November 1, 2019, New York, New York, USA: DWAYNE JOHNSON The Rock and Belt BMF during UFC 244 Weigh-in. UFC 244: Weigh-In - ZUMAs277 20191101_sha_s277_614 Copyright: xJasonxSilvax
November 1, 2019, New York, New York, USA: DWAYNE JOHNSON The Rock and Belt BMF during UFC 244 Weigh-in. UFC 244: Weigh-In - ZUMAs277 20191101_sha_s277_614 Copyright: xJasonxSilvax
Jul 27, 2026, 1:40 PM CUT
Dwayne Johnson Once Had a Funny Take on the Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Sylvester Stallone Debate
When Dwayne Johnson started his movie career by stepping out of his wrestling ring, his popularity drew strong comparisons to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone. This was because Johnson’s choice of roles, such as in Fast & Furious and San Andreas, was reminiscent of the choices that made the 7-time Mr. Olympia and Stallone popular in the 80s and 90s.
But that does not mean Johnson cannot have a little fun by revisiting the historic debate between Arnold and Stallone: who is better?
The Rock had a comedy show called Young Rock. It was a semi-autobiographical series about his life that ran 3 seasons from 2021 to 2023. During the promotion of a 2021 episode, he posed a question. He wrote on Instagram, “TONIGHT on #YoungRock, I settle the most powerful question of ALL ACTION HERO questions… STALLONE or SCHWARZENEGGER? 💪💥”
Shortly after clarifying his stance, Johnson wrote, “Sly and Arnold were MY HEROES growing up. And I will forever be GRATEFUL to them both. For being so incredibly kind and supportive of me and my career when I first broke into Hollywood.”
@officialslystallone & @schwarzenegger will always be the KINGS 👑. And I just got to be the lucky SOB they welcomed to stand on their shoulders.”
Moana Film World Premiere 2026 Dwayne Johnson at Moana Film World Premiere 2026 held at the the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, July 7, 2026. Photo Credit: Joseph Martinez / PictureLux Los Angeles CA USA For Editorial Use Only Copyright: xJosephxMartinezx/xPictureLuxx
Moana Film World Premiere 2026 Dwayne Johnson at Moana Film World Premiere 2026 held at the the Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles, CA, July 7, 2026. Photo Credit: Joseph Martinez / PictureLux Los Angeles CA USA For Editorial Use Only Copyright: xJosephxMartinezx/xPictureLuxx
So, in Young Rock, the role was played by Uli Latukefu. The sitcom was set in a frame where The Rock was a 2032 United States presidential election candidate. He used interviews and campaign trail stops to look back at 3 defining chapters of his formative years.
Although the debate was a funny take and no comparison can be made between the 2 legends, Johnson's post later gained attention from none other than Schwarzenegger.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s comment on Dwayne Johnson’s Stallone vs Schwarzenegger debate
Johnson's post about who is better between Stallone and Schwarzenegger not only went viral but also attracted the Austrian Oak's attention.
Though Stallone made no comment, the 7-time Mr. Olympia did the opposite and showed his sense of humor.
Arnold said, “I couldn’t have asked for a greater star and a better man to stand on my shoulders. As for the Stallone or Schwarzenegger question, I’ve gotten it so many times, and I have to say that it has to stop, or my mom will s****.”
In this statement, the bodybuilding legend revealed that there is no rivalry with Stallone. What is interesting is that the final words of Schwarzenegger’s comment were from Stallone's infamous movie, “Stop! Or My Mom Will S****.”
Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more such interesting content.
Written by
Supradeep Dutta
Edited by
Ashvinkumar Patil