Rocky III

Rocky has defended his title ten times and has a statue on the museum steps. There, furious Clubber Lang calls him out. Mickey admits he picked easy opponents to protect him and that Lang will destroy him, but Rocky takes the fight. Before the first round, Lang shoves Mickey, who has a heart attack. Shaken, Rocky is knocked out in round two; Mickey dies soon after. Lost, Rocky gets an offer from Apollo Creed: he'll train him in Los Angeles in exchange for a favor down the road. With Adrian's help, Rocky finds his hunger again. In the rematch he lets Lang wear himself out and knocks him out in the third. At the end he pays the favor: a fight between just the two of them, behind closed doors.

1. CameoHulk Hogan is Thunderlips

   Wrestling star Hulk Hogan plays Thunderlips, the champ who takes on Rocky in a charity exhibition. Wrestler Terry Funk, who did stunts on the film, recommended him.

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2. Behind the scenesQueen said no

   Stallone wanted Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust." When Queen passed, he turned to Survivor, who took the title and lyrics of "Eye of the Tiger" from lines in the film.

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3. Behind the scenesMr. T came from game TV

   Joe Frazier and Earnie Shavers were considered for Clubber Lang. The casting director found Mr. T on NBC's Games People Play.

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4. CameoRocky on The Muppet Show

   The opening montage of the champ's fame uses footage from Stallone's guest spot on The Muppet Show, with Kermit introducing Rocky Balboa.

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