Watching a beloved and iconic character die provides a huge dramatic impact, but I would have made a slight change in timing:
If I were Stallone, I would have had Creed suffer the same beat down at Drago's hands, and have him in intensive care in a coma - brain dead. Rocky, in a fit of anger, flies to Russia to train for the Drago fight away from all distractions. While in Russia, Rocky and Duke learn of Creed's passing from their snickering Soviet "bodyguards". The passing of Apollo Creed, being a great friend of Rocky and like a brother to Duke, affects them both greatly. A real tearjerker scene could be done right here. We can get a great scene of indecision by Rocky and Duke whether to continue or quit. In a cathartic moment, he and Duke break into a training montage for the ages.
When Rocky, Duke, and Paulie arrive back in the states following his victory, they find Creed there in a wheelchair; the news of his demise being greatly exaggerated by the KGB agents in their attempt to break Rocky mentally.
Why? While watching a beloved character die in an iconic role is dramatic the first time, it becomes a big bummer with repeated viewings, something Rocky movies are best at. I would like IV much better without having Creed die.
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