Sylvester Stallone says the secret upside of a career rival is that they keep you moving forward

Sylvester Stallone said his fierce competition with Arnold Schwarzenegger helped shape an era of action films. Todd Owyoung/NBC via Getty Images Sylvester Stallone said his greatest rival pushed him to keep aiming higher. The "Rocky" star said he and Arnold Schwarzenegger antagonized each other in a creative way. Their competition helped shape an era of over-the-top action films. Sylvester Stallone , 80, said his rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger pushed him to keep raising the bar. On Saturday's episode of " The Interview ," Stallone reflected on the competitive relationship he had with Schwarzenegger for years before the two became friends. Stallone and Schwarzenegger became defining action stars of the 1980s, leading blockbuster franchises that helped define the decade. The "Rocky" star said he quickly recognized Schwarzenegger as a formidable competitor.