The “Rocky” franchise is up there with my wife, “Tom & Jerry” cartoons and Rush among the things I will love until my dying day. The original flick came out 45 years ago this month.

This comes as the Director’s cut of “Rocky IV” is now out.

As memorable as the ultimate underdog story is to this day, the film could have been drastically different!

Can you imagine an even grittier Rocky Balboa, an even more pissed off, racist Mickey and a movie ending that would have all but squashed any thought of sequels, merchandising and millions of dollars in box office?! And you can forget the inspirational training montage (and all of the others to follow)!

This “Rocky” fan is glad Sly’s original vision was altered!

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