Weather(s) the Storm

Lessons courtesy of The Count of Monte Fisto

“And in the red corner, weighing 220 pounds, a champion who needs no introduction anywhere in the civilized world. The true Master of Disaster. The undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, the one, the only, APOLLO CREEEEEEEEEEEEED!”

It has been a tough year for fans of the Rocky movies. A few months ago the great Burt Young—the actor who played Paulie—passed away. He was a constant presence throughout each film. Following him to the pearly gates a few weeks ago was the incomparable Carl Weathers, best known for his portrayal of Rocky’s nemesis turned best friend, Apollo Creed. Most agree that without him the Rocky franchise would have never been what it was.

The characters played by the supporting cast of the famous six-part series can teach all of us some great lessons. They are at times subtle while other times easy to see. Apollo Creed may have taught us the most—simply by the things he did or did not do throughout the first four installments of the Rocky narrative. Here are five lessons courtesy of The King of Sting.

Don’t judge a book by its cover. The epic battle in the original Rocky film was not supposed to play out the way it did. Creed, the heavyweight champion of the world, was looking for a white fighter in order to make it a big draw. He selects Balboa based on his nickname “The Italian Stallion,” figuring he’ll have an easy time with Rocky while filling up the seats in the arena at the same time. He was correct when it came to the latter, but not the former. The fight goes the distance, with Creed narrowly holding onto his title due to the fact he misjudged his opponent.

Anger doesn’t usually lead to success. The Apollo in Rocky II wasn’t the playful, lighthearted man he was in the first movie—he was angry. Embarrassed that he was nearly beaten by a far inferior fighter, Creed ignores the wishes of his manager and challenges Balboa to a re-match. He loses in the final round to an inspired Rocky, who isn’t angry and focused on retribution like Apollo. The rage undoubtedly makes him weaker and was the reason Balboa had just a bit more energy to stand up first when both men went crashing down onto the canvas.

Putting your pride aside can lead to beautiful things. After Rocky loses his title to Clubber Lang (Mr. T) and his manager Mickey dies immediately after the fight, Apollo Creed offers to train his one-time rival for a rematch to regain the title. There is something magical about two former rivals coming together to work for a common goal. It feels good to cheer for they guy who was once cast as the villain.

Rocky and Apollo’s unlikely alliance is probably my favorite story line of the entire series, and it wouldn’t have been possible if Apollo had hung on to his pride. It’s the ultimate example of two men who embraced the few things they had in common despite all their differences. The contrasts in race, personality, fighting style and training techniques couldn’t stop this 1-2 punch.

Sometimes you have to let the other guy win. In the beach running scene from Rocky III, the slower-than-molasses Italian Stallion ends up edging Apollo in a sprint along the Pacific Ocean. I’m calling baloney on this one. No way Rocky wins that race. Not possible. Adrian was probably faster than him. Clearly, Apollo pulled back in order to build the confidence of his new pupil. I don’t know much, but I do know Apollo threw that race for what he thought was the right reason. Rocky was clearly punchy enough to believe that he had won. Well played, Apollo, well played.

Realize when you are past your prime and outmatched. As the Cold War was drawing to a close, Sylvester Stallone got a final story about the USA/USSR sports rivalry in under the wire. Rocky IV introduces the seemingly invincible, steroid-built Russian, Ivan Drago. The movie starts with a very patriotic Apollo challenging the “Siberian Bull” to a friendly exhibition match. After an epic entrance courtesy of the hardest-working man in show business—James Brown—the mood turns somber as the clearly out-matched, much older Creed gets pummeled in the first round. His refusal to allow Rocky to stop the match sadly costs him his life.

I remember seeing Rocky IV with my buddy Steve when I was in the second grade. We saw it at the old Great Northern Mall movie complex. The same place my brother Pete won an in-person meeting with Earnest Byner—a story for another day. Apollo’s end shook me unlike any other movie death I had experienced up to that point. It made me really upset. It was like losing a friend. That same feeling returned earlier this month for millions when they learned of Carl Weathers’ sudden passing.

Of course, Apollo’s demise set up the ultimate Rocky narrative and victory, but looking back now, I realize it was because Carl Weathers played that role so perfectly. His portrayal would lead to the Creed series, which are also spectacular movies in their own right. Weathers would go on to leave his mark on various other films, but to me he will forever be The Dancing Destroyer, The King of Sting, The Prince of Punch, The Thane of Pain, The Master of Disaster, and the best nickname of them all, The Count of Monte Fisto. Safe home, Carl, and thank you.

-Tommy O’Sionnach