Porter Cottrell came to prominence in 1988 when he won the overall at the NPC Junior National Championships. His next major victory was the light-heavyweight class at the 1991 NPC National Championships. Although he lost the Overall Title to Kevin Levrone, he still acheived IFBB Professional status.

Porter Cottrell also won the IFBB Chicago Grand Prix in 1992, and 1993, and placed in the Top 10 at the Mr. Olympia event in 1992, 1993, and 1994. In 1995, had concentrated just for the Mr. Olympia, but on that day, he had to be hospitalized as he had instense pains, and never paid the finals of the 1995 Mr. Olympia.