Sylvester Stallone Honors Hulk Hogan: “Irreplaceable … a ‘Magician’ in Rocky III”

July 25, 2025 — With the world mourning the passing of Hulk Hogan at 71, Sylvester Stallone has shared a powerful tribute reflecting on their time together filming Rocky III in 1982. Stallone praised Hogan’s charisma, physical precision, and lasting impact, calling him irreplaceable and highlighting just how uniquely talented he was.

“You knew this guy had a glow about him”

Stallone recounted meeting Hogan during rehearsals for Rocky III.

“He just came in, and you knew this guy had a glow about him. He was a force to be reckoned with.”

Even as a young talent at the time, Stallone sensed something exceptional:

“He was just at the beginning of his career. He hadn’t quite come into his own yet, so we got him at a point where he was enthusiastic.”

The casting gamble: “David and Goliath”

Hulk Hogan wasn’t the obvious choice—he was massive and untested in film. But Stallone saw potential for his movie:

“No one at first wanted him because he was too big. But I said, ‘That’s the whole point—it’s like David and Goliath.’ The bigger the better, so he showed up in magnificent shape.”

A “magician” with precision and safety

Stallone shared behind‑the‑scenes moments that showcased Hogan’s athleticism:

“We started to roll around … he would literally pick me up and drop me to the ground and I thought, ‘I’m going to be literally a pulp by the time I land.’ And yet, he would always break the fall. He would do things that you wouldn’t see, like a magician.”

He also emphasized Hogan’s finesse:

“I’ve had a lot of punches thrown at me. No one was more accurate and precise than him. It was extraordinary for a man that size.”

Reflections on loss: “My heart breaks”

Stallone expressed deep sorrow at Hogan’s passing:

“I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old. He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky III incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…”

He called Hogan irreplaceable, a cultural touchstone across wrestling, film, and reality TV.

Legacy Beyond the Ring

Hogan’s role as “Thunderlips” in Rocky III was more than a cameo—it was a symbolic launchpad from wrestling superstardom into Hollywood mainstream. Stallone helped bring Hulk to the big screen and later inducted him into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

From the outset, Stallone recognized Hogan’s rare combination: intelligence, gentle demeanor, and explosive physical presence. That blend elevated Hogan beyond just wrestling—into mythic status.

Why Stallone’s Tribute Matters

Firsthand experience: Stallone and Hogan worked closely, giving the tribute authenticity.
Respect from a Hollywood icon: Stallone’s words bridge athletic and cinematic greatness.
Insight into Hogan’s craft: Stories about precision and charisma show why Hogan’s legacy endures.

In the Wake of an Era

Hogan passed away July 24, 2025, at his Florida residence due to cardiac arrest, closing the chapter on one of pro wrestling’s most transformative figures. His journey—from the ring to Hollywood to reality TV—was propelled by the kind of magnetism Stallone describes: larger than life, skilled, and unforgettable.