Sylvester Stallone has lost another 'Rocky' CO star in Hulk Hogan.
In recent years have not been nice for the stars -lined cast of the widely popular Rocky films.
The franchise follows the story of a underdog boxer Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, who gets a million-on-one shot in the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. 'Rocky' includes more than six films, nine if you take the 'Creed' spin-offs.
In 2023 Burt Young, who played Paulie, died of a cardiac arrest. The next year the world lost its 'Apollo Creed', Carl Weathers.
Hulk Hogan, the WWE super star fought against Stallone in 'Rocky III', died of the cardiac arrest on Thursday.
Stallone joined Colby Covington and other UFC hunters to express their respect to the late Hogan. The former pro roarer took the walk to the Octagon in UFC Tampa last December.
Photo by J. Vespa/Wireimage for Stellarquest PR and Consulting
Sylvester Stallone deeply sad about the death of Hulk Hogan
The 6'7 ″ Hogan towered over Stallone's Rocky Balboa on the 'Rocky III' set (1982).
Hogan played the role of wrestler 'Thunderlips' aka 'the ultimate man' and 'The ultimate object of desire'. The wrestler recorded Balboa in a charity match that soon changed a real fight in the boxing ring.
Stallone, 79, issued a statement after the death of Hogan on Thursday and said that he first met his co-star 45 years ago.
“I was pleased to meet this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,” said Stallone about Hogan.
“He was absolutely great and his great skill made Rocky three incredibly special.
“My heart breaks,” wrote Stallone.
“I think he's gone …”
Hulk Hogan threw Sylvester Stallone as a rag doll in 'Rocky III'
Thunderlips, played by Hogan, was one of the most formidable enemies of Rocky Balboa in the franchise.
The professional wrestler had his way with the boxer, picked him up and hit him to the ring as if he weighed nothing.
Hogan had one of the more memorable moments of the film, with its exaggerated personality and its incredible power.
“Rip Hulk Hogan! I have never been a big wrestling man, but I do know that” Rocky III “would be nothing without thunder slips! Rip Brother,” wrote a fan about Hogan.
RIP Hulk Hogan! I have never been a big wrestling man, but I do know that “Rocky III” would be nothing without thunder slips! Rip brother. pic.twitter.com/dcmp6xiuf5
– James B. Terry (@terryjt1) July 24, 2025
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