The world of entertainment lost a towering legend this week, and Sylvester Stallone is among the many grieving the passing of pro wrestling and Hollywood icon Hulk Hogan.

In a heartfelt tribute shared with TMZ, the Rocky star reflected on the larger-than-life force that was Hogan, describing him as an “irreplaceable” presence whose kind, talent, and sheer power may never be seen again.

“He Ragdolled Rocky!” Stallone quipped, remembering Hogan’s unforgettable performance as Thunderlips in Rocky III. Their first encounter was back in 1982 on the film’s set, and even then, Sly saw something extraordinary.

“Hulk had a glow about him,” Stallone said, recalling how the young wrestler already exuded star power. Though Hogan was still building his name in wrestling at the time, Stallone had a feeling greatness was inevitable.

But what struck Stallone most wasn’t just Hogan’s immense size—he showed up weighing 315 pounds, a true giant—it was the juxtaposition of strength and skill.

“He was smarter, gentler and more skilled than he looked,” Stallone emphasized.

The stunts between the two were intense, but Hogan made them look effortless and safe.

“He would pick me up and drop me on the ground with ease,” Stallone said, adding with a laugh, “I thought I would turn into a pulp by the time I hit the ground, but Hulk had a way of breaking my fall like a magician.”

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / Rocky III

As a seasoned actor known for enduring countless on-screen punches, Stallone has worked with many tough guys. Still, he singled out Hogan as uniquely gifted: “No one was more accurate or precise than Hulk.” He even demonstrated a trick Hogan used with his fists—deft, disciplined, and never reckless.

Tragically, Hogan passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71 following cardiac arrest in Florida.

Image Credit: Screenshot, YouTube / Rocky III

The news was first reported by TMZ Sports and shook the entertainment world.

For Stallone, Hogan’s death is not just a personal loss but one that echoes across generations.

He compared Hogan to the late Carl Weathers, another key figure in the Rocky franchise who recently passed away, calling them both “irreplaceable.”

Adding to the emotional weight of the week, Stallone also acknowledged the loss of rock icon Ozzy Osbourne, calling it “a rough week” marked by the passing of “real monumental human beings.”

While many fans know Hulk Hogan for his electrifying WWE performances and bombastic reality TV appearances, Stallone was quick to note that Hogan was far more than the sum of his showmanship.

“Hogan was smarter than meets the eye and a great entrepreneur,” he said, praising the wrestler’s perseverance through years of pain and injury.

“He never complained, only persevered and was as pleasant as possible to anyone he came across.”

Stallone admired Hogan’s integrity and willingness to stand up for what he believed in, even when it wasn’t popular.

He referenced Hogan’s vocal support for Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention last year—an appearance that drew criticism from some quarters.

Still, Stallone stood firm in his respect: “He was a man who stood up for himself and put himself on the line for his beliefs… he’s a better person for knowing Hogan.”

Of course, Stallone had some colorful stories from filming Rocky III with the wrestling legend. One memory involved a leaping stunt gone wrong, where Hogan accidentally broke Stallone’s collarbone. This, despite having assured Sly he’d be “gentle.” Another humorous moment came when Hogan escaped one of Stallone’s headlocks so easily, Sly joked he “felt like a donut.”

But it wasn’t all bruises and broken bones. It was in those moments—physical, chaotic, and adrenaline-fueled—that Stallone saw what made Hulk Hogan truly singular.

He recalled a scene in Rocky III where Hogan’s character plows through a lineup of stuntmen “like a lawn mower,” a moment that still leaves an impression decades later.

“He was a force,” Stallone said simply. And for millions who grew up with Hulkamania, that force was unforgettable.

As wrestling legends like Ric Flair mourned alongside Stallone, the legacy of Hulk Hogan continues to echo throughout sports and cinema.

A titan in the ring, a surprising softie behind the scenes, and a man who always stood tall, Hogan leaves behind not just memories—but inspiration.

WATCH BELOW: