An alternate ending was filmed for Rocky II. Pictures taken from the shoot have surfaced online, but the scene itself didn’t appear on any of the home video releases. However, there are detailed accounts of what was filmed.
Arguably the most memorable part of the Rocky sequel is the showdown between Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) and Apollo Creed (Carl Weathers) at the end of the movie. The movie’s final act provided a second chance to both fighters, who were both looking to do better in the rematch. Although he had won the last one by decision, Apollo was intent on getting a complete victory the second time around. But despite his efforts, it was Rocky who prevailed in the end. In contrast to the first movie’s ending, Rocky II concluded with a knockout win for the titular character. The final scene saw Adrian (Talia Shire) watch from home on TV as Rocky finally received the highly coveted, heavyweight champion belt.
Stories from extras who took part in the filming of Rocky II have offered insight into another outcome that was ultimately scrapped [via Total Rocky]. In an alternate version of the Rocky vs Apollo rematch, Rocky’s battle with Apollo was observed in person by both Adrian and Paulie (Burt Young), who weren’t actually there at the ring in the final cut of the film. But perhaps the biggest change was what happened after Rocky beat Apollo. The crowd, along with Adrian, stormed onto the ring. Rocky, with his belt, picked her up, and both characters were hoisted up by the celebrating onlookers. Based on what was said by an extra, it seems that if the scene was used, this would have been the final shot of the movie. As for why it wasn’t, it’s likely that it was agreed that it didn’t pack the same emotional punch as the other scene.
Ending the movie on this note still would have been an emotional conclusion to Rocky and Apollo's second fight, but as many have pointed out, going in this direction would have risked Rocky II’s last scene feeling a bit too similar to how the first movie wrapped up. Rocky technically lost that fight, but since he had accomplished something great by pushing Apollo to his limit, it too had a happy celebration moment between Rocky and Adrian. By using Rocky II’s alternate ending, the sequel would have essentially repeated the same scene.
The narrative decision to keep Adrian at home proved to be a good one for the movie, as it lent it one of its most powerful moments. It was at the end of Rocky’s on-camera interview with a ringside reporter that the character spoke the now-famous line, “Yo, Adrian! I did it!” This line, and Adrian’s tearful reaction to seeing it on TV, wouldn’t have worked as well if she was there with him when he won. Rocky II’s ending was better for having Stallone’s character acknowledge her during his interview, which most likely wouldn’t have been in the alternate ending either.