The word tempestuous best describes the relationship between the Italian Stallion and Apollo Creed. Over the course of four films the two bruisers go from being sworn enemies, to bitter rivals, to finally friends and allies. There is even a small regression at one point during the fourth film, where Apollo seems to carry some resentment for Rocky after he attempts to talk Apollo out of having an exhibition match with Dolph Lundgren's fearsome Ivan Drago. Throughout all of this however, there is one consistent attribute of the relationship between the two men. To put it simply: they push each other to the very limits of their abilities and beyond. This is the mark of great friendship, which becomes the most explicit in Rocky III, where Apollo begins training Rocky after the death of Mickey. Through the grueling training regimen devised by Apollo, Rocky is able to once again capture "the eye of the tiger," and defeat Clubber Lang (Mr. T) who had brutalized him earlier in the story. Still, in order to get him there, Apollo has to dole out tough love on more than one occasion, most notably when he bellows at Rocky that, "There is no tomorrow!" when the Stallion begins to falter during his training. Of course, like all great friendships, this gruffness is rooted in genuine love and an honest desire to see Rocky succeed. This is a huge change from the Apollo we see in the first film - who is all ego. This arc is communicated beautifully at the end of the film, where Apollo says to a victorious Rocky: "I'm proud of you. It takes a hell of a man to change."