Sylvester Stallone spills secret benefit of having Arnold Schwarzenegger as rival

Sylvester Stallone admitted that having a career rival kept him moving forward.

The 80-year-old Hollywood star recently caught up with Interview magazine and reflected on his relationship with fellow star Arnold Schwarzenegger, who became friends years later.

During the 80s, both Arnold and Sylvester gave back-to-back hit action movies.

The Rocky star admitted that he used to take Arnold as an intimidating competitor.

"He was a challenge," Sylvester admitted, describing Arnold as an "immovable force."

Sylvester noted that he had a "blunt force" style while Arnold was more calculated and precise.

Soon enough after they entered the industry, they realized they would be a challenge for each other, especially after Arnold began winning awards.

"We're just going at each other, which turned out to be fantastic," Sylvester remarked.

Despite having some "regretful" moments because of their rivalry, Sylvester noted they antagonized each other most creatively.

He explained, "I was a thorn in his side. He was a thorn in my side.

"But it just forced us to keep moving — higher, bigger guns, louder movies, more action, more bodies, everything — until I think we really carved out a niche that'll never quite come around again: that certain '80s over-the-top action genre that he and I sort of pioneered."