The episode references the film in many ways. The most evident is the title, taken from Rocky's line at the end of the film. The character of Jerry, a Philly resident with a humble background, is inspired to make something of himself after seeing the movie, where he runs in his future love Gina. The fight between Jerry and Mo was hyped as a "real-life" version of the Rocky-Apollo fight, pitting an underdog against a vastly superior fighter. Much like Rocky, Jerry seeks to prove his worth by "going the distance" in all fifteen rounds against Mo. Also at one point, while training, Jerry runs up the now-famous "Rocky steps" in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.