Sylvester Stallone is honoring the legacy of Hulk Hogan, describing him as an extraordinary figure whose impact on wrestling, cinema, and reality television is unparalleled. Stallone emphasizes that we are unlikely to encounter another individual with Hogan’s unique blend of charisma and talent.

Reflecting on their first encounter in 1982 during the filming of “Rocky III,” Stallone recalls that Hulk had an undeniable presence that hinted at his future stardom. Sly quickly recognized that Hogan, at the time still carving out his niche, possessed a depth of intelligence, kindness, and athletic skill that surpassed his intimidating exterior.

When they met, Hulk was in the process of building his wrestling career, and Stallone soon learned that beneath Hogan’s massive frame lay a sharp mind and a gentle spirit, surprising many who only viewed him as a tough wrestler.

Hogan, weighing an impressive 315 pounds, showcased his incredible strength on set, effortlessly lifting Stallone and playfully dropping him to the ground. Stallone humorously noted that he feared he might end up as a mere pulp upon landing, but Hulk’s professional wrestling experience allowed him to break the fall with finesse, like a skilled magician.

Throughout his career, Stallone has faced numerous physical challenges, but he asserts that no one delivered punches with the same accuracy and precision as Hulk. He even demonstrated a technique that Hogan used, highlighting the wrestler’s remarkable skill set.

Tragically, Hulk Hogan passed away on Tuesday due to cardiac arrest in Florida at the age of 71, a loss that has deeply impacted the entertainment community. Stallone expresses his sorrow, considering Hogan an irreplaceable icon, akin to the late Carl Weathers, who also played a significant role in the “Rocky” series.

Stallone reflects on the profound loss of Hogan, noting that it comes in a week marked by the passing of other legendary figures, including Ozzy Osbourne, underscoring the emotional weight of losing such influential personalities.

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With the recent passing of Ozzy Osbourne, Stallone reflects on the challenging week for him personally, as the world has lost several “monumental human beings” whose contributions have shaped the entertainment landscape.

Hogan achieved remarkable success across various domains, including movies, professional wrestling, and reality television. Stallone emphasizes that Hogan was far more than what appeared on the surface; he was a savvy entrepreneur who faced significant physical challenges yet remained resilient and kind to everyone he interacted with.

Sly praises Hulk for being a man of conviction who stood firmly for his beliefs, exemplified by his support for Donald Trump during last year’s Republican National Convention (RNC). Despite facing criticism for his political stance, Stallone asserts that knowing Hogan has enriched his life, highlighting the wrestler’s integrity.

Landing the role of Thunderlips in ‘Rocky III’ was a pivotal moment for Hogan, according to Stallone, as it set him on a trajectory towards becoming a Hollywood titan. Sly shared some entertaining anecdotes from their time on set, which showcase Hogan’s dynamic personality and work ethic.

One memorable story involves a stunt gone wrong where a leaping Hogan accidentally broke his collarbone, dispelling the notion of Hulk’s gentleness, as Stallone humorously recalls what Hogan told him before the mishap. Another amusing tale features Hulk effortlessly escaping from Stallone’s headlock, leaving Sly feeling like a “donut,” a testament to Hogan’s impressive athleticism.

In summary, Stallone firmly believes that Hulk was an unstoppable force in the entertainment industry, leaving a legacy that will endure long after his passing.

The evidence of Hogan’s impact is vividly captured in ‘Rocky III,’ where Stallone highlights a scene demonstrating Hogan’s ability to dominate, likening his prowess to that of a “lawn mower” cutting through a lineup of stunt performers.

Ric Flair expressed his emotions in response to Hulk’s passing, and Stallone fondly reminisces about his experiences with the legendary Hulkamania.