In over 30 major bodybuilding competitions, Ray only failed once to place in the top five.
Ray has appeared on more Flexible Magazine covers than any other bodybuilder in the history and also has also featured in many fitness and bodybuilding magazines worldwide. Ray was a co-host on Flex Magazine Workout on ESPN for 5 years as well as hosting bodybuilding competitions for ESPN as a commentator for 8 years.
Ray is a prominent spokesman, master of ceremonies and expert commentator for IFBB Pro League & NPC shows, most notably the Mr. Olympia. He is currently the Editor in Chief of DigitalMuscle.com, he continues to promote Hawaii's largest contest, NPC Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic in Honolulu which he added a Pro Classic Physique Division in 2021z Ray received the Ben Weider "Lifetime Achievement Award" in the summer of 2020 for his contributions to the sport and as an athlete on behalf of the Ben Weider family, promoter, Tim Gardner, Dan Solomon and Ron Wilkins.