Sylvester Stallone has lost another ‘Rocky’ co-star in Hulk Hogan.
The last few years haven’t been kind to the star-studded cast of the widely popular Rocky films.
The franchise follows the story of an underdog boxer Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, who gets a million-to-one shot at the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. ‘Rocky’ spans over six films, nine if you include the ‘Creed’ spin-offs.
In 2023, Burt Young, who played Paulie, died of cardiac arrest. The following year, the world lost its ‘Apollo Creed’, Carl Weathers.
Hulk Hogan, the WWE superstar who fought Stallone in ‘Rocky III’, died on Thursday from cardiac arrest.
Stallone joined Colby Covington and other UFC fighters in paying their respects to the late Hogan. The former pro wrestler made the walk to the Octagon at UFC Tampa last December.
Sylvester Stallone heartbroken over Hulk Hogan’s death
The 6’7″ Hogan towered over Stallone’s Rocky Balboa on the set of ‘Rocky III’ (1982).
Hogan played the role of wrestler ‘Thunderlips’ AKA ‘The Ultimate Male’ and ‘The Ultimate Object of Desire’. The wrestler took on Balboa in a charity match that quickly turned into a real fight inside the boxing ring.
Stallone, 79, released a statement following Hogan’s passing on Thursday, saying he first met his co-star 45 years ago.
“I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,” Stallone said of Hogan.
“He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special.
“My heart breaks,” Stallone wrote.
“I think that he’s gone…”
Hulk Hogan threw Sylvester Stallone like a rag doll in ‘Rocky III’
Thunderlips, played by Hogan, was one of Rocky Balboa’s most formidable foes in the franchise.
The pro wrestler had his way with the boxer, picking him up and slamming him down to the ring like he didn’t weigh anything.
Hogan had one of the more memorable moments of the film, with his over-the-top personality and his incredible feats of strength.
“RIP Hulk Hogan! I have never been a big wrestling guy, but I do know that “Rocky III” would be nothing without Thunderlips! RIP Brother,” one fan wrote of Hogan.