the seven-time Mr. Olympia's son uses his mother Mildred Baena's surname. In an interview with Men's Health, the young fitness enthusiast said:

"I love the word honor, and I’m very prideful in the sense that if I use my dad’s contacts or ask him for favors, I wonder what honor is that gonna bring me?"

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In an interview with E News, he highlighted that he doesn't want everyone to think that he's using his father's connections:

"People always discredit them, say, 'You only got that because of your parents, you only got that because of X, Y and Z.' It's hard, but it's just something that you have to live with.

"Know within yourself that if you're putting in the work and you're actually doing it, then none of that should matter."

Despite not using Arnie's last name, Baena enjoys his father's company often, and the duo can be seen together on various occasions. This year, the duo was seen together at the Arnold Classic event.

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Baena had a fun time at the Arnold Classic with his father

The 26-year-old attended his first Arnold Classic this year with the Austrian Oak. The father-son duo went to the UK for the pro show and had a blast. Baena's excitement was clearly evident in his Instagram post.

"Really happy to announce I will be in Birmingham, England for the Arnold Classic UK. It’s my first Arnold Classic. Excited to see all of you, all the competitors, all the bodybuilders," said the real estate tycoon.

As a fitness enthusiast and natural bodybuilder, the 26-year-old fitness icon felt intimated at the Arnold Classic UK. He was in the front row, and glimpsing on the phsyqiue of Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda, he felt "extra small."

Despite not taking the seven-time Mr. Olympia's last name, Baena still follows in the footsteps of his father. He often spends time with his father and enjoys his company on various occasions.

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What do you think of his decision not to take the Austrian Oak's last name? Let's know in the comments.