In the world of action cinema, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger have forged an enduring friendship, collaborating on memorable films like The Expendables and Escape Plan.

However, it’s important to note that the two were not always so amicable.

In fact, these two iconic action stars were once bitter rivals at the box office. Their rivalry which lasted over 20 years was filled with numerous controversies, mocking, and at times subterfuge.

Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Hence, when asked who Schwarzenegger’s toughest opponent was, to many it was obvious that Stallone would lead the list. However, surprisingly, that’s not it.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals his toughest opponent

Famously known as The Myth, Arnold Schwarzenegger considers Cuban-American bodybuilder Sergio Oliva as the toughest opponent he ever went against.

Reminiscing about how no one ever presented the Austrian Oak with more of a challenge than him, he shared,

“I think the answer has to be Sergio Oliva, who won Mr. Olympia twice in a row before he beat me for his 3-peat in 1969. He was the dragon I had to slay to get to the top.”

Furthermore, Schwarzenegger went on to explain how The Myth with a height of 5 feet 10 inches and 225 lbs weight had an exceptional physique.

Moreover, he added that it took everything for The Terminator actor to beat him at the Mr. World and Mr. Olympia contests.

“His body was incredible. Really, take a second and go google him.

Just a monster, and a sweetheart of a guy. It took everything I had to beat him at the Mr. World and then the Mr. Olympia in 1970. I mean everything.” 

How did Arnold Schwarzenegger finally beat The Myth?

By using a trick! Revealing how he had to trick Sergio Oliva to clinch the Mr. World title, Arnold Schwarzenegger shared the ploy he used to defeat him. He disclosed,

“I don’t think I had a longer comparison round than that Mr. World contest – the judges could not make up their minds.

We were pouring sweat hitting and holding our poses, and I finally had to pull the trick on Sergio and tell him I thought we should just leave the stage.”

Explaining how as soon as Oliva walked off the stage Schwarzenegger stayed back to hit another pose, the Total Recall actor talked about his off-stage relationship with The Myth. He shared,

“Once he walked off, I hit another pose, and from then on, I never lost again. Besides being an inspiration to me, I also just loved hanging out with the guy in Chicago.”

Apart from Oliva, The Sardinian Strongman Franco Columbu made it next to Schwarzenegger’s list.

Exclaiming how Columbu flaunted an incredible body, Schwarzenegger reminisced about how the two posed against each other every year for the short division final trophy.