It sounds like Rocky may have a major role as a “mentor” to the young fighter, but yes, this fits with the modern trend of draining every last dollar out of a franchise.
I give/gave credit to Stallone for picking up Rocky and Rambo after ~20 years had passed (and seemingly ending both franchises on low notes) and ENDING them well. Rocky goes the distance (and in the alternative ending for Rocky Balboa, wins the fight) and Rambo finally seems to make peace and return home.
Now this sh*t about an Apollo Creed grandkid flick? Or a Rambo TV show?
Like you said Impy “...draining every last dollar out of a franchise”.
C’mon Sly, be better than that.
p.s. “...he implausibly let Paulie handle his money...” I’ve been laughing at that for 35 minutes.